Sports | Basketball - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) shoots against Kentucky center Dakari Johnson (44) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarter final round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 13, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Dorian Finney-Smith returning to UF

By GRAHAM HALL | Apr. 2, 2015

Dorian Finney-Smith didn’t want to leave Florida early.

Michael Frazier attempts a three-point shot during Florida's loss to No. 1 Kentucky in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Report: Michael Frazier expected to declare for NBA Draft

By GRAHAM HALL | Mar. 26, 2015

After arguably his toughest season as a Gator, Michael Frazier is leaving Florida.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

NCAA Tournament: UNC tops Arkansas, Williams ties Dean Smith for second-most NCAA tournament wins

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 21, 2015

JACKSONVILLE — It has been in many ways a trying year for North Carolina. The perennial power is 25-11, a No. 4 seed this season much to the chagrin of its fanbase, but still defeated the No. 5 seed Arkansas Razorbacks 87-78 Saturday night.

The Arkansas bench celebrates their 56-53 win over Wofford during an NCAA tournament second round college basketball game Friday, March 20, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Arkansas holds off Wofford's upset effort

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 19, 2015

JACKSONVILLE — In Season 2 of the hit Netflix show House of Cards, Freddy Hayes tells Frank Underwood that in order to get the right result when you cook ribs, you have to slowbleed a pig during the butchering process.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Johnson’s Journal: Harvard’s failed comeback shows the madness of March Madness

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 19, 2015

JACKSONVILLE — Sometimes, March absolutely sucks.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Ole Miss falls to Xavier in NCAA second round

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 19, 2015

JACKSONVILLE — It’s both the cruelty and the brilliance of March Madness but in 48 hours, everything can change.

Georgia State players celebrate as they surround R.J. Hunter, center, after he made the game winning shot against Baylor an NCAA tournament second round college basketball game, Thursday, March 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia State won 57-56.

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Last-second three lifts No. 14 seed Georgia State past third-seeded Baylor in NCAA Tournament

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 19, 2015

JACKSONVILLE — Georgia State guard RJ Hunter brought the ball up the court and passed it to forward TJ Shipes.

Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half the Hawks' 91-86 win over the Lakers on Sunday in Los Angeles.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators in the NBA: Al Horford-led Hawks sitting atop Eastern Conference

By GRAHAM HALL | Mar. 17, 2015

With the Atlanta Hawks flying towards the finish as the NBA Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, former Florida Gator and current Hawks center Al Horford is soaring – and not just on the court.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida falls in SEC Tournament Quarterfinals to unbeaten Kentucky

By GRAHAM HALL | Mar. 13, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kentucky wasn’t at its best. But to beat Florida, it didn’t need to be.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Donovan expresses support for Alabama coach Anthony Grant

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 12, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There is unbridled passion Billy Donovan speaks with when he goes on the defensive for someone near and dear to him.

Florida forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) shoots over Alabama guard Justin Coleman (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Florida won 69-61.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida tops Alabama to keep season alive

By GRAHAM HALL | Mar. 12, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Gators aren’t ready to go home just yet.

Amanda Butler stares down the court during Florida's loss to No. 1 South Carolina on Monday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Amanda Butler receives contract extension through 2019

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Mar. 11, 2015

Amanda Butler isn’t leaving Gainesville anytime soon.

Dorian Finney-Smith looks to pass the ball during Florida's win against Texas A&M on March 3.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Two Florida players honored by Southeastern Conference

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Mar. 10, 2015

Despite an overall down season from the UF men’s basketball team, the Gators still landed two players on the Southeastern Conference’s year-end teams on Tuesday.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

UF entering SEC Tournament fighting to keep season alive

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 9, 2015

The last time Florida played Alabama could have been a turning point for the Gators.

Billy Donovan calls out a play during Florida's 66-62 win against Texas A&M on March 3 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Difficult season a learning experience for Florida basketball

By GRAHAM HALL | Mar. 9, 2015

Billy Donovan hasn’t had a losing season since 1998, but that’s likely to change by Saturday.

Amanda Butler calls out a play during Florida's 64-56 loss to No. 6 Tennessee on Feb. 8 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

InstaGraham: UF women’s basketball team feels the disappointment

By GRAHAM HALL | Mar. 8, 2015

It’s only fitting that the Gators women’s basketball team’s season ended in a 71-49 blowout loss to Auburn in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Wednesday.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Kentucky edges out Florida to cap perfect regular season

Mar. 7, 2015

For nearly three-quarters of the game, Florida kept No. 1 and undefeated Kentucky on its heels.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

UF holds off Texas A&M to win final home game

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Mar. 3, 2015

Florida had just finished a 14-0 run building a 16 point lead over Texas A&M with 7:41 left on the clock —what could possibly go wrong? And then it almost happened, as it’s happened so many times before.

Kayla Lewis drives into the paint during Florida's 52-45 loss to Georgia on Sunday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida falls flat against Georgia in regular-season finale

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Mar. 1, 2015

It was a bittersweet Senior Day for Kayla Lewis.

Billy Donovan waves to the O'Connell Center crowd following Florida's 66-49 win against Tennessee on Feb. 28.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

The Milestone: Billy Donovan reaches win 500 as Florida tops Tennessee

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Feb. 28, 2015

The third time turned out to be the charm for Billy Donovan.