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The Florida Gators fell to the Vanderbilt Commodores, 71-68, on Saturday afternoon in Nashville. Vandy ended the game on a 20-8 run, as the Gators failed to score in the final 2 minutes and 27 seconds of the contest. The Commodores outshot the Gators from the floor (49%-43%), beyond the arc (41%-37%) and the free throw line (92%-64%). The two teams split the season series after UF won the first meeting by 7 in late December.
KeVaughn Allen passed Dorian Finney-Smith and Hans Tanzler on Florida’s all-time scoring list in the game as well. He’s now 4 points away from passing Corey Brewer/Malcolm Cesare for 33rd on the Gators’ all-time points list.
#Gators are 8-5 against Top 60 KenPom opponents this season. They've inexplicably played down to their competition all year. Vanderbilt is ranked 86th in KenPom.
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) February 17, 2018
I know this is not what anyone wants to hear right now, but Florida has four games left vs. Top 30 RPI opponents. If they win two of those games, everyone forgets about Vanderbilt.
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) February 17, 2018
Florida is 5-10 on layups today
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) February 17, 2018
Final Five Thoughts
- 1. Blown Leads Strike Again: For the fifth time this season, the Gators blew a double-digit lead in the second half resulting in a loss. Florida has consistently played down to their competition this year, especially on the road in-conference. The Commodores closed the game on a 20-8 run, fueled by Riley LaChance and Jeff Roberson.
- 2. Roberson and LaChance Too Much: Speaking of Roberson and LaChance, the duo was simply unstoppable. In the second half, the two combined for 32 of Vanderbilt’s 43 points on 13-23 shooting from the field. The Gators gave way too many open three-point chances to the pair in an effort to switch on every single ball screen. In total, Roberson finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists, while sinking all 12 of his free throws. LaChance went for 21 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds in the victory. Roberson, LaChance and Joe Toye combined for 60 of the Commodores’ 71 points.
- 3. Free Throw Disparity: Florida’s offense consisted of Chris Chiozza isolation post-ups late in the second half. This strategy killed the Gators and slowed down the tempo of the game to the Commodores’ liking. Vanderbilt shot 16 free throws to Florida’s 3 in the final twenty minutes. The Gators got away from their attacking offense and played their worst offense of the game in the final 6 minutes.
- 4. Stone and Koulechov Lone Player Positives: While there were a lot of negatives in this contest, Keith Stone and Egor Koulechov both played well. Stone finished the game with 20 points and 6 rebounds on 7-11 shooting from the floor, while Egor Koulechov went for 14 points and 7 rebounds, making 4-6 three-pointers in the second half.
- 5. Offensive Rebounding Was Encouraging: While Vanderbilt is a poor team inside, Florida’s 11 offensive rebounds leading to 15 second-chance points was encouraging. It’s easier to grab offensive boards vs. a zone defense, but the Gators made it an effort to get feisty on the glass.
Vanderbilt continues to show the depth of the SEC. Commodores have beaten Florida and Mississippi State at home in the last week. Also beat TCU this year.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 17, 2018
