Billy Donovan wins 400th career game as Florida throttles Missouri

Mike Rosario lays the ball up during the first half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. (Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports)

No. 17 Missouri traveled into Gainesville hoping to make a statement to the No. 9 Florida Gators and the entire SEC. What they received was an 83-52 beat down that they’ll soon hope to forget.

Florida scored the first 11 points out of the gate and never looked back, leading by as many as 34 points in the second half. It was that kind of day for the Gators.

With the victory, Billy Donovan secured his 400th win as the Gators head coach. He is now just one of three SEC coaches to win at least 400 games with one team, joining Adolph Rupp (875, Kentucky) and Dale Brown (448, LSU).

Senior forward Erik Murphy, injury and all, led the team in scoring with 15 points, shooting an efficient 6-of-11 from the field. Kenny Boynton was second on the team, scoring 14 points and matching Murphy’s 6-of-11 effort.

Scottie Wilbekin recorded the first double-double of his career with 13 points and 10 assists.

Following Saturday’s victory, Florida improves to 14-2 and 4-0 in SEC play. There is no question that the Gators are the class of the SEC and one of the top teams in the nation.

Florida will travel to Athens, GA on Wednesday, Jan. 23 to take on Georgia. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.

Stats via ESPN

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