The outbreak of COVID-19 has taken over the sports world with the professional sports in suspension and the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament. So, Sixers Wire will bring back some of the best moments of March Madness for the current Philadelphia 76ers.
Tuesday’s edition of remembering the Madness turns back to Al Horford and the Florida Gators as they look to continue down their title quest in 2006. After Horford led them past South Alabama in Round 1, they prepared to take on the 11 seed UW-Milwaukee Panthers after they upset Oklahoma.
March 18, 2006
The Gators were ready to roll in this one. After struggling in the first half against South Alabama and turning it on late, they brought the same energy from the jump in this one. Florida leaned on Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah in the first half due to Horford being in foul trouble and he then closed out the Panthers in the second half.
Brewer led Florida with 23 points, Noah had 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, and Horford had 13 on 6-for-8 shooting with six rebounds. The Gators defense was terrific as they held the Panthers leading scorers of Joah Tucker and Boo Davis to a combined 19 points on 7-for-26 shooting on their way to an 82-60 victory.
Florida now moves on to the Sweet 16, but that does not mean they’re satisfied. This is only the beginning for this talented team. Postgame, Horford said to reporters:
Everybody was really excited, but we all know what time it is. We all know that this is just the beginning.
The Gators now must prepare for a tough Georgetown Hoyas team who, led by Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, will offer a tough battle for them. [lawrence-related id=28103,28097,28091]