Florida’s revamped basketball team fell 82-76 to Baylor in an overtime preseason exhibition game on Sunday in Jacksonville. The tightly contested matchup saw 11 ties and lead changes over 45 minutes, but Florida’s poor shooting ultimately handed Baylor the win.
The Gators struggled offensively, shooting just 25-for-72 from the field, a 34.7 percent clip, including a dismal 4-for-29 from three-point range. They managed 22-for-35 from the free-throw line, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their inefficient scoring. Thomas Haugh led Florida with 19 points on 4-for-13 shooting, hitting nine of his 10 free throws and adding five rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block before fouling out with 26 seconds left in overtime.
Head coach Todd Golden acknowledged the team’s offensive struggles after the game, saying the exhibition was a chance to “try to figure some things out” and “learn from our mistakes.” Golden noted that Florida took 17 more shots and three more free throws than Baylor, which is usually a good sign, but the Gators failed to capitalize.
“We left a lot of points on the board with our three-point shooting,” Golden said. “We were 1-for-13 in the first half on what we thought were about 10 uncontested looks. That really affected our rhythm, and we started pressing a little bit.”
Golden also pointed to defensive lapses late in possessions and some fouls in the paint that allowed Baylor to get to the line and put pressure on Florida. Despite that, he felt the defense held Baylor under 50 percent shooting from two-point range and made some timely threes.
The bench offered little relief. Florida’s reserves combined to go 1-for-14 from the field, a stark contrast to their usual standards. Golden singled out Urban Klavžar, who had several good looks but couldn’t convert, and Isaiah Brown, who was not himself compared to last season.
“We need more out of the bench,” Golden said. “And I told the team we have to look at some other guys who didn’t get an opportunity today but have been playing well in practice.”
Thomas Haugh admitted the team didn’t play well overall. “We just didn’t play well enough today—like at all,” he said. Haugh also acknowledged that opponents will be eager to face the Gators this season.
Baylor’s defense disrupted Florida’s inside game by employing a three-quarter front and fronting some of the Gators’ big men, making it tough to get the ball inside. Golden said he thought Baylor’s double teams didn’t bother Florida much when they managed to get the ball to the post players Reuben Chinyelu or Alex Condon. He added that his staff needs to improve on play-calling to get more low-post touches.
“I need to do a better job calling plays and organizing us so we can get a low post catch,” Golden said. “They have both proven they can handle a double team and create an advantage.”
The loss leaves Florida with about two and a half weeks before the regular season starts to address these issues and find a better offensive rhythm. Golden said the result changes the team’s mentality heading into the season, emphasizing the value of playing a strong opponent like Baylor to measure where the Gators stand.
Despite the setback, the Gators showed effort and unselfishness, but their shooting woes and bench struggles kept them from pulling out a victory in their first game under this new form.
According to Yahoo Sports.
