University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

Page 86 text:

UF REBOUNDS IN 82-83 When the Gator basketball team to the O ' Dome, after several tough losses on the road, they found fifth-ranked Alabama as their opponent to begin their SEC schedule. Florida rose to the occasion by beating the Tide 89-85. Nabe Palmer had 18 points, a career high. After that sweet victory the Gators opponent was Mississippi State. UF lost 62-60, but by beating Auburn and South Florida. Back on the road, they had to face Vanderbilt and tough Kentucky. The lost both games, but they played no 3 Kentucky hard, losing 70-63. Florida came back home to the O ' Dome and beat Tennessee 78-74; McDowell, Williams, and Delancy scored 69 of the 78 points. After four straight losses to Georgia, Mississippi, LSU, and Auburn, the Gators got what they deserved — a team effort and victory. Florida beat St. Leo 85-40, at the O ' Connell Center. UF hosted and defeated the Commodores, 65-54. The same weekend, a record crowd for the state of Florida, 11,410, watched the fall to Kentucky, 61-73. The Gators lost two more games, to Tennessee and Georgia. As the season continued, Florida beat Mississippi 75-64, with Eugene McDowell scoring 23 points and snatching 6 Thus, he led the team in scoring and rebounding for the fourth straight game. The Ole Miss victory was the Gators ' last in the regular season. After that, they traveled to Tuscaloosa to take on the Crimson Tide. Alabama led for most of the game, but with four seconds left, Nabe Palmer hit a jumper from out of another world, to send the game into two Unfortunately, the Gators lost 106- 99. After last years 5-22 season, the Gators sprung back this year. The season had bright spots: Coach Sloan became one of the elite coaches to win over 500 games, Ronnie Williams broke the all-time record, and UF won twice as many games as they did the year before. A. Moraitis Transfer Wade Harris added a spark to the gator offense. It ' s great to be a Florida gator. Charles Griffin calling signals for the Gator ' s. Entertained by Willie, dancing to Sweet Georgia Brown. 82 Mens Basketball J. Costa

Page 85 text:

Coach Norm Sloan became one of the few coaches to win over 500 games. Eugene McDowell slam dunks another one against the Volunteers. Vernon Delancy doing his version of the skyhook. On his way to breaking the All-time scoring record, Ronnie Williams scores two points. J. Costa C. Fox Men ' s Basketball 81 J. Costa

Page 87 text:

A. Moraitis J. Costa J. Costa Ronnie Williams shoots for two against Ole Miss as McDowell looks on. Warming up can be fun with the Gator pep band behind you. Scoring a sure basket, Nabe Palmer hits two over Tennessee. Eugene McDowell hits a jumper. Mens Basketball 83 J. Costa