GAINESVILLE — Florida shooting guard Will Richard was a victim of his success last season to become a focal point of defenses on a team with few offensive options.
With better scorers around him now, Richard is able to pick his spots.
During the Gators’ 89-68 win Tuesday night against Florida A&M, the 6-foot-4 junior was there when Florida needed him.
After Florida missed 13 of 14 shots to open the game, Richard drained a 3-pointer to give the Gators a 9-7 lead and followed with a layup to ignite UF’s offense on his way to a season-high 20 points.
“We’ve got so many guys that can score the ball so for me, it’s just being able to be available and being ready to shoot,” he said. “It was definitely a lot easier for teams to scout us last year because we didn’t have the options we do this year. It’s a relief playing with all the guys we have this year.”
The Belmont University transfer led four double-figure scorers.
“Tonight was Will’s night,” coach Todd Golden said. “He took advantage of his opportunities. We do have more talent that way. Depending upon the matchups and what the other team is trying to do, different guys are going to have to step up.”
Backup guard Denzel Aberdeen, a former standout at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips, backed up Richards’ two field goals with consecutive baskets, the second sparking a 6-0 run to give Florida a 20-12 lead and put the 6-foot-5 sophomore on track for a career-high 12 points.
“He’s maturing and playing really well right now,” Golden said.
FAMU (0-3) never challenged from there, but did hang around thanks to 24 points by Love Bettis.
The Gators eventually pulled away behind second-half surge led by freshman Alex Condon. The 6-foot-11 Aussie scored 16 of his 17 points after intermission and finished 6 of 7 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line in 17 minutes.
The promising 19-year-old was scoreless during 11 minutes of a 73-70 loss to Virginia on Friday.
“I felt like I was falling back into the Virginia game in the first half and I was like, ‘Nah, screw this, I’m not doing this again,'” Condon said. “The second half I just came out more aggressive.”
Condon was not the only Florida player to bounce back.
The Gators (2-1) were undone down the stretch by turnovers against Virginia, including a critical one on the final possession by Walter Clayton Jr. of Lake Wales.
He responded with 18 points, 5 assists and 1 turnovers against the Rattlers.
“I don’t do well with losing at all, especially when I feel like I was a big part of it,” Clayton said. “My teammates around me, they’ve been picking me up, telling me I’m going to be alright. Obviously, I have to learn from my mistakes.
“I played alright. Could be better.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
