New Orleans – Florida’s
tournament experience paid off against plucky Purdue.
Al Horford and Corey Brewer each scored 17 points and the defending
national champions withstood a game effort by the Boilermakers 74-67
on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Purdue played just about how it wanted against the Gators slowing
down the tempo, rebounding with a smaller lineup and keeping the
game close much of the way.
But the top-seeded Gators never panicked and made several clutch
shots down the stretch to advance to the round of 16.
Horford had three big buckets in the final minutes, and Brewer hit
a spinning jumper and then made six consecutive free throws to seal
Florida’s 14th consecutive postseason win.
The Gators (31-5) advanced to play fifth-seeded Butler in the
Midwest Regional semifinals Friday in St. Louis.
Carl Landry led Purdue (22-12) with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
