There are many stats that can be used in describing the Florida Gators Friday night loss to the Kansas Jayhawks— the multiple runs made by Kansas, the 26 second half points scored by Florida or the six Gator players that had three or more fouls.
However, the game simply came down to the Gators running out of gas.
In the 71-65 loss, Florida fans saw a team that is hindered by a limited roster and one that is still learning how to finish games. The lack of senior leadership was apparent Friday night, as Florida played tense as Kansas built momentum in the second half. The bounce that the Gators had in the first half was Kansas’ after halftime, while Florida looked like a team clinging to a lead, rather than playing the game freely.
In turn, the Gators are now under .500 for the first time since 1998, and still have yet to crack the 70-point mark this season. Florida’s offense in the second half was as flat as a can of Coke that you left sitting open in the fridge for two weeks.
While the meltdown is the main thing Gator Nation will leave with, Florida showed signs of a team that is in the preliminary steps of putting it all together. Freshman forward Devin Robinson looked comfortable in the first half and finished the game with a team-high (and career high) 13 points, as well as 5 rebounds. Robinson showed his length and athletic ability throughout the night, contesting shots even after the whistle. In the second half Robinson almost finished a putback dunk on that would have been out of the reach of many other players.
Jon Horford continues to show the ability to stretch defenses with his long rang shooting. He played well against Kansas’ big men, scoring 10 points on 4-9 shooting from the field. The center also pulled down five rebounds.
Forward Chris Walker had the best game of the season, showing great energy in the first half and staying around the basket. His 8 first half points led the team at half time, and the sophomore would finish with 12 points and 5 rebounds. He also shot 5-6 from the field and went 2-4 from the free throw line.
Amid Florida’s positives, head coach Billy Donovan and the staff will now have to find a way to get a more complete showing of that talent. The Gators will have to continue get movement on the offensive side of the ball, instead of standing around and settling for long range shots. Florida also can’t get away from the drive penetration that allowed for 16 first half points in the paint. The guards pushing the ball near the basket not only presented opportunities for the Florida’s frontcourt, but also got them to the foul line. For a team that struggles at times shooting the ball, the best way to get a rhythm going offensively is to get to the charity stripe.
The season is still young for this equally youthful Florida Gators basketball team. While Friday night’s game showed potential in what the team can be, it also provided a look into what the team currently is— an inexperienced group still learning what it takes to win games.