I have been
to Florida a hand full of times and can say it is hot during the summer and
very rainy. I cannot think a of a better way to describe what I watched as Florida
Gators basketball team was hot and 3 pointers were raining in the first half.
Gator guard
Mike Rosario with 2 three pointers in seemingly seconds was a killer in the
first half breaking the 10-10 deadlock and things just continued in a downward
spiral the rest of the half.
The
frustration of three Gopher timeouts only to result in three turnovers during
different parts of the game was shocking. I can see maybe 1, but 3 is hard to
swallow.
The UCLA
game the Gophers big men had a major part in the game while the Florida game
the inside presence was shut down much of the night. Mbakwe and Rodney Williams
both were rejected on potential dunks at different stages of the game although
I felt Williams was fouled. It does not matter what I feel the ref had made the
call.
The positives
in the game I start out with Andre Hollins with another big game scoring wise.
The second half effort after being down 21 at half and actually getting the
Gator lead shrivel to single digits was encouraging but in the end lost by 14.
Florida
amazing record not wins loss, but every win this season was double digits
including Sunday’s victory over Minnesota.
I look
forward to seeing how Cinderella team Florida Gulf Coast does against the
Gators. We can say no matter what a Florida team will be in the elite 8.
The Gophers
season is over and with that we say goodbye to 4 seniors, Trevor Mbakwe, Julian
Welch, Rodney Williams and Andre Ingram.
I am very
excited to know that Andre Hollins has 2 more years assuming he does not go
pro. I look forward to seeing Austin Hollins and Elliott Eliason back as well.
I believe we have 3 very good corner pieces to count on. Mbakwe will be missed
for his rebounding ability so that will be a major need next season.
Overall it
was a strange campaign starting out 17-1, including the first 3 Big Ten games
rising to number 8 in the nation. The end struggling and ending up 9th
seed in the Big Ten Tourney and getting knocked out in the first round and yet still
gets the call to the big dance. The last part a double digit loss to Florida
and now the talks I assume will heat up on the status of Coach Tubby Smith with
the question will he or won’t he be back next year.
Honestly it
worries me anytime a coach would leave especially with the recruits coming to a
university and wanting to play for the coach that helped bring the player.
I just wish
the best for the U and look forward to the next season.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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