Donovan: Gators playing in Tampa is good for fans and team

TAMPA - Florida coach Billy Donovan said Friday night he likes the idea of bringing his team to Tampa for at least one regular-season game.

The Gators played for the second consecutive season at the St. Pete Times Forum Friday night, defeating Vermont 86-61.

It was the first road game of the season for Florida.

"I like doing this,'' Donovan said. "It's good for our fans in this area or down in Miami (the Gators will play in Sunrise Dec. 29). The Gator Nation in this state is spread so widely and basketball is different than football and tailgating on a Saturday. When you play Tuesday-Saturday, it's hard sometimes for people 2 or 2 1/2 hours away to come to a game. So to be able to come and play in one of the larger cities in the state, I think it's good for us.''

Freshman Nick Calathes led all Gators with 21 points and guard Jai Lucas and St. Pete native Marreese Speights scored 15 each. Chandler Parsons also added 10.