ForumsWith time running out in a crucial Southeastern Conference matchup, Tennessee had the ball with a chance to win the basketball game, but failed to capitalize.
After Cameron Tatum missed the front end of a one-and-one, Erving Walker made a driving layup with just 14.7 seconds remaining to put Florida on top by a point.
With the final game’s final possession, Tennessee managed a Melvin Goins 3-pointer that bounced off as time expired, giving the Florida Gators (20-5, 9-2 SEC) a 61-60 victory on Saturday night in Gainesville.
“It started off by not inbounding the ball to the point guard,” Bruce Pearl said after the game. “Tobias threw it to Cameron. Could have thrown it to Melvin, but threw it to Cameron. That’s not the play. That’s not the guy to throw it to. You get the ball to the point guard.”
“All we’ve got to do is get that ball down there to the wing, with Brian sealing the post, and drive it. That’s it. Just drive it. Get to the rim.”
Pearl was clearly disappointed with the outcome.
“I’ll tell ya, that’s one of the most disappointing losses of my career.”
Scotty Hopson led Tennessee with 22 points on 9-14 shooting, including a perfect 3-3 from 3-point range. However, he scored his final point of the night on free throw with 6:10 remaining.
“They were definitely coming out at me,” Hopson said. “I think more in the second half when I started to drive, they were throwing two people at me. A big was coming over quicker.”
“I just tried to make some plays, getting the ball into other guys’ hands for easy shots, and I think I did that a few times getting Bone a three and then Melvin shot a three.”
“I just wanted to keep making plays, keep staying aggressive,” Hopson said.
Brian Williams added 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Tennessee (15-10, 5-5) has now lost three games in a row for the second time this season.
The Vols will return home to face South Carolina on Wednesday night at Thompson Boling Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
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