Florida Ends Jimmer’s Season

Jimmer got Jimmered.  In the end, Jimmer Fredette just ran out of steam as the Sweet 16 wasn't so sweet for BYU.

Florida defeated BYU in the Southeast Regional Semifinal, 83-74 in overtime - putting an end to the college career of the Glens Falls native.

Fredette, the nation's leading scorer, scored 32 points on 11-for-29 shooting but ultimately, the Gators were much too big and physical for the undersized Cougars.

Alex Tyus scored 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds as Florida held Jimmer scoreless in overtime.  The Gators outscored BYU 15-6 in the extra frame.

Fredette made just 3 of 15 from 3-point range while getting battered and bruised by Florida's physical defense.

The Glens Falls High School graduate started off slow as he missed his first six shots from the field. In fact, he was held scoreless for about 14 minutes until a layup with about 6:15 left in the 1st half.  He wound up with 10 points by halftime.

Nothing came easy for Jimmer - the Gators let him pay everytime he stepped into the lane.  His chin was bleeding and about halfway thru the 2nd half, he had to wear a bandage - which only added to the drama.

Fredette got the crowd in New Orleans into a frenzy as he drained a 30 foot 3-pointer to tie the game at 63 with 5:00 to go.  But in the end, Florida was just the better team.

BYU (32-5) finished the season with the most wins in school history.  It was the Cougars first Sweet 16 appearance since 1981 - way back during the Danny Ainge era.

Bottom line here: Florida was just too big for BYU. Jimmer was obviously hurting (calf) and by the end of the game, he just looked tired and worn out. A great run for the Glens Falls native. I'm glad he took us along for the ride.

What people don't realize is that Jimmer didn't have much of a supporting cast at BYU. In the NBA, he'll have much better teammates. What you had tonight was a great player playing against a very good team.

In the meantime, leave me alone - my brackets were shot a week ago and now I don't have a local guy to root for anymore.  I'm officially in mourning.