Florida’s hot shooting too much for Hogs in 88-73 loss

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Arkansas was unable to overcome an early deficit Wednesday night in Gainesville, falling on the road, 88-73, to Florida.

At the first media timeout of the evening, all five of the Razorbacks’ starters were in the scoring column. Down 7-2, Arkansas hit three consecutive 3-point attempts to take its first lead at 11-10.

Following the media break, Florida went on a 28-10 run to take its largest lead of the game to that point at 18.

The Hogs trailed 48-33 at halftime, as Florida out-shot Arkansas 55.6-41.9 percent from the field in the first period. The Razorbacks struggled to get any production from their bench, as Florida outscored Arkansas 17-4 off the bench in the opening frame.

A bright spot for Arkansas was guard Jaylen Barford’s shooting. The senior went 4-of-6 from the field, hitting three from deep, in the first period. However, he was in foul trouble, earning three before half.

Arkansas opened the second half on a quick 5-0 run to cut the Florida lead to 10, after Barford started the the half with a three from the top of the key and freshman Daniel Gafford hit a short hook shot.

Arkansas and Florida traded shots for the next seven-plus minutes, before Barford hit a layup and sophomore guard C.J. Jones stepped into a 3 to cut the Florida lead to nine at 62-53.

That was as close as Arkansas would get, as the Gators went on a 20-8 run following Jones’ three to take their largest lead of the game at 82-61.

Barford led all scorers, recording his seventh 20-point effort of the season, tying a career high with 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting, going 5-of-6 from behind the arc.

Barford also recorded four assists. Barford has 12 career 20-point efforts, including nine coming away from home.

Gafford posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double and the only one recorded ever by a current Razorback.

Senior guard Daryl Macon finished with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Arkansas returns home Saturday to host the Ole Miss Rebels at 2:30 p.m. in front of a sold-out crowd in Bud Walton Arena.