Florida basketball had its 16-game home win streak snapped, as the No. 4 Florida Gators couldn't overcome an 18-point first half deficit in an 83-82 loss to Missouri on Tuesday night at the O'Connell Center.

UF (15-2,2-2 SEC) suffered its first home loss since falling 87-85 to Kentucky on Jan. 6, 2024.

Florida trailed 50-34 at halftime. Twice the Gators cut the lead to two points in the second half. An Alijah Martin runner cut Missouri's lead to 79-77 with 38.5 seconds left. Then, after Missouri forward Mark Mitchell sank a pair of free throws with 28.2 seconds left, Florida forward Alex Condon sank a wide open lay-in with 6.8 seconds remaining, cutting Missouri's lead to 81-79.

But Missouri guard Caleb Grill calmly sank two free throws with 5.0 seconds remaining, putting Florida up 83-79. Alijah Martin sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it wasn't enough.

Grill led four Missouri scorers in double figures with 22 points, going 6 for 10 from 3-point range. Clayton led four UF scorers in double figures with 28 points.

Missouri didn't play scared, as the Tigers outrebounded UF for most of the game before it ended with Florida holding a slim 37-36 advantage on the boards. The Tigers also took advantage of UF's shakiness with the basketball, scoring 18 points off 13 UF turnovers.

Florida basketball cuts Missouri lead to four points

A driving dunk by Florida basketball forward Thomas Haugh cuts Missouri's lead to 70-66 with 4:45 remaining. Florida coach Todd Golden then calls a timeout to set his defense.

Missouri guard ejected from Florida basketball game with a Flagrant 2 foul

Missouri starting guard Tony Perkins is ejected with 8:45 remaining after committing a Flagrant 2 foul on a shot to the groin area to Alijah Martin. Martin made one of two free throws to cut Missouri's lead to 65-55.

Florida basketball cuts Missouri lead to single digits

Florida starting center Rueben Chinyelu's inside putback cuts Missouri's lead to 58-51 with 12:54 remaining, forcing Missouri coach Dennis Gates to call a timeout. Florida still getting outrebounded at home by a 25-23 margin. Walter Clayton Jr. with 20 points to lead UF.

Florida basketball cuts into Missouri lead

With 14:05 remaining, Missouri remains up 58-46 on Florida. UF cut Missouri's lead to nine points, 55-46, on a Will Richard steal and breakaway laying, but Missouri answered with a 3-pointer from guard Anthony Robinson II to extend its lead back to 12 points.

Missouri takes big lead into halftime over Florida basketball

Missouri takes a 50-34 lead into the half over Florida. Worst half of the season for UF. Florida with eight turnovers and allowed the Tigers to shoot 54.8% from the field and 50% from 3-point range in the first half. Walter Clayton Jr. with 18 points to lead UF. Offense stagnant, four assists to eight turnovers.

Florida basketball cuts into Missouri lead

After trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, Florida has cut Missouri's lead to 44-34 with 3:54 left in the first half. UF is in the double bonus for the rest of the half. Walter Clayton Jr., with 18 points, has helped bring UF back.

Missouri still burning Florida basketball from 3-point line

Missouri has opened up a 42-26 lead on Florida with 6:34 left in the first. The Tigers are shooting 63.6% from the field in the first half and are shooting 63.6% (7-11) from 3-point range. Caleb Grill leads Missouri with 12 points.

Missouri G Caleb Grill burning Florida basketball from long range

Missouri guard Caleb Grill has come off the bench to shoot 4 for 4 from 3-point range, lifting Missouri to a 30-17 lead over No. 4 Florida. Overall, Missouri is shooting 62.5% from the floor and 55.5% (5-9). Walter Clayton Jr. has scored 13 of UF's 17 points.

Missouri takes slim lead into first TV timeout

Missouri takes a 9-7 lead into the first TV timeout against UF. The Tigers have forced two early turnovers. Walter Clayton Jr. with five points for UF.

Missouri basketball starters

Florida basketball starters

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Florida basketball vs Missouri prediction

Florida 81, Missouri 72: Florida will maintain its home win streak behind another balanced scoring effort. Clayton will break out of his shooting slump to lift the offense. UF will withstand Missouri's on-ball pressure and provide its own on the boards with its four-player frontcourt rotation.

Florida basketball vs Missouri betting odds

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