Florida’s Big 12-SEC Challenge started rather disastrously with Oklahoma State coming out on fire from deep, leading the Gators 45-32 at the half. Frustrated with what his regular rotation was giving him, Mike White started Niels Lane, Elijah Kennedy, and Tuon Gatkek in the second and it had immediate results with the Gators fighting back and taking a lead they never relented, ultimately winning 81-72. Considering the losses that Florida has taken this year they don’t have much cushion to take losses to anyone other than the elite of the league so this was a game that was crucial and they showed all kinds of toughness to get back in the game. Florida was once again without Colin Castleton (shoulder injury, no set return date), Jason Jitoboh (out for the season, eye injury), and essentially CJ Felder (illness, he played only a minute before bowing out) and spent some of the game figuring out how they wanted to play but ultimately it was enough to put 81 points on a great defense and come away with a much-needed win.
Florida’s Fire
Tyree Appleby has been playing some excellent basketball of late and he impressed once again with arguably his best game of the season finishing with 21 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. With the Gators down double digits starting the second half it was Appleby who led the comeback, first with his defense picking the pockets of Oklahoma State’s guards and then with his offense where he hit the step back jumpers he is now known for. Appleby continues to play his best basketball in the biggest moments and without his peskiness on defense and shot making extravagance on offense the Gators likely would not have been able to get back in this game.
Surprise Showing
Sophomore Niels Lane hasn’t played since before Christmas so you had to do a double take when you saw him starting the second half. The decision made a lot of sense considering the Gators couldn’t guard any of Oklahoma State’s wings on the perimeter and Lane is a player that was one of Florida’s best wing stoppers a year ago. The decision paid off for Mike white as Lane was a relentless defender and shored up a Florida defense that was hemorrhaging points in the first half. He also had two huge blocks to punctuate what was a very productive half, and one that will likely lead to a bigger role moving forward.
Steadily Improving
When JUCO transfer Tuon Gatkek committed to the Gators he, and the coaching staff, probably didn’t expect that he’d have many minutes this year but with all the frontcourt injuries he has been pressed into service and he stepped up in a big way contributing 8 points, 3 blocks, 3 rebounds, and a steal. Gatkek is still raw and at only 172 pounds he gets mauled in the paint on 50/50 rebounds but his ridiculous length was on display with 3 huge blocks and a steal that all changed the momentum of the game. He’s very different from a traditional center right now due to his lack of bulk but his long arms can cause havoc with opponents who are definitely not expecting just how long his reach is.
Charity Stripe
The free throw line has not been kind to the Gators as of late but they were able to convert on a whole lot of attempts Saturday as they finished 33-41 from the line, or 81%. What was most encouraging was Brandon McKissic (5-6) and Myreon Jones (5-6) had quality games from the line, as they were guards that were struggling the most. Tyree Appleby, who has been a good free throw shooter throughout his career, was 8-9, leading the way and icing the game for the Gators late.
Final Thoughts
It was looking like this game was going to be an absolute disaster for the Gators after how the first half went but the team showed incredible mental toughness to tighten up and not only come back but get a comfortable lead in the second. This team is going to continue to be inconsistent due to their lack of elite playmakers and current undermanned frontcourt but they will never lack for effort. The Gators will now play three consecutive games against opponents they’ll be favored to beat in Missouri, Ole Miss, and Georgia which gives them a chance at building up some momentum.