GAINESVILLE, Fla., March 19 (UPI) -- Marreese Speights led Florida to a quick start Wednesday and the Gators advanced in the NIT by downing San Diego State 73-49.
The Gators, who did not receive a bid to defend their NCAA championship, will take on Creighton in the second round.
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Speights scored 18 points and Nick Calathes had 16 in lifting the Gators to a 22-11 record. Florida made five of nine three-pointers in the first half en route to a 35-23 advantage and then hit 63 percent from the field in the second period.
The Aztecs (20-13) were led by Ryan Amoroso with 19 points.
