Charlie Neibergall / AP

Florida's Joakim Noah, right, drives against Georgetown's Jeff Green. The Gators beat the Hoyas in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

“We’re not satisfied at all,” Hibbert said. “We came here to win. We’re not just satisfied at getting to the Sweet 16 or being in the tournament. We’re here to win.”

Bowman made one of the Hoyas’ patented backdoor cuts, grabbed a pass and laid the ball in to give his team a 51-49 lead. Humphrey’s 3 with 2:20 left put Florida in front, 52-51. Cook banked in a jumper to give the Hoyas the lead back with 1:51 remaining, but that was their last score.

Since losing in the title game to Michigan State in 2000, the Gators had become a tournament underachiever — as talented teams went five straight years without advancing past the first weekend.

But finally, thanks to Noah, Horford and the rest of their young, high-energy teammates, the Gators were decisive winners against South Alabama and dangerous Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the first two rounds and arrived at the regional with plenty of momentum and confidence.

Florida, after trailing by as many as nine in the first half, surged back with its transition game. The Gators went on a 16-5 run during a 4-minute span late in the half, highlighted by a steal and dunk by Brewer to tie it at 26.

Most impressive for Florida was winning with a style that it hasn’t been known for. Unable to run their fast-breaking game, the Gators were patient — and willing to let their defense get them to the next round.

“This wasn’t our style of play,” Horford said, “but we had to adjust and play whichever way we have to play. If that meant grinding it out like that, we got it done.”

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