Florida Gators Chomp Jimmer, BYU in Overtime 83-74

Jimmer Fredette got his 32 points, but Florida got the win over BYU  in overtime 83-74.

Florida had the upper hand for parts of the game, but they couldn't pull away at any point. Just when it looked like they were getting ready to take control, Fredette would make a big shot or the defense would break down and allow an easy bucket for someone. BYU's largest lead was just three, and at 39-36 with 18:27 to go in the second half, it was the Cougars' last lead as well.

Both teams fell in love with the longball, as they combined for an amazing 71 three pointers. Fredette made a couple of hit patented 30-footers, but as his team struggled late to ever take a lead, he began jacking up bad shots. Florida wasn't particularly disciplined throughout either, but they had big guys inside taking higher percentage shots. It seemed like BYU's entire offense was either jumpers or layups created by defensive breakdowns.

Alex Tyus was the man of the night for the Gators, scoring 19 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and registering a huge block late. Chandler Parsons, Erving Walker, and Kenny Boynton all were in double figures as well, though none shot better than Parsons' 6/15 from the floor.

The Gators' deeper rotation paid dividends in the extra session, as they came out with energy as BYU looked a step slow. They move on to the Elite Eight on Saturday against the Butler Bulldogs, who Florida beat on the way to the 2000 national championship game.