Instant Analysis: Gators season comes to an end, Wolverines too much to overcome

The Florida Gators (20-16) 2018-2019 campaign has officially drawn to a close, after the Michigan Wolverines (30-6) defeated them 64-49 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gators hung with the Wolverines in the first half, and only trailed by four at half. However, Michigan was too much to overcome in the second half on their way to the Sweet 16
 

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WHAT WENT WRONG: In order to pull off the upset, the Gators needed to have one of their best offensive performances of the season. It was a tall order, against one of the top defenses in the country. The Gators had a solid first half offensively, that saw them knock down six threes and shot 50% from beyond the arc.

However, the Gators couldn’t keep that pace of outside shooting in the second. They only made three from beyond the arc in the second and never found their offensive flow. 

WHO STOLE THE SHOW: He wasn’t all that efficient, but Jordan Poole had a great scoring game for the Wolverines. The sophomore finished with 19 and made four from beyond the arc. Poole was particularly effective in the second, as he was in the middle of Michigan’s big run to start the half.

Zavier Simpson did his thing running the show as the Wolverines point guard. He finished with a near triple-double, having nine points, nine assists and nine boards. An impressive stat line for Simpson.

NUMBERS DON’T LIE: Florida’s offense struggled against Michigan’s stifling defense. The Gators shot just 35% from the field for the game. They also weren’t as aggressive as they have been in the past. The Gators shot just two free throws. Compare that to Michigan’s 12 attempts, Florida gave away too many free points.

Michgan’s size also certainly played a factor in this one. The Gators were outrebounded 42-29. The Wolverines were able to grab 11 offensive rebounds resulting in second chance points to Gators couldn’t afford to allow.

BOTTOM LINE: The Gators just didn’t have enough to beat a top program. The Wolverines are just a year removed from a run to the title game and have the superior roster. Today’s game was another example of the Gators being able to hang with top-level team’s, but unable to get the win.

UP NEXT: That’s a wrap for another season of Gators basketball. It was certainly a year filled with up-and-downs, but the Gators should be proud of the way they ended the season down the stretch. It’s been a pleasure watching the seniors grow throughout their careers and take ownership throughout the season. Gators fans will have fond memories of KeVaughn Allen, Jalen Hudson and Kevarrius Hayes.

Now, Mike White and his staff will soon turn their attention to the 19-20 season. The Gators are returning majority of their roster and will welcome two McDonald’s All-Americans to the program this summer.