GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It was a David versus Goliath match-up. This time the Gator Goliaths were too much for a UNF team full of Davids.

UNF did make things interesting, but eventually lost to the No. 8 ranked University of Florida Gators 77-69, in the season opener Nov. 8.

A run by the Ospreys (0-1) heading into halftime cut the score to 37-31 in favor of UF.

In the teams’ previous match-ups, UF won by an average of more than 44 points.

With the help of sophomore Beau Beech and 6-foot-10 freshman Romelo Banks, UNF was able to keep it close till the end.

Beech scored 16 points, including a four point play. Banks finished with 10 points and six rebounds in 15 minutes of play. Banks got extra playing time due to two early fouls by Wallace.

Senior Travis Wallace struggled in the first half but recovered in the second half, finishing with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Forward Casey Prather was too much for UNF to handle. The senior Gator poured in 28 points to lead a depleted UF team in scoring.

UNF was able to stay close thanks to good shooting ( 40% FG, 39% 3pt FG) and a rebounding margin of +3 (UNF – 38 UF – 35).