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Season in Review: College Basketball 2021-2022

A full in-person season following the COVID-19 pandemic

By Matt Pendleton Photography

July 10^th, 2022

The 2021-22 College Basketball Season

After spending a season "in the bubble," the 2021-22 season returned to some normalcy. We had our access back on the floor and games were not cancelled due to an outbreak.

This season I expanded my coverage thanks to my freelance partnership with USA TODAY Sports/IMAGN.

Scroll down to see my favorite photos from each game I covered this season and make sure to tap the LIKE button in the top right to show some love.

Season in Review: College Basketball 2021-2022

Florida vs Flagler College

I kicked off the college basketball season covering the women in an exhibition game.

Florida Gators Opening Day

A double-header to kickoff the non-conference season.

Florida Women vs Georgia State

Florida Men vs Elon

Florida vs Florida State

Shot for USA TODAY Sports

Florida vs Milwaukee

Shot for USA TODAY Sports

Fort Meyers Tip Off - Ohio State vs Seton Hall

Shot for USA TODAY Sports in Fort Meyers, FL.

Fort Meyers Tip Off - Florida vs Cal

Shot for USA TODAY Sports

Texas Southern's Big Upset

The SWAC Texas Southern team upset #20 Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

Finishing Out December

Florida Women vs Dayton and Murray State

Florida Men vs North Florida

Florida vs Alabama

#15 Alabama came to Gainesville to kick of 2022 for the Florida Men.

Halftime Intro of Coach Billy Napier

Newly hired Florida Gators football head coach Billy Napier addresses the crowd at halftime.

Florida vs Ole Miss

Kicking off 2022 for the Florida Women vs Ole Miss.

Florida vs Vanderbilt

The Gators battled with Jerry Stackhouse's Commodores.

Big 12/SEC Challenge

#1 South Carolina Comes to Town

The Gators are on a 5-game win streak battle with #1 South Carolina.

Florida vs #7 Tennessee

There was no rest for the weary after the Gators lost to #1 South Carolina. The Gators got the upset making a statement win 84-59 over #7 Tennessee.

Florida vs Ole Miss

Florida vs Arkansas

Florida vs #2 Auburn

This was the second time in Florida history that the fans stormed the court. In the end, this gave Florida a fine from the SEC but also showed how much they needed the win.

Finishing Out February

Florida Men vs Arkansas

Florida Women vs Missouri

SEC Tournament 2022

My 15th year covering the SEC Tournament for the Florida Gators. I was fortunate to travel with the Florida Gators as a team photographer capturing all the historic moments on and off the court.

SECT - Florida vs Vanderbilt

Florida gets a comeback win but loses their star player to a season-ending injury.

SECT - Florida vs Ole Miss

Florida tries to rally for their star player, Kiki Smith, but does not have enough left in the tank to get the W. The Gators are eliminated from the SEC Tournament but won enough to make the NCAA Tournament.

NIT - Florida vs Iona

Rick Pitino and his Iona Gaels come to town in the NIT. The Gators squeek by with a win 79-74 for interim head coach Al Pinkins.

Former Head Coach Mike White announced before the tournament that he was leaving for rival Georgia.

NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament

The Florida Gators had a great season earning them a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 6 years.

I was fortunate to travel with the Florida Gators as a team photographer capturing all the historic moments on and off the court.

Star player Kiki Smith, out for the season, helped coach on the sidelines.

NCAAT - Florida vs UCF

The Gators travelled to Storrs, Connecticut to face state rival UCF in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gators could not overcome having their star player on the bench due to injury. UCF won and the Gators season ended finishing 21-11 on the season.

New Men's Head Coach Todd Golden

Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin introduces new Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden. He replaces Mike White who left before the NCAA Tournament for rival Georgia.

Thank You!

I had a great season covering NCAA college basketball. I am grateful for my assignments from the Gainesville Sun and Florida Gators and really excited to further my partnership with USA TODAY Sports.