Florida Rolls Past Merrimack as Alex Lloyd Makes First Start

Florida improved to 4-0 with a dominant home win, outrebounding Merrimack by 22 and scoring 36 points in the paint to the Warriors’ 16. Thomas Haugh scored 15 for the Gators, while Rueben Chinyelu added 12. AJ Lesburt Jr. led Merrimack with 16 points, including four three-pointers.

Lloyd started in place of Boogie Fland, who missed the game with a sore right shoulder. The sophomore made three of six attempts from beyond the arc and also had two rebounds, two steals and two assists. It was a career high in scoring after he had played only seven minutes across three games.

Coach Todd Golden said Lloyd made the most of the opportunity and played well defensively. Golden said the start let Florida keep Urban Klavzar in his existing role while recognizing Lloyd’s work in practice. He added that Lloyd could earn further chances as the season progresses.

Florida closed the first half with a 13-3 run to take a 17-point lead. Fland is expected back for the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where Florida opens against Notre Dame on November 17. Merrimack next hosts Boston University on November 18.