Golden Era Enshrined: Gators Basketball Coach Makes History In Win

INTRO: For the second straight year, the University of Florida athletic department is becoming more and more fan friendly. In a sport where the athletic department and the UAA can have more discretion on game times and dates, Florida is for sure taking advantage of that opportunity this year. This past Monday, the Gators played their season opening games in basketball. It all started at 5:30, which I think is the perfect time to start a College basketball doubleheader. The Gator women's basketball team, under first FULL year head coach Kelly Rae Finley. defeated the Florida A&M Rattlers by the score of 83-55. While for the main event, Todd Golden and the team of transfers defeated the Stony Brook Sea-wolves 81-45. Here are some fast facts from Monday night:

FAST FACTS:

• First-year head coach Todd Golden achieved his first of many milestones at Florida as he got his first win as a Gator
• Kelly Rae Finley also recorded her first win as official head basketball coach of the Florida women's hoops team
• Todd Goldens 36 point margin of victory Monday night was the largest EVER from a Gator basketball coach on their first game EVER as head coach
• Florida Men shot 29/61 (47.5) from the floor and 10/25 (40%) from the arc
• Gators outrebounded the Sea wolves 44-28
• There were three Gators in double figures on opening night with forward and LSU transfer Alex Fudge leading the way with 16 points in 19 minutes. Other notables were forward Colin Castleton with 13, and guard Will Richard (14)
• Florida women outscored Florida A&M 23-8 in the first quarter after being down 10-2 to start the game
• The Lady Gators were only up 9 vs the Rattlers early in the fourth before putting on a 20-0 run and ended up winning the quarter 24-7

BOTTOM LINE: Florida Men host Kennesaw State (1-0) this Friday, November 11 in a 7pm start, streamed on ESPN Plus. Gators women host UNC Asheville Sunday at 2pm on SEC Network.