Florida basketball wrapped up its 2021-22 schedule with a home loss to the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, bringing a frustrating regular season to a close. With their NCAA Tournament chances on the bubble, the Gators failed to capitalize on an opportunity to improve their standing with the selection committee ahead of the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
One of the metrics that are useful in sizing up teams against their peers come March is ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, which is, “a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of performance going forward.” The BPI presents the data in terms of how many points a team is above or below the national average.
The numbers for Florida following the loss to Kentucky are not particularly encouraging. The Gators’ 9.8 rating is currently ranked No. 40 — which is a bit better than their No. 53 spot in the NET rankings — sandwiched between the Oklahoma Sooners at No. 39 and Oklahoma State Cowboys at No. 41.
Florida’s 19-12 overall record is better than two of the teams above it, but that is mitigated by its No. 48 ranking in the strength of record metric. Interestingly, BPI’s projected win-loss for the Gators was 19.6-12.4, virtually nailing the numbers there, though keep in mind the data does update throughout the season.
Finally, BPI gives Florida a 22.3% chance of reaching the Round of 32, 5.6% chance for Sweet 16, 1.6% for Elite Eight, 0.4% for Final Four and a 0.1% chance of making the championship game. However, the chances of winning it all are listed at 0% — that is assuming the Gators even make it to the Big Dance, of course.
The last chance for the Orange and Blue to make its March Madness case starts on Thursday against the Texas A&M Aggies at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, with tipoff scheduled for noon EST.
[lawrence-related id=79234,79210]
[vertical-gallery id=79213]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.