MEMPHIS - Florida is a team that does a little of this and a little of that.
The top-seeded Gators do not have an extraordinary scorer, but they are an extraordinary team. Defense, willpower, and just enough offense see them through game after game.
After three straight seasons of being stopped in the regional final, one victory short of the Final Four, Florida broke through Saturday with a 62-52 victory over 11th-seed Dayton in the South Region championship game in FedExForum.
Senior guard Scottie Wilbekin scored 23 points and the Gators stymied Dayton's quick-passing, quick-moving offense.
Dayton, which defeated Ohio State, Syracuse, and Stanford to reach the regional final, was held to a season-low 52 points. Dyshawn Pierre led the Flyers with 18 points.
The game was tied at 23-23 after 16 minutes, before the Gators dug in defensively. The Flyers last eight possessions of the first half led to one made free throw as they were outscored, 15-1. Florida took away the open 3-point looks Dayton enjoyed early in the game and shut down the passing lane into the post.
Florida's defensive pressure forced the Flyers to play rushed on offense. Dayton became so disconnected it did not recognize some mismatches in the post.
Wilbekin made a 3-pointer as the first half ended to give the Gators a 38-24 lead, but Dayton did not cave.
The Flyers started the second half with 3-pointers from Devin Oliver and Pierre to cut the deficit to 38-30.
Wilbekin went to the bench for several possessions to get ice for his knees, and Patric Young limped to the Florida bench after a collision. It was just a hiccup. When they returned to the game, Florida jumped to a 53-36 lead with 11 minutes 25 seconds to play.
Dayton still would not fold, even though its quick-passing offense was stymied.
Pierre scored 9 straight points for the Flyers who drew within 58-50 with 3:55 to play. But that was as close as they would get.
The Men's Bracket 
Posted by Unknown on Saturday, March 29, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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