Rapid Reaction: Florida's NCAA Tournament run comes to an end at hands of stifling Michigan defense
The Florida Gators had a tough NCAA Tournament draw as a No. 10 seed. To make matters worse, they faced two teams that have completely different styles.
After scoring an upset over offense-heavy Nevada in Round 1, the Gators had to face the stifling defense of No. 2 seed Michigan on Saturday. The Gators kept things close, but in the end, the Wolverines held on for a 64-49 victory.
Florida’s shots were falling early, but in the second half, the Wolverines started clamping down defensively. The Gators only managed 21 points after halftime.
Senior G Jalen Hudson was the only Gator to eclipse the 10-point mark, scoring 11 on 4-of-15 shooting. Michigan G Jordan Poole had a game-high 19 points.
Michigan will await the winner of the Buffalo-Texas Tech game in the Sweet 16, while the Gators will regroup and try to come back stronger next year.