Olivier Rioux, the 7ft 8in center from the University of Florida who tried out for Real Madrid, became the tallest player to score in NCAA history.

Rioux's historic moment came in Florida's 80-45 triumph over Merrimack.

I think he did a good job getting to the free throw line. He did the best he could in those minutes

Todd Golden

Rioux, who made his NCAA debut against North Florida on November 6, entered the game with the score already decided with 2:30 minutes remaining.

After a minute on the court, the Montreal, Canada native was fouled and went to the free throw line. He made the second shot. He also added a rebound to his stats in the final seconds.

"I thought he did a good job getting to the free-throw line. He did the best he could in those minutes," said Todd Golden, Florida's coach, about Rioux's first point in the NCAA.

"Olivier Rioux doesn't mind throwing a few elbows"

When he scored the free throw, the Stephen C. O'Connell Center erupted in jubilation.

"It was a lot of fun. Just being able to train with him, seeing how he's progressed from last year, working really hard, doing everything he can to stay fit and make sure he's available to play and do what he does, so I'm really happy to see him play," shared his teammate Rueben Chinyelu after the game.

"Rioux doesn't mind throwing a few elbows, that's for sure. He does a great job of soaking it all up when he's on the field. His ego doesn't get in the way of anything. There are times when he doesn't even get to train. You see him working alone after training. He's a sensible guy and very humble too," said his teammate Alex Condon.