Hogs Fall in SEC Tournament to Florida

For the first time since 2016, the Hogs trip to the SEC Tournament was a short one. Arkansas wasn’t able to get enough going offensively in the second half and fell 50-66 to Florida. The Gators needed a win for their NCAA Tournament hopes and it showed. Now the Hogs will sit and wait until Sunday to see what their NIT fate will be.

At 17-15, it feels more likely than not the Hogs will get into the NIT, but conference tournament upsets can change that landscape. There is also a question of the seeding for the Hogs. After losing in the SEC Tournament, it doesn’t seem likely that the Hogs host a game, unless there are unusual circumstances for the team seeded to host, which has been known to happen in the NIT.

Daniel Gafford had a solid showing offensively, getting 15 on 6/9 shooting. But the rest of the team struggled from the field, shooting 11/36 (30.6%) and they got crushed on the boards. Florida out rebounded the Hogs 40-26 on the day.

The Hogs got out to a good start, leading 17-9 early, but things came crashing to a halt offensively for the Hogs. Florida went on to outscore the Hogs 21-11 in the final 11+ minutes of the first half.

The Hogs stayed in striking distance for the second half but couldn’t get over the hump to take the lead at any point. A late spurt from a KeVaughn Allen three and a Keyontae Johnson layup gave them the late cushion they needed to move on.

Allen and Johnson were the two offensive catalysts for the Gators, and were the difference in the win. They finished with 17 and 20, respectively. Johnson was also a force on the boards, getting a double-double as well.