Vernon Macklin's Double-Double Not Enough As Gamecocks Upset Florida Gators

After picking up huge wins over Kansas State, Xavier and Tennessee the past three weeks, the inconsistent Florida Gators fell 72-69 to South Carolina (11-5) at home Saturday afternoon at the O'Connell Center. With this loss, the Gators (12-4) probably prevented themselves from re-entering the top 25.

South Carolina led most of the game, but had to fight off the Gators on several occasions. South Carolina built up a 13-point lead after a layup by sophomore forward Lakeem Jackson at the 3:42 mark, but the the Gators were able to cut it to 10 at the half.

In the second half, both teams spent the first few minutes trading baskets as South Carolina maintained their 10-point lead with 13:28 remaining. A basket by senior forward Alex Tyus cut the deficit to six a few minutes later.

The young Gamecocks squad showed their poise by pushing their margin to 10 with 4:32 in the game, thanks to Jackson's layup. The veteran Gators squad was able to cut the lead to two a short time later after junior guard Erving Walker got fouled on a made shot. Walker had an opportunity to cut the lead to one, but couldn't convert the free throw.

With one minute in the game and the Gators down one, Walker headed to the charity stripe for the first of a one-and-one. Walker bricks the free throw and senior forward Sam Muldrow's huge three put the Gamecocks up by four, and put a dagger in Florida's heart.

Freshman guard Dwayne Ellington showed his toughness by nailing a clutch jump shot with 28 seconds to put the Gamecocks up four. After Walker's layup cut the lead to two, Ellington made both free throws to give South Carolina a 70-66 advantage.

Head coach Billy Donovan pointed out Florida's poor free throw shooting after Tuesday's win over Tennessee, and for good reason. Poor free throw shooting has plagued the team all season, and it certainly cost them dearly in this matchup. Florida is shooting 65 percent from the charity stripe for the season. In this game, the Gators shot a horrible 12-22 (55 percent) from the charity stripe. South Carolina converted 11-15 (73 percent).

Ellington paced South Carolina with 23 points (on 8-15 from the field) , four rebounds and three assists. Muldrow, Jackson, and freshman guard Brian Richardson had 10 each in the upset.

Walker led the Gators with 17 points. Senior center Vernon Macklin notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

The Gators will look to get back on track as travel to take on Auburn in a Wednesday night matchup.