GAINESVILLE — Florida opened its national title defense with a loss, a no-show by its All-America candidate and questions across the board.
But the No. 3 Gators’ season-opening 93-87 loss to No. 13 Arizona Monday in Las Vegas wasn’t a red flag, rather a sign of times for coach Todd Golden and his team.
Cooler heads, like Golden, chalked up the loss to the first game with a retooled team replacing some key players. Yet, opinions, even outrage, also flooded social media in the wake of Florida’s first loss since Feb. 25 at Georgia.
“Talk about expectations,” Golden said Wednesday. “But listen, you have to turn it into a positive.”
Fans are sure to witness an emphatic win Thursday night when the Gators host North Florida, 54-point losers (99-45) on Dec. 21 in the O’Connell Center.
If Florida had opted for a soft opening at home rather than a heavy lift on the road amid a pro-Arizona crowd, Golden would have received adulation rather than a reality check that didn’t arrive last season until an SEC-opening loss at Kentucky for the 13-0 Gators.
“If we played a different opponent and won by 30 on Monday, I think people (would) be like ‘Oh wow,’” Golden said. “So we just got to a little adversity early in the year.”
Golden’s Gators left T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip as losers, but with valuable feedback.
After grabbing an early 12-point lead, the Gators struggled to stop the Wildcats the rest of the night as they finished shooting 49.2%.
“We let them get comfortable,” Golden said.
Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) shoots against Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the Gators’ 93-87 loss to the Wildcats Monday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
No one found his stride more quickly than true freshman Koa Peat, who finished with 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Peat outplayed UF veteran Alex Condon Jr., a preseason first-team All-America who returned for his junior season finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a career-high six turnovers.
“That matchup didn’t go the way I necessarily thought it would,” Golden said.
While the 6-foot-8, 235-pound Peat imposed his will, 6-foot-10, 260-pound Rueben Chinyelu had just one rebound and fouled out during just 18 minutes for the Gators.
“Rueben will play a lot better moving forward,” Goldens said. “Alex will play a lot better moving forward. Those guys are great players, so I’m not worried about that.”
Backup center Micah Handlogten filled the void with 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting and a game-high 12 rebounds.
“Micah was physical,” Golden said. “He gave us some really good minutes.”
No Gator had a better night than small forward Thomas Haugh, whose relentless style set the tone and produced 27 points, including 12 at the free-throw line.
“He’s just a winning player,” Golden said.
Meanwhile, the Gators’ rebuilt backcourt was hit or miss as it aims to replace the veteran trio of Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard.
Transfers Boogie Fland (Arkansas) and Xavian Lee (Princeton) too often failed to duplicate Clayton’s shot-making down the stretch, Martin’s defensive doggedness and Richard’s consistency on both ends of the court.
Golden praised Fland’s ability to organize the offense, yet the 6-foot-3, 185-pound sophomore managed just nine points on 3-of-9 shooting and three assists. Considered the Gators’ best on-ball perimeter defender, Fland had three steals, yet Golden was left wanting more.
“That was an area where he can give us better effort,” Golden said.
Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) blocks Arizona forward Tobe Awaka (30) during the Gators’ 93-87 loss Monday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)
Lee had his moments offensively, but finished 5 of 17 from the floor, including 3 of 11 from 3-point range. He did record six rebounds and five assists, displaying the all-around game he showcased at Princeton.
Despite their struggles, the Gators cut into an eight-point lead with 1:40 left and had a chance to tie the game when Fland’s 3-point attempt from the corner grazed the rim.
“Too open, I guess,” Fland told FloridaGators.com. “As a kid, you dream of being able to take a shot like that.”
Fland and the Gators will have plenty of other chances as their title defense continues.
“The good thing is we have 30 more opportunities to go out and win and see what happens,” Golden said.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
