Instant Analysis: Chiozza steals a win for Florida

Florida (11-4, 3-0) ended the game on a 7-0 run en route to their 77-75 victory over the Missouri Tigers in Columbia on Saturday afternoon. Despite shooting only 44.1% from the floor and 36.4% from beyond the arc, the Gators were able to get it done on the road against an NCAA Tournament-worthy team.

IT WAS OVER WHEN: Chris Chiozza’s steal and breakaway lay-up as time (essentially) expired will be replayed in the heads of Florida and Missouri fans alike for the next week. Chiozza anticipated the pass, filled the lane and took off for the game-winning scoop-and-score.

THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Jordan Barnett’s scored 28 of Missouri’s 75, piling in points from inside and beyond the arc. Barnett shot 8-13 from the field and 6-9 from long-range.

Chiozza was Florida’s second half star, notching all of his 13 points in the final frame. Once the Gators reverted back to their usual high pick-and-roll offense in the second half, Chiozza found his way.

Kevarrius Hayes’ performance will get lost in the mix, but it certainly shouldn't. Florida’s starting center ended the game with 10 points, 8 of which came in the second half, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. The junior has really upped his defensive game lately, contributing 10 blocks and 5 steals in the team’s past two games vs. No. 11 Texas A&M and Missouri.

THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Florida’s performance at the free-throw line was reminiscent of the 2015-2016 season. The Gators 17-25 (68%) showing at the charity stripe almost cost them the game. UF somewhat turned it around in the final twenty minutes, going 12-16 at the line in the second half.

For just the second time in his career, Keith Stone scored 13 points or more in back-to-back games. He added 9 of his 13 points in the second half, recording 6 total rebounds. His ball screens and spacing opened up the floor, benefiting the Gators’ half court offense.

Despite playing only 27 minutes, Jalen Hudson led the team in scoring with 16 points on 5-7 shooting. He finished the game with a team-leading +13.

WHAT A PLAY: Egor Koulechov’s off-balance, three-pointer towards the end of the first half had Gator fans yelling “3Gor” from their couch. The shot helped fuel a 12-3 run.

Chris Chiozza’s scoop-and-score breakaway layup to win the game for the Gators is sure to make SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.

BOTTOM LINE: Florida should be happy with the fact that they were able to narrowly escape defeat despite a poor shooting effort. The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee puts a lot of stock into conference victories on the road. While Missouri didn’t have Michael Porter Jr., and might not for the rest of the season, the Tigers squad is still loaded with capable scorers and talented players. The Gators played like the better team in the final two minutes and deserved to win this SEC tilt.

UP NEXT: Florida’s next contest comes at home on Wednesday, January 10 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. MSU has only lost one game this season and is ranked 6th in the nation in two-point percentage. Mississippi State lost their only game against Florida last season, 57-52.

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