The Gators showed their guts, but turnovers and bad possessions did in Florida in their 99-92 double overtime loss to BYU in their NCAA Tournament first round game. Florida had two chances to win, once each in regulation and overtime, but could not convert.
Florida would not have been in position to win had it not been for Kenny Boynton's 27 points and fantastic defense against BYU's Jimmer Fredette. Boynton locked Fredette down, including holding the BYU guard scoreless in the first overtime. Boynton had a chance to win at the end of the first OT, but ran out of time and space and was forced to shoot a wild shot that had no chance of being made or rebounded. Boynton fouled out in the second OT with three assists, two rebounds and five turnovers.
Turnovers was the reason why UF found themselves down 13 points with 9:13 remaining. Florida followed great defensive possessions with Erving Walker throwing the ball out of bounds to start the second half. Chandler Parsons had the nerves get to him as he had five turnovers, including two traveling calls. Parsons would get a third walk when BYU's Noah Hartsock pulled a Darnell Dockett and jumped on Parsons' exposed leg for a loose ball, spinning Parsons over to earn the traveling call. Parsons finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. His turn around jumper at the end of regulation was off the back of the rim.
UF did a good job guarding Fredette, but allowed bench player Michael Loyd to get 26 points. Tyler Haws and Jackson Emery each got 10 points. Loyd's first half play sucked the momentum away from Florida as the Gators started the game strong. UF led by seven, before BYU rolled back and ended the first half with a 35-33 lead.
Alex Tyus struggled today, shooting 3-11 for six points and nine rebounds. Vernon Macklin had 16 points and seven rebounds. Erik Murphy had seven points as he finishes the season on a high note. Dan Werner finished his final game as a Gator with four points and five rebounds.
Florida ends the season 21-13.