Sports | Men's Basketball - The Independent Florida Alligator

Dorian Finney-Smith goes for a layup during Florida's win against Arkansas on Jan. 30, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

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Florida falls to ‘Bama as shooting woes worsen

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Feb. 13, 2016

Florida’s offense hit a new low on Saturday night.

Devin Robinson dunks during Florida's 87-83 win over Arkansas on Feb. 3, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

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Florida men's basketball hosts 'Bama on Saturday

By IAN COHEN | Feb. 11, 2016

The Florida basketball team has been nearly unbeatable at home this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, left, chats with Russell Westbrook in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Minneapolis. The Thunder won 126-123. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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Gators in the NBA: Billy Donovan’s Thunder rank third in West

By GRAHAM HACK | Feb. 10, 2016

While the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have dominated headlines in the Western Conference, Billy Donovan’s Oklahoma City Thunder are flying under the radar.

Devin Robinson looks to shoot during Florida's win against Ole Miss on Feb. 9, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.

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Florida edges past Ole Miss despite sloppy performance

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Feb. 9, 2016

It wasn’t the prettiest showing Florida could have hoped for after a humbling loss to Kentucky on Saturday, but the Gators got it done against Ole Miss by making shots when it mattered.

Dorian Finney-Smith attempts a three-pointer during Florida’s win over West Virginia on Jan. 30, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Notebook: Finney-Smith leading Gators with improved play

By IAN COHEN | Feb. 1, 2016

About two months ago, Dorian Finney-Smith was Florida’s vocal leader.

Dorian Finney-Smith dunks during Florida’s win over West Virginia on Jan. 30, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Florida upsets West Virginia in physical battle

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 30, 2016

For what seemed like a few seconds, Dorian Finney-Smith hung in the air, the result of a long stride into the paint after a devastating pump fake from the corner.

UF’s John Egbunu grabs a rebound during Florida’s 95-63 win against Auburn on Jan. 23, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Florida hindered by John Egbunu's foul trouble in loss

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 27, 2016

In basketball, size matters.

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Three Gators headed to Super Bowl, Noah likely out for season

By Luis Torres | Jan. 26, 2016

The matchup for Super Bowl 50 is set between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, and three former Gators will be playing in the biggest game of their professional careers as members of the Broncos.

UF’s Dorian Finney-Smith drives into the paint during Florida’s 95-63 win against Auburn on Jan. 23, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Gators thrash Tigers behind offensive explosion

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 23, 2016

The only thing that went wrong was the sequence after the opening tip.

UF forward Justin Leon goes up for a dunk during Florida's 81-78 win over Mississippi State on Jan. 19, 2016 in the O'Connell Center.

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UF men's basketball looking to keep win streak alive against Auburn

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 21, 2016

Two wins in a row is nothing for Florida to celebrate.

Dorian Finney-Smith dunks during Florida's 81-78 win against Mississippi State on Tuesday in the O'Connell Center.

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Late free throws push Gators past Mississippi State

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 19, 2016

A second-half push led Florida to a close, three-point win on Tuesday night in the final minute against Mississippi State.

UF coach Mike White reacts after a play during Florida’s 68-62 win over LSU on Jan. 9, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Florida coach Mike White returns to alma mater as opponent

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 14, 2016

Mike White will always be a Rebel.

UF forward Dorian Finney-Smith goes for a layup during Florida’s 68-62 win over LSU on Jan. 9, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Missed free throws, turnovers to blame for Gators' loss to Texas A&M

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 13, 2016

Florida has not hesitated to be honest this season.

UF point guard Chris Chiozza drives the ball down the court during Florida’s 77-63 win against Georgia on Jan.2, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Missed free throws doom UF in loss to Texas A&M

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 12, 2016

Florida had the ball with 8.5 seconds remaining against No. 15 Texas A&M, trailing by three points with a chance to tie.

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) scores against Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 120-105. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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Gators in the NBA: Horford hitting stride

By Luis Torres | Jan. 12, 2016

With the NBA All-Star break about a month away, it looks like former Gator and current Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford has the best chance to play in the All-Star Game when it’s held in Toronto on Feb. 14.

UF coach Mike White walks onto the court prior to Florida’s 68-62 win over LSU on Jan. 9, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Gators men's basketball continues conference play against surging Aggies

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 11, 2016

With Ben Simmons in the rearview mirror until Florida and LSU meet again on Feb. 27, the Gators will hit the road for the first of two consecutive Southeastern-Conference matchups.

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Column: If it hopes to contend, Gators' defense must continue to be elite

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 10, 2016

Before it began, it didn’t seem as if the 2015-16 season would be one of success for the Gators. There were changes — a new coach, new players and a new scheme — and there were departures, the most monumental being Billy Donovan’s jump to the NBA.

UF guard Chris Chiozza shoots a three-pointer during Florida’s 68-62 win over LSU on Jan. 9, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Gators men's basketball keeping games close despite poor shooting

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 10, 2016

It’s tough to win basketball games when you can’t shoot very well.

UF center John Egbunu dunks during Florida’s 68-62 win over LSU on Jan. 9, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Signs of life: Increased defensive effort lifts Florida over LSU

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 9, 2016

Within the game’s first three minutes John Egbunu was already on the floor, laying out for a loose ball near the baseline.

UF forward Justin Leon corrals a rebound during Florida’s 68-62 win over LSU on Jan. 9, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

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Justin Leon provides spark for Gators in win over LSU

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Jan. 9, 2016

The day before Florida squared off against LSU in the O’Connell Center, UF forward Justin Leon was asked if he had ever faced a player like LSU forward Ben Simmons while playing two seasons at Shawnee Community College.