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Final: Florida 61, Vanderbilt 55

Cool February weather prevented both Vanderbilt (8-13, 0-8 SEC) and Florida (13-8, 5-3 SEC) from heating up in Saturday’s contest at Memorial Gymnasium.

As of late, head coach Mike White has lamented over his team’s inefficiency on the defensive end of the court. Prior to Saturday, the Gators were ranked 71st in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency — the lowest ever in White’s tenure. Poor defensive numbers contributed to three consecutive losses for the Gators before their trip to Vanderbilt.

A loss in Nashville would have shattered their tournament chances. With a win against the Commodores, Florida fought off the “Fire Mike White” hive and kept their tournament dreams alive for, at least, another few days.

While the Gators’ defensive numbers improved from their last three games, there’s still much about Saturday night’s performance to be concerned about. Florida generated 17 turnovers after averaging 10 in its last three losses, but continued to struggle on th glass. In its last three games, Florida was been out rebounded 106-80. Against Vandy, it was 37-28.The Gators managed to not blow an early lead this weekend, but did allow the deficit to shrink from 18 points in the second half to six with 2:36 left to play.

In the first half, neither team could buy a basket. Both the Gators and the Commodores combined for 5 of 26 beyond the arc. Vanderbilt entered Saturday’s contest averaging a little over eight threes per game, but was only able to drain six against Florida all night.

Sloppy offensive play by the Commodores resulted in 10 turnovers in the first half alone. Florida failed to capitalized off Vandy’s mistakes, converting those 10 turnovers into a mere six points.

The Gators made their way to the locker room with a narrow five point lead.

The second half, typically the time of games where Florida drops off on at least one end of the court, marked a surge in energy for both teams.

Sophomore forward Keyontae Johnson led the Gators in scoring with 20 points, including six from three. Johnson also led the team in rebounds along with graduate transfer Kerry Blacksheer Jr., each snatching seven boards. Not far behind was sophomore guard Noah Locke, who scored 17 points and made five threes against the Commodores.

Vanderbilt was led in scoring by freshman guard Scottie Pippen Jr., who averages 11.1 points per game, but scored 15 against the Gators. After shooting 29 percent in the first half, the Commodores shot 48 percent in the second, allowing them to stay in the game right until the end.

Forced to foul and unable to make shots as the clock wound down, the Commodores fell to Florida, 61-55, snapping the Gators’ three-game losing streak.

The next couple of games look promising for the Gators, who will face Georgia (12-9, 2-6 SEC) and Ole Miss (10-11, 1-7 SEC) in Gainesville and Oxford, Mississippi, respectively. Florida will have to take advantage of these match ups, using them to generate some momentum and confidence before they face No. 13 Kentucky in Lexington on Feb. 22.