The University of Florida men’s basketball team claimed its ninth-consecutive victory at the Orange Bowl Classic with a 74-45 victory over Winthrop at the BankAtlantic Center on Sunday. The Gators were led by sophomore forward Chandler Parsons (Casselberry, Fla.), who matched his season-high with 17 points and his career mark of four three-pointers. Parsons was named Florida’s Most Valuable Player for the tournament.

With the victory, the Gators now own a 10-2 record and have reached at least 10 wins before New Year’s for the fourth-straight season. UF has won their past 14 neutral-site games in Florida. The Gators were best from behind the three-point line, outshooting the Eagles nine-to-one.  

A quick offensive surge sparked the Gator defense, which held Winthrop scoreless until 13:38 to play in the first half, when Florida owned a 24-2 lead. After the quick start, Florida had scoring runs of 10 points to lead 36-4 and nine to go ahead, 50-7. UF owned a 53-11 advantage going into the locker room at the half, surpassing the Orange Bowl Classic record of most points scored in the first half, previously held by Florida International with 48 (1995).

Parsons, who needed only 19 minutes to total 17 points, had nine before Winthrop scored. The Gators had four players that scored in the double digits. Senior guard Walter Hodge (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico), sophomore forward Alex Tyus (St. Louis, Mo.) and junior forward Dan Werner (Middletown, N.J.) added 10 points each for the Gators. Hodge was a perfect three-for-three from the free throw line, while Tyus was five-of-six on field goals. Sophomore guard Nick Calathes (Casselberry, Fla.) and freshman guard Ray Shipman (Miramar, Fla.) each contributed nine points to the Gators’ victory. Shipman’s nine points set a new career high.

Junior forward Cameron Stanley led the Eagles with 14 points, including five-of-13 from the field.

Florida State defeated Western Kentucky, 82-69, in the first game of the Orange Bowl Classic.

Florida returns to action on December 30, when it takes on Stetson at 1 p.m. kicking off a triple header on Tuesday as the women’s basketball team hosts the second day of the State Farm Classic. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Net Florida.

-UF-