The Florida Gators got their first taste of March Madness in two years on Friday, and almost downed as much bitter as they bit of the sweet.
Florida rallied late to take back a lead that Virginia Tech had held for almost the entire game, then let a six-point advantage slip thanks to a five-second violation, missed free throws, and a Naheim Alleyne three with seconds to go. But the Gators prevailed in overtime, with a thunderous Anthony Duruji dunk setting the tone and a Tre Mann three staking the Hokies, and earned a first-round win in the men’s NCAA Tournament for their fourth consecutive appearance.