Missouri Stuns No. 4 Florida with Controversial 3-pointer
Florida Gators lose to Missouri by one point, with a questionable 3-point shot playing a pivotal role in the upset.
The No. 4 Florida Gators suffered a narrow 83-82 loss to Missouri in a hard-fought SEC showdown, with a controversial play involving a 3-pointer by Missouri guard Caleb Grill looming large in the final moments of the game.
Grill, who finished with a team-high 22 points, sank his sixth 3-pointer of the game with 2:23 remaining, putting Missouri up 78-71. However, replays suggested that Grill may have stepped on the line during the attempt, which would have changed the shot to a two-pointer.
Despite this, the shot was not reviewed by the officials, and Florida's coaching staff did not request a review.
Florida head coach Todd Golden later acknowledged that his team was unaware of the potential issue and did not ask for a review, which he said was a lapse on his part.
Earlier in the game, Golden had successfully requested a review that resulted in a call change for a foul involving Florida forward Thomas Haugh.
The game also saw several other reviews, including a potential goaltending violation and a 10-second violation in the final seconds.
Despite the missed opportunity to contest the call, Florida's poor first-half performance was a significant factor in the loss.
The Gators found themselves trailing 50-34 at halftime, with Missouri capitalizing on Florida's mistakes, outscoring them 18-6 in points off turnovers and 35-9 in bench points.
Though Florida guard Alijah Martin hit a 3-pointer with 0.1 seconds left to pull within one point, it was not enough to overcome Missouri’s strong all-around performance.
Will Richard, another Florida guard, noted the team's inability to recover from their lackluster first half, saying, 'You can’t afford to take a half off and win an SEC game.'
Grill, who finished with a team-high 22 points, sank his sixth 3-pointer of the game with 2:23 remaining, putting Missouri up 78-71. However, replays suggested that Grill may have stepped on the line during the attempt, which would have changed the shot to a two-pointer.
Despite this, the shot was not reviewed by the officials, and Florida's coaching staff did not request a review.
Florida head coach Todd Golden later acknowledged that his team was unaware of the potential issue and did not ask for a review, which he said was a lapse on his part.
Earlier in the game, Golden had successfully requested a review that resulted in a call change for a foul involving Florida forward Thomas Haugh.
The game also saw several other reviews, including a potential goaltending violation and a 10-second violation in the final seconds.
Despite the missed opportunity to contest the call, Florida's poor first-half performance was a significant factor in the loss.
The Gators found themselves trailing 50-34 at halftime, with Missouri capitalizing on Florida's mistakes, outscoring them 18-6 in points off turnovers and 35-9 in bench points.
Though Florida guard Alijah Martin hit a 3-pointer with 0.1 seconds left to pull within one point, it was not enough to overcome Missouri’s strong all-around performance.
Will Richard, another Florida guard, noted the team's inability to recover from their lackluster first half, saying, 'You can’t afford to take a half off and win an SEC game.'
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