GAINESVILLE, FL -- Junior guard Robert McCray V totaled a season-high 20 points, but Jacksonville fell to the No. 21 Florida Gators 81-60 on the road Thursday.

The Dolphins (1-1) had a pair of players score in double figures, led by McCray's 20 who also added six rebounds and two steals. Zach Bell collected 11 points, including a highlight reel dunk and two steals. Guard Jakari Spence added four points, six rebounds and four assists in his first appearance of the season.

"The guards are unbelievable," head coach Jordan Mincy said. "Just to have our guard play, and to know we have so many intangible pieces who compete at high levels and make their mark all over the game, it was unreal. I couldn't have asked for more."

Under the basket, junior forward Stephon Payne III's four offensive rebounds led the squad. Jacksonville did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 18 boards that resulted in 16 second chance points. The Dolphins beat Florida on the offensive glass 18-12 and were just narrowly outrebounded on the defensive side 23-22.

How It Happened

Jacksonville kept things close for most of the first half, going shot for shot with the home squad for the game's opening 10 minutes. By half, Florida pulled away a bit to the tune of a 46-32 lead.

Florida kept widening its lead after intermission, taking a 20 point lead midway through the final frame. Mincy emptied the bench late in the game and freshman guard Kent Jackson put on a bit of a fireworks display, nailing his first three of the game before burying a logo triple for his team's final bucket.

Jacksonville took care of business offensively in the paint, recording 18 of its 28 points in the lane. Of the Dolphin's 25 makes, 11 were off an assist. Both Spence and Wheeler tallied four assists apiece, giving Jacksonville a much needed presence all over the court despite giving up some inches to the Gators.

"They never gave up," Mincy said of the guards. "A lot of times through the course of the year last year, we would have given up. We would have stopped competing. To see those guys be relentless, it was impressive. Even the guys who came in at the end. I want to make sure our guys know I am so proud of their effort tonight."

In terms of scoring, McCray finished just five points shy of the game-high. McCray's 20-point game was his 16th in a Dolphin uniform. He shot 8-18 from the field and nailed his first triple of the game. Zimi Nwokeji added six points, connecting on both of his 3-point attempts. 

Game Notes

» Jacksonville finished with a 40-35 rebounding advantage.
» Freshman Enrico Borio logged 13:19 minutes, securing five rebounds and five points.
» Kendall Munson also grabbed five rebounds.
» Jacksonville got six rebounds from both McCray and Spence, leading the team.

Next Up
The Dolphins will travel to Furman on Monday, Nov. 11 for the team's next contest. The game is a part of the ASUN/SoCon Alliance. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.