UA’s skid at Florida now at 10
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It’s been a frustrating season for the Florida Gators falling from a preseason top 10 national ranking to the middle of the SEC pack, but some things haven’t changed for the defending SEC champions.
Florida still doesn’t lose at home to Arkansas.
The Gators beat the Razorbacks 57-56 Saturday at the O’Connell Center, extending Florida’s home winning streak against Arkansas to 10 games and almost 20 years.
The Razorbacks’ last victory at Florida came 19 years, 11 months and 3 days ago, when defending national champion Arkansas won 94-85 on Feb. 28, 1995.
Florida Coach Billy Donovan improved to 10-0 at home against the Razorbacks. Lon Kruger was the Gators’ coach the last time Arkansas won at the O’Connell Center.
Beard starts
Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson gave Anton Beard, a freshman guard from North Little, his first start Saturday.
Beard handled it well, especially playing on the road before an announced crowd of 11,861. He replaced Anthlon Bell in the lineup and finished with 10 points — including a rebound basket that put the Razorbacks ahead 56-55 with 11 seconds left — and 3 rebounds in 31 minutes.
“It was a great feeling to start on the road in front of a big crowd,” Beard said. “I really like the way Coach believed in me.”
Beard had three turnovers but was a primary ball-handler while playing at point guard for much of the game, which allowed Ky Madden to play more of a shooting guard spot.
“I thought Anton played well,” Anderson said. “He directed and took some of the pressure off of Ky in terms of ball-handling and let Ky become a little bit better scorer.”
Beard started after averaging 9.3 points in 22.0 minutes the previous three games.
“He’s earn the right,” Anderson said.
Scouts galore
Florida had seating for 14 NBA scouts at Saturday’s game.
The main attraction was Arkansas sophomore forward Bobby Portis, who came into the game as the SEC’s leading scorer at 17.5 points, including 18.9 in conference play.
“I don’t really care about the NBA at this point,” Portis said. “I’m just trying to be the best college basketball player I can be.”
Bell struggles
Junior guard Anthlon Bell’s shooting slump continued Saturday, when he was 0 of 4 from the field and missed both of his threepoint attempts.
Bell is 1 of 15 on threepointers over the past four games and 6 of 27 from the field overall in that span.
Defensive praise
Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson was asked about the Razorbacks shooting 40 percent from the field (24 of 60) and replied by talking about the Gators shooting 34.1 percent (18 of 52).
“Can we talk about defense?” Anderson said. “I thought our defense was good.
“Offensively, there probably was a little left to be desired for both teams, but it’s like that’s life in conference games. Teams are so familiar with one another.
“I was happy with our defense. I was happy with the effort.”
The Bequettes
Luc Bequette, a defensive end from Little Rock Catholic, and his father, former Arkansas offensive lineman Chris Bequette, were among the crowd at the O’Connell Center for Saturday’s game. Luc Bequette has committed to California, but he took an official visit to Florida this weekend.
Vs. Pelphrey
Arkansas is 1-4 against the Gators since former Razorbacks coach John Pelphrey returned to Florida as an assistant coach for the 2011-2012 season.
Pelphrey had a 69-59 record in four seasons as Arkansas’ coach from 20072008 through 2010-2011 seasons.
Arkansas senior guard Ky Madden and Pelphrey exchanged a brief pregame hug. Madden is the last of Pelphrey’s signees who plays for the Razorbacks.
Low score
Arkansas’ 56 points Saturday were a season-low. The previous low came in a 61-60 victory at Missouri.
Where are they?
None of the four seniors who last season led Florida to a 36-3 record — including 21-0 against SEC teams — and a Final Four appearance are in the NBA, but they are playing professionally.
Scottie Wilbekin, the SEC Player of the Year, is playing in Australia, Patric Young is playing in Turkey, Will Yeguete is playing in France and Casey Prather is playing in the NBA Developmental League with the Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam, an affiliate of the Phoenix Suns.
30-second timeout
Florida improved to 17-11 against Arkansas, including 17-6 under Coach Billy Donovan.
Arkansas is 3-4 on the road. The victories are at SMU, Georgia and Missouri.
Saturday’s game had nine lead changes and six ties.