UPDATE: The No. 10 Florida Gators have secured a thrilling 78-76 victory over Florida State University (FSU) in a dramatic comeback at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville, just hours ago. Forward Thomas Haugh and point guard Boogie Fland were instrumental in this nail-biting win, demonstrating their skills under pressure.
Haugh, crucial to Florida’s national championship run last season, scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Fland contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and four steals. With just 15.8 seconds left on the clock, Fland sank two free throws to put the Gators ahead 76-73.
FSU’s senior shooting guard Robert McCray V attempted a game-tying three-pointer with seven seconds remaining but fell short. Despite McCray’s impressive late-game surge, scoring 15 points in the final 6:11, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Gators. A pair of free throws from Florida’s Alex Condon with five seconds to go sealed the win.
The Gators, now 2-1 for the season, faced a tough challenge from the Seminoles (2-1), who entered the game as 17.5-point underdogs. Florida extended its impressive home record to 31-2 since the start of the 2023-24 season and has now won nine consecutive games at the O’Connell Center.
Florida struggled to maintain control early in the game until Haugh and Fland ignited a series of critical plays. Fland finally hit his first three-pointer of the season on his ninth attempt, narrowing the gap to 53-52. Haugh then delivered a powerful dunk, tying the game at 55-55, showcasing their dynamic teamwork.
The intensity escalated as Haugh’s driving layup gave the Gators a crucial 59-57 lead, their first since the first half. Haugh’s defensive prowess was evident when he blocked a Seminoles shot, leading to a fast-break layup by Fland, further boosting Florida’s momentum.
Florida built a lead of up to nine points at 69-60, yet FSU’s McCray kept the pressure on, showcasing his scoring ability with a game-high 29 points. The game marked the closest contest in the rivalry since Florida’s 73-71 defeat in 2015.
This thrilling victory not only underscores the Gators’ resilience but also sets the stage for their upcoming matchups as they aim to continue their winning streak. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Gators prepare for the next challenge in their season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
