The basketball season is underway, and GSN is excited to see how Florida performs after their disappointing season last year. Tonight, the Gators take on the 2-0 Troy Trojans at home. GSN will be providing live updates throughout the night, so for all of you who are unable to watch the game,  join in on the action in our Live Blog. Comments are appreciated, and will start great conversation throughout the night.

The first half is underway, and the Gators are trailing early. Down 13-9, Florida will need to hit their shots better. As of now, they are shooting 30.8% from the floor. Chandler Parsons has been their best shooter up to this point, sinking both of his attempts, and currently standing at 5 points. Once again, Parsons comes up big, draining a 3 pointer to cut the lead Troy’s lead to just one point. The threes are falling for Florida tonight, Dan Werner sinks yet another for Florida, giving them the 17-16 lead. Parsons is the first player to double digit points tonight following a layup, giving Florida the 19-16 lead. Vernon Macklin commits his second foul of the night, not good to get in early foul trouble. Erik Murphy gets his first points of the night, and gives Florida a 21-17 lead with 7:20 left in the first half. Erving Walker still hasn’t got on the board, but is making an impact on the boards, leading the team with 4 rebounds, as well as a steal. Kenny Boynton adds two successful free throws, but Troy captializes on the other end, Florida remains ahead 23-19. The three point ball has been dropping so far for Florida, and Dan Werner has just drained another from downton, giving Florida a 27-23 lead. Make it five 3 pointers for Florida up to this point, Boynton finds net from deep, Florida up 30-25. The difference up to this point has been Florida’s 41.7% from deep, compared to Troy’s 11% beyond the arc. The score is still close, but if Florida keeps having success from downtown, this game will be over soon. Troy is coming back strong following the timeout break, and they cut the lead to 31-30. Troy overcomes Florida’s lead, takes a 32-31 lead. The Trojans are hitting their shots as of the moment, and Florida has gone cold from the floor. The Gators have missed three 3 pointers in a row, which is the main reason for their deficit as of now. Erving Walker commits a foul with :10 seconds left in the first half, but luckily for Florida, Troy can’t capitalize on the free throw. The half ends with Troy holding a 32-31 lead. Continue following GSN after halftime. As for now, check out the halftime leaders:

Points: Chandler Parsons – 10

Assists: Erving Walker – 3

Rebounds: Erving Walker – 5

Second half  is underway. Boynton comes out firing to start half, and gives Florida 33-32 lead. Walker gets a big steal, and is fouled on the breakaway, let’s see if Florida can get a good lead. Walker converts both free throws, give Florida three point lead. The Erving Walker show has begun, another 3 point shot drained, puts Florida ahead 38-34. Troy is not going away, and has cut the lead to one basket. Alex Tyus gets a huge offensive rebound, and puts it up for two. Florida takes 40-36. There’s 15:38 left in the game, with Florida in a dog fight against Troy. This is a good early season test apparantly, now it’s time to see if Florida can come through in the crunch time. A pair of made Parsons’ foul shots, and another Erving Walker 3 pointer gives Florida a 45-36 lead. Florida pulls p by 10 now following a Tyus jump shot. The Gators have outscored Troy 17-5 so far in the second half, and hold a 48-37 lead with 13:08 left. Erik Murphy converts on his jumper, gives Florida a 50-39 lead. What a surprise…another Walker 3 pointer. Florida up big now, 53-39. 10 minutes left in the game, Florida holds a comfortable 15 point lead, due in large part to the play of Erving Walker, as well as Kenny Boynton. Take a look at the scorecard: Parsons 13 points, Walker 13 points, Boynton 13 points…now that’s spreading the ball around to your three playmakers. Finally, Vernon Macklin gets on the board following his tip in, giving Florida a 60-43 lead. 7 minutes left, and Florida isn’t letting up on the gas pedal following their 20 point lead. Dan Werner hits another 3 ball, giving Florida their 10th three of the night, resulting in 30 points from downtown. 5 minutes remain and Florida has improved their lead to 22. Boynton gets a quick five points following a successful jumper, and then a deep ball to give Florida a 80-52 lead. He leads the team with 20 points, followed by Chandler Parsons with 15. Well that’s all folks, Florida holds off the pesky Troy Trojans, and ends up blowing them out in the second half, winning 80-58!

Final Stats (provided by ESPN.com)

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