We got our first glance at Florida’s new-look 2021-22 roster on Tuesday night as the team began its season with a 74-61 win over the Elon Phoenix. Facing a Phoenix team that has never made it to the NCAA Tournament, the Gators entered as heavy favorites and were expected to roll.
They largely took care of business and did so in a much less sloppy manner than in the exhibition win over Embry-Riddle last week.
The game was tight for a bit, but UF held the lead for 39:15 and never trailed. It looked to be on its way to a blowout as it led 47-24 at the half, but Florida’s shooting dropped off in the second frame, allowing the Phoenix to outscore it and make the final score a lot closer than much of the game felt.
There certainly are things to tune up as the Gators prepare to welcome a Florida State team that coach Mike White has never beaten, but ultimately, it proved to be an impressive start to the season for a team that entered with a good bit of optimism but just as many question marks. Here are three takeaways.