FAYETTEVILLE -- When it comes to SEC play, no team is making it tougher to hit three-point baskets than Florida.
The Gators lead the SEC in three-point defense in conference games, holding their eight opponents to 25.7 percent (38 of 143).
Vanderbilt has the highest percentage at 33.3 against Florida on 3-of-9 shooting. Texas A&M has made the most three-point baskets going 7 of 20.
Georgia Coach Mark Fox, whose Bulldogs hit 2 of 12 three-pointers in a 77-63 loss to the Gators, said 6-11 sophomore John Egbunu -- a transfer from South Florida who redshirted last season -- gives Florida a strong rim protector and that the team has bought into playing tough defense for new Coach Mike White.
White, a former Ole Miss point guard and assistant, came to Florida from Louisiana Tech in May after Coach Billy Donovan left for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.
"I think Florida is very sound defensively from top to bottom," Fox said. "Because they have the big guy at the basket, they're able to extend their defense and really cover the three-point line well.
"Mike's done a really good job maintaining the great level of defense that program has had the last several years. I think those kids understand how to defend.
"They know it's an important part of winning. They haven't missed a beat there, and that's a credit to Mike and his staff.
Next it's Arkansas turn to see what it can do against Florida from beyond the 20-foot, 9-inch arc.
The Razorbacks come into Wednesday night's game against the Gators at the O'Connell Center leading the SEC in three-point percentage in conference games at 44.2 percent (61 of 138).
Arkansas has hit least eight three-pointers in four of its past six SEC games, including a 16-of-24 performance against Mississippi State.
Razorbacks senior guard Anthlon Bell on the season has hit 64 of 139 three-pointers (46.0 percent) and junior guard Dusty Hannahs has hit 55 of 121 (45.5 percent).
"Arkansas is interesting in that they shoot it so well, but they don't rely upon it as much as you think," White said. "If you really study their numbers, they're sixth in the country in three-point percentage, but they're 343rd in terms of attempts to field goal attempts ratio.
"They're just really, really efficient in terms of shooting the three."
The Razorbacks have shot 337 three-pointers among their total of 1,322 field-goal attempts. Their 25.5 percent of three-pointers among attempts is ranked 343 nationally by Kenpom.com, a website devoted to college basketball statistics.
Arkansas' 42.2 percent on three-pointers in all games ranks sixth nationally in the NCAA statistics.
Moses Kingsley, the Razorbacks' 6-10 junior, hasn't attempted a three-point shot this season, but Coach Mike Anderson said he'll play a key role in whether Arkansas is able to shoot effectively from three-point range at Florida.
"We're going to have to establish the inside game first," Anderson said. "You don't just predicate it on the perimeter.
"I think we've got to certainly get some things going on the inside. Maybe get their big guy (Egbunu) in foul trouble.
"Get something to the basket and I really believe it will open up the perimeter."
Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl said the versatility of 6-8 Florida senior Dorian Finney-Smith was a major factor in the Tigers hitting 6 of 24 three-pointers against the Gators.
"Finney-Smith is one of the best inside-out players in all of college basketball," Pearl said. "He can guard everything inside and on the perimeter."
White said the Gators' roster has the size and athleticism to get after teams defensively.
"We've got pretty good length and pretty good speed and quickness," White said. "Nothing magical about it. It's one of our strengths."
The only SEC player shooting better than Bell and Hannahs on three-pointers is Vanderbilt sophomore Matthew Fisher-Davis at 49 percent [48 of 98].
"Bell and Hannahs are shooting it as well as just about anybody in our league," White said. "To have two guys that shoot it at that percentage makes them very dangerous."
Sports on 02/02/2016