GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Erik Murphy is no longer just an outside threat.
Murphy tied a career-high with 24 points days after dealing with a migraine headache, and No. 10 Florida beat 22nd-ranked Wisconsin 74-56 on Wednesday night.
The 6-foot-10 power forward made all 10 of his shots, including several in the post and just two from 3-point range, as the short-handed Gators enjoyed a double-digit lead most of the night. He also had seven rebounds.
“That’s the one dimension that I told Erik that he needed to add to his game: being able to catch the ball inside against a smaller person and score," coach Billy Donovan said. “Tonight he really did a good job of that."
Murphy became just the fourth player in school history and 18th in Southeastern Conference history to take at least 10 shots in a game and make them all.
“Mr. Versatility is what you should call him," teammate Pat Young said. “He knocked down 3s. He knocked down pull-ups. He was in the post. He was making moves. He was getting offensive rebounds and putting them back up. That was just really cool just seeing him play the way.
“I know he’s been able to play like that for a long time. It’s just been a matter of time for him to get the opportunity to actually do it, and I’m really proud of him."
Mike Rosario added 15 points, four rebounds and four assists for Florida (2-0), and Kenny Boynton chipped in 10.
Sam Dekker and Jared Berggren had 11 points apiece for Wisconsin (1-1).
Also on Wednesday:
No. 15 Creighton 77
UAB 60
OMAHA, Neb. — Josh Jones scored all 18 of his points in the second half to compensate for Doug McDermott’s quiet night in Creighton’s comeback victory over UAB.
Washington State 72
Utah Valley 49
PULLMAN, Wash. — Brock Motum scored 15 points on six-of-11 shooting from the field to help Washington State (2-0) roll.
