Barkley Slams Florida's Defense in Iowa Upset

On March 23rd, Charles Barkley ripped into the Florida Gators final defensive play during

their round of 32 upset loss to Iowa in the NCAA.

Tournament

The game ended 73-72 after Iowa hit a buzzer beating three-pointer with four and a half

seconds left.

Earlier this week on the Dan Patrick show, Barkley called it one of the worst defensive

calls ever.

Florida switched a full-core pressure on the inbound pass, which led Iowa's point guard

Bennett Sturds break free and find a varo full-gear as wide.

Open in the corner for the winning shot.

Florida coach Todd Goldin explained the plan was to deny Sturds the ball, force the pass

to a role player, and then foul to stop the clock.

But Iowa ran a clever double-stagger screen that sprung their guy loose, turning it into

a three-on-two break.

Barkley questioned why chase players if fouling was the goal, saying it left defenders out

of position.

Still, he praised Iowa for outworking Florida's big front line with speed and hustle, plus

a smart game plan from their coach.

Goldin agreed in his post-game comments, crediting Iowa's physical toughness, especially early

on, which kept the gators off balance and sealed the.

Gritty victory.