These are the games that stand out in the last decade of Gator Basketball. They don't have to be postseason games, although most are. And they are not all championship games, as Florida was rarely in close games on their way to the 2006 and 2007 championships. But these are significant games and that is why they are the nominees for Basketball Game Of The Decade.
March 17, 2000; Gators 69 - Butler 68, NCAA First Round: The Gators were nearly the five upset by the twelve as tiny Butler brought the Gators to the brink, only to be saved by Mike Miller's lay-in with no time left in overtime. Butler could have forced only a tie by sinking two free throws with eight seconds left, but couldn't do it. Miller finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
March 24, 2000; Gators 87 - Duke 78, NCAA Sweet Sixteen: Leading at the half, Florida allowed top seeded Duke to tie and take the lead. But Florida rolled back, finishing the game on a 13-0 run. It would send Florida to their second Elite Eight and end their season as National Runner-up; their best finish in history.
March 6, 2005; Gators 53 - Kentucky 52, Final Home Game: On David Lee's Senior Day, Florida hangs on to defeat No. 3 Kentucky, snapping an eight game losing streak to the Wildcats. Lee had 11 points and 10 boards. The game gives UF confidence to defeat the Cats a week later in Atlanta to win their first SEC Tournament.
November 19, 2005; Gators 75 - Syracuse 70, 2K Sports College Hoops Classic Final: No one knew what to make of the post-Lee, Roberson, Walsh Gators. Then they go to Madison Square Garden and defeat Wake Forest and Syracuse in a three day span. Taurean Green, starting only his 4th game, has 23 points and 6 assists. This game announced that the Gators were not going to rebuild as UF starts the season 17-0.
March 25, 2006; Gators 57 - Georgetown 53, NCAA Sweet Sixteen: Corey Brewer was falling down, but still willing to throw the ball at the hoop with 27 seconds left. The three point play that followed put UF in the lead as the Gator defense locked down, winning the closest Tournament game the Gators played in 2006 and 2007. Brewer only had nine points in the game.
April 2, 2007; Gators 84 - Ohio State 75, National Championship Game: This is the reason why the Oh Fours returned to Gainesville; a chance at history. Florida became the only school to win consecutive National Championships with the same starting five. Ohio State's center Greg Oden got his usual double-double, but UF was cool and efficient. Every big Ohio State play was answered by a Green or Humphrey three-pointer (they were a combined 7-10 for three) or a huge dunk by Al Horford (who led UF with 18 points). The Gators shot 49% from the field.