INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — Early on in the First Round matchup between Florida (15-9) and Virginia Tech (15-7), the Hokies looked much better. They led by as many as 10 points in the first half as early three-point shooting built the lead. However, Florida would not go away; down the stretch, center Colin Castleton helped the Gators climb back and take the lead.
Florida held a three-point lead with 7 seconds left and two free throws to seal the game. For the Gators, Anthony Duruji stepped to the line to seal the deal. However, he came up empty, opening the door for Va Tech. They turned to their playmaker on the day, Nahiem Alleyne, and he delivered; he took the ball and pulled up, drilling a tying three-pointer with 3 seconds left to force overtime.
In OT, fouls finally caught up with Va Tech. Immediately, junior forward Keve Aluma fouled out. He looked surprised as if he was not aware he was playing with 4 fouls. Justyn Mutts also committed his 5th foul about a minute later, sending the 2nd Va Tech starter to the bench. They still fought hard, with a Hunter Cattoor dunk trimming the Florida lead to 1 point with 28 seconds left. That is when Tre Mann took matters into his own hands; he started his drive to his right, stepped back, and drained a dagger three-pointer. Va Tech would come up empty as Florida came away with the 75-70 OT win.
For Florida, junior big man Colin Castleton had a career day. He finished with his 2nd career double-double with 19 points along with 14 boards. Those 14 rebounds mark a career-high for Castleton as his presence down low was a huge factor in their comeback. On defense, he recorded 3 blocks and a steal.
Appleby Leaves Game After Elbow to the Face
Halfway through the second half, Florida took a huge blow. As Va Tech’s Keve Aluma went to pass the ball, Tyree Appleby went for the steal. As Aluma followed through, his elbow caught Appleby right between the eyes, spilling blood and stopping the play.
Appleby would have to go to the locker room to receive stitches. While Florida hoped he would return to the game, he would not. After the stitches, he did return to the Florida bench to cheer on his team during OT.
His status should be a huge concern for Florida moving forward. Their bench rotation is not especially deep, so losing a starter could be detrimental. Following a first-round upset to No. 2 Seed Ohio State, they will face No. 15 Seed Oral Roberts next round.
Up Next
No. 7 Florida vs. No. 15 Oral Roberts, Sunday, March 21, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
