[Sport] Here’s where the Gators stand in the latest USA TODAY Sports bubble watch

[FazzNoth]

Even with a stunning win over then-No. 2 Auburn last Saturday, the Gators positioning in the NCAA Tournament remains precarious after a home loss to Arkansas.

Florida got back on track with a comfortable win on the road against Georgia this weekend, but the victory over one of the worst power conference teams in the country won’t help much. Now, the emphasis is on the season finale against Kentucky, which is squarely in “must-win” territory if this team wants to have any chance at dancing in March.

Per the latest bubble watch from USA TODAY Sports, UF is still on the outside looking in but kept its hopes alive with Saturday’s win.

The Gators (18-11, 8-8 SEC) avoided a résumé stain by getting past SEC bottom-feeder Georgia 84-72. Florida got 27 points from guard Phlandrous Fleming. Florida started the day as one of the “next four out” and made up little ground, but it kept its at-large hopes alive by claiming a must-win game.

Given Florida’s placement in the Next Four Out by most bracket predictions, beating the Wildcats in Gainesville next Saturday may not be enough. This team could need a very strong run in Tampa at the SEC Tournament to solidify its chances.

Missing the NCAA Tournament in Year 7 (which would be Florida’s first time outside the March Madness field since his first season) would not bode well for embattled coach Mike White, but that could be a reality if this team doesn’t win its final two games and pull off an upset or two in the conference tourney.

UF takes on Vanderbilt in Nashville on Tuesday night before returning to the O’Dome for a rematch against the Wildcats, who won by 21 in Lexington earlier this month.

https://sports.yahoo.com/where-gators-stand-latest-usa-175012322.html