Gators' Slump: Can Shooting Woes Sink Championship Hopes?

The No. 10 Florida Gators are currently navigating a challenging start to their season, marked by a significant deficiency in 3-point shooting, as they hold a mere 23.7% accuracy from beyond the arc. Despite this struggle, the Gators have managed to secure three wins in their first four games, showcasing their resilience and frontcourt dominance. Key players like Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are drawing attention from NBA scouts with their strong performances.

Coach Todd Golden remains optimistic, expressing confidence that the team's shooting will improve, likening their current situation to last season's slow start. The Gators have compensated for their perimeter shooting woes by excelling in the paint, dominating rebounds against opponents like Miami. Haugh and Condon are leading the team in rebounds, alongside Rueben Chinyelu and Micah Handlogten, though Handlogten's availability is uncertain due to a head injury.

On the other side, the Merrimack Warriors are also seeking an upward trajectory, aiming for their inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level. After an 0-3 start, they've achieved consecutive wins. Freshman guard Kevair Kennedy has been a standout performer, earning conference honors for his scoring and all-around game. He forms a strong backcourt with leading scorer Ernest Shelton, as Merrimack prepares to face their second SEC opponent.