Florida 76, Richmond 56: Gators wash out Spiders by cleaning glass

Richmond came into the O'Dome on Star Wars Night off a win over California, and with the hopes of springing another upset. Instead, the Florida Gators cleaned the glass on both ends of the floor, and washed the Spiders out.

John Egbunu had 17 points and tied a career high with 14 rebounds, and the Gators pounded Richmond on the boards and on limited the Spiders on the defensive end, securing a lopsided 76-56 win over a talented mid-major outfit.

Egbunu led all players in scoring, and got his points on just nine shots, but every Florida starter had at least seven points. And while Dorian Finney-Smith scored just nine, he and Devin Robinson -- who left the game briefly with an apparent left leg injury in the second half -- each pulled down 13 rebounds.

No Spider had more than eight boards, and Florida corralled 57 caroms to Richmond's 36, including 17 offensive rebounds. And with Richmond star Terry Allen held to 15 points on 22 shots, Florida was able to hold a lead that was 23 points at halftime well beyond double figures for most of the second half.

For Florida, Richmond presented a challenge, albeit one from a conference far, far away from the SEC in terms of talent and investment in basketball. And while the Gators didn't shoot well, they shot first and often, leaving no doubt who deserved to walk out of this particular cantina with a victory.