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Dorian Finney-Smith finishes with 17 points, nine boards in debut for No. 11 Florida

Dorian Finney-Smith

Florida’s Dorian Finney-Smith (10) poses during The University of Florida’s Basketball Media Day in Gainesville, Fla., Oct. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

PHIL SANDLIN

It took a while, but once No. 11 Florida’s pressure started taking effect, Colgate’s upset bid disappeared, as they lost 86-56 after being tied at the half.

The Gators got another monster performance from Casey Prather, who has been phenomenal early on this season, as he went for 27 points, five boards and five assts. Kasey Hill finished with 14 points, six assists and five steals in the win as well.

But the most notable performance came from one of Billy Donovan’s big men, and it wasn’t Patric Young.

Playing in his first game of the season for the Gators after being suspended for the first two, Dorian Finney-Smith went for 17 points and nine boards, with five coming on the offensive end of the floor while shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. It was an impressive performance that didn’t come close to showcasing the full versatility of Finney-Smith’s game.

It’s also all the more important given the relative struggles of Young early on this season. Florida’s muscle-bound center had 10 points, eight boards and two blocks against Colgate, all three of which were season-highs. If the Gators aren’t going to be getting consistent production out of Young, they need to get it from somewhere. Damontre Harris is still suspended, Chris Walker may not get eligible at all this season, and Will Yeguete seems to get injured simply by tying his shoes.

Getting production -- and perimeter shooting -- out of Finney-Smith is a key for the Gators as the season progresses.