Florida Basketball: Gators blueprint falls apart in loss to Kentucky

On the surface, giving up 72 points in a college basketball isn’t the end of the world. For Florida basketball however, where shooting the ball can be a challenge, giving up 72 points is a death sentence.

And when one factors in the low number of possessions during last night’s contest, the blueprint to victory was shredded last night as the Florida Gators fell to Kentucky 72-67.

Florida Basketball: Two steps forward, one step back

This season, Florida games have been averaging 71 possessions for both teams. With that, the Gators have one of the best defensive efficiency rates in the country, averaging 0.90 points against per possession, 18th best in the country.

Last night’s game saw both team have the ball 65 times. To give an idea of how low that is, if that was Florida’s season average they would rank bottom 20 in the country. In other words, last night’s game was a slower contest that you would think would benefit Florida. Once the Gators can set up on defense and plant Colin Castleton down low, the block party can begin.

And while Castleton did have three blocks on the night, and 25 points, Florida basketball simply couldn’t stop Kentucky from scoring. Florida gave up 1.107 points per possession, a rate that would be 13th worst in the country if it was their season average.

Once the defensive side of play was breeched, we don’t even have to tell you what happened on the offensive side. Florida scored 22 points in the first half.

I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending.

Todd Golden’s men showed fight and did everything they could to get back into the game. Kyle Lofton hit a three pointer early in the 2nd half to cut the lead to 37-33.

Then Kentucky made three straight baskets.

Lofton hit another three to cut the lead back the seven.

Then Kentucky made two straight baskets including a three of their own.

While the headline could be that Myreon Jones missed a 25-footer that would have tied it, the reality is that down the stretch the Gators just couldn’t get a stop. After pulling within five with under three minutes to play, Kentucky scored on four straight possessions.

If the Gators can turn around and knock off fourth ranked Alabama on Wednesday, then Florida’s hopes at the NCAA Tournament can be all systems go. But knowing they simply don’t have the offensive firepower to keep up, last night once again demonstrated the flaws of the team if the defensive side of the ball is breeched.