Florida nearly squandered a 22-point lead against Vanderbilt on Wednesday night. The Commodores brought the margin within four in the final minutes, but adequate free throw shooting down the stretch allowed the Gators to hang on to a 78-71 win.
UF (9-4, 6-3 SEC) was limited for much of the first half by foul trouble, as starters Tre Mann and Colin Castleton drew two quick fouls each and had to sit for most of the first frame. When they returned in the second half, they guided Florida on a big run that stretched the lead, but the explosive play of Vanderbilt’s Scottie Pippen Jr. kept it in the game down to the very end.
Florida was back at full strength (aside from Keyontae Johnson) for the first time in four games, as Scottie Lewis returned and played 28 minutes. And though the victory over the struggling Commodores (4-8, 0-6) saw some of the positive trends from the last two games continue, it also gives reason for concern heading into a crucial road matchup with No. 11 West Virginia on Saturday.
Here are three takeaways from the Florida win.