Gators collapse in final minutes to Kentucky

GAINESVILLE -- The Gators' road struggles continued on Tuesday night with a 68-65 loss to Kentucky at Rupp Arena.

Florida led by six points with 3:19 left but Kentucky outscored Florida 12-3 from there and won the game in dramatic fashion when guard Jodie Meeks swished a three-pointer with six seconds to play. UF had a chance to tie the game with six-tenths of a second left when UF guard Nick Calathes was fouled by Kevin Galloway while attempting a three-pointer. Calathes missed his three free throws.

Calathes led the Gators with 33 points and Alex Tyus had 14. It wasn't a good showing for the Gators' upperclassmen. UF senior guard Walter Hodge was ejected from the game for stepping on the arm of an opponent and UF junior forward Dan Werner had four points.

Florida did an excellent job of containing Kentucky power forward Patrick Patterson. Patterson scored seven points, making just 3 of 9 shot attempts. Meeks led Kentucky with 23 points and forward Perry Stevenson scored 10 points.

Florida (19-5, 6-3 in the SEC) is now in a three-way tie in the SEC East with Kentucky (17-7, 6-3) and South Carolina (17-5, 6-3). It could become a four-way tie for first place in the SEC East on Wednesday if Tennessee (14-8, 5-3) defeats Georgia.

-jo-

Comments

[Adam S.]

The fact that this team cannot finish games is a major concern. Also, Dan Werner is absolute garbage. Mr. Basketball New Jersey? Please. Must have been a really down year. This guy sucks.

[Adam S.]

Though I do think Calathes and Kenny Boynton, together, will be unstoppable in the SEC.

[Goody]

Will Calathes stick around to play with Boynton? I think so, but you never know...

-jo-

[Adam M.]

Chandler was no gem last night either. I think Calathes stays. He is a known quality that barring a significant injury (knock on wood) won't change his draft stock much between know and senior year. As much as I love him, his significant lack of athleticism will prevent him from ever being a top top lottery pick. However, his smarts, passing, and shooting will make him a mid first rounder. I don't think this would change for better or worse no matter he come out this year, or either of the following two.