Ten days ago, the Florida Gators seemed destined to hear their name called on Selection Sunday. A spot in the Big Dance seemed safe despite nine losses because of some quality wins and the strength of their schedule.
After Monday’s 88-79 loss to No. 22 Kentucky, their fourth straight, the Gators need to make a good run in the SEC tournament to get back in the running. They must also hope no surprise team wins a conference tournament, taking a spot from a team on the fence like the Gators.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, who normally predicts the makeup of the 68-team field, offered the view Florida was in the field at the start of the game. A Gator loss, according to Lunardi, would put Florida on the outside looking in.
With their fifth loss in six games, Florida needs to find some magic, fast.
They are slumping at the wrong time. Among the criteria used by the selection committee is how well bubble teams are playing at the end of the season.
Kentucky is a quality team, but nowhere near the juggernaut of recent years. This game was there for Florida to win, but they could not take advantage of the opportunities presented.
The Wildcats took advantage of cold-shooting Florida to run out to a 32-18 lead with 6:49 left in the first half. The Gators then went on one of the strangest 14-2 runs in recent memory.
Kentucky missed shots, committed multiple turnovers and fouls. Unfortunately, Florida could not make many shots except for dunks.
Despite narrowing the gap to 34-32, Florida missed seven of 10 free throws during the run. Kentucky took a 36-32 lead into the locker room.
The Wildcats were shooting 50 percent to Florida’s 32, but committed eight turnovers to two for the Gators. Florida was six or 16 at the foul line.
Little changed in the second half. Florida still struggled to score from any further than above the rim. They shot 43 percent, making 29 of 68 shots, including five of 18 from three-point range. The Gators missed 21 of their 37 free throws.
John Egbunu epitomized the Florida struggles, making 12 of 15 from the field mostly on dunks. He was three for 11 from the foul line for 27 points.
Florida concludes the regular season with a winnable game on the road. They travel to Columbia to face the 10-19 Missouri Tigers. The SEC tournament begins March 9 in Nashville.
Barring a deep run into the conference tournament, the NIT seems to be calling.
