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Both Florida and Mississippi State headed into the Exactech Arena on Wednesday 2-3 in SEC play. One team would move to .500 with tournament hopes still alive while the other one would fall into must-win territory. Although the Bulldogs were close to making a comeback, the Gators beat Mississippi State 79-70, becoming .500 for the first time this season in SEC play.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Will Richard earned a massive rebound with 1:41 left in the game. Mississippi State had to foul twice in one second sending Alex Condon to the line. He made both his free throws and the Gators comfortably saw out the rest of the game.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Will Richard balled out when Zyon Pullin was forced to go to the bench early because of foul trouble. The Junior had a fantastic first half scoring 18 points and grabbing five rebounds. He was instrumental in Florida’s first-half success. Richard went on to score 23 points in the game, tying his career high. He also grabbed nine rebounds and earned an assist.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: While free throws are usually Florida’s worst nightmare, they haunted Mississippi State tonight. The Bulldogs, who shoot 64.7% from the line, made just 4-of-9 free throws they attempted. Florida, who shoots 67% at the charity stripe, made an impressive 17-of-20 free throws attempted. The Gators made their opportunities count while MS State suffered the consequences.
THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: MS State’s bench against Florida.
The Gators could not slow down the Bulldogs bench. At the half, Mississippi State’s subs had 23 points while Florida’s only had two. The Gator’s starters picked up the slack, scoring 71 points, but it is still concerning that the bench could not get things going. MS State’s subs finished the game with 40 points.
WHAT A PLAY: The Gators went on a fast break after a turnover. Walter Clayton Jr. dropped a dime to Riley Kugel who slammed the ball into the hoop. This gave Florida a six-point lead with 7:44 left in the first half. Although this was Kugel’s only points of the half, it was a massive momentum boost for the Gators.
UP NEXT: The (13-6, 3-3) Gators are back home on Saturday to take on in-conference opponent (14-5, 4-2) Georgia. Florida is looking to earn a win against an over .500 team for the first time this season in SEC play.
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