South Carolina forward Chris Silva attacked the rim, put the ball up and had it swatted back by Florida center Kevarrius Hayes.
The emphatic block by Hayes — the SEC’s fourth-leading shot blocker — fewer than two minutes into UF’s 65-41 win over the Gamecocks was indicative of how the Gators (17-8, 8-4 SEC) would defend South Carolina on Saturday in the SEC foes’ second meeting of the season.
“Our best defensive performance of the year,” Gators coach Mike White said after the game. “This team has hung its hat on shots and points, and that’s not a formula for success at the highest level.