NEW ORLEANS – The shots that had gone in for much of the season finally stopped falling late in overtime for the Gators. This time, there would be no late three-point magic from Kenny Boynton or Erving Walker.
Florida's quest to reach its fifth Final Four in school history ended on Saturday with a 74-71 overtime loss to Butler in the Elite Eight.
As the Gators walked off the court for the final time this season, the Bulldogs celebrated as they became the first non-BCS school to make back-to-back Final Fours since UNLV accomplished the feat in 1990 and 1991.
The Gators (29-8) were seeking their first trip to the Final Four since winning a second consecutive national title in 2007.
"It hurts,'' senior forward Chandler Parsons said. "I've got a sick feeling in my stomach. I didn't want to stop playing with these guys.''
The Gators led by as many as 11 in the second half, going up 51-40 on a jumper by Alex Tyus with 9:26 remaining. The Bulldogs starting a 17-6 run at that point to tie the game at 57 on Shelvin Mack's lay-up with 3:03 left in regulation.
With the score tied 60-all, Florida had possession and a chance to win in regulation but Walker's three-pointer bounced out and the Gators headed to overtime for the second consecutive game and sixth time this season.
In the final moments of overtime and with Butler leading 72-71, Boynton missed a three-pointer with 19 seconds left. The Gators immediately fouled Mack and after he made two free throws, Florida's final chance to extend its season ended when Walker missed a three-pointer with eight seconds left.
Butler's Ronald Nored grabbed the rebound and tossed the ball up court where it was grabbed by Boynton, but he had no time other than to heave a one-handed flip toward the basket.
That was the end. Florida's season was over despite a career-high 25 points from senior center Vernon Macklin. Mack led the Bulldogs with a game-high 27 points.
The Gators led Butler 33-32 at halftime at New Orleans Arena.
Florida took the biggest lead of the first half, 25-15, on Vernon Macklin's basket with 7:02 left before halftime.
However, in the final seven minutes, Butler outscored the Gators 17-8, sparked by a three-pointer off the bench from reserve guard Zach Hahn. Hahn later hit another three to help teammate Shelvin Mack (14 points at halftime) to carry some of the scoring load.
