The Gators (19-5, 6-3) did not lose tonight because Nick Calathes couldn't stop Jodie Meeks' clutch three pointer and they did not lose because Calathes could not hit free throws. They lost because the Wildcats (17-7, 6-3) ended the game on a 14-5 run. The Gators led 60-54 with 4:09 left and lost 68-65. When you can't lock down and protect a lead, you don't deserve to win.
Calathes (33 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl) appears to be the only player willing or able to take over the game. During the game, you heard talk about Meeks and Patrick Patterson for Kentucky being surrounded by three "non-scorers." Calathes is surrounded by four. Alex Tyus got 14 points but that is a rarity. Next was Erving Walker with 7 points. Calathes cannot do it all himself.
I hate to call out particular players for bring a special brand of suck Tuesday night (Chandler Parsons, Dan Werner) but, as I said in the preview, where is the sense of urgency from this team? Calathes has it. Walker has it, even if he thinks the runner is a high percentage shot. How about everyone else? Hell, Tyus is a "one step forward, two steps back" guy, but at least he's taking a step!
Following Saturday's game at Georgia, which Florida should win (fingers crossed, knock on wood), UF has road games left at LSU and Mississippi State. Not exactly fun places to go. They have four home games. Plenty of time to figure out who else can score. But plenty of time to ruin the season too.