Defending champion Gators win opener

A highly touted freshman carried Florida early. The team’s lone upperclassman took over late. Together, Nick Calathes and Walter Hodge helped coach Billy Donovan’s rebuilding project get off to a smooth start. Calathes scored 21 points, Hodge added 15 and the two-time defending national champion Gators beat pesky North Dakota State 75-65 on Friday night to open the season.