Beyond the Arc: 3 takeaways from UF’s 73-52 win over Alabama

By
Kevin Brockway
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17
2423
Alabama guard Herbert Jones, left, fights for the ball with Florida's Kevarrius Hayes during the first half Tuesday at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala. [ Jake Arthur/Tuscaloosa News correspondent]

Three observations following UF’s 73-52 win over Alabama on Tuesday night at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa:

— It was good to see Florida not play “stall ball” in the final 10 minutes, even with a 24-point lead at the time. By playing free and easy and not getting too bogged down in the halfcourt, Florida scored 17 points over the final 10 minutes, including a rare basket from walk-on Andrew Fava. Alabama did outscore Florida 20-17 over the final 10 minutes, but it was better than being outscored 20-5 and allowing the Tide to creep back into the game.

— Junior guard KeVaughn Allen maintained the aggressiveness he showed against Auburn on the road. After going just 1 of 5 from the floor in the first half, Allen went 3 of 7 from the floor in the second half, a big reason why the Gators were able to keep their lead and pull away. Allen’s 13 points was his first double-figure scoring game on the road since scoring 11 points at Kentucky on Jan. 20.

— Florida’s free-throw shooting was only marginally better than in recent games, going 60 percent (12-20) from the line. Sophomore center Gorjok Gak missed all four of his free-throw attempts, but Jalen Hudson and Allen combined to go 10 of 12, which provided a boost for the Gators. It would be nice to see Florida get back closer to a 70-percent clip for critical games in March. Free throws win basketball games.

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17 COMMENTS

  1. ”Free throws win basketball games.” -Kevin Brockway. Truly! Especially in the tourneys.
    And I thought Hayes played with more passion (defensively). Well, more than usual (which is good, and hopefully it continues). Go Gators!

  2. I think the Gators are playing the best basketball of the season these last two games.We are getting both offense and aggressive defense. Let’s keep it up against Kentucky because we are a lock for a higher seed in the NCAA Tourney.
    BF needs to be banned from this site Kevin. His posts are senseless. He wants to fire Coach White who will take us back to the NCAAs again. He can’t be a true Gator

  3. Great point on the Gators not playing stall ball. Stall ball is playing not to lose, and that is one reason why we lost so many games in the second half. If Mike White needs any assistance on how to keep the pedal to the floor for the entire game, Steve Spurrier’s office is right down the hall.

  4. Great win, but what’s up with Chizz not being able to make free throws or layups even. Maybe just too many minutes on the court this year has taken its toll on him after playing part time the previous years. He is so intense on the court that maybe he is just worn way down. Looks that way on offense about half the time; but not on defense much. Will great to see him get the record assist on Saturday vs. Kentucky. I sure hope the crowd really gets into that one.

    • I expect ky to be ready to try to avenge their earlier loss to us at Lexington this year. I’m taking nothing for granted with our team & hopefully they won’t either. But if they continue to play aggressive defense, I like their chances on Saturday. Wish I could be there. Go Gators!

  6. Great defense, forcing 15 turnerovers and Bama’s poor shooting was a big factor in the win.This team still has a glaring weakness in the low post. Outrebounded 46-31. Hayes and Gak are still liabilities. UK is on a roll. Saturday will be huge in this team’s psyche going into tournament play.