Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan became the youngest active coach to reach 400 career wins as the No. 10 Gators beat Stetson 96-70 last night.
win over Stetson.
“I think more about the guys who were here and the guys that have come through (the program),” Donovan, 46, said. “It’s not just the NBA guys, it’s the really quality kids that I’ve coached for a period of time.”
Freshman Bradley Beal had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Erving Walker added 21 to lead the Gators (5-1) in the neutral court matchup. Chris Perez had 20 points to lead the Hatters (3-3).
Stetson stayed close until a 23-4 Gators run midway through the first half blew it open. Florida relied on its outside shooting during the spurt, hitting eight 3-pointers in the half and 14 for the game.
The Gators went into the game a little battered on the injury front after starting forward Erik Murphy tore the meniscus in his right knee in practice. Swingman Casey Prather had a groin strain but played against the Hatters.
Will Yeguete started in Murphy’s place for the second straight game and finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
