
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.
”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!
On that rejection, thought I heard Hayes say “Give me”.
He was a beast defensively “hiding the goal”…and yup, he said “give me that Sh**”…last time I heard him say that was twice in the tourney last year…against Virginia, and then against Wisconsin….
THAT’S what we need from him!
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
don’t even mention the troll’s name. uf winning is what will keep him off the site. notice he hasn’t posted anything yet to this thread?
I’ll say his name for you: Buf Foon
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.
You are correct sir!
Agree that it was nice to see. I have posted here before that it has been like watching Ron Zook football teams, playing not to lose, then losing. I like Coach White, but this has been perplexing.
Good one!
No doubt RS!
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.
UK plays tonight, then Sat’s game at noon in Hogtown. Cats playing better than before, but maybe a fatigue factor with a younger team .
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!
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.
Gal is a poor ft shooter as many centers are. Improvements are needed but he is still learning his position.
He’s got soft hands, the worst FT% at .35% and unless he’s dunking misses from close range way too often.
Unfortunately with Bassett out for the UK game, his minutes will increase.