The first suprise of the day was when at the 17:00 mark of the 1st half Florida coach Billy Donovan barked out the signals to his team, and Al Horford came trotting to the scorers table to check into the game, despite reports that he wouldnt play due to a sprained ankle over a week ago in practice. Did that get into Ohio State heads more than it helps ease Florida's mind? Either way the move later keyed a 15-0 Gator run in the later portion of the first half to give the Gators a 33-20 lead, and a nice halftime cushion.

Leading 38-29 at the half, Florida began the second half sloppy and cocky, and blew the entire lead when the Bucks spurted out to a 9-0 run to tie the game at 38. The Gators then regrouped and buried the Buckeyes with a crushing 33-9 run that sank the spirits of Buckeye players, coaches, and the few fans there alike.

Al Horford came off the bench to score 11 points, and grab 11 boards. Joakim Noah scored 7 big pints while grabbing 9 boards. The 2 elite big men for the Gators held freshman phenom Greg Oden of Ohio State in check the entire game, keeping him in foul trouble, and holding his aggresiveness at bay. Oden scored 7 points and grabbed 6 boards. He did swat 4 Gator shots, all in the first half.

Taureen Green led the Gators and all scorers with 24 points, Corey Brewer added 18. Mike Conley Jr. scored 13 points to lead Ohio State, and Jamar Butler added 11.

Ohio State last lead was 20-18 in the first half, and from the point on they were outscored 68-40 by the defending National Champions.