NCAA Tournament: BYU Escapes Over Florida, 99-92

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That thud on the ground is the sound of the 800-pound gorilla hitting the floor; as BYU escaped Florida 99-92 in double overtime to secure their first NCAA tournament win since 1993.  BYU was lead by over-looked star in Jimmer Fredette who has another very good game with 37 points.

The first half was a back and forth affair with Michael Lloyd helping BYU score 12 points in a row to keep the Cougars rolling against Florida.  Especially since Jimmer Fredette had a so-so first half, but the real player for BYU was Michael Lloyd had a career high 26 points

The second half looked like BYU was going to run away as they had a 13-point lead, but then Florida made a run and I am sure this was the reason why.  Well, not really.  The reason was because Kenny Boynton scored 27 for Florida to lead the charge.  Florida had a shot to win the game in regulation but they missed a layup.

The first overtime was much of the same, but in the second overtime Kenny Boynton fouled out for Florida and that is when the game went to BYU.  Plus, with Jimmer Fredette hitting three for three on three points in the overtime which gave him 37 points for the game.

The 21 turnovers Florida had obviously did not help their cause and since BYU had only 12 that could have been the difference in the game.  BYU's head coach Dave Rose had this to say about the win:

"This was a long time in coming for our program, and it's a big win," said Rose, who was successfully treated for pancreatic cancer last June. "One of the most important goals we had at the start of this season was to get into this tournament and advance, and we're advancing. I'm proud of our guys."

BYU will most likely take on Kansas State Saturday.