Florida forward Canyon Barry, the son of Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry, has received plenty of attention for adopting his father's underhanded free-throw shooting style. And it has paid off in a huge way for Barry and the Gators this season.
In the Gators' 71-62 win over Texas A&M on Saturday, Barry set a school record by making his 39th consecutive free-throw. He's gone more than nine games and counting since he last missed from the charity stripe.
"Having Canyon Barry come off the bench, with his poise and make free throws, is a difference," Texas A&M's Billy Kennedy said after the game. "He's a difference maker for them."
Indeed he was just that vs. the Aggies. Barry knocked down all four of his free-throw attempts and contributed 12 points for No. 17 Florida (20-5, 10-2 Sotheastern Conference).
Mike White's team, which has now won six straight in the SEC, is tied with Kentucky in the SEC. With six games remaining in the regular-season, it is favored in each game except one -- a trip to Rupp Arena to face Kentucky on Feb. 25. It's looking more and more like that game, coupled with a Feb. 21 showdown with South Carolina, could decide who takes home the SEC crown for the regular season.