Dan Werner Torches Auburn; Gators Defeat Tigers 78-70

by mlmintampa on Feb 18, 2010 10:43 PM EST in Florida Basketball

With a performance straight out of his sophomore season, Dan Werner scored nine (NINE!) points on 3-5 shooting to lead the Gators to a 78-70 win over Auburn. The win snapped Florida's two game losing streak.

The Gators (18-8, 7-4 SEC) were actually led by the recently shorn Chandler Parsons and his 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Unlike Samson, Chandler did not lose his ability when he lost his hair. Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton did not have the best night (combined 2-13 shooting), but they got 14 and 10 points by getting to the line. The Gators were 32 of 40 free throws, as Auburn (12-14, 3-8) continued their ability to foul in all situations. Alex Tyus had 12 points and seven rebounds. Vernon Macklin and Erik Murphy each scored seven points.

Auburn stayed with the Gators up to the opening minutes of the second half. The Gators began to pull away, but Auburn got enough stops late to make the game a bit closer. Auburn did not play bad, but outside of guards DeWayne Reed (22pts) and Tay Waller (13 points), there wasn't enough scoring runs. The Gators played so good though that Werner was being audibly cheered. Of course it happened on a night when blue seats outnumbered fans.

The Gators go to Ole Miss (17-8, 5-6) Saturday. The Rebs lost Thursday night to Vanderbilt, 82-78.

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Werner actually contributed to the game!

Did you see that DUNK? lol

"When you argue correctly, you're never wrong."-Nick Naylor
*They are typos, get over it*

by Hook85 on Feb 18, 2010 10:53 PM EST reply actions

WTF DAN?

I didnt see alot of the game i was hangin out with friends who only wanted to watch the Cuse game. But god damn is it good to win again. Our defense finally showed up against those pesky guards and chandlers haircut is bad ass. When he posterized that kid i went nuts. that was so sweet.

by gatorempire127 on Feb 19, 2010 11:37 AM EST reply actions

Atta boy Dan!

Nice post.
Werner took advantage of some lax defense on at least two occasions (the dunk and the offensive putback). He has started to look like he is moving with a purpose. Let’s hope he feeds off this preformance and that Ole Miss decides to take him seriously thereby leaving other Gators the chance to cut to the basket and receive one of his nifty passes.

Is there any way we can win 3 of the next 5? Ole Miss and Georgia are solid possibilities BUT which of TN, Vandy and @KY are realistic? Playing with only 8 is going to wear on us if Shippen, Murphy and Werner don’t come up strong in this stretch.

by 1974gator on Feb 19, 2010 11:49 AM EST reply actions

I think Tennessee is a realistic possibility, we almost beat them in knoxville and we play alot better at home so i think that game will definately be one to watch.

by gatorempire127 on Feb 19, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions

I thought the same thing two years ago, when a win against UT would have vaulted us out of the NIT runner-up opportunity. Needless to say we, once again, could not close a big game. As much profanity as I spew DW’s way, i guess it is OK for him to get rewarded for his work…

by Pecan on Feb 19, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

Where is skigator?

Your boy finally showed up and you go MIA?

by tbcook on Feb 19, 2010 2:09 PM EST reply actions

Right here my man

You all know that I kill Werner more than anyone – but I give him mad props for last night’s efforts. I actually sent a text to one of my friends that said “Holy $hit! I just saw Dan Werner drive to the hoop and dunk!!” I am really glad that he stepped up and I hope that it helps him get over the funk he’s been in because it really has been hurting the team.

Aside from the obvious dunk, he was also making smart passes forced some turnovers and played some decent D. And he can still shoot free throws – those were probably his first attempts in a month or so since he’s been afraid to shoot and only lofting harmless airbiscuits. As mlm astutely put it- straight out of his sophomore season!

As far as 1974’s question – I think that TN AND Vandy are both winnable, as are the games against UGA and Ole Miss. I acknowledge that we have no chance in Rupp. Do I think we will go 4-1? No. But I do think 3-2 is possible and should be good enough (with a tourney win) to get us into the real tourney in March.

by skigator93 on Feb 19, 2010 3:54 PM EST reply actions