NEW ORLEANS — Florida had a double-digit lead in the second half, was dominating in the low post and slowly suffocating Butler’s second-straight Final Four run.

How it all went wrong will haunt the Gators for a long, long time.

“I don’t really know what to say,’’ Florida guard Kenny Boynton said, his head leaning against his locker and a blank stare on his face. “We didn’t get a few loose balls, we were outrebounded and then just missed some shots. They just wanted it more, I guess. It’s hard to explain.’’

Shelvin Mack scored 27 points, Matt Howard added 14 and Butler came from behind to beat Florida 74-71 in overtime, denying the Gators a third trip to the Final Four in six seasons.