gatorcast from paul smith

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kenny Boynton scored 17 points, all three of Florida’s seniors reached double figures and the 14th-ranked Gators clinched the Southeastern Conference regular-season title with an 86-76 victory over No. 21 Vanderbilt on Saturday night.

Florida (24-6, 13-3) set a school record for conference wins and earned its third outright SEC title – its first since 2007.

In coach Billy Donovan’s 500th game with the Gators, Florida pulled away after a technical foul on Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings midway through the second half. That wiped out a potential tie for the Commodores (21-9, 9-7) and gave the Gators a six-point swing.

I thought we were not in, but I guess the win against Auburn at the SEC tournament helped them  squeak  by.

Tonight I went to the LSU game at the Odome and I think I had the best time I have ever had at a game.  Of course the Gators beat the Tigers, but my attention was elsewhere.   This was my first game at the odome since giving up my season tickets last year.  The seats were just too much money.  

Thank you Sid for the seats tonight!

My old seats are just to the right of the video screen in the back right of the picture.

Believe it!   The Gators just beat the Arizona St. Sun Devils in Phoenix to make the final 4 in the NIT.  Yea baby!  I think maybe they just accomplished something big for this season, even if they don’t win in NY.  Go Gators!

Tonight Cameron and I went to see the Gators play the South Carolina Gamecocks at the oDome.  We managed to pull out a win despite almost blowing a second half 17 point lead.  It was real fun and special to be Cam’s birthday.   What made it special is that Cameron was born in Charleston, SC and has a bit of a connection to USC.   You see, the day we brought him home an old ex-navy USC fan neighbor in Charleston told us that our newborn was technically now a “Chicken”, he said “Once a chicken always a chicken”.   We assume this is the affectionate name given to a Gamecock fan.   Anyway, Cameron does take pride in this and  he and his mom made a poster for the game.  He was a little apprehensive and used the sign spareingly and was very worried to not upset his fellow gator fans.  But by the end of the game he was displaying his true colors for all to see.  Before we walked in he said, “Dad, I have been raised a gator fan for 12 years!, 12 years!”, as to justify his sign. 

Awesome!  The Gators just beat Alabama by 7 after being 7 down at the half.   What a great game. 

Jay Lucas had a great game.  He scored a 3 at the buzzer at half time that was just a sign to come.

Gators are now 14-2 (1-0 SEC)