A Little Slow Cooking for No. 2 Florida in Win

Once the first few minutes had been played, there was little doubt about who would win. But this victory was far from comfortable for No. 2 Florida, which beat Central Florida, 59-39.

The Gators (4-0) won the first basketball game played at Jacksonville’s Veterans Memorial Arena -- the site of an NCAA regional in 2006 -- although this one looked more like it belonged in a dusty old gym, circa 1950.

Central Florida (2-2) gets most of the credit for the nature of this game. The Golden Knights slowed the pace and were patient working the ball. If only they could shoot.

The Golden Knights were 17 for 66 (28%) from the field, missed all 11 of their three-point attempts in the first half -- in all, they made five of 27 -- and tied an NCAA record by not attempting a free throw.

No. 8 Texas 103, Wofford 72 -- Six players scored in double figures to help the Longhorns (4-0) improve their home winning streak to 19 games by overwhelming the Terriers.

Wofford (2-3), the second-smallest Division I school with 1,100 students, was the latest little school to get routed on Texas’ home court. The Longhorns beat the smallest Division I school, Centenary (850 students), 94-59 last week.

OTHER GAMES

Louisville 93, Western Kentucky 63 -- At Nashville, the Cardinals (1-1) easily made up for the overtime loss last weekend to Iowa that dropped them from their No. 17 ranking to one place outside the Top 25 by keeping the Hilltoppers (0-4) winless.

WOMEN

Portland 76, No. 20 Oregon 58 -- The Ducks (5-1) played their first game without star forward Cathrine Kraayeveld, who injured her anterior cruciate ligament during practice Tuesday and could be out the rest of the season. The Pilots (2-2) went on a 12-0 run midway through the second half at Portland to take a 63-38 lead.

No. 9 Minnesota 82, Creighton 71 -- Lindsay Whalen scored 30 points to help the Golden Gophers (6-0) tie a school record with their 14th consecutive home victory.

No. 19 Utah 88, Gonzaga 64 -- Reserve Julie Wood, a sophomore guard, scored a season-high 16 points to help the Utes (5-1) beat the Bulldogs (2-4) at Salt Lake City.