Florida Gators
Ole Miss
At the Buzzer: Ole Miss 78, Florida 72 (Instant Analysis)
Saturday, January 13, 2018 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
The Gators had their six-game winning streak snapped at Oxford.
OLE MISS 78, FLORIDA 72
WHAT HAPPENED: The underdog Rebels went on a second-half offensive tear, shooting 60 percent for the period and basically getting whatever shot they wanted in the halfcourt en route to handing the Gators their first loss in Southeastern Conference play. Forward Bruce Stevens was the beneficiary of a depleted UF front court, as he tallied 22 points and hit eight of 13 shots, while guard and leading scorer Deandre Burnett was good for 20 points and went 3-for-4 from the 3-point line. The Gators led by eight, 52-44, with just under 13 minutes remaining, but Ole Miss scored eight straight to tie the game, then down the stretch took advantage of UF's depth issues (foul trouble, losing sophomore backup center Gorkjok Gak to a first-half concussion and not having freshman guard Deaundrae Ballard due to an illness). Guard Jalen Hudson sank two free throws with 1:46 left to bring UF within 72-70, but on the Rebels came down and posted Stevens for an easy bank shot. On the next possession, point guard Chris Chiozza missed a driving layup and the ball caromed off the Gators and out of bounds, ending the Gators' best remaining chance to extend the game. Florida was led by a career-high 23 points from third-year sophomore forward Keith Stone.
WHAT IT MEANS: With the first league loss of the season, UF will drop into a tie for second place, assuming Auburn can remain unbeaten in league play by winning at Mississippi State later Saturday. The Gators were looking for a second straight 5-0 start in the league, but instead lost at Ole Miss, which came in with seven losses, for just the second time in the last six trips to Oxford.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: That's four straight games scoring in double figures for Stone, who until two games ago had scored back-to-back double-figure games only once in his career. Stone hit 4-for-10 from the floor, dropped a couple 3-pointers, was 13-for-18 at the free-throw line, and equaled his career-high of eight rebounds in also a career-best 35 minutes before fouling out with 2.9 seconds left.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Granted, Florida was handcuffed by foul trouble (especially with Kevarrius Hayes playing just 15 minutes) and due to injuries, but the Rebels, also an undersized team, made it look easy at times in the post on the way to sticking 15 of 25 shots after intermission. Ole Miss scored 32 points in the paint for the game.
UP NEXT: Florida (12-5, 4-1) is home Wednesday night against the up-and-down Arkansas Razorbacks (11-5, 1-3), who play host to Missouri later tonight. The Hogs, normally very good at home and the opposite on the road, were crushed at home by LSU on Wednesday and, depending on what happens Saturday night against the Tigers, could be in desperation mode when they come to Gainesville.
