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    <title>The Florida Basketball Association</title>
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      <title>The Florida Basketball Association</title>
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      <title>McGill’s 29 Points, O’Neal’s Double-Double Power Gators Past Florida A&amp;M</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-29-points-oneals-double-double-power-gators-past-florida-a-m</link>
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           Liv McGill
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            delivered 29 points, while
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           Me’Arah O’Neal
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            recorded a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double, helping the Gators improve to 11-2 with a 76-51 win over visiting Florida A&amp;amp;M (0-9).
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Rattlers 19, Gators 14) 
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            Florida A&amp;amp;M opened with six straight points to turn a 5-5 tie into an 11-5 lead. Camille Jackson, making her season debut, scored 11 points in the quarter on 4-of-7 shooting. The Gators committed six turnovers compared to three by the Rattlers, giving A&amp;amp;M a 6-2 edge in points off turnovers. Three Florida A&amp;amp;M players picked up two fouls each in the opening period.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 38, Rattlers 26) 
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             Florida started the second with six unanswered points to reclaim the lead, then went on an 18-5 run to build a 14-point advantage at 38-24. Camille Jackson was held scoreless after her strong first quarter. Florida shot 9-of-14 (.643) from the field, while the Rattlers managed just 2-of-9 (.222). The Gators limited Florida A&amp;amp;M to seven points in the quarter, marking the 11th time this season they’ve held an opponent under 10 in a period.
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            Liv McGill
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             (10 points) and
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (8 points) each outscored A&amp;amp;M individually during the frame.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 55, Rattlers 40) 
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            Florida A&amp;amp;M scored the first three points after halftime, but Florida answered with 13 of the next 18 to extend the lead to 51-34 with 1:57 left. The Gators shot 8-of-11 from the floor, while the Rattlers went 4-of-13. Florida committed eight turnovers in the quarter compared to three by A&amp;amp;M.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 76, Rattlers 51) 
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             Florida A&amp;amp;M never cut the margin closer than 15, as the Gators closed the game with seven straight points to secure the 25-point victory. Florida shot 7-of-12 in the quarter, with
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            Liv McGill
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             leading all scorers with eight points.
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           KEY STATS
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            Florida shot a season-best 58.3% (28-48), while the Rattlers finished at 32.7% (17-52).
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            Florida converted 17-of-28 free throws; Florida A&amp;amp;M went 13-of-24.
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            The Gators dominated the paint, outscoring the Rattlers 50-18, and held a 14-8 edge in second-chance points.
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            Florida outrebounded Florida A&amp;amp;M 40-27.
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            The Rattlers’ bench outscored Florida’s reserves 22-15.
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           FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS
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             Coach Finley on maintaining momentum heading into SEC play… 
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            "Winning is hard. Winning is really hard. Laila and Me'Arah know that, they understand that. I think that it takes a lot of consistency. We're a young team, we're fighting. I'm proud of these two, I'm proud of their leadership, I'm proud of their buy in. I thought Me'Arah took a tremendous step forward tonight. Laila was obviously in some foul trouble, I thought she was doing some great things, she looked good out there. The foul trouble is going to get you sometimes, right? But I thought Me'Arah did an exceptionally good job of taking that next step forward in her leadership, her demeanor, her body language, her communication and her talk in a competitive setting where she knew that eyes were on her to lead and guide our team."
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             Coach Finley on
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            Caterina Piatti’s
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             growth and emerging skillset… 
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            "Over the course of the last week I saw her become more and more comfortable. I was hearing her voice more and more. She's stepping out of her comfort zone and kind of getting to what she does. Like Me'Arah said, Cat is very versatile. She can guard a lot of different positions, she can play inside and outside, and so the two of them playing together are very dynamic. She's young, she's a freshman, it's her first year in the states and we're proud of where she's at. I know that she's a competitor though and she only wants to get better and better, which is what her trajectory will be."
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             Coach Finley and
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            Me’Arah O’Neal
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             on the Gators’ defensive consistency… 
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            "We're a better defensive team than that. We're one of the better defensive teams in the country. We hang our hat on that, and so I just challenged our team that we should play to our standard."
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            "We take pride in our defense. We talk about staying in the stance, staying disciplined and guarding ours so I just think we emphasize that throughout the whole game."
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           Post Game Press Conference:
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           Head Coach 
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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           ,
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           Me’Arah O’Neal
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           ,
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            and
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           Laila Reynolds
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           GATOR BITES
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            The Gators improved their all-time record against Florida A&amp;amp;M to 14-5.
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             Florida now stands at 33-3 at home during November and December, including 14-1 in December under the
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            era.
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            The Gators are 8-0 at home this season and have extended their streak to 15 straight non-conference home victories.
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            Florida limited the Rattlers to fewer than 10 points in the third quarter, marking the 11th time this season they’ve held an opponent under double digits in a period.
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            The Gators shot 58.3 percent from the field, their best shooting performance of the season.
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            Florida has held all 13 opponents this year below 70 points.
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            Liv McGill
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            reached double figures for the 14th consecutive game (29 points) and logged her ninth 20+ point performance of the season.
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            Me’Arah O’Neal
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            secured her sixth double-double of the year with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
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            Caterina Piatti
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             set career highs with five steals and three assists.
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           The Gators return to action this Sunday, July 21, with a 2:45 p.m. EST tip-off at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. It will be the second game of a men’s-women’s doubleheader and will air on SECN+.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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           SOCIAL: 
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           JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 22:44:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-29-points-oneals-double-double-power-gators-past-florida-a-m</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Blue Devils Edge Gators in Cameron Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/blue-devils-edge-gators-in-cameron-thriller</link>
      <description>No. 4 Duke survived a furious rally from No. 15 Florida, sealing a 67-66 victory in the ACC/SEC Challenge at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Cameron Boozer starred with 29 points, while Isaiah Evans hit the decisive 3-pointer in the final seconds.</description>
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           What Happened
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            DURHAM, N.C. – With 21 seconds remaining,
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            Duke
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            sophomore guard
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           Isaiah Evans
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            drained a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer, and the fourth-ranked
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            Blue Devils relied on their defense to withstand a furious comeback attempt by 15th-ranked Florida, secur
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           ing a 67-66 nail-biting victory in front of a sold-out, thu
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           nderous ACC/SEC Challenge crowd Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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           Freshman forward 
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           Cameron Boozer
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           , t
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           he potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, poured in 29 points, including a huge 3-pointer to break a tie with 2:07 to go. UF junior wing 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            led the Gators with 24 points, while sophomore point guard 
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           Boogie Fland
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            added 16, with all but three in the second half. Junior forward 
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           Alex Condon
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            had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Junior center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            had 14 rebounds and played sensational second-half defense to key the Gators' comeback.
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           Evans’ clutch shot marked the second 3-pointer by the Blue Devils in the final two-plus minutes (the other from Boozer) after they had opened the half by missing their first nine attempts against a determined post-intermission UF defense. The Gators, who had trailed by as many as 15 late in the first half, mounted an impressive rally by holding Duke to just 38% shooting after the break while hitting 47% themselves. That surge allowed them to steadily cut into the deficit until Fland buried a go-ahead 3-pointer with 35 seconds remaining, giving UF its first lead since the 12-minute mark of the opening period.
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           Following a timeout, Evans found space on the left wing and drilled his decisive 3-pointer to put the Blue Devils back in front by one.
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            The Gators still had a chance, but Fland was tied up with Duke guard
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           Caleb Foster
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            near the UF sideline and committed a turnover with two seconds left. Foster then missed the front end of a one-and-one, leaving enough time for Florida to call a timeout with 1.5 seconds remaining and set up a desperation full-court attempt. Haugh’s inbound pass was tipped near the baseline, and the clock expired.
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           UF wing 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            shoots over Duke's 
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           Patrick Ngongba
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            during Tuesday night's ACC/SEC Challenge.
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           Turning Point
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           UF ne
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            eded just one more defensive stop to cap its outstanding effort, but
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           Evans
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           —a proven shooter—was left too open in the closing moments with the game on the line.
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           Staggering Statistic
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            At halftime,
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            had tallied 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while the rest of the
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           Gators
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            combined for only 11 points on 4-of-25 from the field. That offensive struggle created a deep hole on the road, yet
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            managed to claw back and nearly pull off what would have been a remarkable victory.
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           Up Next
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            The challenge continues.
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           Florida
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            (5-3 or 6-2) will have Wednesday off before turning its focus to next Tuesday’s matchup against fifth-ranked, unbeaten
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           Connecticut
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            in the
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           Jimmy V Classic
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            at
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           Madison Square Garden
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            . Though officially a neutral-site contest, the atmosphere will feel like a home game for the
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           Huskies
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            , who will be eager for payback after the
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           Gators
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            ended their bid for a third consecutive national championship in last March’s NCAA Tournament second round at Raleigh, North Carolina.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives 
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           here
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           . 
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/d3fd2d0a-5147-4431-b6a6-8abdd6d73f2b.sized-1000x1000.jpg" length="152059" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:37:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/blue-devils-edge-gators-in-cameron-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Tulsa Snaps Gators’ Home Streak with 74-67 Upset in Gainesville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tulsa-snaps-gators-home-streak-with-74-67-upset-in-gainesville</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — The Florida Women’s Basketball Team erased a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter on Sunday afternoon, but Tulsa (8-4) closed the game with an 8-0 run to seal the win. The loss dropped the Gators to 11-3 overall, ending both their 10-game home winning streak and their 15-game non-conference home streak.
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           Liv McGill
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            paced Florida with 19 points and nine assists.
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Golden Hurricane 20, Gators 15) 
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            Tulsa led 12-11 with 3:08 remaining and scored six of the next eight points to build their largest lead of the quarter at 18-13. The Golden Hurricane shot 8-of-14, while Florida went 7-of-20. The Gators dominated the boards 13-6, including an 8-1 edge on the offensive glass. Mady Cartwright led all scorers with eight points.
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           2nd Quarter (Golden Hurricane 38, Gators 35) 
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            Florida opened the quarter with eight of the first 11 points to tie the game at 23, forcing Tulsa to call a timeout. The Gators briefly took the lead at 27-26, but Tulsa answered with 11 of the next 15 points. Florida shot 9-of-12 in the period, while Tulsa went 6-of-16, with five of those makes coming from beyond the arc. Liv McGill scored eight to lead all scorers.
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           3rd Quarter (Golden Hurricane 57, Gators 46) 
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            With Tulsa ahead 43-39 at the 6:03 mark, the Golden Hurricane went on a 5-0 spurt and later scored 11 of the next 13 points to extend their lead to 54-31. Tulsa shot 6-of-10, including two three-pointers, and added five points from the free throw line. Florida managed just 4-of-13 shooting and committed 10 turnovers.
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           4th Quarter (Golden Hurricane 74, Gators 67) 
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             Florida stormed back with the first eight points of the quarter to cut the deficit to 57-54. A layup by Nidi Yiech tied the game at 60 with 4:21 left, and her three-pointer at 2:19 gave Florida a 65-64 lead. After trading baskets,
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            Liv McGill’s
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             fast break layup with 1:51 put the Gators ahead 67-66. Those would be Florida’s final points, as Tulsa closed with an 8-0 run. Nidi Yiech scored 11 in the quarter on perfect 3-for-3 shooting, while her teammates combined to go 3-of-12.
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           KEY STATS
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            Tulsa hit 9-of-24 from three-point range, while Florida went 4-of-16. Those nine threes are the second-most allowed by Florida this season (Navy, 10-of-22 on Nov. 16, 2025).
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            Florida committed 23 turnovers, which Tulsa converted into 32 points. The Gators forced 19 Tulsa turnovers, turning them into 19 points.
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            Florida outrebounded Tulsa 43-22, including 20-9 on the offensive glass.
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            The Gators shot 11-of-16 from the free throw line, while Tulsa went 17-of-28.
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            Florida outscored Tulsa 40-30 in the paint.
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            Florida’s bench produced 17 points compared to Tulsa’s six, as four of Tulsa’s starters played at least 32:58, with three logging over 35 minutes.
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            Tulsa held a 26-18 edge in fast break points.
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           GATOR BITES
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            The Gators are now 1-2 all-time against Tulsa.
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             Florida’s home record in November and December stands at 33-4, including 14-2 in December under the
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            era.
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            The Gators suffered their first home loss of the 2025-26 season, ending both their 15-game non-conference home streak and their 10-game overall home streak.
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            Tulsa became the first team this season to score more than 70 points against Florida.
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            Liv McGill
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            scored in double figures for the 15th consecutive game (19 points), narrowly missing a point-assist double-double with nine assists.
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            Nidi Yiech reached double figures for the sixth time this season (11 points, all in the fourth quarter).
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            Laila Reynolds
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             scored in double figures for the 10th time this season (14 points).
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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           The Gators will play their final non-conference game before SEC play on Sunday, Dec. 28 against Furman. Tip-off at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is set for 2 p.m. EST, with coverage on SECN+.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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           SOCIAL: 
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           X
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            | 
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           Facebook
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            | 
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           Instagram
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 23:08:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tulsa-snaps-gators-home-streak-with-74-67-upset-in-gainesville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Wrap Pre-Holiday Homestand with Sunday Showdown vs. Tulsa</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-wrap-pre-holiday-homestand-with-sunday-showdown-vs-tulsa</link>
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — The Florida Women’s Basketball Team (11-2) will host Tulsa (7-4) this Sunday afternoon in their final contest before the December holiday break. The matchup is the second game of a men’s-women’s doubleheader at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, tipping off at 2:45 p.m. EST.
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            The Gators enter the weekend riding a 10-game home winning streak after Wednesday’s 75-51 victory over Florida A&amp;amp;M.
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           Liv McGill
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            led the way with 29 points, while
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           Me’Arah O’Neal
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            recorded her sixth double-double of the season, finishing with 14 points and a career-high tying 11 rebounds.
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           As of Thursday, Dec. 18, Liv McGill ranks second nationally in scoring (26.1), fifth in steals per game (4.09), and tied for 20th in assists per game (5.8). She narrowly missed her fourth 30+ point outing of the season on Wednesday, which would have tied her with Iowa State’s Audi Crooks for the most such games among Division I women’s basketball players this year.F
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           Me’Arah O’Neal
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            is averaging 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and is tied for ninth in the nation with six double-doubles. Leila Reynolds (12.8 ppg) joins McGill and O’Neal to give Florida three double-digit scorers this season.
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           Tulsa opened the year with five straight wins before dropping four of its next five. The Golden Hurricane bounced back Thursday night with a 67-43 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
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           Offensively, Tulsa ranks among the nation’s stronger teams in three-point shooting (.339, 82nd) and free throw percentage (.754, 53rd). However, turnovers remain an issue, as they average 20.7 per game, the 32nd highest mark nationally.
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           Preseason All-American Conference pick Mady Cartwright leads Tulsa with 16.1 points per game, shooting 36.4 percent from three and 87.0 percent from the free throw line. Hannah Riddick adds 12.1 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 boards per contest.
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            Florida and Tulsa are tied 1-1 in their all-time series. The teams first met during the 1983-84 season, when Florida earned a 70-52 road win. The rivalry was renewed on December 10, 2023, with Tulsa evening the series after a 72-64 victory.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            paced the Gators with 14 points, and Florida led after each of the first three quarters before Tulsa closed strong, scoring 18 of the final 22 points to secure the win.
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           Tulsa (7-4)
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            Date: Sunday, December 21
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            Time: 2:45 p.m. EST
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            Site: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center
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             Listen:
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            wruf.com/listen-live/
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             Watch:
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            SECN+
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             Live stats:
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Improve the Gators’ record to 12-2 this season. Only seven teams in program history have started with 12 wins in their first 14 games.
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            Extend Florida’s home record to 10-0 this year.
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             Push the Gators to 34-3 at home during November and December in the
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kelly Rae Finley
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             era, including 9-0 this season.
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            Stretch Florida’s streak of non-conference home victories to 16, the sixth-longest such run in program history.
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            Mark the Gators’ 11th consecutive home win overall, also the sixth-longest streak in program history.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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            As of Thursday, Dec. 18, Florida ranks:
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            12th in the SEC in points per game (78.3)
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            11th in scoring defense (56.4)
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            12th in scoring margin (+21.9)
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            11th in field goal percentage (.459)
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            Eighth in field goal percentage defense (.351)
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            16th in three-point field goal percentage (.262)
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            Third in three-point field goal percentage defense (.258)
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            10th in offensive rebound percentage (.374)
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            13th in defensive rebound percentage (.705)
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            13th in assists (13.8)
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            Seventh in steals (11.5)
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            10th in blocked shots (4.54)
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            Tied for 10th in turnover margin (+4.85)
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            The Gators have held 15 consecutive opponents under 70 points.
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            Florida ranks 16th nationally in free throw attempts per game (23.4).
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            Florida’s NET rating, which factors into NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship selections, stood at No. 51 through games of Thursday, Dec. 18.
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Gators women’s basketball history to earn
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            US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week
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             honors on Tuesday, Nov. 11. She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals, while shooting 40.9 percent from three across three Florida wins. She also collected SEC Player of the Week recognition for the same stretch.
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            Liv McGill
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             was
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            named the most outstanding player
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             of the Grand Cayman Classic over Thanksgiving weekend, averaging 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.00 steals, and 1.00 blocked shot.
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            Liv McGill
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             has delivered three games this season with at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Across the more than 4,500 Division I women’s basketball players, the rest have combined for only four such 25-5-5-5 performances.
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           PROJECTED TULSA STARTERS
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           GOLDEN HURRICANE QUICK HITS
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            The Golden Hurricane were projected to finish eighth among 13 teams in the American Conference preseason coaches’ poll.
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            Tulsa currently ranks as the second-best three-point shooting team in the American Conference (.339).
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            Under Angie Nelp, the Golden Hurricane have posted winning records in each of the past four seasons, highlighted by a 25-10 campaign in 2023-24.
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            Tulsa stands 33rd nationally in free throw attempts per game (22.2).
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            The Golden Hurricane are undefeated at home this season (6-0), but have gone 1-2 on the road and 0-2 in neutral-site contests.
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            Junior guard Mady Cartwright earned a spot on the Preseason All-American Conference Second Team.
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            Mady Cartwright, the team’s leading scorer at 16.1 points per game, has reached double figures in nine of 11 outings this season.
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            Freshman Dora Toman has twice been recognized as the American Conference Freshman of the Week this year.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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           SOCIAL: 
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           Twitter
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            | 
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           Facebook
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            | 
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           Instagram
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:55:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-wrap-pre-holiday-homestand-with-sunday-showdown-vs-tulsa</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Add More Final Four Flair to Practice Gym</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-add-more-final-four-flair-to-practice-gym</link>
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           Share:
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           UF junior forward Thomas Haugh mugs under the new San Antonio Final Four floor in the team's practice gym.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – The men’s gym inside the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex may be packed with displays, but there’s always room — with some creative rearranging — for more life-size Final Four memorabilia.
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           Now six mock floors, each featuring its respective Final Four logo, hang above the Florida Gators’ practice court. The latest addition commemorates the 2025 journey to San Antonio and the program’s third NCAA championship, installed by workers this week.
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            "We're incredibly proud to bring more hardware into our practice facility," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said Friday.
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           The San Antonio floor, showcasing vibrant mission and fiesta-inspired designs, joined replicas from the Gators’ earlier Final Four appearances in Charlotte (1994), Indianapolis (2000 and 2006), Atlanta (2007), and North Texas (2014).
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           The newest piece was mounted on the right side of the north wall, while the 2014 floor was shifted to the left. Two large posters featuring the Rowdy Reptiles and honoring past NCAA title teams were removed and will be replaced with three national championship banners positioned in the center of the wall.
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           The cut-outs, aside from the 2007 piece, are not actual sections from Final Four courts.
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           UF purchased the ’07 floor, selling portions as souvenirs but keeping half to display in the practice facility.
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           The 2006 Final Four floor was acquired from the Indy Sports Corp to replace the aging court at the O'Connell Center, where both men’s and women’s teams played for over a decade before it was retired.
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           The ’94, ’00, ’06, ’14, and now ’25 pieces are replica center courts, specially ordered by the University Athletic Association.
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           And each one is stunning.
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           Especially the newest.
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           "The floors on the wall remind us of all the great successes that have created the history, tradition, and success of this program," Golden said. "To be able to add to that after three years is really special – and we hope to add some more in the future."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-3138c2a0.webp" length="101630" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:54:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-add-more-final-four-flair-to-practice-gym</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Late Hokies Surge Stuns Gators in 68–64 Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/late-hokies-surge-stuns-gators-in-6864-thriller</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           BLACKSBURG, Va
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            . — Preseason All-SEC standout
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            poured in 30 points, while Florida’s defense limited Virginia Tech to 40.3 percent shooting. Still, the Hokies managed to edge out a 68-64 win on Thursday evening.
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Gators 19, Hokies 19) 
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            Virginia Tech opened strong, hitting its first four shots to build a 10-2 lead. Coach Finley called a timeout to regroup, and
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           Gift Ezekiel
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            answered with a basket to halt the run. Florida then strung together eight straight points and 17 of the next 22.
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           Liv McGill
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            paced all scorers with 11 points, while Mackenzie Nelson led the Hokies with seven. Florida’s defense forced five turnovers, including four from Carys Baker, who had committed only three in more than 240 minutes of play entering the contest.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 34, Hokies 34) 
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            The Hokies closed the first quarter with four straight points and added the opening basket of the second to reclaim the lead. The period featured two ties and six lead changes, with neither side ahead by more than three until
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           Liv McGill
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           ’s three-point play with 1:43 remaining gave Florida a 34-29 advantage. McGill tallied eight points in the quarter, while the Gators held leading scorer Carleigh Wenzel to just two points on 0-for-6 shooting in the first half.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 52, Hokies 51) 
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            With the score knotted at 41, Virginia Tech surged with six consecutive points, highlighted by two fast-break layups from Carys Baker. Coach Finley again called timeout, and Florida responded with six straight of its own. A jumper by Samyha Suffren briefly put the Hokies back in front, but
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            scored five unanswered to give Florida its largest lead of the quarter, 52-49.
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           4th Quarter (Hokies 68, Gators 64) 
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            The teams were tied at 57 with 6:04 remaining when Virginia Tech went on a decisive 6-0 run. Florida was held scoreless for nearly four minutes during that stretch, though
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           Liv McGill
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           ’s three-pointer with 2:10 left cut the deficit to 63-60. That was as close as the Gators would come, as the Hokies closed out the victory.
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           KEY STATS
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            Florida shot 43.1% (25-58), while Virginia Tech finished at 40.3% (27-67).
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            The Hokies attempted nine more shots, aided by a 12-9 edge in offensive rebounds and committing six fewer turnovers (16 vs. 22).
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            Virginia Tech converted 11 of 15 free throws; Florida went 8 of 16.
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            Florida hit 6 of 14 from beyond the arc, compared to Virginia Tech’s 3 of 15.
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            The Gators limited Carleigh Wenzel to eight points on 2-for-12 shooting, but Carys Baker delivered 24 points on 10-for-16.
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           GATOR BITES
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            Florida now holds a 3-2 all-time record against Virginia Tech.
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            Liv McGill
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             has scored in double figures for 11 straight games (30 points), topped 20 points for the seventh time this season and 20th in her career, and reached 30 points for the second time this season and career.
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            Liv McGill
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             shot 11-for-26 for her 30 points, while the rest of the team combined to go 14-for-32 for 34 points.
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            Laila Reynolds
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              reached double figures for the eighth time this season and 34th in her career (10 points).
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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           The Gators return home for the rest of December, beginning with a matchup against South Alabama on Sunday, Dec. 7. Tip-off at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-39967c31.webp" length="65440" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:27:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/late-hokies-surge-stuns-gators-in-6864-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Dominate St. Francis: Bench Shines in Blowout Victory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-st-francis-bench-shines-in-blowout-victory</link>
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           Share:
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           Sophomore guard Isaiah Brown slams two of his nine points, part of a UF bench that scored a season-high 42 points.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Before the opening media timeout, Florida strung together a quick run of five straight makes, with each starter contributing a basket.
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           It turned into that kind of (stat) evening for the 18th-ranked Gators, who rolled past Saint Francis 102-61 on Wednesday at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center.
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            Senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            continued his climb out of a shooting slump, pacing six UF players in double figures with 18 points. He connected on seven of nine attempts, including two of four from beyond the arc. That marked the fourth time in the last five outings that Lee has led the team in scoring. Junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            added 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            recorded his fifth double-double of the year with 12 points—perfect on all five of his shots—and pulled down 11 rebounds.
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           UF guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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           (11) drives to the bucket for a finish on his way to a team-high 18 points.
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            UF (7-4) finished the night shooting 61%, converting 26 of 31 attempts inside the arc (an 81.3% clip, the program’s best single-game mark since 2003). The Gators also knocked down six of 16 from long range (a season-high 37.5%), controlled the boards 44-19, and poured in 42 points from the bench en route to a 41-point win — the second-largest margin in Coach
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           Todd Golden
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           ’s four-year tenure.
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           That outcome was very much anticipated. Even better, no Florida player was on the floor for more than 25 minutes, a welcome breather considering the grueling pre-Southeastern Conference slate that ranked among the toughest in the nation.
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           "Obviously, a game we expected to win," Golden said of his team’s first home appearance in 26 days – since the victory over Merrimack on Nov. 21 – after a stretch of five contests that took the squad to California, North Carolina, New York, and South Florida. "The message to the guys before the game was to take advantage of the opportunity to compete back in our home gym. We haven't been here in while. We didn't play perfectly, but systematically did pretty well."
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           No shock there. The Red Flash, representing the Northeast League, entered ranked 361st out of 365 Division I programs, making them the lowest-rated UF opponent in the KenPom.com advanced metrics era, which dates back to 1996-97.
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            Florida wasted no time, racing to an 11-2 advantage that forced an SFU timeout less than four minutes in. By then, Lee, Condon, Chinyelu,
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           Thomas Haugh
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            , and
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           Boogie Fland
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            — the starting five — had each scored once. Just a minute later, reserve guard
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           Isaiah Brown
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            added his own basket, making it six different Gators with points.
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           That trend continued throughout, as the home team built a 47-23 halftime cushion and extended it after the break.
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           "It was great being back home," Condon said.
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            By the final buzzer, 11 of the 12 scholarship players had registered at least one field goal. Walk-on 7-foot-9 redshirt freshman center
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           Olivier Rioux
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            capped the night with a two-handed dunk (set up by a smooth drop-off from freshman wing
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           CJ Ingram
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           ) with 42 seconds left. It marked the first career basket for the tallest player in college basketball history.
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           As for Lee, he has averaged 20.3 points across the last three outings, shooting 54.5% overall and 38.8% from beyond the arc. That’s a sharp turnaround from his early-season struggles. The timing couldn’t be better, with SEC play less than two weeks away.
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           "Shots are just starting to fall, so it looks a lot better, honestly," Lee said. "I feel the same out there, [with] a little pressure off now that the numbers are a little bit better. I've been sticking to the same process, and things are starting to go."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:38:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-st-francis-bench-shines-in-blowout-victory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Edge Saint Francis in Thrilling Buzzer-Beater</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-edge-saint-francis-in-thrilling-buzzer-beater</link>
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           Share:
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           Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | General, Men's Basketball, Gymnastics, Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field
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           What Happened 
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           – The 18th-ranked Florida Gators controlled the game from start to finish against Saint Francis on Wednesday night at Exactech/Arena O'Connell Center.
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            Senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            topped the scoring chart for the fourth time in five outings, posting 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting while leading six Gators into double figures. Junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            recorded his fifth double-double of the year with 12 points on a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 11 rebounds.
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            Eleven of the 12 UF scholarship players who saw action added points, joined by 7-foot-9 walk-on center
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           Olivier Rioux
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            , the tallest player in college basketball history. He thrilled the O’Dome crowd with a dunk off a pass from freshman
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           CJ Ingram
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            with 42 seconds remaining.
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           UF surged to a 12-2 lead within the opening five minutes, fueled by six different scorers. The margin grew to 19-6 (with the Gators shooting 80%) after seven minutes, then 30-9 (at 75%) after 10 minutes. Florida carried a 24-point cushion, 47-23, into halftime and extended it further in the second half.
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           UF center Rueben Chinyelu (9) with a first-half flush.
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           Turning Point 
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           The decisive moment came the very day the game was placed on the schedule.
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           Staggering Statistic 
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           UF had six players reach double figures in scoring — the first time that’s happened since the 87-71 victory over Maryland in the "Sweet 16" of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 27 at San Francisco.
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            Up Next 
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           Florida (7-4) returns to action Sunday afternoon for the second of three straight home contests, as the Gators face Colgate (6-5), a top-175 opponent per KenPom, representing the Patriot League.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            .
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0d8a583e.webp" length="184472" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:44:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-edge-saint-francis-in-thrilling-buzzer-beater</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators vs Saint Francis: Home-Court Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-vs-saint-francis-home-court-showdown</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           No. 23 Florida vs. Saint Francis
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            When:
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             Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. (ET)
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            Where:
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            Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center / Gainesville, Fla.
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            Records:
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            Florida (6-4) / Saint Francis (2-9)
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            Series/Last meeting:
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             This marks the first-ever matchup between the two programs.
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            TV:
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             SEC Network with coverage by
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            Rich Hollenberg
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             and
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            Patric Young
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            Radio:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
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            Stations list
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             (featuring
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
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             and
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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            Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Setup 
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           No. 23 Florida and Saint Francis face off in the Gators’ first home appearance since Nov. 21, beginning a stretch of three consecutive O’Dome matchups against low-major opponents during the holiday period. UF, which dropped five spots (from 18th) in this week’s Associated Press poll, enters the contest after Saturday’s 80-70 victory over George Washington in the Orange Bowl Classic at Sunrise, Florida. The Gators will play one additional home game before heading into Christmas break. The Red Flash most recently competed Sunday night, falling 95-67 at Temple.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Breakdown
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           About the Gators: 
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            Florida has climbed back into the nation’s top-10 defensively, but their struggles from beyond the arc remain evident — just 6-for-27 in the win over GW — dragging down offensive efficiency. This comes despite an impressive 77.7% shooting performance inside the arc (21 of 27) and ranking as the country’s fourth-best offensive rebounding team (42.1%). … Guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            , after a puzzling eight-game start to his UF career, has now delivered consecutive KenPom MVP outings, highlighted by his Orange Bowl Classic MVP showing with 24 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 35 minutes. That effort followed a 19-point performance in the loss to Connecticut in New York City. The staff believes the Princeton transfer may have finally turned the corner. … Point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            went scoreless in the first half against the Revolutionaries, missing all four of his shots, but rebounded to finish with 12 points and five assists without attempting another 3-pointer. For the season, Fland is 10-for-47 from deep (21.3%) but 55.8% from two-point range. … Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            managed just five points on five attempts (including 1-for-6 at the free-throw line), though he contributed nine rebounds and seven assists. … Center
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            leads the SEC in rebounding at 10.7 per game, with Condon ranking third at 9.0. … Thomas Haugh sits fourth in the conference in scoring at 18.6 points per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 33.9% from three. … Expect Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            to use this stretch of lighter competition to give extended minutes to bench players, aiming to build depth before SEC play begins Jan. 3 at Missouri. The Gators have been outscored 49-24 in bench points over their last three games, including 21-2 against GW. Backup guard
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           Isaiah Brown
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           , returning after three games, chipped in four points and three rebounds in four solid minutes, but none of UF’s four reserves posted a positive plus-minus, combining for a minus-19 overall.
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           About the Red Flash: 
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           This matchup could be one of the most lopsided in O’Dome history, against a team that reached the NCAA Tournament just last season. Saint Francis, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, captured the 2025 Northeast Conference Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA First Four, where they lost at the buzzer to Alabama State. The program has already announced plans to move to Division II beginning in 2026-27. … According to KenPom, the Red Flash rank fourth from the bottom among the nation’s 365 Division I teams in overall efficiency. Their nine defeats have come by an average margin of 25.8 points, with only one against a high-major opponent — Oklahoma, which won by 36. Their two victories came against Franciscan (Division III) and Penn St. Shenango (United States Collegiate Athletic Association). … The team’s standout, guard Skylar Wicks, is playing at his fifth school in five seasons, having previously spent time at Texas-San Antonio, Incarnate Word, State College of Florida, and Missouri State before arriving in NYC. He’s shooting 42.4% overall and 40% from three (22-for-55). … Point guard Zion Russell  is the only other Red Flash player averaging double figures.
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           Xaivian Lee
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            16.7
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             — Lee has averaged 16.7 points across his last four outings. After starting his Gator career with a 7-for-42 mark from beyond the arc over six games, Lee has improved to 10-for-29 in his last six attempts. That’s 34.4% — much closer to the 33.4% he posted during three seasons at Princeton.
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            26
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             — It has been 26 days since the Gators last appeared in the O’Dome. Their most recent home game was an 80-45 win over Merrimack on Nov. 21.
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            87.8
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             — The percentage of minutes Haugh has logged for the Gators this season. That figure ranks 35th nationally among all players.
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           Welcome home, fellas.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            .
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b5cf1aaf.webp" length="222560" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:28:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-vs-saint-francis-home-court-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Spring 2026 Gator Talk: Coaches, Stars &amp; Stories Revealed</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/spring-2026-gator-talk-coaches-stars-stories-revealed</link>
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           Share:
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           If you can't join the Florida coaches and the Voice of the Gators Sean Kelley Thursdays at Miller's Ale House for Gator Talk, listen on the Gator Sports Network affiliated stations.
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           SUNRISE, Fla.
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            – As the final handshakes and congratulations wrapped up late Saturday afternoon, the loudspeaker announced the Most Valuable Player of Florida’s 80-70 victory over George Washington in the Orange Bowl Classic: senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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           Moments later, Lee stood on a riser in the media room, fielding questions about his immediate reaction to receiving MVP honors.
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           "Honestly," Lee said. "My first thought was, 'They have an MVP for this?' "
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           Indeed, they do—and the Princeton transfer was the obvious selection after delivering 24 points, sinking four 3-pointers, collecting six rebounds, and distributing four assists across 36 minutes. He shot six of 10 from the field, four of eight from beyond the arc, and eight of 10 at the free-throw line.
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           With each basket and decisive play, his confidence visibly grew.
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           "Obviously, basketball is about making shots," Lee said. "I've tried to let it come, so to do it in a win is nice."
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           Coming off his 19-point performance in Tuesday’s loss to fifth-ranked Connecticut, Lee is steadily distancing himself from the rough eight-game start to his UF career, when he managed just 24.7% shooting overall and 21.1% from long range. It wasn’t the debut he envisioned at his new program.
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           "I never bought into it," GW coach Chris Caputo said of the early scouting reports on Lee. "You could see him getting more comfortable."
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           His teammates echoed that sentiment.
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            "We've always known what he can do," said junior wing
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           Thomas Haugh
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            , who played alongside
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            Lee
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           during their Pennsylvania prep school days. "Never a doubt."
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            Haugh
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            also had a strong showing Saturday, contributing 19 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            added 10 points and five assists, while junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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           balanced a five-point outing with nine rebounds and seven assists. The Gators (6-4) erupted for 50 points on 67% shooting in the second half, building a 20-point cushion and snapping their two-game losing streak.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            thunders home a flush in the second half Saturday on his way to 19 points.
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            UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , however, wasn’t overly enthusiastic about a performance that featured a blistering 77.8% shooting inside the 3-point line, which helped balance out another rough outing (22.2%) from beyond the arc. His concern wasn’t about the poor perimeter shooting—where Gators named Xaivian went 2-for-19 and those not named Xaivian or Tommy went 0-for-11—but rather the recurring issues that have plagued the team in its four losses this season.
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           "As I told the guys, we're never going to be disappointed with a 10-point victory, [but] I do think we have a lot that we need to continue to improve upon, a lot in the areas that we say doesn't require much talent," Golden said. "I feel like we're trying, but we have not been consistent enough. It's really important for me and for 'X' and his teammates, over the next couple weeks, prior to and through the break before SEC play, to tighten up in those areas."
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           He specifically pointed to careless turnovers and late 50-50 plays that went George Washington’s way. The Revolutionaries (8-4) scored 25 points in the final eight minutes and twice trimmed the UF lead to eight with under two minutes left.
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           "[We] just weren't able to mentally hold ourselves accountable enough to finish possessions defensively and get shots on the rim on the offensive side," Golden said. "We can't be content being up 20 at that point. I kind of sound like a hard-ass, but we've got to win that game by 25 for me to be satisfied with our performance. We gave them life and let them back in the game a little bit. It wasn't what I was expecting the last 10 minutes."
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           What he wanted to see was more in line with the first 10 minutes of the second half, which was a clear improvement over a sluggish opening period. In the first half, the Gators shot just 36.7%, gave up 16 points in the paint, and held a slim 30-27 lead at halftime. The locker room talk focused on the fundamentals—the things that don’t require talent.
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           Those adjustments showed immediately after the break.
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            The Gators opened with an 11-0 run to stretch the lead to 14.
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            GW briefly halted the surge with a basket, but Lee responded with the first of his two 3-pointers in the half to keep momentum alive.
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            Another 9-0 burst by GW cut the margin to 11, but three straight dunks—two by Thomas Haugh and one by Boogie Fland—pushed the lead back to 19 with under seven minutes remaining.
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           That was the moment Golden wanted to see his team display a killer instinct.
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           Instead, he felt the group fell short of its potential down the stretch.
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           "Whether down 10, up 10 or down 20, that shouldn't change [the approach] in our program," Golden said. "Our guys know from the amount of conversations we have on a daily basis how important that is to us. We're trying to be a championship team, so we have to hold ourselves to that standard for 40 minutes."
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           Xaivian Lee (1) in the open floor and on the attack against the Revoluntionaries.
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           hile Todd Golden and the Gators continue striving to meet their program’s standard, it’s reassuring to see Xaivian Lee climbing back toward the lofty expectations he established in the Ivy League and carried with him to Gainesville.
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           "I always try to keep my confidence high, despite whatever is going on," said Lee, the MVP. "But it's been tested the last couple weeks."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at 
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    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           . 
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      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:28:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/spring-2026-gator-talk-coaches-stars-stories-revealed</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Spring 2026 Gator Talk: Coaches, Athletes &amp; Action Revealed</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/spring-2026-gator-talk-coaches-athletes-action-revealed</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | General, Men's Basketball, Gymnastics, Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Spring 2026 lineup for Gator Talk, presented by Dream Finders Homes, kicks off Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m., broadcasting live from
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    &lt;a href="https://millersalehouse.com/locations/gainesville/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Miller's Ale House
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            . Men's basketball head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1648" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            will join Voice of the Gators
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2023/8/22/sean-kelley-voice-of-the-gators" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            to launch the opening show.
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            The series will feature six episodes running from January through early March, with three UF head coaches scheduled to appear. Episodes will highlight
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/coaches/mike-holloway/2139" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Mike Holloway
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            (Track &amp;amp; Field) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-gymnastics/roster/coaches/jenny-rowland/1746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jenny Rowland
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            (Gymnastics), while the March 5 finale will showcase select Florida student-athletes.
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            Golden is set for three appearances – Jan. 8, Jan. 22, and Feb. 19 – during the men’s basketball season, complementing his earlier
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           preseason visit on Oct. 23.
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            Gator Talk delivers a weekly, hour-long update on the latest in Gator athletics. Fans can tune in across all
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           38 affiliates of the Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD
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            , through the
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2019/7/31/mobile-app" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Gators Mobile App
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            , or via the
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           Varsity Mobile App
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           .
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            Supporters are invited to attend the live broadcast from 7–8 p.m. at
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           Gainesville’s Miller’s Ale House
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           .
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           Spring 2026 Gator Talk Schedule
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           All episodes run 7–8 p.m. live from Miller’s Ale House in Gainesville, Fla.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:01:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/spring-2026-gator-talk-coaches-athletes-action-revealed</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Tip Off Wednesday Doubleheader vs. Florida A&amp;M at 3 PM</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-tip-off-wednesday-doubleheader-vs-florida-a-m-at-3-pm</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           — The Florida Women’s Basketball Team (10-2) continues its homestand this week with two contests leading into the holiday break, beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 against Florida A&amp;amp;M (0-8). Tip-off at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST, serving as the opening game of a doubleheader before the nationally-ranked Florida men’s basketball team faces St. Francis at 6:30 p.m.
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            The Gators enter the matchup following an 85-41 win over West Georgia, where Florida held the Wolves to just 19.6 percent shooting (third lowest in program history) and nine made field goals (tied for the fewest ever allowed by a Gators team, and the fewest this season by an SEC defense). Junior transfer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jade-weathersby/17732" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jade Weathersby
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            posted a season-high 13 points, while
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me’Arah O’Neal
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            (17 points, 10 rebounds) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            (12 points, 10 assists) each recorded double-doubles.
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            As of Dec. 14,
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           Liv McGill
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            ranks second nationally in scoring (25.8 ppg), fifth in steals per game (4.00), and 22nd in assists per game (5.9). The Minnesota native has narrowly missed four triple-doubles this season, including her 12-point, 10-assist, nine-rebound performance against West Georgia.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me’Arah O’Neal
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            (14.1 ppg) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            (13.4) join McGill to give Florida three double-digit scorers. The Gators are averaging 78.5 points per game, which, if sustained, would mark the second-highest scoring average in program history.
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           Florida A&amp;amp;M is still searching for its first victory of the season after a significant roster overhaul in the offseason. The Rattlers return only two players from last year, who combined for 21 games and 239 minutes.
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           Junior guard Shaniyah McCarthy leads A&amp;amp;M with 10.9 points per game, while five other players average between 6.4 and 9.5 points. Breazia Robinson (.458) is the lone starter shooting above 40 percent, as the team collectively connects on just 32.3 percent of its attempts. Florida A&amp;amp;M’s scoring average of 53.0 points per game ranks 15th lowest nationally.
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           On defense, the Rattlers allow opponents to score 82.8 points per game and give up 35.5 percent shooting from three-point range.
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           The Gators and Rattlers share three common opponents this season: Florida State, South Alabama, and Jacksonville.
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            Florida holds a 13-5 all-time record against the Rattlers and has captured six consecutive victories in the series. Those six wins have come by an average margin of 30.3 points per game. In last year’s 102-67 triumph,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            scored 21 points to lead six Gators in double figures, while RA Shays Kyle contributed a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double. Florida shot 59.6 percent from the floor and forced 22 turnovers from A&amp;amp;M.
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           Florida A&amp;amp;M (0-8)
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            Date: Wednesday, December 17
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            Time: 3 p.m. EST
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            Site: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center
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             Listen:
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      &lt;a href="http://wruf.com/listen-live/"&gt;&#xD;
        
            wruf.com/listen-live/
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             Watch:
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            SECN+
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             Live stats:
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Improve the Gators’ record to 11-2 this season. Only eight teams in program history have started with 11 wins in their first 13 games.
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            Extend Florida’s home record to 9-0 this year.
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             Push the Gators to 33-3 at home during November and December in the
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kelly Rae Finley
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             era, including 8-0 this season.
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            Stretch Florida’s streak of non-conference home victories to 15, tying for the sixth-longest such run in program history.
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            Mark the Gators’ 10th consecutive home win overall, which would stand as the sixth-longest streak in program history.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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            As of Sunday, Dec. 14, Florida ranks 10th in the SEC in points per game (78.5), 10th in scoring defense (56.8), 12th in scoring margin (+21.7), 11th in field goal percentage (.453), eighth in field goal percentage defense (.364), first in three-point field goal percentage defense (.252), seventh in steals (11.6), ninth in turnover margin (+5.50), ninth in defensive rebound percentage (.374), and ninth in blocked shots (4.67).
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            The Gators have limited 14 consecutive opponents to fewer than 70 points.
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            Florida’s NET rating, which factors into NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship selections, stood at No. 45 through games of Sunday, Dec. 14.
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Gators women’s basketball history to earn
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            US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week
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             honors on Tuesday, Nov. 11. During that stretch, she averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals, while hitting 40.9 percent of her three-point attempts across three Florida victories. She also collected SEC Player of the Week recognition for the same performances.
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            Liv McGill
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             was
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            named the most outstanding player
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             of the Grand Cayman Classic over Thanksgiving weekend, averaging 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.00 steals, and 1.00 blocked shot.
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            Liv McGill
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             has recorded three games this season with at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Across the more than 4,500 players competing in Division I women’s basketball, the rest have combined for only three such 25-5-5-5 performances.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA A&amp;amp;M STARTERS
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           RATTLERS QUICK HITS
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            The Rattlers bring back only two players from their 2024-25 roster.
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            Florida A&amp;amp;M Head Coach Bridgette Gordon competed for the Sacramento Monarchs during the WNBA’s first two seasons (1997, 1998).
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            The Rattlers are still searching for their first victory of the 2025-26 campaign and have dropped 11 consecutive games dating back to last season.
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            Florida A&amp;amp;M averages 53.0 points per game offensively, ranking as the 15th lowest mark nationally.
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            Defensively, the Rattlers surrender 82.8 points per game, the fifth-highest average in the country.
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            Florida A&amp;amp;M was projected to finish eighth out of 12 teams in the SWAC preseason poll, as determined by league coaches and sports information directors.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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           SOCIAL: 
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           Twitter
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            | 
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           Facebook
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            | 
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           Instagram
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8a5d9a59.webp" length="79788" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:14:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-tip-off-wednesday-doubleheader-vs-florida-a-m-at-3-pm</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8a5d9a59.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dominant Gators: O’Neal &amp; McGill Shine in 85–41 Rout of West Georgia</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dominant-gators-oneal-mcgill-shine-in-8541-rout-of-west-georgia</link>
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            —
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jade-weathersby/17732" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jade Weathersby
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            delivered a season-best 13 points, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (17 points, 10 rebounds) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            (12 points, 10 assists) each tallied double-doubles, powering the Gators (10-2) to an 85-41 triumph over West Georgia (4-4) on Sunday.
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Gators 18, Wolves 5) 
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             West Georgia opened with the first basket, but Florida answered by scoring 18 of the next 21 to close the quarter. The Wolves committed six turnovers and managed just one of eight field goals. This was the ninth time this season Florida held an opponent under 10 points in a quarter. Seven Gators contributed offensively, led by
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/17715" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Dizeko
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             with five points.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 47, Wolves 26) 
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             Florida steadily widened its lead to as many as 23, converting nine of its first 11 attempts. The Wolves’ Asia Donald led all scorers with 10 points in the quarter, while
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jade-weathersby/17732" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jade Weathersby
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             paced Florida with nine. The Gators forced seven turnovers without committing any themselves.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 64, Wolves 31) 
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             Florida came out of halftime strong, scoring the first 15 points to build a 62-26 lead with 4:29 left. West Georgia missed all 13 of its field-goal attempts, including seven from beyond the arc. Florida also struggled, shooting just five of 21 overall and one of eight from distance.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             led all scorers with seven points. This was the 10th time this season Florida held an opponent under 10 points in a quarter.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 85, Wolves 41) 
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             Florida opened the final frame with an 8-0 run and later added a 7-0 spurt, stretching the margin to 46. Defensively, the Gators limited West Georgia to two of 13 shooting, including 0-for-6 from three-point range. Seven Gators scored in the quarter, led by
            &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             with six.
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           KEY STATS
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            Florida shot 42.6% (29-68) from the floor, while West Georgia managed 19.6% (9-46).
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            The Wolves hit just one of 21 three-point attempts; Florida went 6-for-24.
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            Florida converted 21 of 25 free throws; West Georgia made 22 of 35.
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            The Gators dominated the paint (46-14) and fast breaks (25-0).
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            Florida outrebounded West Georgia 52-31, including 18-8 on the offensive glass, leading to a 19-11 edge in second-chance points.
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            The Gators forced 21 turnovers, turning them into 25 points, while the Wolves capitalized on 14 Florida miscues for just four points.
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            Florida assisted on 24 of its 29 made baskets.
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            The Gators’ bench contributed a season-high 36 points.
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           FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS
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             Coach Finley on the depth of the bench… 
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            "I truly believe the strength of our team is our team. As a coach, I have a lot of confidence in every single one of our student athletes being able to come in and contribute, no matter what the need is for that game. Next game, is going to be a totally different game. Our littles are going to have to be ready to play. Florida A&amp;amp;M is extremely fast, they play five guards, they're quick, they're downhill. That's something, Me'Arah and I have competed together in a lot of games now, she understands that 'Okay, it might be a totally different game plan, but we do what we do.' There's somebody"
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             Coach Finley on
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/17715" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Dizeko
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             scoring the three today and what she saw from her for that outcome… 
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            "I thought Lex played with a lot of joy tonight. I tried to give her a little bit of a rest, her foot's been bothering her a little bit here. She played with a lot more joy. She is fun to coach, I told her before the game that I had the best job in the world. I get to coach this team and they're all special and unique in their own right. Lex is a good three-point shooter, it hasn't been falling for her lately. She works tirelessly at it, but as you know you kind of just have to relax a little bit to make things happen and I think she's one of the best defenders in the SEC. Undoubtedly. She took three charges, and to that taking charges is sacrificing your body for the good of the team. It takes an incredible defensive IQ to be able to anticipate charges, to see it, stand there and then take it. She is elite at that."
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            Jade Weathersby
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             on who has helped her assimilate to the Florida program… 
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            "Being completely honest, I feel like almost everybody on the team has helped me in their own way. I'm learning different aspects from different players of the game when it comes to my development. Like Me'Arah, great person for learning the game down low, or I might talk to Laila when it comes to learning getting that three-spot. So, honestly the whole team has contributed greatly to that."
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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           ,
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           Jade Weathersby
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           ,
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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           GATOR BITES
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            The Gators improved to 1-0 all-time against West Georgia.
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             Florida now holds a 33-3 record at home during November and December, including 13-1 in December under the
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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             era.
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            The Gators are 7-0 at home this season and have extended their streak to 14 straight home wins against non-conference opponents.
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            West Georgia’s nine made field goals tie the fewest ever against Florida and mark the lowest total by an SEC opponent this season. The last SEC team to hold an opponent to nine or fewer field goals was Ole Miss on Nov. 30, 2024, when Alabama State managed just eight.
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            The Wolves’ 19.6% shooting from the field ranks as the third-lowest percentage ever recorded by a Florida opponent.
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            Florida’s 52 rebounds are their highest in a game this season. The last time they surpassed that mark was Dec. 21, 2024, when they grabbed 53 against North Florida.
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            Eleven of the 12 Gators contributed points in the game.
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            Florida’s 24 assists are their season-high. The last time they recorded more was Dec. 3, 2016, with 30 against Long Beach State.
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            The Gators’ bench scored 36 points, their most this season, surpassing the 30 they tallied against Samford on Nov. 13.
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            Florida converted 21 of 25 free throws (.840), their best percentage this season. The last time they shot better while attempting at least 25 was March 3, 2024, against Auburn, when they went 28-for-30 (.933).
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            Florida held West Georgia to just five points in both the first and third quarters, marking the ninth and 10th times this season they’ve limited an opponent to fewer than 10 points in a period.
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            The Gators have kept all 12 opponents this season under 70 points.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             reached double figures for the 13th consecutive game (12 points) and notched her fourth career point-assist double-double (10 assists). She also came within one rebound of her second career triple-double.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             registered her fifth double-double of the season (17 points, 10 rebounds).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jade-weathersby/17732" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jade Weathersby
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             scored 13 points, her highest total since joining the Gators.
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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           The Gators stay home this week for a Wednesday, Dec. 17 matchup against Florida A&amp;amp;M. Tip-off at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST on SECN+.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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           SOCIAL: 
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           X
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            | 
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           Facebook
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            | 
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           Instagram
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-623902b7.webp" length="120074" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 13:04:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dominant-gators-oneal-mcgill-shine-in-8541-rout-of-west-georgia</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-623902b7.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-623902b7.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lee’s Career Night Lifts Gators Over George Washington in Orange Bowl Classic</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/lees-career-night-lifts-gators-over-george-washington-in-orange-bowl-classic</link>
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      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           SUNRISE, Fla
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            . – Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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            continued to work his way out of an early-season shooting slump on Saturday, posting a
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            Florida
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           career-high 24 points, including four 3-pointers, to lead the 18th-ranke
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           d Gators to an 80-70 win over George Washington in the Orange Bowl Classic at Amerant Arena.
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           Lee shot 6-for-11 from the field, 4-for-8 from long range, while adding six rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes to earn MVP honors. It was a strong follow-up to his 19-point performance in Tuesday’s four-point loss to fifth-ranked Connecticut in
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            New York, when he entered shooting just 24.7% overall and 21.1% from three. Junior forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and four emphatic second-half dunks. Sophomore point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            chipped in 12 points and five assists, while forward
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           Alex Condon
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            scored five but led the team with n
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           ine rebounds and seven assists.
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           The Gators shot 50% overall, including 66.7% in the second half to build a 20-point cushion. The Revolutionaries closed the gap to 11 before UF extended the margin again, though they hit eight of their final 10 shots to make the score appear closer than the game truly was. It might have been tighter had GW performed better at the free-throw line, where they went just 7-for-19 (36.8%) despite entering at 75.6% on the season.
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           UF held a slim 30-27 halftime lead after shooting only 36.7% in the opening period and 4-for-19 from three (21%). Less than three minutes into the second half, the Gators surged ahead by 14 thanks to an 11-0 run that featured scoring from four different players. By the eight-minute mark, the lead had ballooned to 20 at 54-34. The Revs responded with a 9-0 run to briefly make things interesting.
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            ﻿
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           Florida answered quickly with a seven-point burst, highlighted by three consecutive highlight-reel dunks from Haugh, Fland, and then Haugh again, restoring an 18-point advantage with under seven minutes left. GW cut the deficit to eight twice in the final minute, but UF closed the game at the free-throw line to secure the victory.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (10) in action Saturday against GW. 
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           Turning Point
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            The beginning of the second half. It energized the
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           UF
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            bench and ignited the partisan crowd.
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           Staggering Statistic
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            The
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           Gators’
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            struggles from beyond the arc persisted, hitting just six of 27 attempts (22.2%). It marked their seventh game this season shooting under 30% from deep. Inside the arc, however,
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           UF
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            was dominant, converting 21 of 27 shots — an impressive 77.7%.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (6-4) returns home for the first time in 26 days, hosting Saint Francis (2-8) on Wednesday night. The Red Flash, members of the Northeast Conference, rank among the nation’s weakest teams by metrics, with their only two wins coming against a Division III opponent and another from the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.'
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:22:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/lees-career-night-lifts-gators-over-george-washington-in-orange-bowl-classic</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Xaivian Lee Shines: Gators Triumph in Orange Bowl Classic</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/xaivian-lee-shines-gators-triumph-in-orange-bowl-classic</link>
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           Xaivian Lee (1), following his 24-point performance, gets his Orange Bowl Classic MVP photo op, alongside (from left) UF coach Todd Golden, Obie the Orange Bowl Mascot and an event rep.
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           SUNRISE, Fla.
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            – As the final handshakes and congratulations wrapped up late Saturday afternoon, the loudspeaker announced the Most Valuable Player of Florida’s 80-70 victory over George Washington in the Orange Bowl Classic: senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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           Moments later, Lee stood on a riser in the media room, fielding questions about his immediate reaction to receiving MVP honors.
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           "Honestly," Lee said. "My first thought was, 'They have an MVP for this?' "
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           Indeed, they do—and the Princeton transfer was the obvious selection after delivering 24 points, sinking four 3-pointers, collecting six rebounds, and distributing four assists across 36 minutes. He shot six of 10 from the field, four of eight from beyond the arc, and eight of 10 at the free-throw line.
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           With each basket and decisive play, his confidence visibly grew.
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           "Obviously, basketball is about making shots," Lee said. "I've tried to let it come, so to do it in a win is nice."
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           Coming off his 19-point performance in Tuesday’s loss to fifth-ranked Connecticut, Lee is steadily distancing himself from the rough eight-game start to his UF career, when he managed just 24.7% shooting overall and 21.1% from long range. It wasn’t the debut he envisioned at his new program.
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           "I never bought into it," GW coach Chris Caputo said of the early scouting reports on Lee. "You could see him getting more comfortable."
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           His teammates echoed that sentiment.
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            "We've always known what he can do," said junior wing
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           Thomas Haugh
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            , who played alongside
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           during their Pennsylvania prep school days. "Never a doubt."
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            also had a strong showing Saturday, contributing 19 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore point guard
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            added 10 points and five assists, while junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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           balanced a five-point outing with nine rebounds and seven assists. The Gators (6-4) erupted for 50 points on 67% shooting in the second half, building a 20-point cushion and snapping their two-game losing streak.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            thunders home a flush in the second half Saturday on his way to 19 points.
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           Todd Golden
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           , however, wasn’t overly enthusiastic about a performance that featured a blistering 77.8% shooting inside the 3-point line, which helped balance out another rough outing (22.2%) from beyond the arc. His concern wasn’t about the poor perimeter shooting—where Gators named Xaivian went 2-for-19 and those not named Xaivian or Tommy went 0-for-11—but rather the recurring issues that have plagued the team in its four losses this season.
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           "As I told the guys, we're never going to be disappointed with a 10-point victory, [but] I do think we have a lot that we need to continue to improve upon, a lot in the areas that we say doesn't require much talent," Golden said. "I feel like we're trying, but we have not been consistent enough. It's really important for me and for 'X' and his teammates, over the next couple weeks, prior to and through the break before SEC play, to tighten up in those areas."
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           He specifically pointed to careless turnovers and late 50-50 plays that went George Washington’s way. The Revolutionaries (8-4) scored 25 points in the final eight minutes and twice trimmed the UF lead to eight with under two minutes left.
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           "[We] just weren't able to mentally hold ourselves accountable enough to finish possessions defensively and get shots on the rim on the offensive side," Golden said. "We can't be content being up 20 at that point. I kind of sound like a hard-ass, but we've got to win that game by 25 for me to be satisfied with our performance. We gave them life and let them back in the game a little bit. It wasn't what I was expecting the last 10 minutes."
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           What he wanted to see was more in line with the first 10 minutes of the second half, which was a clear improvement over a sluggish opening period. In the first half, the Gators shot just 36.7%, gave up 16 points in the paint, and held a slim 30-27 lead at halftime. The locker room talk focused on the fundamentals—the things that don’t require talent.
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           Those adjustments showed immediately after the break.
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            The Gators opened with an 11-0 run to stretch the lead to 14.
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            GW briefly halted the surge with a basket, but Lee responded with the first of his two 3-pointers in the half to keep momentum alive.
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            Another 9-0 burst by GW cut the margin to 11, but three straight dunks—two by Thomas Haugh and one by Boogie Fland—pushed the lead back to 19 with under seven minutes remaining.
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           That was the moment Golden wanted to see his team display a killer instinct.
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           Instead, he felt the group fell short of its potential down the stretch.
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           "Whether down 10, up 10 or down 20, that shouldn't change [the approach] in our program," Golden said. "Our guys know from the amount of conversations we have on a daily basis how important that is to us. We're trying to be a championship team, so we have to hold ourselves to that standard for 40 minutes."
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           Xaivian Lee (1) in the open floor and on the attack against the Revoluntionaries.
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           W
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           hile Todd Golden and the Gators continue striving to meet their program’s standard, it’s reassuring to see Xaivian Lee climbing back toward the lofty expectations he established in the Ivy League and carried with him to Gainesville.
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           "I always try to keep my confidence high, despite whatever is going on," said Lee, the MVP. "But it's been tested the last couple weeks."
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives
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           here
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           . 
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      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 06:48:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/xaivian-lee-shines-gators-triumph-in-orange-bowl-classic</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Seek Redemption in Orange Bowl Classic Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-seek-redemption-in-orange-bowl-classic-showdown</link>
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           UF coach Todd Golden (left) is keeping it positive with his players after exiting a stretch of four close losses, three of them against teams currently ranked among the top five in the country.
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           SUNRISE, Fla.
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            – The shortcomings so far have been obvious. They begin with extremely poor — among the worst nationally — 3-point shooting. The
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           Florida Gators
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            have also been careless with the ball and inconsistent defensively in the paint, particularly with excessive fouling.
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           This combination of issues — along with others (see below) — has left UF
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            with the roughest start for a defending college basketball national champion in more than a decade.
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            UF
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            coach
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           Todd Golden
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            remains confident that progress is coming, but until then, the straightforward and fitting cliché made famous by Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells applies:
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           You are what your record says you are.
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           And right now, the Gators (5-4) are in need of wins, beginning Saturday when they take on George Washington (8-3) in what has become a biannual matchup in the Orange Bowl Classic at Amerant Arena. UF has now completed the most grueling stretch of its pre-Southeastern Conference schedule, traveling to Las Vegas, San Diego, North Carolina, and New York City to endure four defeats that, with a key play or timely break, could just as easily have been victories.
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           [Read senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           ]
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           The mistakes made against Arizona (now ranked No. 1 nationally), a defense-first program like Texas Christian (renowned for forcing turnovers and converting them into points), powerhouse No. 4 Duke (in the team’s first trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium in 27 years), and most recently No. 5 Connecticut (the winningest program of this century, playing on its regional home floor) have left the Gators in their current situation.
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           That said, there are no Koa Peats, Cameron Boozers, or Alex Karabans looming between now and New Year’s Eve. Instead, after facing GW on what should be a relatively friendly semi-neutral South Florida court, the Gators will finally return home — for the first time since Nov. 21 — to take on Saint Francis, Colgate, and Dartmouth before shifting focus to their SEC opener at Missouri on Jan. 3.
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           "Collectively, we're all disappointed that our record's not a little better right now, but I think you'd have to be really soft-minded to not realize that we've competed against really good teams and been in a position to win or play down to the last second against the teams that, over the first two months of the year, people would argue are probably top-five, top-six teams in America," Golden said. "So, you could focus on the negative of not getting to the finish line and what our record is or focus on the fact that we've played some really good ball in a lot of areas. Again, we're not in a position where we've played our best and we're just not quite good enough, and having to kind of balance that disappointment."
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           CHARTING THE GATORS: Second quarter woes
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           In each of the three defeats to programs currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 5 (Arizona now sits at No. 1), UF has opened with energy but faltered during the closing 10 minutes — the so-called "second quarter" — of the first half. It’s a recurring issue that belongs on the fix-it list before the Gators begin Southeastern Conference play in January.
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           And now, they have to move forward.
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           Next play, as the saying goes.
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           Those four missed chances can’t be changed, but they can be studied and corrected. The most urgent priority is improving shot-making, as the Gators are hitting just 27.3% from three-point range this season. That figure ranks 343rd nationally and last among the 79 power-conference programs.
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           Since the NCAA introduced the three-point line in 1986-87, no Florida team has ever finished below 30% from beyond the arc.
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           "We were one of six on our open threes [against UConn]. We have to be better than that. We have to at least make two and you would expect to make 50% of those," Golden said. "Again, that's a little bit of the difference in the game. So, I focus on getting good [shots]. Hopefully, we start making more of them. But that's a little out of our control. Again, we want to make sure we take better care of the ball, which I thought we definitely did that. And defend without fouling better, which I thought we did a much better job with that."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives
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           here
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           . 
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-a89060d1.webp" length="72720" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:51:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-seek-redemption-in-orange-bowl-classic-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Aim to Bounce Back in Orange Bowl Classic vs George Washington</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-to-bounce-back-in-orange-bowl-classic-vs-george-washington</link>
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           Share:
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           Duke guard Isaiah Evans lets fly what turned out to be the game-winner Tuesday night, as UF guard Urban Klavzar gives late chase. [Photo by USA Today]
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           No. 18 Florida vs. George Washington
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           *
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           What: 
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           Orange Bowl Classic 
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           * When: 
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           Saturday, 2:30 p.m. (ET)
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           * Where:
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            Amerant Bank Arena / Sunrise, Fla.
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           * 
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           Records:
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            Florida (5-4) / George Washington (8-3)
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           *
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           Series/Last meeting:
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            Tied 2-2. GW defeated UF 82-77 in the quarterfinals of the 2016
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           The
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            National Invitational Tournament i
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            n Washington, D.C., was originally slated for the O'Connell Center, but renovations that began a week earlier forced the game to be moved. Forward
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           Tyler Cavanaugh
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            delivered 18 of his 23 points in the final 10 1/2 minutes, while center
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           Kevin Larsen
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            added 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Colonials (their nickname at the time). They faced a
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           UF
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            frontcourt missing 6-11, 255-pound center
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           John Egbunu
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            , who had undergone season-ending hand surgery just days before.
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           Cavanaugh scored eight points in the last 92 seconds, including a clutch 3-pointer with 53 seco
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            nds left as the shot clock expired, turning a one-point contest into a two-possession game. He then sank four free throws in the final 16 seconds to secure the win and close out Coach
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           Mike White’s
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            first season at
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            Florida wi
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            th a 21-15 record. Freshman guard
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           KeVaughn Allen
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            led the
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            Gators
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           with 22 points.
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           * TV:
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            ESPN2 (
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           Tom Hart 
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           and 
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           Dane Bradshaw
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           )
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           * Radio:
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            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
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           Stations list
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            (with 
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           Sean Kelley
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           , 
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           Patric Young
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            and 
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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           * 
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           Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           UF junior center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9)
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           The Setup
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Amarent Arena (capacity 20,000) sits just east of the Florida Turnpike (and Everglades) in Sunrise, Florida, and is home to the two-time reigning NFL Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. 
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            No. 18
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           Florida and George Washington will square off in the Orange Bowl Classic, a double-header staged annually by the bowl committee, with UF and Florida State now appearing in the event every other y
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            ear. The
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            Gators
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            participated in the OBC nearly every season from 1997 to 2019, missing only two, but this marks their first trip to South Florida — and second under Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            — since defeating Richmond there in 2023.
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           This contest conclude
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           s a demanding stretch of five straight road games for the Gators, a run that included a split in San Diego, followed by setbacks at No. 4 Duke and, most recently, against No. 5 Connecticut at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The team’s four losses already equal the total from last season’s march to the 2025 NCAA championship, though the pre-Southeastern Conference slate has been far more challenging, highlighted by a season-opening defeat in Las Vegas against Arizona, now ranked No. 1 nationally.
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            ﻿
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           UF holds a 19-4 all-time record in the Orange Bowl Classic. George Washington opened the season with eight wins in its first 10 outings but stumbled in a 70-58 home loss to Delaware on Wednesday night. In the day’s first game, FSU will meet Massachusetts
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            at noon.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tale of the Tape
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/048_Condon_Alex_Haugh_Thomas__251209_9087_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            (center) jumping and on the defensive Tuesday vs. UConn
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Breakdown 
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  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Lee_Xaivian__251111_3466_JordanPerez.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida senior guard 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (1)
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           About the Gators
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF enters this matchup as its biggest favorite since defeating Merrimack at home on Nov. 21. Still, GW represents the Gators’ eighth top-100 opponent in just 10 games, according to KenPom. The last time Florida faced as many as eight top-100 foes in non-conference play was during the 2017-18 season. The Gators are also the only team in the nation to have played three opponents currently ranked in the Associated Press top five.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Statistically, UF ranks No. 2 nationally in offensive rebound percentage (42.7), sits among the top 20 in defensive rebounding (24.4%), and is top 25 in defending the 3-point line (28.0%). Unfortunately, their own perimeter shooting has been even worse, with the team hitting just 27.3% from deep — ranking 344th out of 365 Division I programs and last among the 79 po
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           wer-conference teams.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has shined against elite competition, averaging 23.0 points while shooting 57.5% from the field and 42.9% from three in games agains
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           t Arizona, Duke, and UConn.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is coming off his best all-around performance as a
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           Gator
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            , posting 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and no turnovers. However,
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lee we
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           nt just 1-for-7 from beyond the arc and is shooting 20.3% from three this season (26.3% overall).
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Point guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , also struggling with his shot (39% overall, 23% from three), was limited to six first-half minutes against
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UConn
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           due to foul trouble. He finishe
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           d with eight points, one rebound, and one assist, but was the only UF player to record a positive plus-minus (+4). The Gators outscored the Huskies by nine when Fland was on the floor in the s
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           econd half.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, coming up just one rebound shy of his fifth double-double of the season. Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            pulled down 11 boards against
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UConn
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , marking his sixth double-digit rebounding effort in the last seven games.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           About the Revolutionaries
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  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The program retired the
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Colonials nickname in 2023, adopting Revolutionaries instead, explaining the previous name "glorified harmful history." Since then, GW ha
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            s gone 44-33, maintaining the same 11-games-over-.500 mark across four seasons under Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Caputo
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , which included a trip to the NIT in 2024.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Competing in the Atlantic 10 Conferen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ce, GW boasts a top-50 offense, though it was absent in Wednesday’s 70-58 home loss to Delaware, which entered ranked 279th in KenPom. The Revs shoot just under 60% from two-point range and are eight percentage points better than the Gators from three (35.1%).
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Center
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rafael Castro
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is shooting 65% from the field and has attempted 82 free throws, converting nearly 71%. He has yet to take a three-pointer, so the
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            bigs know where he’ll be positioned. Earlier this season, he grabbed 15 rebounds in a single game. Point guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Christian Jones
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is a ball-dominant attacker, hitting 59% from two and 33% from deep. Backup guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Trey Autry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has been efficient inside, making 12 of 18 shots (67%), but has taken more than twice as many attempts from beyond the arc, where he’s 18-for-44 (40.9%). That’s nearly four percentage points higher than
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF’s
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            best three-point shooter, backup guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (36.7%).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Autry
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           connected on four threes in the loss to Delaware.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers of Note 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-22760ba2.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           From left: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scottie Lewis
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Omar Payne
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Keyontae Johnson
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Noah Locke 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andrew Nembhard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            during UF's last loss in the Orange Bowl Classic (and one of only four during their 23 appearances), a 65-62 setback against Utah State on Dec. 21, 2019.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           4
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            —
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida’s
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            all-time defeats in the Orange Bowl Classic. The
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gators
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            dropped the inaugural OBC to Alabama-Birmingham in 1997, during
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Billy Donovan’s
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            second season. They then rattled off nine straight wins, skipping the 2005 event, before falling to Richmond 56-53 in 2009, also under
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           Donovan. Seven more consecutive victories followed until a loss
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            to Clemson under
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Mike White
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in 2017, and another setback against Utah State in 2019.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF has since won two straight — the first with White still at the helm in ’21, and the second under Golden two years ago.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2014
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The last time a defending NCAA champion opened its season with four losses in the first nine games. That team was
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           UConn
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , which went on to finish 20-15, missed the NCAA Tournament, and exited in the first round of the NIT.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           13,000
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The estimated number of miles the
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            will have logged during their non-conference schedule once this trip to South Florida is complete.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           has already traveled to Las Vegas, San Diego, Durham, North Carolina, and New York.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            BOTTOM LINE 
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  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The schedule has been demanding, but now is the time to start stacking wins. Full stop.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Email senior writer
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           at
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
           &#xD;
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            here
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      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:43:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-to-bounce-back-in-orange-bowl-classic-vs-george-washington</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Women’s Basketball Aims to Stay Perfect Against Samford</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-aims-to-stay-perfect-against-samford</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida women’s basketball team is aiming to become just the seventh squad in program history to open a season with four straight victories when they face Samford on Thursday, Nov. 13. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. EST inside Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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           The last Florida team to begin 4-0 was the 2019-20 group. Prior to that, the 2000-01 Gators opened with nine consecutive wins before suffering their first loss, tying the program record originally set in 1983-84 and later matched in 1984-85 and 1995-96. Another notable start came in 1997-98, when Florida began 4-0 before the streak ended.
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           Sophomore point guard Liv McGill has delivered one of the most remarkable season starts in program history, averaging 27.7 points, 7.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 steals. Her performance earned recognition as the USBWA National Player of the Week and SEC Player of the Week. As of Nov. 10, McGill ranked fourth nationally in scoring, tied for 20th in assists, and tied for 10th in steals. Within the SEC, she leads in scoring, is tied for fourth in assists, second in steals, and tied for second in made three-pointers.
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            She’s been complemented by sophomore forward
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            , who has opened the season with three straight double-doubles, averaging 16.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.67 blocks while shooting 60 percent from the field. Junior guard
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           Laila Reynolds
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            has added 13.7 points per game and 3.0 steals, highlighted by her perfect 10-for-10 performance at the free throw line against Jacksonville on Nov. 10, setting new career highs.
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           Thursday’s contest also carries personal significance for Samford Head Coach Matt Wise, whose mother coached Florida volleyball for 34 seasons. Wise himself previously served as a graduate assistant with the Florida men’s basketball program during its back-to-back Elite Eight runs in the early 2010s.
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           Samford enters the matchup at 1-1, with a season-opening 75-53 win over Montevallo followed by an 80-46 loss at Nebraska. Sophomore guard Briana Rivera leads the Bulldogs in scoring at 16.0 points per game, while redshirt senior center Emily Snoddy (née Bowman) and freshman forward Carla Baguda pace the team in rebounding with 9.0 and 8.5 boards per game, respectively.
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           Samford (1-1)
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            Date: Thursday, November 13
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            Time: 7 p.m. EST
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            Exactech Arena
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            Listen: 
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            SECN+
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           A Florida victory would:
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             Improve the Gators to 4-0 this season and 19-2 at home in November under Head Coach
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            Mark the first 4-0 start since 2000-01, when Florida won nine straight to tie the program record for consecutive wins to open a season (originally set in 1983-84 and later matched in 1984-85 and 1995-96).
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            Extend Florida’s all-time record against Samford to 3-0.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           The Series
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           The Gators are 2-0 against Samford
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           Gators vs. Bulldogs History
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            The Gators have won both of their previous matchups with Samford, most recently earning an
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           84-48 decision on Nov. 16, 2019
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            . In that contest,
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           Lavender Briggs
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            delivered a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double.
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           Kiara Smith
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            added 18 points,
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           Ariel Johnson
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            scored 15, and
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           Kristina Moore
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            chipped in 11, giving Florida four players in double figures. Every Gator who entered the game contributed in both scoring and rebounding categories, underscoring the team’s balanced performance.
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           Projected Florida Starters
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           Gator Bites
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            As of Tuesday, Nov. 11, Florida ranks among the SEC leaders: fourth in scoring margin (+40.3), fourth in field goal percentage (.525), sixth in rebound margin (+13.7), tied for third in steals (15.3), third in turnover margin (+15.3), and fifth in defensive rebound percentage (.755).
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            Liv McGill
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             narrowly missed her second career triple-double with
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              against North Florida on Nov. 3. She followed that up with
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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             versus Chattanooga on Nov. 6, falling just two rebounds short.
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             On Nov. 11,
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            McGill
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             became the first player in Florida women’s basketball history to be recognized as a USBWA National Player of the Week. She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.0 steals while shooting 40.9 percent from three-point range across three wins. She also earned SEC Player of the Week honors for the same stretch.
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            Liv McGill
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            ’s 611 points last season ranked third nationally among freshmen and set a new Florida program record for first-year players.
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            She has scored in double figures in 36 of her 40 career games with the Gators.
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            Laila Reynolds went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line against Jacksonville on Nov. 10, establishing new career highs.
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            Me’Arah O’Neal has already recorded three double-doubles this season, adding to the one she posted during her freshman year.
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           PROJECTED SAMFORD STARTERS
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           Samford Quick Hits
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             The Bulldogs have added seven newcomers to their 2025-26 roster. Transfers
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            Briana Rivera (Austin Peay) and Sydney Martin (Northern Kentucky University) join freshmen Avary Brewer, Kaylee Yarbrough, Camryn Register, Francie Morris, and Carla Baguda.
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            Emily Snoddy (née Bowman) earned a spot on the Southern Conference All-Defensive Team last season and was selected to the preseason All-Southern Conference Team heading into the current campaign.
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            Martha Bishop is competing as a two-sport athlete. In addition to playing forward for the women’s basketball team, she also contributed to Samford’s Southern Conference regular season championship in women’s soccer.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:54:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-aims-to-stay-perfect-against-samford</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Continue December Homestand with Sunday Clash vs. West Georgia</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-continue-december-homestand-with-sunday-clash-vs-west-georgia</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Women's Basketball Team (9-2) continues its five-game December homestand on Sunday, Dec. 14 with a matchup against West Georgia. Tipoff at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center is set for 2 p.m. EST.
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            In their most recent outing, the Gators earned a 75-61 victory over South Alabama on Dec. 7. SEC Player of the Year candidate
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           Liv McGill
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            delivered a standout performance with 32 points, 17 of which came in the second quarter. Her scoring surge flipped a five-point deficit after the opening period into a 13-point Florida advantage at halftime. Freshman "Nidi" Yiech contributed her first career double-double in the win, finishing with 14 points and a career-high 10 rebounds.
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           McGill has now recorded three games of 30 or more points this season, making her one of just two players in Division I Women's Basketball to reach that mark (joining Iowa State’s Audi Brooks). As of Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Minnesota native ranks second nationally in scoring (27.3 ppg), sixth in steals per game (4.22), and 33rd in assists per game (5.4).
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal's
          &#xD;
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            14.1 points per game, and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds'
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            13.4 points per game give the Gators a trio of double-digit scorers.
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           The NCAA released its initial NET rankings on Nov. 30, with Florida opening the season at No. 40 nationally. Ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Wolves, the Gators hold a NET ranking of 48.
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           West Georgia is in the second year of its five-year transition from Division II to Division I, and this contest marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Wolves previously made five NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament appearances and captured the Gulf South Tournament Championship in 2024. In their first Division I campaign last season, West Georgia finished 13-17 overall, including a 7-11 mark in Atlantic Sun Conference play.
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           This year, the Wolves are off to a 4-3 start, powered by four double-digit scorers: Asia Donald (17.0 ppg), Jasmine Jones (15.4), Sydne Tolbert (13.3), and Destiny Jones (11.0). Grace O’Gara is close to joining that group, averaging 9.7 points per game. Depth remains a challenge, as those five players account for 78 percent of the team’s minutes, 86 percent of its field goal attempts, and 91 percent of its scoring output.
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            ﻿
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           The Wolves and Gators share one common opponent in non-conference play—Georgia Tech. Florida defeated the Yellow Jackets 64-56 at the Grand Cayman Classic over Thanksgiving weekend, while West Georgia earned a 69-60 victory against Tech on Nov. 19.
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           West Georgia (4-3)
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            Date: Sunday, December 14
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            Time: 2 p.m. EST
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            Site: Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Listen: 
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      &lt;a href="http://wruf.com/listen-live/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            wruf.com/listen-live/
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=732d3036-07fc-4dfc-83d4-87aa2f2b581e" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve the Gators record to 10-2 on the year.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve Florida's record to 7-0 at home on the year.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Run the Gators' streak of consecutive non-conference home wins to 14, which would be the seventh longest such streak in program history.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Be the team's ninth consecutive win at home, which would tie them for the sixth longest such streak in program history.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ﻿
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  &lt;h6&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           TALE OF THE TAPE
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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  &lt;/h6&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           GATOR BITES
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            Through games played on Tuesday, Dec. 9, Florida ranks 11th in the SEC in scoring at 77.9 points per game. The Gators also sit 11th in scoring defense (58.3), 11th in scoring margin (+19.6), and 11th in field goal percentage (.453). On the defensive side, Florida is 10th in field goal percentage allowed (.364) and seventh in three-point field goal percentage defense (.276). The team additionally stands eighth in steals (11.6), ninth in turnover margin (+5.36), ninth in offensive rebound percentage (.368), and 10th in blocked shots (4.55).
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            became the first player in Gators women’s basketball history to earn recognition as a
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals, while shooting 40.9% from three-point range across Florida’s three victories.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            She was also honored as the SEC Player of the Week for her performance during that same stretch.
           &#xD;
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             Over Thanksgiving weekend,
            &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             was
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/30/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-most-outstanding-player-of-the-grand-cayman-classic" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            named the Most Outstanding Player
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             of the Grand Cayman Classic.
            &#xD;
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             She posted averages of
            &#xD;
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.00 steals, and 1.00 blocked shots
            &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            during the tournament.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             This season,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             has recorded three games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals.
            &#xD;
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            By comparison, the other 4,505 Division I women’s basketball players have combined for only three such 25-5-5-5 games.
           &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            The Gators have held 13 consecutive opponents below 70 points.
           &#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED WEST GEORGIA STARTERS
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h6&gt;&#xD;
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           WOLVES QUICK HITS
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Wolves are currently in their second season competing as a Division I program.
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The women’s basketball team was the only West Georgia program to qualify for the ASUN Conference Tournament during their inaugural Division I campaign.
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In preseason predictions, the Wolves were picked to finish 10th in the ASUN by both coaches and media.
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            West Georgia features four players averaging double figures this season:
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Asia Donald – 17.0 ppg
           &#xD;
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            Jasmine Jones – 15.4 ppg
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sydne Tolbert – 13.3 ppg
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Destiny Jones – 11.0 ppg
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Grace O’Gara is close to double digits at 9.7 ppg.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sydne Tolbert and Destiny Jones earned spots on the preseason All-ASUN Team.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jasmine Jones was recognized as both the ASUN newcomer and player of the year in the opening week of the season.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h6&gt;&#xD;
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/h6&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           SOCIAL: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/GatorsWBK" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Twitter
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           | 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/GatorsWBK/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Facebook
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           | 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/gatorswbk/?hl=en" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Instagram
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           JOIN THE CONVERSATION: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-2cf54668.webp" length="133936" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:01:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-continue-december-homestand-with-sunday-clash-vs-west-georgia</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Battle Hard but Fall Short Against UConn in Classic Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-battle-hard-but-fall-short-against-uconn-in-classic-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF senior center Micah Handlogten challenges UConn guard Braylon Mullins during Tuesday's game at Madison Square Garden.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           NEW YORK
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            —
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            was disappointed, no question about it. Yet another matchup against a national championship-caliber opponent had slipped away. Still, woven into that frustration early Wednesday morning was Golden’s clear optimism about his 2025-26 basketball team, which has faltered just enough in key moments to come up short.
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            "We're close,"
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           Golden
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            said after fifth-ranked
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           Connecticut
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            handed his 18th-ranked
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           Gators
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            a 77-73 defeat Tuesday night in their highly anticipated clash at Madison Square Garden. "We're right there."
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           So, how close?
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            UF dropped its season opener to Arizona – now ranked No. 1 – by six points in a tough Las Vegas environment. In that contest, the Gators missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 30 seconds left.
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            A week ago, Florida fell by one at Duke, currently No. 3, in a game the Gators led by two with 25 seconds remaining, only to surrender a 3-pointer and then commit a turnover in the final five seconds.
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            Now add the UConn setback to the list. The Gators played excellent basketball for the first 10-plus minutes of the second half, but an eight-minute slump put them behind again. Even so, they had possession, trailing by three with under 10 seconds left, before committing a five-second violation on the inbounds play.
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           Factor in the four-point loss to Texas Christian at the Thanksgiving tournament in San Diego — a game UF led by 10 in the second half — and the Gators (5-4) have already dropped four games this season. That equals the total number of losses from their entire 2024-25 national championship run, with the defeats coming by a combined 15 points.
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           Close? Absolutely.
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           But that and a couple of bucks would have bought a street-meat hot dog outside Penn Station on the way out of town.
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           UConn junior guard Solo Ball scored 19 points and knocked down five of six free throws in the final 34 seconds to help the Huskies (9-1) escape MSG with a win in the nightcap of the Jimmy V Classic. The game not only featured the last three NCAA champions, but also served as a rematch of last March’s second-round tournament clash, won by the Gators in Raleigh, North Carolina, en route to their title. Senior forward Alex Karaban added 13 points, including key late baskets, while backup guard Malachi Smith dished out nine assists with just one turnover, sparking a Huskies bench that outscored the Gators 20-6.
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            UF
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            was paced by senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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           , a transfer from
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            Princeton, who delivered 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and no turnovers across 38 minutes. Lee shot 5-for-14 from the field and 8-for-9 at the free-throw line, but struggled again from deep, hitting just one of seven attempts from beyond the arc.
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           "I need to start making some [expletive] shots, that's what I need to do," said Lee, who is now shooting 26% overall and 20.3% from 3-point range. "When I start making shots, we're going to be so [expletive] good. Not to put pressure on myself, but it's true."
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           UF guard 
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            Xaivian Lee
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            (1) lead his team with 19 points, but also played a complete floor game with six rebounds and five assists without a turnover.
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           UF shot 42% overall, connecting on just four of 15 attempts from beyond the arc (27%) and converting 19 of 27 free throws (70.4%). The Gators also committed 12 turnovers, which led to 17 points for the Huskies. Meanwhile, UConn was efficient, hitting 50% from the field and nearly matching that from deep (8-for-18), while limiting themselves to only nine turnovers. On the boards, the Gators dominated 40-28, including a 16-7 edge on the offensive glass, but failed to capitalize with just six second-chance points, missing several easy put-back opportunities.
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           "We just weren't able to capitalize and score," Golden said after his big men went 10-for-23 at the rim. "We know that one area we need to improve upon quickly is just being more efficient offensively and finding a way to find more baskets."
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           The Gators have shown flashes of offensive rhythm, but not sustained consistency. On Tuesday, UF built a seven-point lead at 20-13 midway through the first quarter, only to miss 12 of its next 13 shots. During that stretch, UConn caught fire, making nine straight. Despite shooting just 30% compared to the Huskies’ 59% (including 5-for-10 from deep), the Gators managed to stay within reach, trailing 39-32 at halftime.
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           "They hit some tough ones in the first half," Golden said.
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           The Gators responded immediately after the break. Eight minutes into the second half, UF surged ahead
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            when
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (18 points) buried a 3-pointer to give his team a 49-46 lead. During that span, the
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           Gators hit eight of their first 11 shots while holding the Huskies to just 3-for-16 shooting.
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           Florida led 55-54 with eight minutes remaining, but UConn reignited offensively, converting 10 of its next 12 shots. Key 3-pointers from Karaban and Solo fueled a 12-3 run that pushed the Huskies to an eight-point advanta
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           ge with just over four minutes left.
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           Thomas Haugh
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           (10) flushes a lob, with the foul, in the second half Tuesday for two of his 18 points.
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            The margin was still eight after free throws from
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           Tarris Reed Jr. (12 points, 5 rebounds) at the 1:13 mark, but a quick 9-4 surge by UF over the next 50 seconds — aided by a couple of missed UConn free t
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            hrows — cut the deficit to 74-71 with 23 seconds left following a putback from
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           Alex Condon
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            (14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks). With 14 seconds remaining
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           , UF forced Jaydan Ross into a turnover on the sideline in front of the UF bench, giving the Gators possession down three.
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            That’s when point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            , who had the last-second turnover in the loss at
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           Duke, was unable to inbound the ball and was whistled for a five-second violation.
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           Golden was adamant the call came too quickly.
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            "I thought they called it early, man, to be honest,"
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           Golden said, noting that his staff timed the play at 4.6 and 4.7 seconds in the post-game locker room. "In a moment like that – I've been around the game for a long time – to get a call like that where it doesn't even get to 5 seconds … usually they give you an extra second, to be honest. Just a really, really tough pill to swallow."
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           The final result was sealed when Ball hit one of two free throws with 7.6 seconds left, making it a two-possession game.
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           There’s that old saying about "close" only counting in certain situations. Basketball isn’t one of them.
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           Still, UConn coach Dan Hurley acknowledged that, even with the MSG crowd behind his team, he had just been in a battle that went down to the wire against a coach and program with championship pedigree.
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           "They're as good as anybody," Hurley said.
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           Maybe so, but the Gators are still searching for more validation. Golden believes they’ll find it.
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           "I'm a pretty positive guy," he said.
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           With the Southeastern Conference season still three weeks away, there’s plenty of work ahead but also plenty of potential. Getting the backcourt in sync may be the first step toward turning "close" into wins.
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           "I think Boogie and I have had good games, individually, but we have to play well together – both at the same time," Lee said of his backcourt partner, who finished with eight points and one assist in a foul-plagued 22 minutes. "The bigs do what they do, but when it comes to crunch time we have to be a little more composed and execute better down the stretch. We're in all these games. We should be winning more, but we just have to keep our composure, settle down and execute better."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           c
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           hrish@gato
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           rs.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives
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           here
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           . 
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:18:42 GMT</pubDate>
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      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>McGill’s Near Triple-Double Ignites Gators’ Season-Opening Win</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-near-triple-double-ignites-gators-season-opening-win</link>
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           Share:
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           Florida Secures Seventh Consecutive Home Opener Victory With Five in Double Figures
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Florida Women’s Basketball tipped off the 2025-26 campaign on Monday night with a commanding 96-62 win over North Florida. Preseason All-SEC Second Team honoree
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           Liv McGill
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            came close to her second career triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. She was one of five Gators to reach double digits in scoring.
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           Momentum Shifts
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            1st Quarter
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             (Gators 18, Ospreys 12) North Florida grabbed an early 8-3 advantage just over three minutes in, but Florida’s defense locked in, holding the Ospreys scoreless for more than six minutes. The Gators responded with 13 straight points.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             paced all scorers in the period with 9.
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            2nd Quarter (Gators 47, Ospreys 27)
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             Leading 29-20 with 7:28 left in the half, Florida strung together a decisive 14-0 run over the next four minutes.
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            Liv McGill
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             added 10 points in the frame.
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            3rd Quarter (Gators 79, Ospreys 46)
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             Florida’s cushion never fell below 20. Freshman
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            Caterina Piatti
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             was perfect from the floor, hitting all five of her attempts and tallying 10 points.
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            4th Quarter (Gators 96, Ospreys 62)
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             The Gators stretched their margin to as many as 42 points on two separate occasions before closing out the win.
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           Statistical Highlights
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            Florida shot 53.8% from the field compared to North Florida’s 43.3%.
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            The Gators won the rebounding battle 38-28, including a 13-8 edge on the offensive glass.
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            Florida forced 31 turnovers, converting them into 44 points. North Florida managed 19 points off 17 Gator turnovers.
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            In the paint, Florida outscored the Ospreys 56-32, added a 16-8 advantage in second-chance points, and dominated fast breaks 35-6.
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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           , Guard 
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           Liv McGill
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            and Forward 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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           Game Notes
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           Florida has now opened its season with a win for the seventh consecutive year.
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            Under Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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           , the Gators hold a 16-2 record in November home games.
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           The program improved to 9-0 all-time against North Florida, with every victory coming in Gainesville.
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           Liv McGill
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            reached the 20-point mark for the 14th time in her career, finishing with 26. She narrowly missed her second career triple-double, falling just one rebound and one assist short.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            set a new personal best with 11 rebounds, adding 14 points for her second career double-double. Her previous high of 11 boards came at Missouri on January 12, 2025.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            contributed 19 points, marking her 27th career game with double-digit scoring.
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            Freshman
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           Caterina Piatti
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            earned her first collegiate start and delivered 14 points, her first double-digit performance.
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           Fellow freshman Nyadeing Yiech came off the bench to add 10 points.
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           Next Opponent
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           Florida continues its homestand Thursday against Chattanooga in a doubleheader with the men’s team. The women’s game tips off at 5 p.m. ET at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, followed by the men’s matchup against North Florida at 8 p.m.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-4f1ea42a.webp" length="74718" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:42:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-near-triple-double-ignites-gators-season-opening-win</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-4f1ea42a.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Boogie Fland Shines Bright on Broadway</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/boogie-fland-shines-bright-on-broadway</link>
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           Share:
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           UF point guard Boogie Fland is averaging 15.0 points over the last three games.
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           NEW YORK 
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            – His coach was just a half-second from calling a timeout. A half-second too late, as it turned out.
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            Florida point guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            had dribbled toward the sideline in front of his team’s bench, only to be locked up by Duke counterpart Caleb Foster. The ball was knocked loose, and Fland fouled Foster with two seconds remaining, the Gators trailing by a single point.
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           That’s how it ended—a 67-66 defeat at storied Cameron Indoor Stadium that, with one more play, might just as easily have gone UF’s way. Instead, the Gators were left to absorb a crushing loss, with Fland taking it especially hard after sparking a rally from 15 down by scoring nine of his 16 points in the final four minutes, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 30 seconds left.
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           How long did it take to move past it?
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           "Two days," Fland said. "Can't lie."
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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           It’s now been five days since those “two days,” giving Fland and his teammates plenty of time to move past that setback and focus on the next challenge. And it’s a big one. On Tuesday night, the 18th-ranked Gators (5-3) will take on fifth-ranked Connecticut (8-1) in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, the legendary venue just a short distance from where Fland grew up in The Bronx.
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            [Read senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry's
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            "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           ]
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           The 6-foot-3, 185-pound sophomore isn’t exactly sure how far MSG is from Archbishop Stepinac, where he starred and captured a prestigious Catholic High School Athletic Association title during his McDonald’s All-America prep career, but he knows he can make the trip in about 35 minutes depending on traffic—and he’s familiar with the shortcuts.
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           There won’t be any shortcuts this time, though. Not against the Huskies and fiery coach Dan Hurley, who are expected to be especially motivated after the Gators ended their two-year national-championship run last March with a 77-75 win in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Raleigh, North Carolina. The crowd at MSG will be overwhelmingly pro-UConn, but the reigning champs, having already faced hostile environments against Arizona in Las Vegas and Duke at Cameron, know what to expect.
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            "I'm sure they feel like they owe us something," UF coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            said of the Huskies and their fans.
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            UConn can take comfort in knowing that
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            , and
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           Will Richard
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            won’t be on the floor this time. That senior trio carried much of the load in last spring’s upset. On that day, Fland was in Providence, Rhode Island, with his Arkansas teammates making their own run to the Sweet 16. He had missed the 15 games leading up to the tournament while recovering from midseason hand surgery, but before the injury he averaged 15.6 points and 5.7 assists, highlighted by a 20-point, seven-assist, two-steal performance in a win over Michigan at the 2024 Jimmy V Classic.
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           This will mark Fland’s second appearance at MSG, but for a point guard raised on the playgrounds of New York City—where legends like Bob Cousy, Dick McGuire, Tiny Archibald, Pearl Washington, Rod Strickland, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson, Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury, and Kemba Walker honed their craft—playing at one of the sport’s ultimate stages is never taken for granted.
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           The last true NYC point guard for the Gators was Erving Walker (2008-12), who came out of Brooklyn and graduated as the program’s all-time leader in assists, second in career games, and fifth in scoring.
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           Walker, however, never had the chance to play under the Broadway lights. Fland will—and he’ll have about 200 family and friends in attendance to cheer him on.
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            ﻿
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           Boogie Fland
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            (1) during his prep career at Archbishop Stepinac in The Bronx. 
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           "It's very special. My first time was like no [other] experience and I expect this one to be the same," said Fland, who plans to draw on last year’s MSG debut to prepare for this outing. "You have to stay in the moment. You play basketball your whole life, [so] you just got to keep going with it."
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           That will be the mission for the Gators, who aim to build on the momentum they showed in the second half against Duke seven nights earlier—arguably their best 20 minutes of basketball so far this season. In that stretch, they shot 47%, limited the Blue Devils to 38%, dominated the boards 22-15, and outscored them 42-31.
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           The only thing UF failed to do was finish the job. The chance was there, with Golden regretting not calling a late timeout and Fland lamenting the turnover that sealed the outcome.
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           "Holistically, and on a macro level, I think the second half was something that he can really build on, and we as a team can, so I don't think we're focusing too much on that last play," Golden said. "It stings enough losing the game. More focusing on the positives."
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           Boogie Fland
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            (left) had his mid-range pull-up game working at Duke last week on his way to 16 points on 7-for-16 from the floor.
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           Fland closed with 16 points, three steals, four turnovers, and no assists, but carried the offense late by hitting four key baskets: two smooth mid-range jumpers, a strong drive down the lane, and a clutch 3-pointer that briefly gave the Gators the lead. He found himself in a rhythm at the right time.
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            "Boogie really stepped up when we needed him," junior wing
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           Thomas Haugh
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            said.
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           Added Fland: "Just trying to control the game."
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           This time, he’ll be tasked with doing so against a determined opponent boasting twice UF’s championship pedigree over the past three seasons. It’s a massive matchup, but still only the ninth game of the year for this team. Whatever identity the Gators ultimately form is still taking shape, with Fland largely directing the show.
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           "Go back and watch the film of the new guys last year. When they started getting cooking was more kind of the end of December, before they really started getting really comfortable," Golden said. "And I think that half in that [Duke] environment says a lot about the ceiling that he can play with."
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           Fland has yet to fully reach that ceiling and likely replayed the ending of the last game in his mind. Now, he gets a chance to bounce back—on the biggest stage, in the city that never sleeps.
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           His city.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-929d1d96.webp" length="147960" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:35:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/boogie-fland-shines-bright-on-broadway</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-929d1d96.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Falls Short in Thriller vs. UConn at Madison Square Garden</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-falls-short-in-thriller-vs-uconn-at-madison-square-garden</link>
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           Share:
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           Micah Robinson (5) and his TCU teammates got to the rim a lot against the Gators Thursday.
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           What Happened
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           NEW YORK
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            – Junior guard
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           Solo Ball
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            scored 19 points as fift
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           h-ranked Connecticut used a strong second-half surge to rally past 18th-ranked Florida, securing a 77-73 victory over the Gators in T
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           uesday night’s Jimmy V Classic at a sold-out Madison Square Garden.
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           The matchup featured the last three national champions (UConn in 2023 and ’25, Florida in ’25) and served as a rematch of their NCAA Tournament second-round clash last March, won by UF in Raleigh, North Carolina. The game delivered on its hype, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a second-weekend NCAA showdown.
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           With 9.4 seconds left and the Huskies ahead by three, UF force
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            d a turnover in the backcourt, giving them a chance to tie. Positioned on the sideline near their bench, point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            was unable to inbound the ball and was called for a five-second violation—marking the team’s seventh turnover of the half.
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           Ball
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            then hit one of two free throws with 7.6 seconds remaining, making it a two-possession game and sealing the outcome.
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           Trailing 55-54 with nine minutes left, UConn broke
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            out of a cold stretch with a decisive 12-3 run, scoring on five of six possessions. The surge included three-pointers from senior
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           Alex Karaban
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            and another from
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            Ball, pushing the Huskies ahead 66-58. Florida cut
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            the margin to 66-62 with 3:26 remaining, but junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            missed two free throws at 2:40, and
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            Karaban
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           answered with a late-clock floater to restore a six-point cushion.
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            The
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            Gators
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            trimmed the deficit to three when forward
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           Alex Condon
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            scored with 23 seconds left, b
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           ut Ball responded by sinking both free throws to extend the lead. A driving layup by Fland was followed by a Huskies turnover, but Florida im
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           mediately gave the ball back, ending their rally.
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            UF
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            was led by senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            , who posted 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 18 points, while
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           Condon contributed 14 points and nine boards. The Gators shot 42% overall but struggled from deep, hitting just 4-of-15 (27%). Ball finished 6-of-14 from the floor and 3-of-8 from three-point range. Karaban chipped in 13 points, connecting on three of five attempts from beyond the arc. UConn matched Florida at 42% shooting but was more efficient from distance, going 8-of-18 (44%).
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           UF guard 
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           Xaivian Lee
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            going in action Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
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           Turning Point
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           During the decisive stretch, UConn converted five of six attempts to seize control, while UF missed three of four shots and committed a turnover. In an instant, the Gators found themselves trailing by eight with 4:30 remaining and forced to battle from behind the rest of the way.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Across nine games,
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           Florida
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           has already matched its total losses from the 2024-25 campaign, when the
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           Gators
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           finished 36-4 and cut down the nets in San Antonio. This season’s four defeats have come by a combined margin of just 15 points.
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           Up Next
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           Florida
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           (5-4) will wrap up its stretch of three straight road contests by traveling south to meet
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           George Washington
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           (8-2) in the Orange Bowl Classic at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. The
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           Revolutionaries
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           (formerly known as the Colonials) represent the Atlantic 10 Conference and are scheduled to play Delaware on Wednesday night.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           .
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6bfe9c92.webp" length="184472" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:04:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-falls-short-in-thriller-vs-uconn-at-madison-square-garden</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators vs Huskies: Jimmy V Classic Showdown at MSG</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-huskies-jimmy-v-classic-showdown-at-msg</link>
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           Share:
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           Duke guard Isaiah Evans lets fly what turned out to be the game-winner Tuesday night, as UF guard Urban Klavzar gives late chase. [Photo by USA Today]
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           No. 18 Florida vs. No. 5 Connecticut
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           When: Tuesday, 9 p.m. (ET)
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           Where: Madison Square Garden / New York City
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           Records: Florida (5-3) / Connecticut (8-1)
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           Series/Last meeting: Connecticut leads 5-2. The Gators and Huskies last squared off on March 23, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, where UF stormed back from a six-point second-half deficit
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                   half deficit to snap UConn’s two-year national-championship run with a 77-75 victory in second-round action of the NCAA                             Tournament. Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , a first-team All-American, delivered eight of his game-high 23 points in the final three-           plus minutes, including two clutch 3-pointers that stretched the margin to eight—enough for the East Region’s No. 1 seed to secure               the program’s first "Sweet 16" appearance since 2017. Fifth-year guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            added 18 points, with four coming late to help                 build that cushion, while senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            contributed 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
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            TV: ESPN (Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Kris Budden
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            )
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             Radio: Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
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            Stations list
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             (with
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            Sean Kelley
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            , Lee Humphrey and Steve Egan)
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            Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           Huskies senior forward and four-year starter 
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           Alex Karaban
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            (11)
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           The Setup
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            ﻿
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           Madison Square Garden, in the heart of Manhattan, and home to the NBA New York Knicks and NHL New York Rangers.
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           No. 18 Florida and No. 5 Connecticut, winners of the last three NCAA championships combined, are set for a highly anticipated clash in the annual Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. For the Gators, the matchup will feel like a road game, with New York City serving as a stronghold for UConn basketball fans. It also marks UF’s third contest in nine outings this season against opponents currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 5.
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           Florida enters the game following Tuesday night’s heartbreaking 67-66 defeat at unbeaten, fourth-ranked Duke in the ACC/SEC Challenge. In that contest, the Gators rallied from a 15-point deficit to seize the lead with 32 seconds left, only to surrender it on a 3-pointer with 21 seconds remaining, then lose possession on a turnover with four seconds to play.
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           UConn’s most recent game was an 83-59 buy-game rout of East Texas A&amp;amp;M, but the Huskies’ five prior outings featured wins over BYU, Illinois, and Kansas, along with a narrow four-point loss to 13th-ranked Arizona (now No. 1), the lone common opponent between the two programs.
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            This matchup will serve as the nightcap of a double-header, with No. 10 Brigham Young, led by standout talent (and potential No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick)
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           A.J. Dybantsa
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           , facing Clemson in the opener at 6:30 p.m.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           UConn coach 
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           Dan Hurley
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            (left) and UF's 
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           Todd Golden
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            (right) are two of just seven active NCAA coaches with national titles.
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           The Breakdown 
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           UF point guard 
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           Boogie Fland 
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            About the Gators: They came within inches of securing what would have ranked among the nation’s best road wins this season. Instead, point guard
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           Boogie Fland’s
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            go-ahead 3-pointer was answered by Duke guard Isaiah Evans, whose shot proved decisive in a one-point defeat. Still, UF showed resilience in the second half, shooting 47% at Cameron Indoor Stadium, while holding the Blue Devils to 38% and outscoring them 42-31 in the period. The Gators also displayed composure in ball-handling, committing just five turnovers after halftime, though Fland’s late giveaway proved costly. His offensive aggressiveness has clearly increased, averaging 15.0 points per game on a team-high 42 field-goal attempts over the last three contests. The downside: he has just five assists (none against Duke) and nine turnovers in that span, leaving UF at minus-4 in assist-to-turnover ratio.
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            UF ranks last among power-conference teams in 3-point shooting at 27.4%.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            , who posted 24 points and six rebounds against Duke, is one of only two rotational players hitting at least 30% from deep, currently at 31.8%. Center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , dominant on the glass (14 rebounds) and defensively in the post versus the Blue Devils, is on pace to become the first Gator in more than 50 years to average double-digit rebounds. The last was Bob Smyth, who averaged 12.7 per game in 1975-76. Forward
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           Alex Condon
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            added his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Shooting guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            , after a breakout 20-point performance against Providence in the Thanksgiving tournament at San Diego, struggled at Duke, going 1-for-10 overall and 1-for-6 from three. He’s shooting 24.7% from the field and just 21.1% from deep (12-of-57), though he leads the team with 29 assists. Backup guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            leads the team at 36.7% from distance and remains perfect on 16 free-throw attempts. Reserve center
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           , who was averaging 10.0 points and 10.3 rebounds before suffering a concussion Nov. 16 against Miami, has been tentative since returning, totaling just two points and 10 rebounds in 51 minutes over three games. Regaining his early-season confidence and aggressiveness will be key for the Gators’ frontcourt aspirations.
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           About the Huskies: This marks the eighth season under Dan Hurley (173-70, with five straight NCAA berths and two national titles), but the first since 2022-23 in which they are not defending a championship. That distinction was taken by Florida, so UConn and its passionate fan base will be eager for a measure of revenge at MSG. The Huskies have been without 6-11, 265-pound starting center Tarris Reed Jr. (15.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg), the 2025 Big East Sixth Man of the Year, for the past five games due to a sprained ankle. Reed, who started the season’s first four games, shot 68% from the field and averaged two blocks per game. His status will be a game-day decision. Rookie Eric Reibe has filled in admirably over the last five starts, but he’ll face UF’s experienced frontcourt.
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           Forward Alex Karaban, a second-team All-Big East pick in 2025, has started all but one of his 123 career games at UConn, a rarity in today’s transfer-heavy era. Now in his second season as captain, he was a key contributor during the program’s back-to-back titles. Though his scoring is slightly down, he remains a 47% career shooter and 37% from three. Guard Solo Ball is a capable scorer, but his 3-point percentage has dipped to 27.9% this season. Against Florida in last year’s tournament loss, he went 2-for-9 from deep (2-for-11 overall), after entering that game shooting 41.4%. Point guard Silas Demary Jr., familiar to UF from his time at Georgia, scored 21 points and hit four of six from deep in the Bulldogs’ upset win at Athens—the Gators’ final loss of the 2024-25 campaign. He’s an excellent defender and facilitator, ranking No. 31 nationally in assist rate. Off the bench, Malachi Smith (6.2 ppg) and Jayden Ross (5.9 ppg) have combined to hit 17 of 43 from three.
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           Numbers of Note
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           UF guard 
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           KeVaughn Allen
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            (5) against West Virginia at The Garden in 2018.
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           3
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           — Times Golden and Hurley have faced each other over the past four seasons. The Huskies visited Gainesville on Dec. 7, 2022—Hurley’s fifth year at UConn and Golden’s first at UF—and handed the Gators a 74-54 home defeat, the program’s worst loss at the O’Dome in 25 years. That victory marked UConn’s 10th straight to open the season, and despite a stretch of five losses in six games during conference play, the team went on to capture its first NCAA title since 2014 (when the Huskies eliminated the top-seeded Gators in the Final Four, ending UF’s program-record 30-game winning streak).
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           287
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           — Games since the last time the Gators recorded fewer assists than the four they managed at Duke, a streak spanning the past 10 seasons. UF had just three assists in a 70-63 home win over Vermont on Nov. 19, 2017, and only once since then had as few as four (in a 73-67 victory against Marshall on Nov. 29, 2019).
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           2018
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           — The last trip by UF to Madison Square Garden came on Dec. 4. Senior guard KeVaughn Allen scored 19 points, while fourth-year junior forward Keith Stone added nine points, eight rebounds, and three steals in a 66-56 win over West Virginia in the Jimmy V Classic. It was the Gators’ defense that set the tone against a Mountaineers team averaging more than 86 points per game and ranked 19th nationally in offensive efficiency. WVU shot just 29.7 percent (including 7-for-23 from three), 55 percent from the free-throw line, and committed a season-high 21 turnovers.
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           Bottom Line
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           The Gators—after nearly pulling off wins against Arizona and then coming even closer at Duke—must find a way to finish one of these marquee pre-SEC matchups. This challenge will be every bit as difficult as the others.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:08:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-huskies-jimmy-v-classic-showdown-at-msg</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Top South Alabama Behind McGill &amp; Yiech</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-top-south-alabama-behind-mcgill-yiech</link>
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           —
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           Liv McGill
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           poured in 17 of her game-high 32 points during the second quarter, while "Nidi" Yiech secured her first career double-double as the Florida Women's Basketball Team moved to 9-2 on Sunday with a 75-61 victory over visiting South Alabama.
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Jaguars 16, Gators 11)
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             Throughout much of the opening quarter, neither side held an advantage greater than four points. However, South Alabama closed the period with a five-point run, securing the lead after the first 10 minutes. The Jaguars connected on four of their five attempts from beyond the arc, while the Gators came up empty on all four of their long-range shots. South Alabama's
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             Cordasia Harris
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            was perfect from the field, converting all three of her attempts and finishing the quarter with six points, four rebounds, and two steals.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 43, Jaguars 30)
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             South Alabama built an early five-point cushion at 18-13, and still held a 26-22 lead with 4:43 remaining in the quarter. Florida responded with an 11-0 run and closed the half by scoring 21 of the final 27 points, taking a 13-point advantage into the break.
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            Liv McGill
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             delivered a standout performance, tallying 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting while also recording five steals. The Jaguars struggled with ball control, committing 13 turnovers in the period.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 58, Jaguars 48)
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             South Alabama trimmed Florida’s lead to 49-40 with 5:21 left in the third quarter, but the Gators answered with a 9-0 run to extend the margin to 18. The Jaguars closed the period strong, scoring the final eight points to cut the deficit back to 10. Florida struggled with ball security,
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            committing five turnovers, while South Alabama played cleanly without any. McGill paced all scorers with seven points, while Harris and Amyah Sutton each contributed six to lead the Jaguars.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 75, Jaguars 61)
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             The Jaguars opened the fourth quarter strong, scoring seven of the first nine points to cut the margin to 60-55. Florida quickly responded, however, with a decisive 12-1 run that stretched the lead and sealed control of the game.
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            McGill
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             added eight points in the period, while the Gators closed efficiently, hitting five of 10 attempts from the field and converting six of eight free throws to secure the victory.
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           KEY STATS
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            Florida shot 46.7% from the field (28-60), while the Jaguars finished at 35.9% (23-64).
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            From three-point range, the Jaguars converted 7 of 16, while the Gators went 4 of 18.
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            At the free-throw line, Florida made 15 of 22, compared to the Jaguars’ 8 of 13.
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            The Gators controlled the paint, outscoring the Jaguars 44-32 inside.
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            Florida forced South Alabama into 20 turnovers, turning them into 26 points.
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            The Jaguars caused 16 Florida miscues, which they converted into 14 points.
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           FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS
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            Coach Finley on Nidi's minutes continuing to increase and how she has improved to gain more playing time…
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            "She's getting closer and closer to how she plays. You can see her becoming more and more comfortable on the floor. She's a competitor, she's versatile. She's a defensive utility player, an offensive utility player, she can play three-four-five. She understands competition. She was coached by a very talented high school coach, Coach Kip. Like he would say, outside dogs only. And that's what you're starting to see from her on the floor. We can count on her for that rebound, we can count on her for an extra possession. She shoots the three very well, she can go inside and outside and her versatility helps us be better."
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            Coach Finley on the defensive effort of holding the opposing team's leading scorers below their average…
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            Alexia Dizeko
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             is battling some aches and she always gives us her best. Not necessarily her greatest shooting night, I know she would like to be better in that area, but she's capable of more. That's what she would tell you. If what she has for us is to hold their leading scorer well below their average, that makes the Gators better and that's good for us."
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            Liv McGill
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             on Nidi as a player and contributing in different ways each game…
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            "Nidi is a very good glue player and she can do a lot of things on our team. She can play two through five, and whatever coach asks her to do she does it. She was very attentive at being urgent, like she said. And she rises to the moment, she rises to the occasion whether it's rebounding, finishing, giving energy, guarding the five, guarding the one, she can do a lot of things on the floor."
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            Liv McGill
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             on the defensive effort to hold their leading scorer below their season average in the game…
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            "I would say a big shout out to 
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            Alexia Dizeko
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            . She gives it all, Coach Kelly says it a lot, but she thrives in her job, her position and what we need her to do which is stop the key player and she does that day in and day out."
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             "Nidi" Yiech on what fueled her performance throughout the game… 
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            "Even before the game, Coach Dan harped on urgency and so that was kind of going through my brain the whole time. Just not stopping and going for every rebound."
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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           Liv McGill
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            and "Nidi" Yiech 
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           GATOR BITES
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            The Gators are now 7-3 all-time against South Alabama.
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            The Gators have held each of their 11 opponents this season below 70 points.
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             "Nidi" Yiech scored 14 points after scoring just three over her previous four games. She added a career-high 10 rebounds for her first career double-double.
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            Liv McGill
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            scored in double figures for the 12th straight game (32 points), 20 or more points for the eighth time this season and the 22nd time in her career, and 30 or more points for the third time this season and in her career.
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            Florida's 32-point second quarter is tied for the most points they have scored in a quarter this season (Nov. 3, 3rd quarter vs. North Florida).
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            Alexia Dizeko
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             has made her last 13 consecutive free throws dating back to last season (two for two today).
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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           The Gators will take a week-long break before returning to Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Sunday, Dec. 14 for a matchup with West Georgia. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST and will air on SECN+.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:47:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-top-south-alabama-behind-mcgill-yiech</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>McGill’s 32 Sparks Gators Past South Alabama, 75–61</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-32-sparks-gators-past-south-alabama-7561</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla
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            . —
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           Liv McGill
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            delivered 17 of her game-high 32 points in the second quarter, while "Nidi" Yiech notched her first career double-double as the Florida Women's Basketball Team improved to 9-2 with a 75-61 victory over visiting South Alabama on Sunday.
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Jaguars 16, Gators 11)
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           The opening period saw neither team lead by more than four until South Alabama closed with five straight points to take a 16-11 advantage after 10 minutes. The Jaguars connected on four of five attempts from beyond the arc, while Florida missed all four of its three-point tries. Cordasia Harris was perfect from the field, scoring six points with four rebounds and two steals.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 43, Jaguars 30)
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            The Jaguars built a five-point lead early at 18-13 and still held a 26-22 edge with 4:43 remaining. Florida responded with an 11-0 run and outscored South Alabama 21-6 over the final stretch of the half to take a 43-30 lead.
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           Liv McGill
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            dominated with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting and added five steals. South Alabama committed 13 turnovers in the quarter.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 58, Jaguars 48)
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           South Alabama trimmed the margin to 49-40 midway through the third, but Florida answered with a 9-0 spurt to push the lead to 18. The Jaguars closed the quarter strong, scoring the final eight points to cut the deficit to 10. Florida committed five turnovers in the frame, while South Alabama had none. McGill led all scorers with seven, while Harris and Amyah Sutton each scored six for the Jaguars.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 75, Jaguars 61)
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           South Alabama opened the fourth with seven of the first nine points to make it 60-55, but Florida quickly regained control with a 12-1 run. McGill added eight points in the final period as the Gators shot 5-of-10 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the free throw line to secure the win.
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           KEY STATS
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            Florida shot 46.7% (28-60), while South Alabama finished at 35.9% (23-64).
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            The Jaguars hit 7-of-16 from three-point range; Florida went 4-of-18.
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            Florida converted 15-of-22 free throws, compared to South Alabama’s 8-of-13.
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            The Gators outscored the Jaguars 44-32 in the paint.
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            Florida forced 20 turnovers, turning them into 26 points, while South Alabama scored 14 points off 16 Gator miscues.
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           FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS
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           Coach Finley on Nidi’s growing role and improvement: "She's getting closer and closer to how she plays. You can see her becoming more and more comfortable on the floor. She's a competitor, she's versatile. She's a defensive utility player, an offensive utility player, she can play three-four-five. She understands competition. She was coached by a very talented high school coach, Coach Kip. Like he would say, outside dogs only. And that's what you're starting to see from her on the floor. We can count on her for that rebound, we can count on her for an extra possession. She shoots the three very well, she can go inside and outside and her versatility helps us be better."
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           Coach Finley on defensive effort against opposing scorers: "
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            is battling some aches and she always gives us her best. Not necessarily her greatest shooting night, I know she would like to be better in that area, but she's capable of more. That's what she would tell you. If what she has for us is to hold their leading scorer well below their average, that makes the Gators better and that's good for us."
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           Liv McGill
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            on Nidi’s versatility: "Nidi is a very good glue player and she can do a lot of things on our team. She can play two through five, and whatever coach asks her to do she does it. She was very attentive at being urgent, like she said. And she rises to the moment, she rises to the occasion whether it's rebounding, finishing, giving energy, guarding the five, guarding the one, she can do a lot of things on the floor."
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           Liv McGill
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            on Alexia Dizeko’s defensive impact:
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            "I would say a big shout out to
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           Alexia Dizeko
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           . She gives it all, Coach Kelly says it a lot, but she thrives in her job, her position and what we need her to do which is stop the key player and she does that day in and day out."
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           "Nidi" Yiech on her motivation during the game: "Even before the game, Coach Dan harped on urgency and so that was kind of going through my brain the whole time. Just not stopping and going for every rebound."
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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           Post Game Press Conference: 
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           Liv McGill
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            and "Nidi" Yiech 
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           GATOR BITES
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            The Gators are now 7-3 all-time against South Alabama.
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            The Gators have held each of their 11 opponents this season below 70 points.
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             "Nidi" Yiech scored 14 points after scoring just three over her previous four games. She added a career-high 10 rebounds for her first career double-double.
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            Liv McGill
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             scored in double figures for the 12th straight game (32 points), 20 or more points for the eighth time this season and the 22nd time in her career, and 30 or more points for the third time this season and in her career.
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            Florida's 32-point second quarter is tied for the most points they have scored in a quarter this season (Nov. 3, 3rd quarter vs. North Florida).
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            Alexia Dizeko
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             has made her last 13 consecutive free throws dating back to last season (two for two today).
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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             The Gators are off for the next week, but return to Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Sunday, Dec. 14 against West Georgia. Tip is slated for 2 pm EST on SECN+.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:44:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-32-sparks-gators-past-south-alabama-7561</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Women’s Basketball: Five-Game December Homestand Begins</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-five-game-december-homestand-begins</link>
      <description>The Florida Gators women’s basketball team closes out December with five straight home games, starting Sunday against South Alabama. Don’t miss the action!</description>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           — The Florida Women's Basketball Team (8-2) is set to return home for the last five contests of its non-conference slate, starting with a Sunday, Dec. 7 matchup against South Alabama. The Jaguars will face the Gators at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.
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           The Gators are coming off a tough, 68-64 road loss at Virginia Tech which dropped their overall record to 8-2 on the season. 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , whose 26.8 points per game rank third in the nation as of Dec. 4, scored a game-high 30 points, and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            added 10, but it wasn't enough for Florida to overcome its 22 turnovers.
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           Reynolds (13.8 ppg) and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (14.7) give the Gators a trio of double-digit scorers, as Florida outscores its opponents by an average of 20.2 points per game. O'Neal paces the team in rebounding (8.3 rpg) and blocked shots (1.50 bpg), while McGill leads the Gators in assists (5.6) and steals (3.88 spg).
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           South Alabama (6-2) has already matched its total number of victories from the entire 2024-25 season (6-24). So far this year, the Jaguars and Gators have faced three shared opponents—Memphis, North Florida, and Florida Atlantic.
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            ﻿
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           South Alabama relies on a balanced offensive approach, highlighted by junior guard Amyah Sutton’s 13.6 points per game. Cordasia Harris (12.5 ppg) and Daniela Gonzalez (10.6) also contribute double-digit scoring averages, while four additional Jaguars players post between six and 10 points each. Harris leads the team on the boards with 8.3 rebounds per game and connects on a team-best 54.4 percent of her field goal attempts.
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           Turnovers remain a major weakness for the Jaguars, as they average 19.3 per contest, and the team has struggled at the free throw line, converting just 64.2 percent of its attempts.
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           South Alabama (6-2)
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            Date: Sunday, December 7
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            Time: 2 p.m. EST
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            Site: Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Listen: 
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      &lt;a href="http://wruf.com/listen-live/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            wruf.com/listen-live/
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=600b219b-7c3a-43a5-a2a0-2df041df8a8e" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.hokiesports.com/wbasketball/live/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Lift the Gators’ overall record to 9-2 this season.
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            Extend Florida’s head-to-head mark against South Alabama to 7-3.
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            Push the Gators’ streak of consecutive non-conference home victories to 13, marking the eighth-longest run of its kind in program history.
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ﻿
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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  &lt;h6&gt;&#xD;
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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            Through games played on Thursday, Dec. 4, Florida ranks tied for 11th in the SEC in scoring at 78.2 points per game. The Gators also sit 11th in scoring defense (58.0), 11th in scoring margin (+20.2), and 12th in field goal percentage (.452). Defensively, Florida is ninth in field goal percentage allowed (.365) and fifth in three-point field goal percentage defense (.260). The team additionally holds the eighth spot in steals (11.2) and is eighth in turnover margin (+5.50).
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             just missed out on her second career triple-double with a 
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      &lt;a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/gatorzone.com/stats/basketball-women/2025/pdf/20251103081441-2721338.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist effort
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            vs. North Florida on Nov. 3. She came up two rebounds shy in the Gators following game against Chattanooga on Nov. 6 with 
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            .
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Gators women's basketball history to be named a 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/11/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-sec-player-of-the-week-presented-by-allstate-following-record-setting-start-to-season" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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             on Tuesday, Nov. 11. She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals while connecting on 40.9 percent of her three-point field goal attempts in Florida's three wins. She also was named the SEC Player of the Week for her performance during that same stretch of games.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             was 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/30/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-most-outstanding-player-of-the-grand-cayman-classic" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            named the most outstanding player
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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             of the Grand Cayman Classic over Thanksgiving weekend when she averaged 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4,0 assists, 2.00 steals and 1.00 blocked shots.
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            Since the 1999-2000 season, only two players in the SEC have recorded three or more games of at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals—
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             (three in the first six games this season) and Ole Miss' Armintie Price (four)
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             has four double-doubles this season after recording one in her freshman campaign.
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h6&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED SOUTH ALABAMA STARTERS
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h6&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           JAGUARS QUICK HITS
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Jaguars have already won as many games this season (6-2) than they did throughout the entirety of 2024-25 (6-24).
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            South Alabama is averaging 77.5 points per game, which would be the highest scoring average for the program since the 1989-90 season (78.1 ppg) should they maintain it.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Jaguars were picked to finish 14th in the Sun Belt Conference in the preseason coaches poll
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            South Alabama uses a balanced scoring attack with seven players averaging between 6.4 and 13.6 points per game.
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-11dd13e7.webp" length="84326" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:28:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-five-game-december-homestand-begins</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Late Hokies Surge Hands Gators Tough Road Loss</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/late-hokies-surge-hands-gators-tough-road-loss</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           BLACKSBURG, Va.
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            —
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            Preseason All-SEC standout
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            poured in 30 points, and Florida’s defense limited Virginia Tech to 40.3 percent shooting, but the Hokies managed to pull out a 68-64 win Thursday night.
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           KEY RUNS
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           1st Quarter (Gators 19, Hokies 19)
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            The Hokies hit their first four shots to jump ahead 10-2. Coach Finley called a timeout to regroup, and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gift-ezekiel/17948" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gift Ezekiel
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            answered with a basket to stop the run. The Gators then scored eight straight and 17 of the next 22.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            led all scorers with 11 points, while Mackenzie Nelson paced the Hokies with seven. Florida forced five turnovers, including four from Carys Baker, who had committed only three in over 240 minutes of play entering the game.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 34, Hokies 34)
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            Virginia Tech closed the first quarter with four points and opened the second with another basket to retake the lead. The period featured two ties and six lead changes, with neither team ahead by more than three until
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           McGill
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           ’s three-point play with 1:43 left pushed Florida up 34-29. She scored eight in the quarter, while the Gators held leading scorer Carleigh Wenzel to just two points on 0-for-6 shooting in the half.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 52, Hokies 51)
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           With the score tied at 41, the Hokies strung together six straight points, including two fast-break layups by Carys Baker. Another timeout from Finley steadied the Gators, who answered with six straight of their own. A jumper by Samyha Suffren briefly put Virginia Tech back in front, but Alexia Dizeko scored five consecutive points to give Florida its largest lead of the quarter, 52-49.
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           4th Quarter (Hokies 68, Gators 64)
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            The game was tied 57-57 with 6:04 remaining when the Hokies went on a decisive 6-0 run. Florida went scoreless for nearly four minutes during that stretch, though
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           McGill
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           ’s three-pointer with 2:10 left cut the deficit to 63-60. That was as close as the Gators would get, as Virginia Tech held on for the win.
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           Gator Bites
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            Florida shot 43.1% (25-58), while Virginia Tech hit 40.3% (27-67).
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            The Hokies attempted nine more shots, aided by a 12-9 edge in offensive rebounds and committing six fewer turnovers (16 vs. 22).
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            Free throws proved pivotal: Virginia Tech went 11-for-15, while Florida finished 8-for-16.
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            From deep, the Gators made 6-of-14, compared to 3-of-15 for the Hokies.
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            Florida held Carleigh Wenzel to eight points on 2-of-12 shooting, but Carys Baker scored 24 on 10-of-16.
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             The
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             are now 3-2 all-time against
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            Virginia Tech
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            Liv McGill
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             has scored in double figures in 11 straight games (30 points), topped 20 points seven times this season and 20 times in her career, and reached 30 points for the second time this year and in her career.
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            McGill
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             went 11-for-26 for her 30 points, while the rest of the team combined for 14-of-32 and 34 points.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             added 10 points, her eighth double-figure game of the season and 34th of her career.
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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           The Gators return home for the rest of December, beginning with a Sunday, Dec. 7 matchup against South Alabama at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:32:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/late-hokies-surge-hands-gators-tough-road-loss</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Duke’s Dagger Three Ends Gators’ Rally at Cameron</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dukes-dagger-three-ends-gators-rally-at-cameron</link>
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           Duke guard Isaiah Evans lets fly what turned out to be the game-winner Tuesday night, as UF guard Urban Klavzar gives late chase. [Photo by USA Today]
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           DURHAM, N.C.
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            – If there was any consolation (though likely not much), the Florida Gators demonstrated just how strong they can be Tuesday night with a remarkable second-half performance that nearly positioned them to steal a victory in one of college basketball’s most storied and challenging venues.
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           They simply needed one more defensive stop.
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           Instead, it was Duke sophomore guard Isaiah Evans, who had been held in check most of the evening, stepping up to drain an open, go-ahead 3-pointer with 21 seconds left. That shot proved decisive in a thrilling 67-66 win for the fourth-ranked Blue Devils, halting a spirited rally by the No. 15 Gators in their ACC/SEC Challenge clash before a sold-out, frenzied crowd at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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            Evans’ pivotal basket followed a timeout after UF guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            connected on a 3-pointer with 35 seconds remaining, giving the Gators (5-3) their first lead since the 12-minute mark of the opening half. Though Duke (8-0) built a 15-point advantage in the first half, Florida responded with poise, effort, timely shooting, and—most importantly—defense to claw back and nearly snatch the win in front of the famed “Cameron Crazies.”
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           Then came Evans’ shot, followed by a turnover that ended Florida’s chance to reclaim the lead.
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            "Obviously, a disappointing result," Florida coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said afterward. "I thought we gave our best effort of the year. On the road, here at Duke, incredibly difficult environment to play in. I thought we played really well the first 10 minutes of the game. I thought we were not nearly good enough the last 10 minutes of the first half, and that ended up costing us. [But] we played an elite second half."
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           Blue Devils freshman forward Cameron Boozer, projected as a contender for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, delivered a complete performance with 29 points, six rebounds, and seven drawn fouls. Boozer broke the second-half’s first tie with a 3-pointer at the 2:07 mark, coming after his team had missed its first nine attempts from deep in the period.
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           The Blue Devils followed that up with another make from beyond the arc, erasing the brief 66-64 lead the Gators held for just 14 seconds.
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           Junior forward 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            throws down two of his team-high 24 points.
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            Junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            paced the Gators with 24 points and six rebounds, followed by Fland with 16 points. Junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , returning after missing a game due to concussion protocol, recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds and anchored the low post for a defense that limited Duke to 38% shooting after halftime, when the Gators outscored the Blue Devils 42-31 and won the rebounding battle by 11 overall.
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           "I'm proud of our fight," Haugh said. "We need to keep building off this."
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           Still, it would have been far better to build off a win. The Gators dug themselves into an early hole by shooting just 29% in the first half, including 3-for-16 from beyond the arc (18.8%), while allowing the Blue Devils—Boozer in particular—to shoot 52% and knock down five 3-pointers.
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           "I told our guys, to win in a place like Cameron, you've got to outplay Duke by 10 points because you're not going to get any 50-50 calls. Things aren't going to go your way," Golden said. "We certainly had a little bit of that tonight."
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           Most of it came in the opening half. Duke led by 12 at the break and scored the first basket of the second half, but UF looked revitalized coming out of the locker room. The Gators responded with a 9-0 run that forced a Blue Devils timeout, trimming the margin to five. The surge extended to 14-2, pulling the visitors within two and signaling they weren’t backing down.
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            Boozer answered with six straight points to stretch the lead back to nine, 54-45, but consecutive 3-pointers from Haugh and
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           Urban Klavzar
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            tightened things again. With Duke ahead 59-53, the Gators, after missing five straight shots, strung together six consecutive points to tie the game on a Fland pull-up jumper at the 2:34 mark.
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           Moments later, Boozer broke through with a 3-pointer, ending Duke’s drought from deep. Fland countered with a driving layup to cut the deficit to one, but Boozer struck again, powering to the rim for a bank shot that restored a three-point cushion. Two free throws from Condon brought it back to a one-point game, and a defensive stop set up Fland’s 3-pointer that gave the Gators the lead.
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           Gators guard 
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           (0) got hot in the second half and keyed the comeback that put his team in position to win.
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           Out of a Duke timeout, Evans moved to set a ball screen for Boozer at the top of the key but slipped cleanly to his left as Klavzar was caught in the traffic. Evans received the pass and squared up for a wide-open shot that electrified the arena.
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           The Gators’ next possession ended with a Fland turnover—his game-high fourth—created by strong defense from Caleb Foster with the clock under five seconds, followed by a foul. Foster missed the front end of a one-and-one with 1.5 seconds remaining, allowing UF to call a timeout for one last desperation play. Haugh’s baseline heave upcourt—hoping for a shot, a foul, anything—was tipped as time expired.
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           "That was a big time game," Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. "Hats off to Florida. They've got winning DNA. They are tough. They made a great run."
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           The Gators came that close to pulling off a historic win at college basketball’s Mecca. Instead, they left with a clearer picture of what it will take to reach their best form. It will require the same grit, determination, and defensive intensity they displayed at Cameron, which gave them a chance in a game (and venue) where they once seemed outmatched.
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           "Our level of competitiveness is not a concern of mine. We just have not been playing well," Golden said. "We're competing hard. That is not something that's ever crossed my mind with our team. It's execution that's been our issue. We have not been anywhere near as good enough that way. I thought tonight we were good enough."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:10:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dukes-dagger-three-ends-gators-rally-at-cameron</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Women’s Hoops Heads to Hokie Nation</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-womens-hoops-heads-to-hokie-nation</link>
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           BLACKSBURG, Va.
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           — The Florida Women's Basketball Team remains on the road this week as the Gators travel to Virginia Tech, Thursday, for a 5 p.m. EST tip as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge. A Florida victory would be its ninth of the year, and tie the program record for most wins at the start of a season through 10 games.
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           Liv McGill
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            is coming off a weekend performance at the Grand Cayman Classic that led to her being named the tournament's most outstanding player. In wins over Memphis (74-60) and Georgia Tech (65-56), the preseason All-SEC selection averaged 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4,0 assists, 2.00 steals and 1.00 blocked shots.
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           Through games of Sunday, Nov. 30, McGill is third in the nation in scoring average (26.3 ppg), tied for 21st in assists (6.0 apg), and tied for eighth in steals (4.00 spg).
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           Teammate 
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has four double-doubles on the season, and brings per game averages of 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.67 blocks into the week. 
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           Laila Reynolds
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            is Florida's other double-figure scorer as she averages 14.2 points per game.
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           The Hokies (6-2) opened the season with five straight wins before falling 65-56 at James Madison and 64-60 against BYU. They snapped that short losing streak on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a 78-67 victory over Oregon State.
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           Virginia Tech features a balanced scoring approach, with six players averaging between eight and 16 points. Redshirt junior guard Carleigh Wenzel leads the way at 15.9 points per game. Senior forward Kilah Freelon is contributing 10.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, making her one of just 25 players nationally averaging a double-double this season. Freelon is also shooting 50.9 percent from the field in 2025-26, second only to graduate student guard Mel Daley, who is hitting at a 56.3 percent clip.
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           The Gators hold a 3-1 all-time record against Virginia Tech, though the teams haven’t met since Dec. 1, 2014, when Florida earned a 73-44 win. In that game, Cassie Peoples scored a team-high 19 points, while Kayla Lewis added 15. The Florida defense limited Virginia Tech to 31.3 percent shooting overall, including just 1-for-18 from beyond the arc.
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           Florida remains unbeaten in the ACC-SEC Challenge, having defeated Clemson 77-64 la
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            st season and
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           Georgia Tech
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            68-58 during the 2023-24 campaign.
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           Georgia Tech (6-2)
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            Date: Thursday, December 4
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            Time: 5 p.m. EST
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            Site: Cassell Coliseum
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            Listen: 
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            wruf.com/listen-live/
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            Watch: 
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            ESPN2
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            Live stats: 
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Improve the Gators record to 9-1 on the year, tying the program record for most wins to start a season through 10 games.
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            Improve Florida's record against Virginia Tech to 4-1.
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            Improve Florida's record in the ACC-SEC Challenge to 3-0.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           Gator Bites
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            Through games played Monday, Dec. 1, Florida ranks tied for 11th in the SEC in points per game (79.8), 11th in scoring defense (56.9), 10th in scoring margin (+22.9), and 12th in field goal percentage (.454). The Gators sit ninth in field goal percentage defense (.360), sixth in three-point field goal percentage defense (.266), eighth in steals (11.1), and sixth in turnover margin (+6.78).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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            just missed out on her second career triple-double with a 
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            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist effort
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             vs. North Florida on Nov. 3. She came up two rebounds shy in the Gators following game against Chattanooga on Nov. 6 with 
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            .
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Gators women's basketball history to be named a 
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            US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week
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             on Tuesday, Nov. 11. She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals while connecting on 40.9 percent of her three-point field goal attempts in Florida's three wins. She also was named the SEC Player of the Week for her performance during that same stretch of games.
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            L
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            iv McGill
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             was 
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            named the
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            most outstanding player
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             of the Grand Cayman Classic over Thanksgiving weekend when she averaged 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4,0 assists, 2.00 steals and 1.00 blocked shots.
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            Since the 1999-2000 season, only two players in the SEC have recorded three or more games of at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals—
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            Liv McGill
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             (three in the first six games this season) and Ole Miss' Armintie Price (four)
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has four double-doubles this season after recording one in her freshman campaign.
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           PROJECTED VIRGINIA TECH STARTERS
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           HOKIES QUICK HITS
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            Virginia Tech reached the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons from 2020-2024, highlighted by a run to the semifinals in 2022-23 before falling to LSU. Last year, the Hokies finished 19-9 overall, but just 9-9 in conference play, missing out on the NCAAs.
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            This season, Virginia Tech is undefeated at home (5-0) and has compiled a dominant 61-10 record in Blacksburg since the start of the 2021-22 campaign.
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            Through games of Monday, Dec. 1, Kilah Frelon ranks tied for 16th nationally in offensive rebounds per game (4.1) and tied for 28th in rebounds per game (10.1).
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            ﻿
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            Meanwhile, Mackenzie Nelson stands tied for 13th in the nation in assists per game (6.4) and 11th in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.64).
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      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:18:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-womens-hoops-heads-to-hokie-nation</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Women’s Basketball Heads to Virginia Tech for ACC/SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-heads-to-virginia-tech-for-acc-sec-showdown</link>
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           BLACKSBURG, Va. —
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            Florida’s women’s basketball team continues its road stretch this week, heading to Virginia Tech on Thursday for a 5 p.m. EST matchup in the SEC/ACC Challenge. A win would mark the Gators’ ninth of the season and tie the program record for most victories through the first 10 games.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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           enters the contest fresh off her standout showing at the Grand Cayman Classic, where she was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. In Florida’s wins over Memphis (74-60) and Georgia Tech (65-56), the preseason All-SEC guard averaged 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 block.
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           As of Sunday, Nov. 30, McGill ranks third nationally in scoring (26.3 points per game), tied for 21st in assists (6.0 per game), and tied for eighth in steals (4.0 per game).
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            ﻿
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has already recorded four double-doubles this season, contributing averages of 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.67 blocks.
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           Laila Reynolds
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            also provides consistent scoring, averaging 14.2 points per game.
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           Virginia Tech (6-2) opened the season with five straight wins before falling to James Madison (65-56) and BYU (64-60). The Hokies bounced back on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a 78-67 victory over Oregon State.
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           The Hokies feature a balanced offense, with six players averaging between eight and 16 points. Redshirt junior guard Carleigh Wenzel leads the way at 15.9 points per game. Senior forward Kilah Freelon adds 10.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, making her one of just 25 players nationally averaging a double-double this season. Freelon is shooting 50.9 percent from the field, second only to graduate guard Mel Daley’s 56.3 percent.
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           Florida holds a 3-1 all-time record against Virginia Tech, with their last meeting on Dec. 1, 2014 resulting in a 73-44 Gators win. Cassie Peoples scored 19 points in that game, Kayla Lewis added 15, and the Florida defense limited the Hokies to 31.3 percent shooting, including just 1-of-18 from three-point range.
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           The Gators remain unbeaten in ACC-SEC Challenge play, having defeated Clemson (77-64) last season and Georgia Tech (68-58) during the 2023-24 campaign.
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           Georgia Tech (6-2)
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            Date: Thursday, December 4
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            Time: 5 p.m. EST
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            Site: Cassell Coliseum
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            Listen: 
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            wruf.com/listen-live/
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/997b2141-6465-4281-ad87-415449248446" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN2
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            Live stats: 
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Improve the Gators record to 9-1 on the year, tying the program record for most wins to start a season through 10 games.
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            Improve Florida's record against Virginia Tech to 4-1.
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            Improve Florida's record in the ACC-SEC Challenge to 3-0.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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            Through games of Monday, Dec. 1, Florida is tied for 11th in the SEC this season in points per game (79.8), 11th in scoring defense (56.9), 10th in scoring margin (+22.9), 12th in field goal percentage (.454), ninth in field goal percentage defense (.360), sixth in three-point field goal percentage defense (.266), eighth in steals (11.1), and sixth in turnover margin (+6.78).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             just missed out on her second career triple-double with a 
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      &lt;a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/gatorzone.com/stats/basketball-women/2025/pdf/20251103081441-2721338.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist effort
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             vs. North Florida on Nov. 3. She came up two rebounds shy in the Gators following game against Chattanooga on Nov. 6 with 
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      &lt;a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/gatorzone.com/stats/basketball-women/2025/pdf/20251106064241-2738494.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            .
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Gators women's basketball history to be named a 
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            US Basketball
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/11/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-sec-player-of-the-week-presented-by-allstate-following-record-setting-start-to-season" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/11/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-sec-player-of-the-week-presented-by-allstate-following-record-setting-start-to-season" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Writers Association National Player of the Week
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            on Tuesday, Nov. 11. She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals while connecting on 40.9 percent of her three-point field goal attempts in Florida's three wins. She also was named the SEC Player of the Week for her performance during that same stretch of games.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             was 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/30/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-most-outstanding-player-of-the-grand-cayman-classic" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            named the most outstanding playe
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/30/womens-basketball-mcgill-named-most-outstanding-player-of-the-grand-cayman-classic" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            r
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             of the Grand Cayman Classic over Thanksgiving weekend when she averaged 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4,0 assists, 2.00 steals and 1.00 blocked shots.
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            Since the 1999-2000 season, only two players in the SEC have recorded three or more games of at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals—
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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            (three in the first six games this season) and Ole Miss' Armintie Price (four)
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has four double-doubles this season after recording one in her freshman campaign.
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           PROJECTED VIRGINIA TECH STARTERS
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           HOKIES QUICK HITS
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            Virginia Tech made the NCAA Tournament for four straight seasons from 2020-2024, advancing to the semifinals in 2022-23 before falling to LSU. Last season, they were 19-9, but just 9-9 in conference, and did not make the NCAAs.
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            The Hokies are undefeated at home this season (5-0), and 61-10 in Blacksburg since the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
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            Through games of Monday, Dec. 1, Kilah Frelon is tied for 16th in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (4.1), and tied for 28th in rebounds per game (10.1).
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            Through games of Monday, Dec. 1, Mackenzie Nelson is tied for 13th in the nation in assists per game (6.4), and 11th in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.64).
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-7570d33f.webp" length="53854" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:48:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-heads-to-virginia-tech-for-acc-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-7570d33f.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Gear Up for Blue Devils Showdown at Cameron</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-gear-up-for-blue-devils-showdown-at-cameron</link>
      <description>The Florida Gators brace for a high-stakes battle against Duke’s Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor, facing Boozer and the legendary Cameron Crazies in a December showdown.</description>
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           Share:
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           Duke's five NCAA championship banners hang over Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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           DURHAM, N.C.
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            – It's been nearly 27 years. That's a lot of water under the bridges along Tobacco Road. 
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           The contrast between Florida's previous road matchup at Duke and the Gators' upcoming visit on Tuesday night would have been unimaginable when the two programs last met at the storied Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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           On Dec. 9, 1998, Billy Donovan led his rapidly rising Gators, undefeated through five games, into a showdown with the third-ranked Blue Devils, whose roster featured seven McDonald's All Americans. The contest was promoted as a benchmark for Donovan’s swiftly ascending UF program, which had made waves on the recruiting trail and unsettled several traditional basketball powerhouses.
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           How did the Gators fare? They didn’t.
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           Duke delivered a decisive 116-86 defeat, setting the record for the most points ever scored against a UF team. Take that, Billy D. Now head back to your football school.
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            ﻿
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           Coach
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            Billy Donovan 
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           and 
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           Teddy Dupay
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            (5) back in the day.
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           "We felt invincible going up there, but they spanked us pretty good," recalled former UF guard Teddy Dupay, now 46, but then a standout freshman facing the likes of Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Will Avery, Trajan Langdon, and Corey Maggette. "I just remember Maggette doing pull-ups on the rim the whole second half."
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           Things soon shifted. That UF squad advanced to its first NCAA Tournament under Donovan, reaching the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, Duke played for the national championship but fell to Connecticut. Just 15 months after that lopsided meeting at Cameron, the fifth-seeded Gators and top-seeded Blue Devils crossed paths again in the 2000 NCAA Tournament’s round of 16 at Syracuse, New York. Duke entered as the nation’s No. 1 team and the tournament’s overall top seed.
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           Florida prevailed 87-78.
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           Since then, both programs have continued to rise.
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           The contrast between Florida's previous road matchup at Duke and the Gators' upcoming visit on Tuesday night would have been unimaginable when the two programs last met at the storied Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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           On Dec. 9, 1998, Billy Donovan led his rapidly rising Gators, undefeated through five games, into a showdown with the third-ranked Blue Devils, whose roster featured seven McDonald's All Americans. The contest was promoted as a benchmark for Donovan’s swiftly ascending UF program, which had made waves on the recruiting trail and unsettled several traditional basketball powerhouses.
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           How did the Gators fare? They didn’t.
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           Duke delivered a decisive 116-86 defeat, setting the record for the most points ever scored against a UF team. Take that, Billy D. Now head back to your football school.
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           "We felt invincible going up there, but they spanked us pretty good," recalled former UF guard Teddy Dupay, now 46, but then a standout freshman facing the likes of Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Will Avery, Trajan Langdon, and Corey Maggette. "I just remember Maggette doing pull-ups on the rim the whole second half."
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           Things soon shifted. That UF squad advanced to its first NCAA Tournament under Donovan, reaching the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, Duke played for the national championship but fell to Connecticut. Just 15 months after that lopsided meeting at Cameron, the fifth-seeded Gators and top-seeded Blue Devils crossed paths again in the 2000 NCAA Tournament’s round of 16 at Syracuse, New York. Duke entered as the nation’s No. 1 team and the tournament’s overall top seed.
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           Florida prevailed 87-78.
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           Since then, both programs have continued to rise.
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           Coach
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            Billy Donovan 
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           and 
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           Teddy Dupay
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            (5) back in the day.
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           [Read senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Chris Harry
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           's Pregame Stuff setup 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/12/1/stuff-florida-at-duke-dec-2-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           ]
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           Jump ahead to today. The line of students—known as the Cameron Crazies—stretched through the corridors of this 85-year-old arena, braving rainy, near-freezing conditions as they eagerly awaited the chance to watch their undefeated and fourth-ranked Blue Devils (8-0) take on the 15th-ranked Gators (5-2) in the ACC/SEC Challenge on their home court.
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           That opponent, of course, is none other than the reigning NCAA champion Gators.
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           They're going to be fired up for us, UF junior forward 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            said. We'll be fired up for them, too.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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            (1) on the move against the Friars on his way to a season-high 20 points.
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           It was UF—remember?—that stole Duke's Final Four spotlight last March in San Antonio, mounting a second-half comeback from a 12-point deficit to defeat Houston and claim the national title. That’s the same Houston squad that, just 48 hours earlier, shocked the Blue Devils with a rally from 13 down with four minutes remaining (nine with only two to play), effectively ending Cooper Flagg’s college run one game early and launching his NBA journey.
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           Now, Duke is chasing what Florida already owns. Let that sink in.
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           And consider this: In the nearly 30 years since that last visit to Cameron, Duke has captured three national championships and reached seven Final Fours. Florida? Also three national championships, with five Final Four appearances.
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           So when ESPN lined up these ACC/SEC Challenge matchups, they knew exactly what they were doing.
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           We work pretty hard to get into opportunities like this where you get to coach at places like this and compete against really good programs, UF coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            said. You want to make sure that [we] enjoy and kind of take a moment to appreciate the opportunity. But after that, if you don't get locked in, it could be a long night. So, you want to make sure you're fully focused on the right things. I think we'll do a good job of that.
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           It's amazing that these two programs have played only twice – in the 2016 Coaches vs. Cancer and 2017 PK80 Invitational – since that epic UF upset in the 2000 tournament that marked the program's first victory over a team ranked No. 1. 
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           And it's as if that 30-point loss was the start of something.
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           UF senior guard 
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           Eddie Shannon
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            (3) on defense against Duke counterpart 
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           William Avery 
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           during the 1998 clash at Cameron. 
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           "We were undefeated and felt invincible, but that was good for us. They spanked us pretty good," recalled former Gators guard Teddy Dupay, now 46. "They were absolutely loaded, which is always the hardest part about playing Duke. They always have really, really good players."
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            ﻿
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           That dynamic remains true in 2025-26. The Blue Devils feature what many consider the nation’s top player in 6-foot-9, versatile power forward Cameron Boozer, son of former Duke standout Carlos Boozer. And beyond individual talent, Tuesday’s matchup carries the added challenge of opponents stepping into the storied home of basketball royalty, often overwhelmed by the aura of competing in their castle for the first time.
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           I heard the arena is not that big. It's loud, said UF junior 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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           , who learned all about Cameron (listed capacity of 9,314) even when growing up playing basketball in Slovenia. I think the fans are really close to the court, so it's going to be really fun to play in that environment.
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           That was the mindset of the Gators back in 1998 as well. They featured two McDonald's All-American freshmen, Teddy Dupay and Mike Miller, alongside rising star center Udonis Haslem, their classmate. They were the newcomers on the collegiate stage, brimming with confidence.
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           They left battered, but wiser.
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           "There were places much louder than [Cameron], but the fans made the difference," Dupay said. "They choreographed and synchronized everything. And they were clever about it."
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            ﻿
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           Cruel, too. UF starting point guard Eddie Shannon, who had lost his eye to a degenerative condition the previous summer, was met with a sign that read: There is no 'i' in Shannon. Seriously.
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           Cameron Indoor Stadium
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           The score was knotted at 23 nine minutes in when Duke unleashed a decisive surge—a 40-18 run over the final 11 minutes of the half. By the break, Avery had set a school record with eight 3-pointers on 10 attempts, while Langdon contributed 20 points and Maggette added 19 points and nine rebounds. The Blue Devils shot 50% overall, nearly 70% from beyond the arc (16 of 23), and dominated the boards with a 46-32 advantage over UF.
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           "That was the closest large double-digit game I've ever been involved in," said Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski, offering a back-handed compliment. "In fact, I don't know why [the margin] was that much."
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           Donovan took a more pragmatic view.
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           "This is why we needed to play a game like this. Hopefully, our guys will understand that if you fall asleep against a good team this is what happens," Donovan said. "It's just one game, but to be the kind of elite team we want to be, we have to play a team like Duke wire to wire for a whole game."
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           The Gators were the nation’s most elite team last season, but in 2025-26 they are still searching for consistency. They need sharper shooting, better ball control, and stronger defense in the paint.
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           Florida enters this contest as a 9-point underdog, but if the Gators can improve in those areas at Cameron, they can replicate that success anywhere.
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           "You don't have to be afraid to fail in this game, so this should be welcomed by our group, because we've been a team that — uniquely for our program — has had all the pressure on us up to this point this year," Golden said. "Hopefully, that loosens us up a little bit. We can go play with a little more freedom and not worry about making shots. Just go in there and just try to play hard."
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           And enjoy one of the most electric atmospheres in college basketball.
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           Or, as Dupay put it: "Throw those new guys to the wolves and see what happens."
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            ﻿
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           Hey, it worked before.
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           Email senior writer 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            at 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           . Find his story archives 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           . 
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:07:28 GMT</pubDate>
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      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Set for Showdown at No. 4 Duke</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-set-for-showdown-at-no-4-duke</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           UF guard Xaivian Lee (1) nails one of his four 3-pointers on his way to 20 points.
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           No. 15 Florida at No. 4 Duke
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            Event:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ACC/SEC Challenge
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            Time:
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            Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (ET)
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            Location:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Cameron Indoor Stadium / Durham, N.C.
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            Records:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida (5-2) / Duke (8-0)
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            Series/Last Meeting:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Duke holds a 14-4 advantage. The programs last faced each other on Nov. 26, 2017 in the
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           championship game of the PK80 Invitational in Portland, Oregon saw the No. 1 Blue Devils rally from an 18-point second-half deficit — and still trailing by 10 with under four minutes left — to claim an 87-84 victory that handed the seventh-ranked Gators their first loss of the 2017-18 season. UF led 82-72 before being outscored 15-2 to close the game. Freshman forward Marvin Bagley III powered Duke with 30 points and 15 rebounds, while freshman guard Gary Trent (15 points) sank two free throws to give the Blue Devils the lead, then added two more to secure the win after UF guard Jalen Hudson (24 points, 10 rebounds) missed the front end of a one-and-one with 54 seconds remaining. Senior guard Grayson Allen also delivered a clutch 3-pointer during the comeback, finishing with 14 points and seven assists.
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            TV:
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ESPN (
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dan Shulman
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jay Bilas
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kris Budden
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            )
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Radio:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/404?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             (with
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Brian Hogan
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Steve Egan
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            )
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/crop-a4981a84.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Duke forward
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
             Cameron Boozer
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Setup
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Cameron.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Historic Cameron Indoor Arena (capacity 9,314), on the campus of Duke University, opened in 1940
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida and Duke, both teams that advanced to the 2025 Final Four in San Antonio last March, are set to meet in one of the headline matchups of the third ACC/SEC Challenge, an ESPN-created event featuring 16 games across two days between programs from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           For the 15th-ranked Gators, the game carries added significance as it marks just their fourth-ever appearance at Cameron Indoor Stadium, one of college basketball’s most iconic venues and home to the fourth-ranked Blue Devils since 1940. Duke enters riding a 21-game home winning streak. The last time Florida played at Cameron was Dec. 9, 1998, when the Gators fell 116-86 during the third season under Billy Donovan.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF, which dropped five spots in the latest Associated Press Top 25, is coming off a split at the Rady Children's Invitational in San Diego. The Gators were upset by Texas Christian in the opening round on Thanksgiving Day but rebounded with a 90-78 win over Providence in the consolation game on Black Friday.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Meanwhile, the Blue Devils rolled through their first seven contests largely unchallenged before being tested by No. 22 Arkansas in Chicago last Thursday. Duke rallied late in the second half to secure an 80-71 victory.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Both teams enter this year’s Challenge with 1-1 records. Florida lost at Wake Forest in 2023 and defeated Virginia at home in 2024, while Duke fell at Arkansas in 2023 before beating Auburn in 2024.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tale of the Tape
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/251128_MBKProvidence_8439_MaddieWashburn-7e0c831e.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gators senior guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (1)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Breakdown 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/021_Klavzar_Urban__251128_6050_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF junior guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           About the Gators:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The season began with Florida ranked No. 3, but an opening loss in Las Vegas to Arizona — still undefeated and now ranked second — set a rocky tone. The Gators followed with four straight wins, though unevenly played, before surrendering a 10-point second-half lead to TCU last week. Concerns over 3-point shooting and turnovers eased, at least temporarily, in the win over Providence, where Florida hit a season-high 12 shots from deep and committed just eight turnovers (only four in the final 36 minutes) after 19 giveaways against the Horned Frogs.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida opened the year ranked in the top five nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, per KenPom.com, but has since dropped more than 20 spots offensively (largely due to poor 3-point shooting) and now sits just outside the top 10 defensively. Forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (15.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg), who missed the Providence game for precautionary reasons after a blow to the head against TCU, will be a game-time decision. If unavailable,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (5.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg) will make his second start in two seasons.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The most encouraging sign from San Diego was the breakout of shooting guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who had been struggling at 22.6% overall and 15.6% from 3. Against the Friars, Lee posted a UF career-high 20 points, went 4-for-9 from beyond the arc, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished four assists. If the cross-country trip helped restore his confidence to Princeton levels, the payoff was significant. Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has recorded four double-doubles in his last five games, shooting 59% from the field and improving his free-throw percentage to 70% (up from his career mark of 53.9). Point guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            delivered his best offensive game as a Gator, hitting four 3-pointers. Forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            struggled from the floor (3-for-9 overall, 1-for-5 from 3) but still produced 16 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in 34 minutes, while converting 9 of 11 free throws. Backup guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (10.6 ppg) averaged 19.0 points in San Diego, making seven of 15 from deep, raising his season percentage to 38% after starting at 21.4% through the first four games. Reserve guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/17740" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (3.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg) contributed efficiently, hitting all three of his shots in 12 minutes.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           About the Blue Devils:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Now in his fourth season, coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jon Scheyer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has compiled a 97-22 record at his alma mater, winning his first ACC title last season and leading Duke to the Final Four in 2022 — just the program’s second in the previous nine years. The Blue Devils are unbeaten through eight games for the first time since 2017-18, when they opened 11-0. Statistically, Duke is elite across the board, ranking top-five in both offense and defense, boasting the second-best 2-point percentage in college basketball (65.2) and the nation’s best effective field-goal percentage defense (40.0).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Cameron Boozer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who chose Duke after a recruiting battle with Florida and Miami, may not yet be drawing the same spotlight as
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Cooper Flagg
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , but he has no discernible weaknesses and is projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Boozer is shooting 65.4% from 2-point range, nearly 39% from 3, leads the team in assists, and ranks among the top 150 in advanced metrics, including top-60 in usage. The son of former Duke star and 13-year NBA veteran
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlos Boozer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , he impacts the game everywhere on the floor. Point guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Caleb Foster
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , a starter for most of his three seasons in Durham, is hitting 52% from 2 and nearly 50% from 3, while posting a 20.6% assist rate.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Evans
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            adds efficiency as an inside-out scorer and is an excellent shot-blocker at the guard spot, while freshman forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dame Sarr
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           has been similarly effective (59% from 2, nearly 36% from 3).
          &#xD;
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            Off the bench, 6-8 freshman forward
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           Nikolas Khamenia
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            (7.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg) joins Boozer and his younger brother, 6-4 guard
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           Cayden Boozer
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           (7.2 ppg, 3.1 apg), as members of the 2025 McDonald’s All America Team.
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           Numbers of Note
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           2025 NCAA Player of the Year 
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           Cooper Flagg
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            (2) walks dejected off the floor after the Final Four loss to Houston last March in San Antonio.
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            14
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            — Duke held a 14-point lead over Houston with under eight minutes remaining in the 2025 Final Four, but ultimately fell 70-67. The Blue Devils were still ahead by nine with 2:15 left before Houston’s NCAA-best defense clamped down, closing the game on a 15-3 run. That included a stunning 9-0 burst in the final 33 seconds, completing one of the most dramatic comebacks — and collapses — in Final Four history. Note: Two nights later, Florida trailed by 12 in the second half of the national championship game and rallied to win 65-63.
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            1937
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            — The last time Duke played in Gainesville. This upcoming contest marks the 11th meeting between the programs since then, with four at Cameron Indoor Stadium and six at neutral sites. Two of those came in the NCAA Tournament, including the 1994 Final Four in Charlotte, where the Blue Devils prevailed 70-65.
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            2000
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             — Just 15 months after suffering a 30-point defeat at Cameron, the fifth-seeded Gators, in their fourth season under Billy Donovan, faced the No. 1-seeded Blue Devils in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA East Region at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. UF stunned the tournament’s top overall seed 87-78 by scoring the final 13 points over the last four minutes. Freshman point guard
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            Brett Nelson
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             led with 15 points, outplaying All-America freshman
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            Jay Williams
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             , now an ESPN analyst. Sophomore forward
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            Mike Miller
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            added 10 points. The victory was Florida’s first ever against a No. 1-ranked team and propelled the Gators to just their second Elite Eight in program history. They went on to defeat Oklahoma State in the regional final, then beat North Carolina at the Final Four in Indianapolis to reach the NCAA title game for the first time, where UF fell to Michigan State 89-76.
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            ﻿
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           Bottom Line 
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           This matchup represents a significant challenge for the Gators, but it’s part of the broader process and plan for the 2025-26 season — a campaign that remains very much a work in progress.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:41:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-set-for-showdown-at-no-4-duke</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>McGill Shines as Grand Cayman Classic’s Most Outstanding Player</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgill-shines-as-grand-cayman-classics-most-outstanding-player</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman —
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            Florida sophomore
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            learned recognition as the Most Outstanding Player of the Cayman Islands Classic on Saturday evening, following her leadership in guiding the Gators to two wins during the Thanksgiving weekend event.
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           The preseason All-SEC pick averaged 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 block across the two contests, helping Florida move to an 8-1 record.
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            In the matchup against Memphis on Friday, Nov. 28, McGill posted 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/28/o-neal-mcgill-combine-for-51-points-as-womens-basketball-topples-memphis-74-60" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           74-60 win over the Tigers
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           .
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            She followed that performance with another 27-point outing on Saturday, Nov. 29 versus Georgia Tech. The Minneapolis native added three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks as the Gators secured a
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/29/womens-basketball-mcgills-second-straight-27-point-effort-leads-gators-to-65-56-win-over-georgia-tech" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           65-56
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            win over the Yellow Jackets.
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            This latest honor adds to McGill’s growing list of achievements. Earlier this season,
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           McGill was named the SEC Player of the Week and a USBWA National Player of the Week
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            on Nov. 11 after averaging 27.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.0 steals during the opening week.
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           As of Saturday, Nov. 29, McGill ranked second nationally in scoring (26.3 points per game), tied for 19th in assists (6.0 per game), and tied for seventh in steals (4.0 per game).
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           Florida now stands at 8-1 overall. A victory on Thursday at Virginia Tech would match the program’s best start through 10 games. Nine previous Gators teams have opened a season at 9-1, most recently in 2022-23.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:27:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgill-shines-as-grand-cayman-classics-most-outstanding-player</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Eye Cayman Classic Sweep vs. Georgia Tech</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-eye-cayman-classic-sweep-vs-georgia-tech</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GEORGE TOWN,
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            Cayman Islands — Florida wraps up its Thanksgiving trip to the Cayman Islands on Saturday with a 5 p.m. EST matchup against Georgia Tech. The Gators opened the tournament Friday night by defeating Memphis 74-60, powered by
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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           ’s 24 points and nine rebounds alongside Liv McGill’s 27 points. That win lifted Florida to a 7-1 record, their best start through eight games since the 2000-01 season when they began 8-0.
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            McGill currently stands second nationally in scoring at 26.2 points per game, ranks 20th in assists (6.0 per game), and is sixth in steals (4.33 per game).
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (16.6 ppg) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            (14.4 ppg) also contribute double‑digit scoring averages for the Gators.
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           Georgia Tech enters at 3-4 after a narrow 77-75 loss to St. John’s in their opening Cayman Islands Classic contest Friday. Sophomore guard Talayah Walker and senior guard Catherine Alben each tallied 18 points. The Yellow Jackets controlled the paint with a 34-24 scoring edge inside, but St. John’s hot shooting at 53.2 percent proved decisive. Walker (12.9 ppg) and Alben (12.3 ppg) lead Georgia Tech in scoring, while six other teammates average between 4.9 and 9.3 points per game.
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            The series between Florida and Georgia Tech is tied 1-1. The Yellow Jackets claimed the first meeting on Dec. 5, 1986, with an 82-72 victory. Florida evened the record on Nov. 29, 2023, winning 68-58 in Atlanta. In that game, Rusne Augustinaite scored 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 6-of-10 from three-point range. Florida limited the rest of the Georgia Tech roster to 13-of-43 shooting overall and 0-of-10 from deep.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            paced the Gators with 18 points in the win.
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           Georgia Tech (3-4)
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            Date: Saturday, November 28
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            Time: 5 p.m. EST
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            Site: John Gray High School Gymnasium
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            Listen: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5830" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://flosports.link/3J3G6ng" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloSports
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://caymanislandsclassic.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            CaymanIslandsClassic.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Improve the Gators record to 8-1 on the season.
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            Improve Florida's record against the Yellow Jackets to 2-1 overall.
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            Improve Florida's record in Thanksgiving week tournaments to 8-2 under Coach Finley.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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            Through games of Friday, Nov. 28, Florida ranks ninth in the SEC this season in points per game (81.7), 10th in scoring margin (+24.6), 11th in field goal percentage (.460) and field goal percentage defense (.361), 10th in three-point field goal percentage defense (.287), ninth in steals (11.4), and seventh in turnover margin (+7.38).
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            Liv McGill
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             just missed out on her second career triple-double with a 
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            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist
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            effort
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             vs. North Florida on Nov. 3. She came up two rebounds shy in the Gators following game against Chattanooga on Nov. 6 with 
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            .
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Gators women's basketball history to be named a US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week on Tuesday, Nov. 11. She averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals while connecting on 40.9 percent of her three-point field goal attempts in Florida's three wins. She also was named the SEC Player of the Week for her performance during that same stretch of games.
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            Since the 1999-2000 season, only two players in the SEC have recorded three or more games of at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals—
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            Liv McGill
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             (three in the first six games this season) and Ole Miss' Armintie Price (four)
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has four double-doubles this season after recording one in her freshman campaign.
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           PROJECTED GEORGIA TECH STARTERS
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      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 23:06:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-eye-cayman-classic-sweep-vs-georgia-tech</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>McGill’s 27-Point Surge Powers Gators Past Georgia Tech</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-27-point-surge-powers-gators-past-georgia-tech</link>
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           Share:
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           GEORGE TOWN
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            , Grand Cayman — Florida’s women’s basketball squad shook off a slow start on Saturday night to notch a 65-56 win over Georgia Tech in the Cayman Islands Classic finale, improving their season record to 8-1.
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           Liv McGill
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            once again stole the spotlight with her second straight 27-point performance, while
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           Laila Reynolds
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            chipped in 13 points.
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           Momentum Shifts
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           1st Quarter (Yellow Jackets 16, Gators 14)
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            Georgia Tech built a lead of up to five points twice in the opening period, but a traditional three-point play from
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           Laila Reynolds
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            trimmed the margin to two by the buzzer. The Yellow Jackets dominated the offensive boards with nine rebounds, giving them seven more shot attempts than Florida (22 vs. 15). Brianna Turnage and Savannah Samuel each tallied five points, helping five different Jackets score in the quarter.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 28, Yellow Jackets 24)
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           Reynolds tied the game at 18 with a step-back jumper at the 8:28 mark, but both teams went cold for over three minutes. She broke the drought again with a mid-range shot at 5:05, sparking Florida to a six-point cushion before halftime. The Gators limited Georgia Tech to just 3-of-12 shooting and forced eight turnovers. The Jackets’ eight points marked the seventh time this season Florida has held an opponent under double digits in a quarter.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 46, Yellow Jackets 32)
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            Georgia Tech scored first after the break, but Florida answered with an 18-6 run to seize a 14-point advantage heading into the final frame.
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           McGill
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            poured in 10 points during the quarter, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/caterina-piatti/17729" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Caterina Piatti
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             added five. Once again, Georgia Tech was held to only eight points, the eighth time this season Florida has kept a foe below 10 in a period.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 65, Yellow Jackets 56)
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            Florida maintained a 52-38 lead before Georgia Tech strung together eight straight points to cut the margin to six. A jumper from
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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             halted the rally, and the Jackets never got closer. McGill closed strong with 11 points in the quarter, while Talayah Walker led Georgia Tech with seven.
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           By the Numbers
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           Florida shot 40.4% (23-57), compared to Georgia Tech’s 34.8% (24-69).
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           The Jackets failed to make a three-pointer, marking the 16th time since 1999-2000 that a Florida opponent has gone scoreless from deep. The last instance came on Dec. 29, 2024, when Alabama State missed all nine attempts.
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           Georgia Tech won the rebounding battle 46-37, including 22 offensive boards, converting them into a 20-4 edge in second-chance points.
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            Free throws: Jackets 8-of-13, Gators 15-of-19.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           McGill
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           went 13-of-14, setting career highs in both makes and attempts.
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           Florida held Georgia Tech to eight points in both the second and third quarters.
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           From the Gators’ Mouths
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           Coming Soon …
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           GATOR BITES
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            Florida now leads the all-time series with Georgia Tech, 2-1.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
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             has scored in double figures in 10 straight games, with six outings of 20+ points this season and 19 in her career.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
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            's 13 made free throws rank third in program history, trailing Ronni Williams (15, Vanderbilt, Jan. 29, 2017), Aliyah Matharu (14, Auburn, Mar. 3, 2024), and Terry Whitehead (14, Central Florida, Jan. 28, 1982).
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            Florida has now held opponents under 10 points in a quarter eight times this season, including twice in this game.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             reached double figures for the seventh time this season and the 33rd time in her career.
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           Next Challenge
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           The Gators return to Gainesville for two days of practice before heading to Blacksburg, Va., on Thursday, Dec. 4 to face Virginia Tech. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. EST, with coverage on ESPN2.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:20:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgills-27-point-surge-powers-gators-past-georgia-tech</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>O’Neal &amp; McGill Dominate as Gators Stun Memphis</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/oneal-mcgill-dominate-as-gators-stun-memphis</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           GEORGE TOWN,
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            Grand Cayman — Florida’s women’s basketball squad leaned on relentless defense and a combined 51 points from sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (24 points, nine rebounds) and sophomore guard
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           Liv McGill
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            (27 points, six rebounds) to move to 7-1 on the season with a 74-60 victory over Memphis. The Gators limited the Tigers to just 31.1 percent shooting and held Memphis’ top scorer, Chaé Harris, to five points—well below her average of 18.3 coming into the matchup.
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           Key Runs
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           1st Quarter (Gators 18, Tigers 10)
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            Florida opened strong, scoring 10 of the first 14 points. O’Neal contributed five early, while freshman forward
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           Caterina Piatti
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            added four. Memphis briefly cut the margin to one at 10-9, but the Gators closed the quarter with an 8-1 spurt to lead by eight.
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           McGill
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            Florida’s leading scorer entering the contest, caught fire late and finished the quarter with six points. Memphis managed only three field goals in 16 attempts.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 31, Tigers 20)
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           The Gators maintained control, keeping their lead between eight and 10 points until O’Neal’s layup pushed the margin to 28-16.
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           O'Neal
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            , McGill, and
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            each tallied four points in the frame. Memphis’ Cori Allen paced all scorers in the quarter with six.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 52, Tigers 39)
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           Florida’s advantage stayed in double digits throughout. A 6-0 burst midway through widened the gap to 18 at 49-31. O’Neal scored 10 and McGill added nine in the quarter, matching Memphis’ total output.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 74, Tigers 60)
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           The Gators stretched their lead to as many as 19, and Memphis never got closer than 12. McGill and Daejah Richmond each scored eight in the final period. Florida shot its best percentage of the night here, hitting nine of 15 attempts.
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           Key Stats
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            Florida shot 41.8% (28-67), while Memphis managed 31.1% (19-61).
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            The Gators won the rebounding battle 51-37, including 18-13 on the offensive glass.
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            Florida dominated inside, outscoring Memphis 44-26 in the paint.
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            Memphis converted 20 of 28 free throws; Florida went 17 of 22.
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           From the Gators’ Mouths Coach Finley on the Grand Cayman Classic: "I just want to say 'thank you guys for having us.' This tournament has been excellent. Grand Cayman has hosted us exceptionally well. We're grateful to be here, and really appreciative to everybody who came out." Coach Finley on the climate: "There was some humidity in the gym, but that's okay, we're from Florida, so it's not too different. We're used to the heat and the humidity." Coach Finley on the game: "I loved it. I think that Memphis is a really good basketball team. They're scrappy. They're tough. They play hard. Alex is a tremendous head coach, We knew that tonight was going to be a challenge. I'm really proud of how we rose to the occasion. We train to be able to adapt, and I thought that really showed tonight."
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           Gator Bites
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            Florida now leads the all-time series with Memphis 2-1.
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            Liv McGill
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             has scored in double figures in nine straight games (27 points), with five outings of 20+ this season and 18 overall in her career.
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has posted double figures in eight consecutive games this season and 10 in her career (24 points, nine rebounds), narrowly missing her fifth double-double.
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            Alexia Dizeko
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             set career highs with seven rebounds and tied her best mark with five assists.
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           Next Opponent
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           Florida faces Georgia Tech in its second and final game of the Grand Cayman Classic on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. EST.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6fee628d.webp" length="108178" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 22:52:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/oneal-mcgill-dominate-as-gators-stun-memphis</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Xaivian Lee Sparks Gators Past Providence in 90–78 Victory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/xaivian-lee-sparks-gators-past-providence-in-9078-victory</link>
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           Share:
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           UF guard Xaivian Lee (1) nails one of his four 3-pointers on his way to 20 points.
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           SAN DIEGO
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            – Florida led by five early in the second half Friday when point guard 
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           Boogie Fland
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           , positioned on the baseline, pitched the ball to backcourt mate 
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           Xaivian Lee
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            at the top of the key. 
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           Lee, the Princeton transfer mired in a nightmarish early season shooting slump that now spanned both ends of the continent, faced up his defender, Providence's Stefan Vaaks, then executed a dribble jab-step that turned the Friars guard's lower extremities into a pretzel. Vaks, his ankles broken, went spilling backward to the floor – touching off an "Ooooooooh" from the Jenny Craig Pavilion crowd – and leaving Lee all the time needed to set his feet and cooly drain a timely 3-pointer as if he was shooting a free throw. 
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           And as if the lid coming off at that time wasn't relief enough, Lee followed that 3-ball with another just 20 seconds later. 
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           "Maybe that was the moment I needed to get me going," Lee said. 
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           And wouldn't that be nice – more like a godsend – for the Gators, who rode Lee's game-high 20 points (all but three coming after halftime) and four 3-pointers to a 90-78 defeat of the Friars in the consolation game of the Rady's Children Invitational. Lee, who boarded the flight to California earlier in the week shooting 22.6% overall and 15.8% from the arc, hit seven of his 16 shots, four of nine from deep and both his free throws while also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing a team-best four assists over a team-high 36 minutes.
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           Quite a contrast from the previous four games when Lee combined to make four of 29 shots and two of 23 from the arc. 
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           His Pennsylvania prep school and current teammate 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            put it this way: "He's back."
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            UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            expanded on the performance afterward.
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           "He stayed the course," Golden said. "To his credit, he looked like the guy we expected when he joined us in the summer and what we've seen in practice and in one of our scrimmages. Our guard play was really good today."
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            And it certainly was. Xaivian Lee teamed up with Boogie Fland and backup
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           Urban Klavzar
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            to produce 55 points and 11 made 3-pointers. Fland, the transfer from Arkansas, delivered his best scoring game as a Gator with 17 points and four triples. Klavzar, who had led the team with 20 points in the tough loss to Texas Christian in the tournament’s opening round, added 18 off the bench.
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            It was a welcome sight for a backcourt that had struggled offensively early in the season, especially with the UF frontcourt missing forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , who was held out for precautionary reasons after taking a hit to the head in the TCU game. Even so, Thomas Haugh, the junior wing, contributed 16 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while center
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            matched that double-double with his fourth in five games, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Senior center
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           , starting in place of Condon, didn’t score but chipped in six rebounds and three assists.
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           The Gators shot 42.4% overall, but their 12 made 3-pointers marked a season high and matched half of what PC hit while shooting 43.4%. Florida also converted 22 of 27 free throws (81.5%).
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           All of it set the stage for a much smoother flight home after the disappointment of blowing a 10-point second-half lead the day before, largely due to 19 costly turnovers.
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           "We felt like we left one on the table [Thursday]," Golden said of the loss. "But I'm really pleased with the way we took care of the basketball [against Providence]."
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           Early on, though, it didn’t look that way. The Gators committed four turnovers in the first four minutes.
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           From that point forward, however, they gave it away just four more times over the final 36 minutes.
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           "It's everything," Fland said. "Got to take care of the ball, man."
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (1) on the move against the Friars on his way to a season-high 20 points.
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           The Gators carried a 45-39 lead into halftime. Providence opened the second half with a free throw just 30 seconds in, trimming the margin to five.
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           That’s when Xaivian Lee, who had only three points at the break, came alive. He shook Vaaks with the first of back-to-back 3-pointers, then buried the second to extend the UF lead to 11. His energy and confidence shifted instantly, and the Gators bench erupted in support. Lee would later add another 3-pointer to his tally.
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           "I've been in a dark place just trying to figure it out," said Lee, who shot 46.2% overall and 35.2% from 3-point range across his last two seasons as a first-team All-Ivy League guard. "Honestly, I've just been trying to focus on my process and not get too result-oriented. Basketball means everything to me. I see what everyone says – and I'm my own biggest critic, anyways – so it's been rough for me. But my teammates love me, my coaches love me and that's all that really matters. I've just been trying to focus on the next game and my next moment to try and break out."
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           Providence (4-3) cut the UF lead back to 51-47 with about 16 minutes remaining, but Lee answered with a short pull-up jumper. Moments later, he fired a cross-court pass to Boogie Fland for a 3-pointer that forced the Friars to call timeout. Out of the stoppage, Fland drained another 3, followed by Lee’s offensive rebound and putback that pushed the lead to 14.
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           The margin eventually swelled to 19 with just under eight minutes left, and the Gators cruised to the finish line from there.
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (right) is fired up for teammate 
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (left) late in Friday's win. 
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           "We just did a good job of playing team, systematic basketball," Golden said. "Again, a huge part of that was our ability to take care of the ball."
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           Still, Xaivian Lee’s breakout performance loomed just as large, especially with Tuesday’s upcoming trip to No. 4 and unbeaten Duke, followed a week later by a matchup against No. 5 and unbeaten Connecticut at Madison Square Garden.
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           "When he's able to give us offensive punch like he did today, we're a different team," Golden said of Lee. "It obviously raises our ceiling quite a bit."
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           It also lifted the Gators’ overall energy. Lee had been waiting for a moment like this, and so had his teammates. When it finally came, the entire group fed off it together.
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           "We played with joy out there. That's what we've been trying to do, but saying we're going to do it and actually doing it are two different things," Lee said. "I think it just makes us play really well when we're having a good time and not thinking too much. Just hooping."
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:50:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/xaivian-lee-sparks-gators-past-providence-in-9078-victory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Bounce Back, Top Providence 90–78</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-bounce-back-top-providence-9078</link>
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           Share:
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           Micah Robinson (5) and his TCU teammates got to the rim a lot against the Gators Thursday.
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           What Happened
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           SAN DIEGO
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            – Senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            snapped out of his shooting slump by scoring 17 of his game-high 20 points in the second half, joining four other Florida players in double figures as the 10th-ranked Gators earned a split in the Rady Children's Invitational with a 90-78 victory over Providence in Friday’s consolation game at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
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           Lee, who entered the contest shooting just 22% overall and 16.7% from beyond the arc this season, went 7-for-16 from the field and connected on four of nine 3-point attempts. The Princeton transfer also added seven rebounds, four assists, and delivered strong defense throughout the night.
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            Junior guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            , who paced the Gators with 20 points in Thursday’s loss to Texas Christian, followed up with another hot performance off the bench, finishing with 18 points. Junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            and junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            both recorded double-doubles. Haugh tallied 16 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while Chinyelu posted his fourth double-double in five games with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            chipped in 17 points, including four 3-pointers.
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            The Gators were without junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, who was sidelined for precautionary reasons after taking a hit to the head in the TCU game. His replacement, 7-foot-1 senior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           , didn’t score but contributed six rebounds and three assists. Despite shooting just 42.4% overall, UF knocked down a season-high 12 3-pointers, won the rebounding battle 42-37, converted 22 of 27 free throws (81.5%), and held PC to 43.3% shooting.
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           Sophomore guard 
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           Isaiah Brown 
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           (20) finishes a steal and run-out slam in Friday's first half.
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           Turning Point
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           The UF lead stood at six, 53-47, when Boogie Fland buried 3-pointers on each side of the under-16 media timeout, stretching the margin back into double digits. Those shots fueled a decisive 14-4 run, as the Gators steadily built an advantage that grew to as many as 19 with just over seven minutes remaining.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           The Gators committed four turnovers in the opening four minutes, continuing the troubling trend from their 19-turnover loss to TCU. However, over the final 36 minutes against the Friars, UF limited mistakes to just four turnovers.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (5-2) OR (4-3) will return home immediately after the game and shift focus to Tuesday night’s matchup at No. 4 Duke (8-0), marking the Gators’ first trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium in 27 years.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:27:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-bounce-back-top-providence-9078</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators’ Costly Turnovers Fuel TCU’s 84–80 Upset</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-costly-turnovers-fuel-tcus-8480-upset</link>
      <description />
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           Micah Robinson (5) and his TCU teammates got to the rim a lot against the Gators Thursday.
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           SAN DIEGO
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            – Through Florida’s first five games, much of the outside focus centered on the Gators’ perimeter shooting struggles. Coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , however, had also raised concerns about ball security.
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           Those concerns were exposed Thursday against one of the nation’s most aggressive defenses, as Texas Christian forced 19 turnovers and converted many of them into points, handing 10th-ranked UF a tough 84-80 loss in the opening round of the Rady Children's Invitational at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
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            "I thought we did a horrendous job taking care of the basketball," Gators coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said.
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           Compounding the turnover issues, Golden and his staff now have less than 24 hours to regroup before facing Providence (4-3) — a 104-83 loser to Wisconsin — in Friday’s consolation game. Florida’s defense will need tightening after allowing the Horned Frogs to shoot 58% in the second half, including a blistering 15-for-20 from inside the arc, which erased a 10-point UF lead.
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           TCU point guard Brock Harding collected five of his team’s 12 steals and delivered far beyond his averages. The Iowa transfer, who entered with 7.0 points and 5.2 assists per game, finished with 19 points (just shy of his career high) and 12 assists, orchestrating the halfcourt offense with ease. Forward David Punch added 19 points and nine rebounds, hitting seven of nine shots and five of six free throws, while forward Jace Posey came off the bench to score a game-high 21 points, going 6-for-8 from the field and 9-for-11 at the line, all at the rim.
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            The Horned Frogs (4-2), committing only nine turnovers themselves, outscored the larger Gators 44-34 in the paint and 23-13 in transition, with 22 points coming directly off takeaways. Four of UF’s five starters had at least three turnovers; two had four, and junior forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            (20 points, 5 rebounds) posted a career-high five.
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            "They have a show defense that we do not see a lot. We had not seen it this year, so it's a little different," said UF junior guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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           , who came off the bench to notch a career-high 20 points, shooting 4-for-7 from deep and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. "I thought we prepared well for the game, but you have to be tough with the ball, the way they're in the passing lanes. I feel like we just weren't focused enough, especially in the second half. Those turnovers lead into transition and they're a really good transition team."
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           Klavzar also noted that UF had 78 possessions, with 19 ending in turnovers — nearly 25%.
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           "So ... not good," he said. "If we get more shots up, we make some and the game is different."
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           Reserve guard 
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           Urban Klavzar
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           (7) had it going from the 3-point line on his way to a career-high 20 points.
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           The first half turned into an officials’ showcase, with 26 fouls whistled and 37 free throws attempted. UF carried a 44-39 advantage into halftime and quickly extended it with a seven-point burst to make it 53-43 with 15 minutes remaining.
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           Less than a minute later, however, a pair of turnovers cut the margin to four. When Jace Posey scored in transition and was fouled following another turnover — marking the Frogs’ fifth straight made field goal — his traditional three-point play trimmed the lead to 57-56. TCU then grabbed its first lead since the six-minute mark of the opening half on a turnaround jumper in the paint by Jayden Pierre, just as the shot clock expired, putting them ahead 60-59 with 10 minutes left.
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           "We played well enough at points to get ourselves a 10-point lead with 15 minutes to go, even without playing that well, to be honest. But we were valuing the ball and making good decisions," Golden said. "The last 15 minutes of the game, we did a terrible job that way, and I thought our defense was really poor."
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           The lead changed hands four times over the next five minutes, the last swing coming when Urban Klavzar drilled a 3-pointer to ignite a seven-point run that pushed the Gators ahead 74-68 with just over five minutes left.
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            That’s when TCU responded with a decisive 9-0 run, capped by two baskets following consecutive turnovers from Thomas Haugh. The Frogs surged ahead 77-74, but UF evened the score at 77 on a driving layup by sophomore point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            (12 points, 4 turnovers, 3 steals).
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           TCU's 
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           Jace Posey
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            (00) throws down two of his game-high 21 points. 
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            With 50 seconds remaining, Brock Harding found space in the paint and sank a five-foot jumper to put TCU ahead. On the ensuing possession, UF junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            (8 points, 8 rebounds, career-high 8 assists) missed a late-clock 3-point attempt, and Harding sealed the outcome by hitting four of six free throws — two coming after a flagrant foul on
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            — to close out the game.
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           The victory marked Texas Christian’s first win over a non-conference opponent ranked in the Associated Press Top 10 since defeating No. 6 Oklahoma on Dec. 27, 1986.
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           "We've got to understand that for us to be our best, we've got to be a gritty, hard-nosed, tough team," Golden said. "It's got to be who we are, and if we're unwilling to execute those things it's going to be a tough year. It's going to be up and down, depending on how we shoot the ball, and that so far has obviously been an issue for us."
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-684e2821.webp" length="113880" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:30:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-costly-turnovers-fuel-tcus-8480-upset</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>TCU Stuns No. 10 Florida in Thrilling 84–80 Upset</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tcu-stuns-no-10-florida-in-thrilling-8480-upset</link>
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           Share:
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           San Diego from above (photo by West Coast Aerial Photography)
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           What Happened
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           SAN DIEGO
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            – Texas Christian guard
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           Brock Harding
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           broke a tie with a short jumper at the 50-second mark, then sealed the win by sinking four free throws in the final 13 seconds. The Horned Frogs erased a 10-point second-half deficit Thursday to shock 10th-ranked and defending NCAA champion Florida, 84-80, in the opening round of the Rady Children's Invitational at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
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            Junior guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            paced the Gators with 20 points off the bench, hitting four 3-pointers, while junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            also added 20. The turning point, however, was TCU’s relentless defense, which forced 19 turnovers leading to 22 points, and their efficient shooting—58% in the second half, including 15-for-20 (75%) inside the arc.
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            Harding finished with 19 points, 12 assists, and five of his team’s 12 steals. Backup forward
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           Jace Posey
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            came off the bench to lead all scorers with 21 points, making six of eight shots and nine of 11 free throws. Forward
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           David Punch
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           contributed 19 points and nine rebounds.
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            After a foul-heavy first half, Florida held a two-point edge at the break and later stretched the lead to 10 early in the second. But the Frogs rallied, eventually reclaiming the advantage. UF briefly surged ahead by six behind Klavzar’s shooting, only for TCU to respond again. Posey’s inside presence set up a driving layup by
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           Micah Robinson
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           that put the Frogs ahead 75-74 with 3:14 left.
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            UF tied it at 77 on a
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           Boogie Fland
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           (12 points, 3 steals, fouled out) driving layup. Following a pair of turnovers, Harding attacked the lane and hit the decisive basket.
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            Florida still had a chance, but junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            (8 points, 8 rebounds, career-high 8 assists) missed a late-clock 3-pointer. Moments later,
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            was whistled for a flagrant foul with 13 seconds remaining. Harding converted both free throws, then added one more on the ensuing possession to secure a five-point cushion with 11.9 seconds left.
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           UF sophomore point guard 
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           Boogie Fland
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            (0) on the attack Thursday against TCU.
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           Turning Point
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           UF strung together seven consecutive points to take a 53-43 lead in the second half. Instead of capitalizing, the Gators grew careless with possession, opening the door for TCU to answer with six straight points. That surge sparked a decisive 15-6 run, shifting momentum firmly to the Horned Frogs and setting the tone for the finish.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           TCU’s efficiency inside the arc stood out, as they converted 75% of their attempts and outscored UF 44-34 in the paint.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (4-2) will meet either Wisconsin (4-1) or Providence (4-2) — who squared off in the event’s second game — in the tournament consolation matchup Friday at noon.
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            ﻿
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:48:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tcu-stuns-no-10-florida-in-thrilling-8480-upset</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Heads to Cayman Islands for Thanksgiving Showdowns</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-heads-to-cayman-islands-for-thanksgiving-showdowns</link>
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           GEORGE TOWN,
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           Cayman Islands — Florida women’s basketball continues its road stretch this week with a Thanksgiving weekend tournament in the Cayman Islands. The Gators are scheduled to face Memphis on Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. EST and Georgia Tech on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.
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            Florida enters the event at 6-1 overall and holds a 6-2 record in Thanksgiving week tournaments during the
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            era (2021–present). The team earned its first road win of the season on Monday with a 59-51 victory over Florida Atlantic. Leading scorer
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           Liv McGill
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            was unavailable for that contest, but freshman forward
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           Caterina Piatti
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            stepped up with her first career double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds), while junior guard Laila Reynolds added a game-high 17 points.
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            McGill currently ranks third nationally in scoring (26.0 points per game) and steals (4.80 per game), while sitting 11th in assists (6.8). Reynolds (15.7 ppg) and
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (15.6 ppg) join her to make Florida the only program in the country with three players averaging at least 15 points.
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           Memphis comes in at 4-3 following a 70-64 win over Louisiana on Tuesday. The Tigers return just two players from last season—Tamya Smith, who earned All-Conference Freshman Team honors, and redshirt sophomore Bailey Gilmore.
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           Senior guard Chaé Harris leads Memphis in scoring at 18.3 points per game in her debut season with the program. Junior guard Daejah Richmond is the team’s other double-digit scorer, averaging 10.4 points. Florida is the second SEC opponent Memphis has faced this year; the Tigers held a 13-point lead against #13/#16 Ole Miss on Nov. 18 before falling 73-64 in overtime.
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           The Gators and Tigers have met twice previously, splitting those matchups. Their last meeting came in the 1999–2000 season, when Florida earned a 74-71 win in the second round of the WNIT.
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           Memphis (4-3)
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            Date: Friday, November 28
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            Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
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            Site: John Gray High School Gymnasium
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            Listen: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5830" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
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            Watch: 
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            FloSports
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            Live stats: 
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            CaymanIslandsClassic.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Improve the Gators record to 7-1 on the season.
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            Improve Florida's record against the Owls to 2-1 overall.
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            Improve Florida's record in Thanksgiving week tournaments to 7-2 under Coach Finley.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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           As of Tuesday, Nov. 25, Florida ranks ninth in the SEC in scoring average (82.7 points per game), tied for 11th in scoring margin (+26.1), ninth in field goal percentage (.466), tied for sixth in steals (12.3 per game), and fifth in turnover margin (+9.0).
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           Liv McGill
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            nearly recorded her second career triple-double on Nov. 3 against North Florida, finishing with
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           26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist
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           effort
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            . In the following game versus Chattanooga on Nov. 6, she tallied
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           38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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           , coming just two boards short of the milestone again.
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            On Nov. 11,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            became the first player in Florida women’s basketball history to earn recognition as the US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week. During that stretch, she averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.0 steals, while shooting 40.9 percent from three-point range across three wins. She also collected SEC Player of the Week honors for the same performances.
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            Since the 1999–2000 season, only two SEC players have recorded at least three games with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals:
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           Liv McGill
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           (three in the first six contests this year) and Ole Miss’ Armintie Price (four).
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            Florida is the only program in the nation with three players averaging 15 or more points per game—McGill (26.0),
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           Laila Reynolds
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            (15.7), and
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (15.6).
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has already logged four double-doubles this season, adding to the one she recorded during her freshman ye
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           ar.
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           PROJECTED MEMPHIS STARTERS
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           TIGERS QUICK HITS
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            Memphis, which finished last season with a 7-23 record, has already collected four victories in 2025-26.
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            The Tigers are holding opponents to 67.6 points per game this year, an improvement from the 77.4 they allowed a season ago.
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            Chaé Harris has connected on 22 of 63 attempts from beyond the arc (.349), while the rest of the roster has combined to shoot 13-for-78 (.167) from three-point range.
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            Eight different players have earned at least one start for the Owls this season.
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            Six members of the squad are averaging at least one steal per game, with Harris leading the way at 2.14 per contest.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-d4d87731.webp" length="65988" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:46:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-heads-to-cayman-islands-for-thanksgiving-showdowns</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Tip Off Rugged Holiday Run Against TCU in San Diego</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-tip-off-rugged-holiday-run-against-tcu-in-san-diego</link>
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           Share:
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           San Diego from above (photo by West Coast Aerial Photography)
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           SAN DIEGO
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            – The last time the Florida basketball team traveled to California, everything was clicking.
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            As the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament East Region, the Gators were not only winning but enjoying the ride. Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and several UF staff members revisited their old San Francisco roots — practicing in their former gym, dining at their favorite restaurant, spending time at Golden Gate Park, and walking along the beach at Lands End Lookout. Most importantly, they capped the trip by winning their Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups to advance to the Final Four.
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           The Market Street cable car, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Pacific Ocean served as a picturesque backdrop for one of the most memorable stretches on the road to the 2025 national championship. It also marked the program’s first visit to California in 35 years — a wait that proved worthwhile.
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           The Gators' charter flight lands in San Diego just before sunset Tuesday afternoon.
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           Nine months later, the Gators are back on the west coast, though this time in a different city, surrounded by a different mountain range, and facing very different circumstances. Instead of the win-or-go-home postseason, UF finds itself early in the regular season — specifically the holiday tournament stretch — still working through the process of figuring things out.
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           Especially on offense.
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           "We need to shot-make better – I think we're missing some good looks and we're having too many careless turnovers," Golden said this week. "We're playing really unselfishly. The [offensive] rebounding part of what we want to do is there and our foul-drawing is there. The glaring area we need to get better? Shot-making. We need to be better that way if we want to have the type of season we want to have."
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           The next opportunity for the 10th-ranked Gators (4-1) comes Thursday afternoon against defensive-minded Texas Christian (3-2) in the Rady Children's Invitational, a two-day, four-team Thanksgiving tournament at Jenny Craig Pavilion on the University of San Diego campus. Depending on results, UF will face either Wisconsin or Providence in Friday’s second game before boarding a red-eye charter back home to prepare for two more marquee matchups.
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           A road showdown at No. 4 and unbeaten Duke awaits Tuesday, followed by a trip to New York City a week later to take on undefeated, fifth-ranked Connecticut at Madison Square Garden.
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           So, resolving that "shot-making" issue sooner rather than later would be ideal.
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           And why not start here?
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           [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" tournament setup
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           here
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           As of Wednesday, Florida ranked 22nd nationally in offensive efficiency. That’s respectable, but the Gators finished last season at No. 2, and Golden — now overseeing the offense after coordinator Kevin Hovde departed to become head coach at Columbia — is holding himself and the team to a higher standard.
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            "It's an opportunity for us to go out there and continue to get back into a groove," UF sophomore point guard
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            said. "We're still in the process of getting [the offense] where Coach would like it to be. We knew coming into the season there was going to be an adjustment and it was going to take time to click. But it's going to click."
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           Doing so against TCU, out of the Big 12 Conference, will require exactly the kind of performance Golden is looking for — one with sharper shot-making and fewer turnovers.
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           UF junior forward 
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           getting up shots during practice Wednesday.
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           The Horned Frogs, now in their 10th season under Jamie Dixon, remain a defense-first program. Ranked 43rd nationally in overall defensive efficiency, they thrive on pressuring the ball, extending their defense, and aggressively jumping passing lanes.
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           "This game is going to be similar to some of our conference opponents that like to put two on the ball and trap the post," Golden said. "They're trying to put you in scenarios where you kick the ball around."
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           For Florida, crisp ball movement will be essential. It also means shooters will find opportunities on the perimeter, though the Gators have struggled from deep, hitting just 25.7% so far this season. That mark ranks last among the 16 Southeastern Conference teams and 341st out of 365 Division I programs.
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            There has been progress, however. UF’s 3-point shooting has steadily improved over the last four games — from 18.8% to 19.4%, then 32.1%, and most recently 36.4%. Continued growth could hinge on transfer shooting guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            rediscovering his rhythm. Lee is just 1-for-19 over his last stretch and sits at 15.8% on a team-high 38 attempts this season.
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           The Gators remain confident he will turn it around.
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           "It's a unique situation. Do I have confidence that eventually he'll get comfortable? Yeah, I do," Golden said, commending Lee for his defense, rebounding, and passing despite his shooting struggles. "We'll give him a little more time to get comfortable and hopefully make some shots. He shot it well all summer. He shot it well in the fall. It's obviously a little mental right now, and he's got to loosen up a little bit and just let the ball get through the net a couple times."
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           And in fairness, Lee’s struggles mirror the team’s broader offensive challenges. Even excluding his attempts, UF is shooting just 29.4% from beyond the arc.
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           Practice Wednesday at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
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           Perhaps it will take a cross-country trip — Florida’s first regular-season game in California since 1990 — to help sharpen their shooting touch.
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           "We're going to go there and be aggressive, be assertive and play with confidence. We're going to know our keys, our principles and how to execute," Fland said. "If we just go out and do what we're told to do – do our jobs – we'll be fine. And the shots, they're going to fall."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1899514d.webp" length="369604" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:28:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-tip-off-rugged-holiday-run-against-tcu-in-san-diego</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thanksgiving Showdown: No. 10 Florida Faces TCU in San Diego</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thanksgiving-showdown-no-10-florida-faces-tcu-in-san-diego</link>
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           Share:
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           Center Rueben Chinyelu throws in a second-chance bucket on his 14 points and a career-high 21 rebounds Friday night against Merrimack.
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           No. 10 Florida vs. Texas Christian
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           Projected Starters
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           UF junior wing 
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           Thomas Haugh
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           The Setup
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           Jenny Craig Pavilion (capacity 5,100) is the campus home to University of San Diego athletics.
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           Florida, riding a four-game winning streak, now heads into the toughest stretch of its non-league slate — a run of four straight matchups against high-major opponents. The challenge begins on Thanksgiving Day against TCU, representing the Big 12 Conference, in the program’s latest annual appearance in a holiday tournament. The Gators, fresh off victories over in-state rivals Florida State and Miami, followed up with a dominant 80-45 win over Merrimack last Friday in a game that was never in doubt.
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           Next up is a meeting with the Horned Frogs, who have shown early signs of being a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team. Their three wins have all come against low-major competition, including an 81-45 blowout of Kansas City just a week ago.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Breakdown
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           UF backup guard 
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           Isaiah Brown
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            About the Gators: Defense has set the tone for Florida. Since Arizona shot 49% in its season-opening win at Las Vegas, no UF opponent has managed better than 34% from the field. Merrimack was held to a season-low 28.6%, including just 4-for-25 from beyond the arc, as the Gators continue to allow only 5.4 made 3-pointers per game. ... Offensively, UF ranks 20th nationally in efficiency, though Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            sees room for improvement. The team is shooting 44.1% overall, with 57.1% inside the arc. Their perimeter numbers have been trending upward over the last four contests, capped by a season-high 36.4% against Merrimack, with contributions from five different players. ... Center Rueben Chinyelu is coming off a 14-point, 21-rebound effort — his third straight double-double — making him the first UF player since 1994 to record at least 20 rebounds in a game. He’s shooting 56% from the floor, with offensive (17.4) and defensive (29.1) rebounding rates that rank among the nation’s top 30. ... Forward
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           Alex Condon
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            also posted a double-double last time out, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds. His shooting has improved to 58.5% from the field and 73.3% at the line, both significant jumps from last season. ...
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           Thomas Haugh
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            scored 13 points, converting five of six attempts inside the arc but missing all four of his 3-point tries. Point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            had the opposite stat line, missing both of his 2-point shots but going 2-for-3 from deep. ... Shooting guard
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           Xaivian Lee’s
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            production has dipped since his 14-point opener, where he hit three 3s. Against Merrimack, he went scoreless in 22 minutes, missing all six of his shots. He’s 0-for-9 from 3 over the last two games and 1-for-10 across the last three, a surprising downturn given his five 3s in UF’s preseason scrimmage win over Illinois. ... Backup center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (7.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg), who missed the Merrimack game after taking a forearm to the head against Miami, was showing progress earlier in the week and may be cleared to return. ... Backup guards
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (7.2 ppg) and
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           Isaiah Brown
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            (3.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg) each scored six points and hit two 3s against Merrimack, with Brown continuing to hold the seventh-man role ahead of freshman
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           CJ Ingram
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           About the Horned Frogs: TCU is in its 10th season under Jamie Dixon, who returned to his alma mater in 2016 after 13 successful years at Pittsburgh, where he guided the Panthers to 11 NCAA appearances. Dixon has compiled a 179-128 record at TCU, with four NCAA berths, including three straight from 2022-24. The Horned Frogs, playing their first game away from Fort Worth, opened the season with a loss to New Orleans, followed by wins over Saint Francis and Lamar, a narrow defeat to Michigan, and a convincing victory over Kansas City last week. Dixon’s teams are built on defense, and this one ranks among the nation’s top 50 in effective field-goal percentage, turnovers, steals, and blocks. ... Point guard Brock Hardy, a transfer from Iowa, drives the offense more with his organization than his scoring. He’s shooting 39% from 2 and 28% from 3, but ranks in the top 200 nationally in assist percentage (27.4) and is 24th in steal rate (6%). ... Guard Jayden Pierce, a transfer from Providence, is the team’s primary perimeter threat, hitting 37.9% on 29 attempts. ... Forward David Punch doesn’t take many shots but is efficient when he does and is a standout shot-blocker. ... Backup forward Micah Robinson (10.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg), at 6-6 and 235 pounds, has been one of TCU’s most effective offensive players despite coming off the bench. He’s 8-for-16 from 3-point range and 22-for-26 at the free-throw line, leading the team in attempts. ... Guard Liutauras Lelevicius is shooting just under 32% from deep this season, though he connected on better than 38% from 3 while at Oregon State last year.
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           Numbers of Note
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           Former UF center 
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           David Lee
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           , the last Gator to post four consecutive double-doubles.
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            ﻿
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            14.0
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             — Chinyelu’s rebounding average across the last four games, following his unusual one-rebound showing in 17 minutes against Arizona in the season opener.
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            1986
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            — The year the Gators defeated the Horned Frogs in the second round of the National Invitational Tournament, in what was considered one of the most thrilling contests ever played at the O'Connell Center. On March 17, UF senior forward Joe Lawrence hit a 22-footer from the baseline with two seconds remaining to secure a 77-75 victory. That win propelled Florida into the third round, where they beat Southwest Missouri State and advanced to the NIT Final Four in New York City for the first time — marking, at the time, the greatest postseason run in program history.
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            2005
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            — The last time a Gator recorded four straight double-doubles, a feat accomplished by David Lee. Chinyelu now has the opportunity to match that on Thursday. Lee’s streak came in the final four regular-season games, all victories: Vanderbilt (13 points, 14 rebounds), at South Carolina (13 and 14), at Georgia (17 and 13), and on his "Senior Day" against Kentucky (11 and 10).
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           Bottom Line
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           The question now: can the Gators, who last year in Kissimmee, Florida, rolled past Wake Forest and Wichita State at the ESPN Events Invitational, capture back-to-back holiday tournament titles for the first time since 1976?
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-7aabc13c.webp" length="222560" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:13:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thanksgiving-showdown-no-10-florida-faces-tcu-in-san-diego</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Secure First Road Victory in Defensive Battle at Florida Atlantic</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-secure-first-road-victory-in-defensive-battle-at-florida-atlantic</link>
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           Share:
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           BOCA RATON, Fla.
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            — Florida women’s basketball improved to 6-1 on the season Monday night, relying on a strong defensive showing to defeat Florida Atlantic (2-3), 60-51. Junior
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           Laila Reynolds
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            paced the offense with 17 points, while freshman
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           Caterina Piatti
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            delivered her first collegiate double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
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           KEY RUNS
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           First Quarter (Gators 14, Owls 8)
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            Florida opened with four straight points and never trailed in the period. The Gators emphasized their size advantage, attempting 15 of 18 shots in the paint.
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           Caterina Piatti
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            thrived in that approach, scoring six points in the quarter. Defensively, Florida limited the Owls to 4-of-20 shooting, adding four blocks and two steals.
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           Second Quarter (Gators 25, Owls 24)
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            Florida scored the first two baskets, but Florida Atlantic responded with a 9-0 run to cut the lead to one. A free throw from
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            broke the streak, though a Michiyah Simmons three-pointer briefly gave the Owls the edge at 20-19.
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           Gift Ezekiel
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           ’s free throws just before halftime restored Florida’s lead.
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           Third Quarter (Gators 44, Owls 39)
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            The teams traded leads throughout the quarter, with six changes and one tie. A buzzer-beating put-back from
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            gave Florida a five-point cushion heading into the final frame.
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           Fourth Quarter (Gators 59, Owls 51)
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           Florida extended its run to 10-0 across the third and fourth quarters, building a 50-39 lead with 7:30 left. Florida Atlantic trimmed the margin to six late, but the Gators held firm to secure the win.
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           KEY STATS
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            Florida converted 19-of-26 free throws, while the Owls went 10-of-13.
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            The Gators forced 19 turnovers, turning them into 13 points. Florida Atlantic capitalized on 21 Gator miscues for 24 points.
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            The Owls held a 19-8 advantage in fast break scoring.
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            Florida dominated inside, outscoring Florida Atlantic 40-28 in the paint.
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            FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS Coach Kelly Rae Finley on earning their first road win short-handed: "I really liked our composure. I liked our determination and our resilience. We executed very, very well. We worked on that high-low game. It resulted in a couple of more turnovers than we've been having, but we were looking to execute what we set out to do. It was a very, very, very physical game.
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           They let a lot go. So I was really proud of our forwards—Me'Arah, Cat, Gift—for their determination, their footwork inside, and their ability to mentally go to what's next, working through the frustration."
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           Coach Finley on attacking the interior: "Early on I thought we were catching the ball a little bit too low. We were almost under the basket. We left 18 points on layups on the floor in the first half alone, but we really kind of settled in. We played a different style than what we've been playing. But we were able to keep our composure and execute when it was needed."
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            Coach Finley on
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           Laila Reynolds
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            and
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            stepping in for point guard
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           Liv McGil
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           l
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           : "I though they did a tremendous job. Those two are the consummate Gators. They're competitors. They're tough. And they are going to do whatever it takes for the Gators to win games."
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            Coach Finley on
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           Caterina Piatti
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           ’
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           s double-double: "That's what Cat's capable of. I asked her all week to be more vocal, to be assertive and aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively she is very versatile, and I was pleased with her minutes tonight, and with her composure down the stretch."
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           GATOR BITES
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            Florida is now 9-1 all-time against Florida Atlantic, winning six straight in the series.
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            Caterina Piatti
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             matched her career-high with 14 points and set a new best with 10 rebounds for her first double-double.
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             reached double figures for the seventh consecutive game (11 points) and blocked a career-high five shots. The last Gator to record more than five blocks was Jennifer George with six against South Carolina on Jan. 8, 2012.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             scored in double figures for the sixth time this season and the 32nd time in her career.
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            Nyadieng Yiech made her first start for Florida.
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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           The Gators continue their road trip with games in the Canary Islands, facing Memphis on Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. EST and Georgia Tech on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:45:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-secure-first-road-victory-in-defensive-battle-at-florida-atlantic</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Welcome Emilie Brzonova to 2026 Recruiting Class</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-welcome-emilie-brzonova-to-2026-recruiting-class</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla
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            . — Florida women’s basketball head coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            announced that Czech guard/forward Emilie Brzonova will join the program’s freshman class for the 2026-27 season. Brzonova currently competes with Faenza Basket Project in Italy’s Serie A2 and previously played for Stella Azzurra Roma in the same league.
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           "Emilie is a tremendous addition to our program," said Finley. "Her competitiveness, discipline, and love for the game stand out in everything she does. She embodies the team-first mentality and the relentless work ethic that is in our locker room. We're thrilled to welcome her to Gator Nation!"
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            Brzonova represented the Czech Republic’s U18 National Team in 2024, where she averaged 13.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 48.0 percent from three-point range at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket. Her performance earned her a place on the
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    &lt;a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u18-womens-eurobasket-2024-division-b/news/bulajic-named-mvp-to-lead-all-star-five" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All-Star Five
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           .
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           She also played in the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship in 2022, posting averages of 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Additional international experience includes the 2023 FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship and the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
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            With Brzonova’s commitment, Florida’s 2026-27 recruiting class now features three newcomers, as
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           Arynn Finley and Kennedy Holman
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            signed earlier this month.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:17:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-welcome-emilie-brzonova-to-2026-recruiting-class</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Embark on Three-Game Thanksgiving Road Swing</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-embark-on-three-game-thanksgiving-road-swing</link>
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           Boca Raton, Fla.
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            — The Florida women’s basketball squad heads back on the road next week, beginning with a matchup in Boca Raton against Florida Atlantic on Monday, Nov. 24. After that, the team will continue its Thanksgiving week journey with two games in the Cayman Islands.
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            Florida has been flawless at home this season with a 5-0 record, but fell 69-54 in its first away contest against Navy. Preseason All-SEC pick
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           Liv McGill
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            missed that game, though she returned against Florida State and delivered 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and seven steals.
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           Across NCAA Division I women’s basketball this year, only five performances have featured at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. McGill owns three of those outings.
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            Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has already recorded four double-doubles, ranking second nationally, while junior
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           Laila Reynolds
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            has averaged 17.3 points per game over her last four appearances.
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           Florida Atlantic enters at 2-2 following a 70-63 defeat to South Alabama on Thursday, Nov. 20. The Owls have rotated eight different starters through four games. Their top contributors include junior guard Grace Carstensen (12.3 ppg, .552 FG%, .571 3FG%) and junior forward Vivian Onugha (12.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, .640 FG%).
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            The Gators hold an 8-1 all-time advantage over Florida Atlantic, winning the last six meetings. Their most recent clash came on Nov. 4, 2024, when
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            scored 21 points to lead four Gators in double figures during an 82-54 victory. Florida forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 23 points, while the Owls managed just two points off eight Gator miscues. The teams have not met on Florida Atlantic’s home floor since the 1994-95 season.
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           Florida Atlantic (2-2)
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             Date: Monday, November 24
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             Time: 7 p.m. EST
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             Site: Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena
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             Listen:
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5830" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
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             Watch:
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            ESPN+
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             Live stats:
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Push the Gators’ season record to 6-1.
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            Extend Florida’s series lead over the Owls to 9-1 overall, including 3-1 on the road.
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            Mark the program’s sixth consecutive victory against Florida Atlantic.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           GATOR BITES
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            As of Tuesday, Nov. 18, Florida sits fifth in the SEC in scoring average (86.7 points per game), tied for eighth in scoring margin (+29.2), eighth in field goal percentage (.480), fifth in steals (13.3 per game), and third in turnover margin (+10.8).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             nearly secured her second career triple-double on Nov. 3 against North Florida, finishing with
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            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist effort
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             . In the following game versus Chattanooga on Nov. 6, she posted
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            , falling just two boards short of the milestone again.
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             On Tuesday, Nov. 11,
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Florida women’s basketball history to earn recognition as the US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week. During that stretch, she averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.0 steals, while shooting 40.9 percent from three-point range across three victories. She also collected SEC Player of the Week honors for the same performances.
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             Since the 1999-2000 season, only two SEC athletes have recorded at least three games with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals:
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             (three in the first six contests this year) and Ole Miss’ Armintie Price (four).
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             Florida is one of just four programs nationally with three players averaging 15.0 or more points per game—McGill (26.0),
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             (16.3), and
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             (15.5).
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has already logged four double-doubles this season, adding to the one she recorded during her freshman year.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA ATLANTIC STARTERS *
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           * Eight different Florida Atlantic players have earned starting roles across the team’s first four contests. The lineup listed below reflects the group that opened their most recent game against South Alabama.
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           OWLS QUICK HITS
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            Florida Atlantic’s leading five scorers consist of two juniors, one senior, and two graduate students. By comparison, Florida’s top contributors include two sophomores, one junior, and two freshmen.
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            The Owls are currently in their third year competing in the American Athletic Conference. Before that, they spent a decade in Conference USA (2013–23), seven years in the Sun Belt (2006–13), and previously played in the Atlantic Sun from 1993–2006.
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            Florida Atlantic last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2005–06 after finishing the regular season 20-11. Since then, the program has managed only two winning campaigns: 17-13 in 2011–12 and 16-14 in 2013–14, with the 2011–12 season also producing an NIT appearance.
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            The team features two double-digit scorers—Grace Carstensen (12.3 points per game) and Vivian Onugha (12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, .640 FG%)—while six other players contribute between 5.5 and 8.5 points per game, creating a balanced offensive approach.
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            All nine Owls who have appeared in at least one game this season average 18 or more minutes on the floor. Jess Moors is the only player logging over 30 minutes per game, with an average of 31.3.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 04:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-embark-on-three-game-thanksgiving-road-swing</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Chinyelu Crashes the Glass as No. 10 Florida Smashes Merrimack</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chinyelu-crashes-the-glass-as-no-10-florida-smashes-merrimack</link>
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           Center Rueben Chinyelu throws in a second-chance bucket on his 14 points and a career-high 21 rebounds Friday night against Merrimack.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – It had been quite some time since a Florida player hauled in at least 20 rebounds in a single game. In fact, it had been 31 years.
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           On Friday night, the name of UF Athletic Hall of Famer Andrew DeClercq resurfaced following the 10th-ranked Gators’ 80-45 rout of Merrimack at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center. DeClercq, the starting center on Florida’s first Final Four team, was the last Gator to reach that milestone, pulling down 20 boards in an upset of Kentucky back in 1994.
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            This time, it was junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            — the 6-foot-10, 265-pound anchor of last season’s Final Four and national championship squad — who overwhelmed the Warriors with 21 rebounds. It marked the most by a Florida player not only since DeClercq, but also in the shot-clock era (dating back to 1985). Chinyelu added 14 points, scoring five of the game’s first eight, and helped build a commanding first-half lead before finishing with his third consecutive double-double in just 27 minutes of play.
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            "He's a monster," UF junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            said.
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           The numbers certainly support that claim. Chinyelu has now collected 56 rebounds across his last four games, with his 21 in this contest securing a place in the program’s record book.
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           "I didn't know really until I got off and they were like 'Yeah, you got like over 20 boards,' and it felt good," Chinyelu said in his thick Nigerian accent. "That's what we do and let's keep stacking that."
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           UF center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) on the defensive Friday night against the Warriors.
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           Alex Condon
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            also made his mark, finishing with a game-high 20 points and 11 rebounds, giving him his third double-double of the season and the 10th of his career. Junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            contributed 13 points, while sophomore point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            added 10. Off the bench, backup guards
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           Urban Klavzar
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            and
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           Isaiah Brown
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            each chipped in six points (both hitting two 3-pointers) and three rebounds, helping to balance out another difficult offensive outing for guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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           , who went scoreless in 22 minutes after missing all six of his shots.
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           The Gators (4-1) shot just 43.4% overall but connected on eight of 22 attempts from long range (a season-best 36.4%). Their defense, which has fueled the current four-game winning streak, remained strong throughout. The Warriors (2-4), representing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, were limited to 28.6% shooting and just four of 24 from beyond the arc (16%).
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           UF dominated the glass, out-rebounding Merrimack 53-25, including a 19-7 advantage on the offensive boards.
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            "We have some guys struggling in some different areas offensively, but collectively our defensive effort is really, really good right now. And for me, I measure guys on how they do with the things that don't require talent," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said. "Are they defending? Are they rebounding? Are they taking care of the ball? Are they on the scouting report? Are they diving on the floor for loose balls? Are they blocking out? All these different things. Those are the things that we care about. We'll worry about the shot-making later."
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           Rueben Chinyelu opened the game by hitting one of two free throws, followed with a putback, and then finished a lob from Condon within the first three and a half minutes. Florida scored the first 11 points of the contest, then strung together a 21-0 run to surge ahead 30-4, ultimately taking a 44-17 lead into halftime.
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           "We were just competing really, really well [and] we were guarding really hard. I thought we showed great pride that way in the first half," Golden said after facing Merrimack’s 40 minutes of steady 2-3 zone defense. "We already had a lead and we were finishing every play. We were taking what the defense gave us. We weren't getting cute or unique with what we were trying to [be] systematic with it."
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           When not on the floor on his way to scoring six points and grabbing three rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench, sophomore guard 
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           Isaiah Brown
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            (20) was cheering on his teammates.
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            The second half proved more balanced (UF outscored Merrimack 36-28), but with a 38-point cushion and just under three minutes remaining, it was inevitable that Coach Todd Golden would glance down his bench and respond to the Rowdy Reptiles’ booming chants for 7-foot-9
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           Olivier Rioux
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            to take the floor.
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           WE WANT OL-LIE!
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           Their wish was granted, as Rioux entered for the final 2:26. The tallest player in college basketball earned a thunderous ovation when he sank a free throw for his first career point and later secured his first rebound, capping off a memorable night for the home crowd.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 02:18:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chinyelu-crashes-the-glass-as-no-10-florida-smashes-merrimack</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Dominant Ring Night: No. 10 Florida Crushes Merrimack 80–45</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dominant-ring-night-no-10-florida-crushes-merrimack-8045</link>
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           Florida again posted a NCAA Graduation Success Rate above the NCAA D1 average.
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           What Happened
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            delivered Florida’s first 20-rebound performance in more than 30 years, as the 10th-ranked Gators cruised past Merrimack with an 80-45 win before a sellout crowd at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center Friday night.
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            Chinyelu, the 6-foot-10, 265-pound native of Nigeria, scored five of the game’s opening eight points and finished with 14 on 5-of-8 shooting. His dominance on the boards — 21 rebounds in 27 minutes — marked the most commanding effort by a Gator since
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           Andrew DeClercq
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            grabbed 20 against Kentucky during the 1994 Final Four season. Chinyelu also became the first UF player since
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           Tyrese Samuel
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           two years ago to record three consecutive double-doubles.
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            Junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            added to the double-double tally with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            contributed 13 points, while sophomore point guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            chipped in 10.
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            UF shot 44% overall but limited the Warriors to just 29%. The Gators opened with 11 unanswered points, then strung together a 21-0 run to build a 30-4 lead with under eight minutes remaining in the first half. Their advantage grew to as many as 38 late in the game, punctuated by the appearance of 7-foot-9 walk-on center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/olivier-rioux/17749" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Olivier Rioux
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            — the tallest player in college basketball history — who scored his first career point and collected his first rebound.
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           UF center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) on the defensive Friday night against the Warriors.
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           Turning Point
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            UF held an 11-4 advantage six minutes into the game before breaking it open with a 21-point surge over the next six-plus minutes. Alex Condon contributed six points during that stretch, while backup guards
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/17740" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            each connected from long range.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Chinyelu’s rebounding effort stands out most, but the 21-0 run also marked the Gators’ fourth streak this decade of at least 20 unanswered points. The biggest came during last year’s ESPN Events Invitational holiday tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, when Florida rattled off 27 straight in the championship game of an eventual 88-51 rout of Wichita State. The other two: a 21-0 burst against Virginia in the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Orlando and a 20-0 run versus Merrimack two Decembers ago at the O'Dome.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (4-1) heads to San Diego on Tuesday to compete in the Rady Children's Invitational. The four-team event opens with UF facing Texas Christian (3-2) in first-round play on Thanksgiving Day. Depending on results, the Gators will meet either No. 23 Wisconsin (4-0) or Providence (3-2) in the Black Friday championship or consolation round.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0887e312.webp" length="207352" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:44:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dominant-ring-night-no-10-florida-crushes-merrimack-8045</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ring Night Roar: Florida Gators Dominate Merrimack in Gainesville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/ring-night-roar-florida-gators-dominate-merrimack-in-gainesville</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Florida again posted a NCAA Graduation Success Rate above the NCAA D1 average.
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           No. 10 Florida vs. Merrimack
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            When:
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             Friday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            Where:
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             Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center / Gainesville, Fla.
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            Records:
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             No. 10 Florida (3-1) / Merrimack (2-3)
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            Series/Last Meeting:
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             Florida holds a 1-0 advantage. The Gators claimed the only matchup 77-57 on Dec. 5, 2023, led by 26 points from junior guard
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Walter Clayton Jr.
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             , while freshman forward
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alex Condon
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             posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
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            TV:
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             SEC Network+ (
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            Ryan Urquhart
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             and
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            Mark Wise
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            )
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            Radio:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/11/_radio_affiliates_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
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             (featuring
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
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             ,
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            Brian Hogan
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             and
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket Info
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           Projected Starters
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/VDoSj8-fb8fd9e9.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/007_Team_251116_7958_BellaRosa_AAAZd.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           The Setup
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot_2025-11-21_at_8.00.34_AM.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           The replica championship ring
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            After opening the season against three power conference opponents in their first four outings, the 10th‑ranked Gators welcome the Merrimack Warriors, representatives of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, for a matchup that also serves as "Championship Ring Night" inside a sold‑out O'Dome. Nearly 10,000 fans will receive replica 2025 NCAA championship rings, courtesy of Meldon Law. Members of the 2024‑25 squad — including Clayton,
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            at their NBA destinations — were presented with their official rings earlier this week alongside their professional teams, while the current roster received theirs Wednesday evening during dinner at Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           's home.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF enters the contest following Sunday’s 82‑68 win over Miami in Jacksonville, highlighted by dominant front‑court play and a career‑best 15‑point performance from guard
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            off the bench. Merrimack, meanwhile, began the season with three straight defeats but has rebounded with consecutive victories, the latest being a 75‑62 home win over Maine on Wednesday.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Tale of the Tape
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/037_HappyGators_251116_8213_BellaRosa.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF center
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Rueben Chinyelu
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (9) and Coach 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (center)
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Breakdown
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/016_Klavzar_Urban__251116_5082_BellaRosa.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators backup guard 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            About the Gators: Florida has excelled defensively and on the boards, though the offense is still developing, with the starting backcourt struggling to find consistency in shooting. The front court trio of
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            combined for 52 points on 20-for-35 shooting (including 5-for-10 from beyond the arc) in the victory over the Hurricanes. Condon (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Chinyelu (16 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded their second consecutive double-double, following similar performances five nights earlier against Florida State. That gave UF three straight games with two players posting double-doubles, a feat not achieved by the program in at least three decades. ... The Gators are hitting 59.5% of their shots inside the arc (51st nationally), but just 23.7% from 3-point range, ranking 345th nationally. ... UF stands as the No. 12 rebounding team in the country, reclaiming 43.8% of its missed shots. ... Backup guard
           &#xD;
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           Urban Klavzar
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            snapped out of his early-season shooting slump by connecting on four of seven attempts from deep against the Hurricanes. Meanwhile, the transfer backcourt of
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (17.6% on a team-high 34 attempts) and
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           Boogie Fland
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            (11.8%) continued to struggle, as both went 0-for-5 in their last outing. Haugh currently leads the team in 3-point percentage at 36.4. ... Backup center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (7.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg) exited the UM game in the first half after taking a forearm to the head and is not expected to play Friday, though he is projected to return next week. ... Reserve guard
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           Isaiah Brown
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            (3.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg) contributed just two points in a career-high 19 minutes against Miami but earned praise for his effort and approach. He appears to have moved ahead of freshman
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           CJ Ingram
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            in the rotation. Ingram logged only one minute against FSU and did not play against UM (Coaches Decision).
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           About the Warriors: Merrimack is in its seventh season under Joe Gallo, with winning records in all but one campaign. ... The Warriors began the year with three losses, including a 95-57 defeat at Auburn, but have since strung together back-to-back wins over Boston U and Maine. ... Their five starters — four of whom are guards — have accounted for 74.4% of the team’s minutes across five games, with only one reserve averaging at least 12 minutes off the bench. UF’s size (even without Handlogten) and pace should be able to exploit that limited depth. ... Merrimack’s lack of interior presence has made them one of the nation’s weakest defensive rebounding teams, securing just 42.7% of available boards. To compensate, they rely on a wing-extended 2-3 zone throughout the game, daring opponents to shoot from long range — a strategy that could prove effective against the Gators given their current struggles from deep. ... While the Warriors lack inside scoring threats, they feature one of the nation’s top 3-point shooters in Ernest Shelton, a transfer from Division II Gannon (Pa.) College. Shelton has hit 21 of 44 attempts (47.7%) and set a school record with nine triples on 12 attempts in a 33-point performance against BU. ... Point guard Kevair Kennedy, Shelton’s former high school teammate in Philadelphia, is not a perimeter threat (just three attempts so far) but ranks among the nation’s top 50 in drawing fouls. Kennedy and Shelton have combined to take half of Merrimack’s 120 free throws this season, converting 86.3% at the line. ... Guard Andres Marrero joined the program after transferring from LaSalle.
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           Numbers of Note
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           Everyone in the UF building is confident that breakout shooting games (like what Klavzar did against Miami) are coming soon for the Gators' starting backcourt of 
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (1) and 
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           Boogie Fland 
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           (foreground).
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            1
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             — Out of 79 power conference programs, only one team is shooting worse than Florida’s 23.7% from beyond the arc. That team is Georgetown, which sits at 23.2%, ranking 349th in Division I.
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            2
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             — Just two teams nationwide feature at least two players averaging 8.5 rebounds or more. UF has four players (Condon, Chinyelu, Haugh and Handlogten) meeting that mark. The two other programs are low‑majors, Presbyterian and Robert Morris.
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            19.7
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             — The average number of UF offensive possessions ending in turnovers. That figure ranks 260th nationally and falls well below the Gators’ usual standard.
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           Bottom Line
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           Following this matchup against a low‑major opponent, the Gators embark on a demanding stretch that could pit them against three ranked teams in four games — including two top‑five programs, with Duke on the road and Connecticut at Madison Square Garden.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8361aab5.webp" length="131516" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 01:25:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/ring-night-roar-florida-gators-dominate-merrimack-in-gainesville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Dominate Rival Florida State: McGill, O’Neal &amp; Reynolds Shine in 89–67 Victory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-rival-florida-state-mcgill-oneal-reynolds-shine-in-8967-victory</link>
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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            —
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           Liv McGill
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            nearly delivered a rare quadruple-double, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and seven steals.
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           Laila Reynolds
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            chipped in a personal-best 21 points, while
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            secured a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards. Their combined efforts lifted the Florida Gators to an 89-67 triumph over in-state rival Florida State on Thursday night.
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           Momentum Shifts
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           First Quarter (Gators 23, Seminoles 16)
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            The opening minutes were tightly contested, with neither side pulling ahead by more than three. A decisive 9-0 surge from Florida created an 18-10 cushion with 2:45 left.
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           Laila Reynolds
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            paced all scorers with 10 points, and the Gators shot 10-of-17 in the frame.
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           Second Quarter (Gators 41, Seminoles 34)
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            Florida stretched its advantage to 15 midway through the period, but Florida State responded with a 12-1 rally to trim the margin to four before halftime.
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           Liv McGill
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            and Allie Kubek each tallied seven points in the quarter.
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           Third Quarter (Gators 62, Seminoles 45)
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            The Seminoles struck first to cut the gap to five, but Florida answered with a 12-4 run to restore a double-digit lead at 53-40.
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           Liv McGill
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            dominated with nine points and five steals, while the Gators’ defense limited Florida State to just 3-of-13 shooting, including 0-for-4 from deep.
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           Fourth Quarter (Gators 89, Seminoles 67)
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            Florida State never closed within 12 in the final stretch.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            powered the Gators with 12 points and six rebounds, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor and converting all six free throws.
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           By the Numbers
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            Florida shot 47.1% (33-70) compared to Florida State’s 42.6% (26-61).
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            The Gators contained Solé Williams, holding her to 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting with six turnovers. She entered averaging 17.5 points on 52.2% overall and 50.0% from three.
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            Florida forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 38 points. Florida State managed 13 points off 16 Gator miscues.
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            Fast break production favored Florida, 22-4, while points in the paint leaned 50-38.
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            The Gators set a season-high with 20 steals, doubling the Seminoles’ nine.
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           Postgame Press Conference: Head Coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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           ,
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           Laila Reynolds
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           ,
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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           , and
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           Liv McGill
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           .
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           FROM THE GATORS' MOUTHS
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             Coach Kelly Rae Finley began her remarks by saying, "That's Florida basketball, start to finish. I think that's what you saw. That's what we expect. That's
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            how we train. And these three sitting here with me (
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            Laila Reynolds
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             ,
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             and
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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            ) set the tone for that. They've all grown tremendously, and they would stand by me when I say the strength of our team, is our team. And they set the tone for what we do. We are connected. We're resilient. We're hungry. And that's what you saw on the court tonight."
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             reflected on the rivalry with Florida State, sharing, "For those of you who weren't here last year. I was here last year. And we lost. So I never forget that type of stuff. No matter if it's a new team, (smiles) we're running Florida, so we made a statement tonight."
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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            , who scored 10 points in the opening quarter, credited her teammates and defense: "It was really our defense. Lex came to play, guarding one of their best players, and that just fueled our offense and my teammates kept me going, and we all just kept leaning on each other."
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            Coach Finley also praised Lex Dizeko’s defensive effort against Solé Williams: "Lex Dizeko is a standout defender. She takes her role very seriously. She's elite at what she does. She's a great offensive player as well, but that's not what we asked her to do tonight. One thing about Lex is that whatever the team needs, she's willing to do, and it was a key to our success because these guys didn't have to pull in rotation. They were able to stay locked up as a result of her defense. We didn't have any forced rotations off of ball screens, and as a result we got a lot of deflections, and 38 points off turnovers."
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           GATOR BITES
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            Florida now leads the all-time series against Florida State, 44-36.
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            Each of the Gators’ last eight victories in the matchup has come by double-digit margins.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             reached double figures for the sixth consecutive game this season (18 points) and recorded her fourth double-double of the year with 11 rebounds.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             set a new career-high with 21 points, marking her fifth double-digit scoring game of the season and the 31st of her career. It was also her second career outing with 20+ points.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             tallied 27 points, her fourth 20+ point performance this season and the 17th of her career, while tying her personal best with seven steals.
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            Nyadieng Yiech added 11 points, her fourth career double-digit scoring effort, and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.
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           NEXT OPPONENT
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                        The Gators will travel for their next contest on Monday, Nov. 24, facing Florida Atlantic (2-1 entering Thursday’s game at South Alabama). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on ESPN+.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-rival-florida-state-mcgill-oneal-reynolds-shine-in-8967-victory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida vs. Merrimack: Key Details for Gators Fans</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-merrimack-key-details-for-gators-fans</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Florida again posted a NCAA Graduation Success Rate above the NCAA D1 average.
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           No. 10 Florida men's basketball (3-1) returns to action this Friday in the O'Connell Center, as the Gators take on the Merrimack Warriors (2-3) at 7 p.m. presented by 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.meldonlaw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Meldon Law
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           .
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           Know Before You Go
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            Arrive Early to Avoid Lines;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             general public gates (Gates 1 and 4) and the UF student gate (Gate 3) open at 6:00 p.m.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_facilities_parking_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men's Basketball Gameday Parking Info
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            General public tickets are sold out. Shop verified resale tickets by visiting 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/GoQQh" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
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            .
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            Don't Wait Until the Gate:
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             Fans are encouraged to add their 
           &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/9/3/mobile-ticketing.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mobile Tickets
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             and digital parking passes to their digital wallet prior to heading to the O'Dome for faster and more efficient gate access.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            All active UF students must enter through Gate 3 with a free, claimed season pass. 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/studentpass2425" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here to claim your pass
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      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/studentpass2425" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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            Possession of a student season pass does not guarantee entry, and admission is first-come, first-served for students who have claimed a pass.
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            Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on the SEC Network + and on radio via the Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gameday_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Basketball Game Day Guide
           &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://digitalprograms.learfield.com/ufl/mbball/16649/1" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Download the Merrimack Digital Game Program
           &#xD;
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            Got game day questions? 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_tickets_faq_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ask Albert
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           Giveaways &amp;amp; Promotions
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            2025 National Championship Replica Rings:
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             Fans attending the game will receive a replica ring, courtesy of Meldon Law, upon entry. Distribution is limited to one ring per person present, not per ticket.
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            2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule Magnets:
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             The first 2,000 fans will be given schedule magnets.
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            Enter-to-Win:
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             Attendees can register for a chance to win two tickets to the Tennessee football game along with two pregame Swamp Moments experiences.
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            Halftime Youth Scrimmage: Featuring Queen of Peace Catholic Academy.
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           Ticket Information
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            Tickets for the Merrimack game are sold out, but fans can still purchase verified resale tickets by
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3DHqg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           clicking here
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           .
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            Student Tickets:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             Beginning at 6 p.m., students are required to enter Exactech Arena through Gate 3, located on the southwest side of the venue. Possession of a student season pass does not guarantee entry, since all active students are eligible to claim one at no cost. Admission will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have secured a pass. 
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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            Verified Resale Tickets:
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             Ticketmaster.com is the only verified resale partner for the Florida Gators. Avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized secondary sites or unknown individuals. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2024/7/30/counterfeit-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here for tips on verifying tickets
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            .
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            Will Call:
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             Tickets are available for pickup at the Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O'Connell Center Ticket Office, situated north of Gate 1 near the Tom &amp;amp; Jane Johnson Family Atrium.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            This Weekend on Campus
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           Saturday, November 2
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Football vs. #20 Tennessee 
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            - 7:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tickets are sold out, but verified resale tickets are still available via 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/uIYWW" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-5550822b.webp" length="268316" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 02:57:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-merrimack-key-details-for-gators-fans</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Athletics Soar Above NCAA Average in Graduation Success</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-athletics-soar-above-ncaa-average-in-graduation-success</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida again posted a NCAA Graduation Success Rate above the NCAA D1 average.
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           Share:
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gainesville, Fla. –
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            Student-athletes at the University of Florida continue to reach their academic goal of earning a UF degree.
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            The NCAA Graduation Success Rates (GSR), released Wednesday, show Florida once again surpassing the national average. In the latest cycle,
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           93 percent
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            of Gator student-athletes completed their degrees.
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2025/11/19/media-center-ncaa-graduation-rates-remain-high.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators' latest number is above NCAA Division I's overall GSR of 90 percent
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           .
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           Twelve Florida programs reported GSR figures at or above the national benchmark for their sport. These include men’s and women’s basketball, football, men’s and women’s golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, men’s swimming and diving, men’s tennis, women’s track and field/cross country, and volleyball.
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           Eight teams achieved a perfect 100 GSR: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, gymnastics, softball, men’s tennis, and volleyball.
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           Earlier this fall, UF was ranked No. 7 among national public universities by U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report, marking the eighth straight year the school has placed in the top 10. The combined GPA for all Gator student-athletes during the 2024-25 academic year reached a record 3.405, while 93 student-athletes earned bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
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           The most recent GSR data reflects the academic outcomes of four freshman classes entering Division I between 2015-16 and 2018-19.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:31:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-athletics-soar-above-ncaa-average-in-graduation-success</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Sunshine Showdown: Gators Host Florida State at the O’Dome</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunshine-showdown-gators-host-florida-state-at-the-odome</link>
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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           —
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            Florida and Florida State will reignite their in-state rivalry on Thursday, Nov. 20, when the Gators welcome the Seminoles for a 6:30 p.m. EST tip-off at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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           The rivalry dates back to the 1974-75 season, which marked Florida’s first year of competition. Since then, the two programs have squared off 78 times—more than any other non-SEC opponent in Gators history.
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            Florida leads the all-time series 42-36, including a 20-12 record at home. However, Florida State has claimed the last three matchups. Their most recent meeting came on Nov. 22, 2024, when the Seminoles defeated Florida 98-74 in Tallahassee. In that contest,
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           Liv McGill
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            scored a then career-best 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting, while RA Shaye Kyle contributed a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double. Florida State capitalized at the free throw line, converting 35 of 40 attempts.
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            In their latest outing, Florida was without McGill due to injury in a Nov. 16 loss at Navy, which ended the team’s four-game winning streak to start the season.
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           Laila Reynolds
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            stepped up with 19 points and five assists,
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            added 14 points and six rebounds, and freshman Nyadieng Yiech chipped in 12 points and five boards.
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           Florida State enters the matchup at 3-2 following a 76-72 setback against Indiana on Sunday. Four Seminoles average double figures, though none play more than 27 minutes per game. Junior transfer Solé Williams leads the team with 17.5 points per contest, shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 50 percent (12-of-24) from three-point range. She missed the Indiana game due to an injury sustained against Nicholls State.
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           Florida State (3-2)
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             Date: Thursday, November 20
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             Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
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             Site: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center
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             Listen:
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            FloridaGators.com
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             Watch:
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            SECN
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             Live stats:
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A Florida Win Would …
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            Improve the Gators’ record to 5-1 overall and 20-2 at home in November during the Kelly Rae Finley era.
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            Extend Florida’s series lead to 43-36 and halt a three-game losing streak to Florida State.
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            Push the Gators’ non-conference home winning streak to 12 straight, the eighth-longest in program history. The last non-conference home loss came on Nov. 16, 2024, against Miami.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           Gator Bites
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            As of Tuesday, Nov. 18, Florida ranks among the SEC leaders in several statistical categories: fifth in points per game (86.2), eighth in scoring margin (+30.6), seventh in field goal percentage (.482), tied for fifth in steals (12.0), and second in turnover margin (+11.2).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             narrowly missed her second career triple-double on Nov. 3 against North Florida, finishing with
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            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist effort
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             . In the following game versus Chattanooga on Nov. 6, she came up just two rebounds short, recording
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            .
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             On Tuesday, Nov. 11,
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            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Florida women’s basketball history to be honored as a US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week. During that stretch, she averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals, while shooting 40.9 percent from three-point range across three victories. She also earned SEC Player of the Week recognition for the same performances.
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            Liv McGill's
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             611 points last season ranked third nationally among freshmen and set a new program record for first-year players.
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            She
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             has scored in double figures in 37 of her 41 career games at Florida.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line
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            on Nov. 10 vs. Jacksonville
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            .
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has already recorded three double-doubles this season, building on the one she posted as a freshman.
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             Nyadieng Yiech delivered a flawless shooting performance
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             in
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            the Gators win over Samford on Nov. 13
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            .
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STATE STARTERS
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           *injured last game, but expected to start if cleared.
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           Seminoles Quick Hits
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            ﻿
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            Florida State currently sits tied for 18th nationally in three-pointers made per contest, averaging 9.4.
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            The Seminoles have knocked down at least eight threes in four of their five outings this season, and have reached double digits from beyond the arc in three of those games.
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            Solé Williams is tied for 33rd in the country in three-pointers made per game (3.0), a mark shared with Florida’s Liv McGill.
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            Williams also ranks tied for 44th nationally in three-point shooting percentage, connecting on 50 percent of her attempts.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:02:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunshine-showdown-gators-host-florida-state-at-the-odome</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Athletics Score Above-Average NCAA Graduation Success</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-athletics-score-above-average-ncaa-graduation-success</link>
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           Florida hosts a sold-out crowd Friday vs. Merrimack.
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             No. 10 Florida men’s basketball (3-1) is back in action this Friday at the O’Connell Center, where the Gators will face the Merrimack Warriors (2-3) at 7 p.m., presented by
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.meldonlaw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Meldon Law
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Know Before You Go
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arrive early to avoid lines; general public gates (Gates 1 and 4) and the UF student gate (Gate 3) open at 6:00 p.m.
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_facilities_parking_basketball_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men’s Basketball Gameday Parking Info
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              General public tickets are sold out. Verified resale tickets are available through
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="http://ticketmaster.com" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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              Don’t wait until the gate: fans are encouraged to add
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/9/3/mobile-ticketing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mobile Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              and digital parking passes to their digital wallet before heading to the O’Dome for quicker entry.
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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              All active UF students must enter through Gate 3 with a free, claimed season pass.
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://auth.ticketmaster.com/as/authorization.oauth2?redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fam.ticketmaster.com%2Fgators%2Fam-sso%3Fdeeplink%3DL2dhdG9ycy9lbi9idXkvc3R1ZGVudHBhc3MyNDI1&amp;amp;response_type=code&amp;amp;lang=en-us&amp;amp;integratorId=NAM&amp;amp;placementId=homepage&amp;amp;visualPresets=gators&amp;amp;hideLeftPanel=true&amp;amp;client_id=529b25603c4b.web.gators-gators.us&amp;amp;scope=openid%20profile%20phone%20email%20tm" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here to claim your pass
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              .
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Possession of a student season pass does not guarantee entry; admission is first-come, first-served for students who have claimed a pass.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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            Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will air on SEC Network+ and on radio via the Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gameday_basketball_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Basketball Game Day Guide
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://digitalprograms.learfield.com/ufl/mbball/16649/1" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Download the Merrimack Digital Game Program
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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              Got game day questions?
             &#xD;
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_tickets_faq_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ask Albert
           &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Giveaways &amp;amp; Promotions
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025 National Championship Replica Rings: Every fan in attendance will receive a replica ring, courtesy of Meldon Law, upon entry. One ring per person present at the game, not per ticket.
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            2025-26 Men’s Basketball Schedule Magnets: Available for the first 2,000 fans.
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            Enter-to-Win: Fans can enter for a chance to win two tickets to the Tennessee football game and two pregame Swamp Moments experiences.
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            Halftime Youth Scrimmage: Queen of Peace Catholic Academy.
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           Ticket Information
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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             Tickets for the Merrimack game are sold out, but verified resale tickets can still be purchased by
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="http://ticketmaster.com" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           clicking here
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           .
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            Student Tickets:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              Starting at 6 p.m., all students must enter Exactech Arena through Gate 3 on the southwest side of the venue. Possession of a student season pass does not guarantee entry, as all active students are eligible for a free season pass. Admission is first-come, first-served for students who have claimed a pass. Please note: the game vs. Merrimack is sold out, so student capacity will be capped at the normal level.
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Verified Resale Tickets:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              Ticketmaster.com is the only verified resale partner for the Florida Gators. Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized secondary sites or unknown sellers.
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2024/7/30/counterfeit-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here for tips on verifying tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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            Will Call:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              Tickets can be picked up at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Ticket Office, located north of Gate 1 near the Tom &amp;amp; Jane Johnson Family Atrium.
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           This Weekend on Campus
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Saturday, November 22
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Football vs. #20 Tennessee
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              – 7:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
            
              Tickets are sold out, but verified resale tickets remain available via
             &#xD;
          &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="http://ticketmaster.com" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-84b16f95.webp" length="187350" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:33:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-athletics-score-above-average-ncaa-graduation-success</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-84b16f95.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Basketball vs. Merrimack: Sold-Out Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-basketball-vs-merrimack-sold-out-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           The Gators welcome another sold out crowd on Friday.
          &#xD;
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           The No. 10/9 Florida men’s basketball team has officially sold out Friday’s matchup against Merrimack, the Gator Ticket Office announced Tuesday.
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           This marks the second consecutive home sellout for the Gators, following the Nov. 11 victory over Florida State that drew 10,785 fans. Dating back to last season, Florida has sold out 11 of its last 13 home contests. During the 2024-25 campaign, the Gators averaged 10,039 fans per game (99% capacity) and recorded nine sellouts.
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           Florida heads into Friday’s game with a 3-1 record after Sunday’s neutral-site win over in-state rival Miami.
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           Fans attending Friday’s contest against Merrimack will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket 
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Single-game tickets for the remaining 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball home schedule are now available. Supporters are encouraged to secure seats early for marquee SEC weekend matchups, including Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Feb. 1), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28), as only a limited number remain. Tickets can be purchased at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ben+Hill+Griffin+Stadium/@29.6499413,-82.3486816,983m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88e8a379c55b3a57:0xf870d075572b3ea2!8m2!3d29.6499413!4d-82.3486816!16zL20vMDVieHNx?entry=ttu&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e4f6e5a1.webp" length="226914" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:22:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-basketball-vs-merrimack-sold-out-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e4f6e5a1.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thomas Haugh Shines: SEC Player of the Week Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thomas-haugh-shines-sec-player-of-the-week-honors</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Thomas Haugh earned the first weekly SEC honor of his career.
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            Florida junior forward
           &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            was named SEC Player of the Week, the Southeastern Conference announced Monday. Haugh played a pivotal role in helping the Gators secure a rivalry sweep with victories over both Florida State and Miami.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Against Florida State on Tuesday, Haugh recorded a double-double, finishing with a team-high 20 points and 13 rebounds. He followed that performance with 17 points and nine rebounds in Sunday’s neutral-site win over Miami.
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           The double-double versus FSU marked the fifth of his career and his second 20-point double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds vs. Texas Tech; March 29, 2025). The New Oxford, Pa., native has reached double figures in all four games this season. He currently leads the Gators with 19.0 points per game while averaging 8.5 rebounds.
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           This recognition is the first SEC weekly honor of Haugh’s career.
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           The Gators will return to action Friday at 7 p.m. at home against Merrimack.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket 
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available.
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            Fans can purchase tickets at
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           FloridaGators.com
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            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
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           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:12:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thomas-haugh-shines-sec-player-of-the-week-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Dominate Hurricanes in Jacksonville Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-hurricanes-in-jacksonville-showdown</link>
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           Urban Klavzar (7) dropped four of his seven 3-balls, including this one on UM's late-closing Tre Donaldson.
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           JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
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            – In the opening half,
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           Alex Condon
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            asserted himself in the paint, scoring 15 points to help Florida build a double-digit advantage by halftime. After the break,
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            took over inside, powering his way to a second consecutive double-double.
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            Meanwhile, steady forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            contributed consistently, while reserve guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            made his mark by knocking down four 3-pointers in a career-best showing. The 10th-ranked Gators ultimately pulled away Sunday night, securing an 82-68 victory over the Miami Hurricanes in their Jacksonville Hoops Showdown matchup at VyStar Memorial Arena.
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           UF began sluggishly and with some sloppy play, but soon leaned on another strong defensive effort to stretch the lead to 18 points and cruise to the finish.
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            "I thought, in the second half, we were just very competitive, much better handling the basketball," Florida coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said, seated at the post-game podium alongside Condon and Klavzar. "Both of these guys next to me played great games."
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           Chinyelu also impressed, shooting 7-for-10 from the field to post 16 points and 10 rebounds. Haugh, the team’s leading scorer, added 17 points, nine boards, and three assists across a team-high 37 minutes.
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            Together, the frontcourt trio of Condon, Chinyelu, and Haugh combined for 52 points, connected on 20 of 35 attempts, hauled in 29 rebounds, and registered four blocks. Had backup 7-foot-1 center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            not exited in the first half after absorbing a forearm to the head – "We held him out for precautionary reasons," Golden explained – the production from UF’s “bigs” might have been even greater.
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           And so might the final margin.
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           "They have guys who have pedigree and have played in big moments," said Miami coach Jai Lucas, in his first season at Coral Gables. "We're not there, yet."
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           Florida forward 
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           Alex Condon
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           (21) going to work down low on his way to 19 points and seven rebounds.
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           Condon, the 6-11 Australian (and one of those "guys" Lucas mentioned), rebounded from a six-turnover outing last week in the win over Florida State by delivering 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers. He also pulled down 10 rebounds, committed just two turnovers in 23 minutes, and exited with 5:11 remaining after fouling out, with the Gators (3-1) ahead by 16.
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           "I just played free," Condon said.
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           Klavzar, the sharp-shooting Slovian, entered the contest having missed 11 of his first 14 attempts from long range this season. Against the Hurricanes (3-1), he found his rhythm, connecting on 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and finishing with 15 points in 25 minutes—both career highs.
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           "I'm just trying to be confident every day," Klavzar said. "The work that we put in has to show up every night. You have to stay confident and take those shots."
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            That emphasis had been reinforced by Golden and his staff in recent days as the team worked to overcome its early-season struggles from the 3-point line. The Gators entered the game shooting just 21.1% from deep through their first three outings. While Klavzar corrected course, the transfer backcourt duo of
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            and
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           Xaivian Lee
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            combined to miss all 10 of their perimeter attempts (five each) and went 3-for-16 overall across 57 minutes.
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           Still, the outcome was never truly in jeopardy, even though the Hurricanes briefly cut the margin to three in the second half and later to four midway through the period before Florida reasserted control.
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           "Our message to the team after the game was imagine how good we're going to be when these guys start making some shots," said Golden, whose squad still shot 45.8% overall and posted a season-best 31% from distance. "I think our ceiling is really high and I think our floor is really high. To beat a team like Miami by 14 without getting any 3s from them, that's a pretty outstanding effort."
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           Gators center 
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            Rueben Chinyelu
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           (9) finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and several gestures to the fans.
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           UF jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead, but a sloppy stretch – five turnovers in under two minutes, each resulting in UM baskets – allowed the Hurricanes to move ahead 14-13. The score was even at 19 when Condon stepped up and buried a 3-pointer. Less than a minute later, he drove through traffic to finish a bank shot.
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           From that point forward, the Gators never trailed. The Canes managed to trim a 10-point halftime deficit down to three, 44-41, just four minutes into the second half. A Klavzar 3 helped restore momentum, followed shortly by consecutive post-up scores from Chinyelu that pushed the lead back to eight.
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            With the margin at nine, Klavzar connected on his fourth 3 at the 10:57 mark, stretching the cushion to 11. The lead stayed in double figures the rest of the way, even after both Chinyelu and Condon fouled out within a minute of each other and with more than five minutes left. Golden, missing Handlogten, adjusted by giving sophomore
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/viktor-mikic/17747" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Viktor Mikic
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            his first significant minutes of the season and sliding Haugh to the "5" alongside four perimeter players.
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           It didn’t matter. The Gators’ trademark defense held firm, limiting Miami to just 33.8% shooting overall and 5-of-18 from beyond the arc. UM forward Malik Reneau, the Indiana transfer, finished with a game-high 22 points but had to grind for them. He attempted 23 shots, made only eight, went 1-for-5 from deep, committed three turnovers, and fouled out after 27 minutes.
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           "We fouled a little too much, but what I told the team in the locker room [is] we have to be an elite defensive team. There's just no doubt about that," Golden said. "If we want to be the best team we can be, we have to be elite defensively and on the glass. When we play well and shoot well offensively, we ought to be able to beat a lot of the teams we come across."
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           On a night when the Gators were far from flawless, Miami found out just how much that defense mattered.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:01:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-hurricanes-in-jacksonville-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida vs Miami: Gators Win Buzzer Thriller in Jacksonville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-miami-gators-win-buzzer-thriller-in-jacksonville</link>
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           What Happened
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           JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –
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            Junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds to pace four Florida players in double figures, as the 10th-ranked Gators defeated Miami 82-68 in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown before a spirited, UF-heavy crowd Sunday night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
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            Junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            recorded his second double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Junior wing
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 17 points and eight boards while logging a game-high 36 minutes. Backup guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            chipped in a career-best 12 points in a career-high 25 minutes, knocking down four of seven attempts from beyond the arc.
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           UF finished the game shooting 46%, including nine of 29 from 3-point range (31%), while limiting UM to 33.8% overall and just five makes from deep.
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            The Gators, winners of three straight, were tested inside by the physical Hurricanes, who battled in the paint and on the glass throughout. Miami kept pressing even after UF lost 7-1 reserve center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            to a first-half head injury, and later when both Chinyelu and Condon fouled out within a minute of each other with under six minutes left. Florida, ahead by 18 at that point, managed to hold firm and close out the win.
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           A late first-half surge gave Florida a 39-29 lead at the break. In the second half, when Miami cut the margin to three, Klavzar answered with a clutch 3-pointer. When the Canes trimmed it to four, Chinyelu responded with consecutive baskets. Another 3 from Klavzar, one from Haugh, and a traditional three-point play helped UF rebuild a double-digit cushion that stretched to 18 with five minutes remaining, despite being without its three low-post contributors.
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            Miami was paced by forward
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           Malik Reneau
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           , who posted a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds.
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           UF center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) in action against UM.
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           Turning Point 
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           The back-to-back baskets from Chinyelu not only extended Florida’s lead to eight but also energized the crowd. Just under three minutes later, Klavzar buried a 3-pointer to push the margin to 11, and from that point forward the Gators never allowed the lead to dip below double digits.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Florida, which trailed for only 1:55 early in the first half, secured a comfortable win despite limited production from its starting backcourt. Transfers Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee combined for 13 points on 3-for-17 shooting, including 0-for-10 from beyond the arc, while contributing six assists and five turnovers. Fland finished with eight points, while Lee added five, missing all six of his 3-point attempts but contributing four rebounds along with team-highs of five assists and three steals.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (3-1) returns home Friday night to face Merrimack (1-3) at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center, where fans will receive replica national-championship rings. The Warriors, members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, have faced one power-conference opponent so far — a 48-point loss at Auburn — and will host Maine on Wednesday before traveling to Gainesville.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            .
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-10bdc669.webp" length="223376" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:08:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-miami-gators-win-buzzer-thriller-in-jacksonville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida vs Miami: Gators Seek Sharper Shooting</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-miami-gators-seek-sharper-shooting</link>
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           Share:
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           Shooting guard Xaivian Lee and the Gators look to get back on the 3-point track Sunday against Miami.
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            ﻿
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           JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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           , Florida’s highly touted transfer addition last season (anyone remember him?), opened his UF career by going 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. The Gators as a team shot just 5-for-26 from deep (19.2%) in their 2024-25 season opener, though they still pulled away in the second half for a comfortable win over South Florida.
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            Across the first three games of that ’24-25 campaign, UF’s collective 3-point production stood at 19 makes in 73 attempts (26%).
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            and
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           Will Richard
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            (anyone remember them?) combined to go 10-for-37 (27%).
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           Small sample sizes, of course.
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            Now, three games into the ’25-26 season, the Clayton/Richard/Martin-less Gators are shooting just 21.1% from long range (19 of 90). While the numbers are puzzling, there’s no loss of confidence in the players taking those shots. The misses — often on quality looks — from returnees
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            (31.3%) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            (21.4), along with transfer guards
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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            (20.7) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            (16.7), may be surprising, but they’re not discouraging.
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           Ask the coaches or players, and they’ll tell you they believe the solution is straightforward.
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            "The only way to get out of a shooting slump is to shoot the ball," said UF assistant and director of player development
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/taurean-green/2082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Taurean Green
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            after leading players through one of several extra shooting sessions last week. "So, shoot it! Please!"
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           That will be the mindset Sunday night when the 10th-ranked Gators (2-1) face cross-state rival Miami (3-0) at VyStar Memorial Arena in a nationally televised ESPN matchup — the first meeting between the programs in six years.
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           [Read senior writer  
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/11/15/mens-basketball-stuff-florida-vs-miami-nov-16-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           ]
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           UF enters the game following a 78-76 nail-biter over Florida State, a win achieved despite shooting just 6-for-31 from deep. The Gators leaned instead on defense and rebounding dominance. Miami doesn’t rely heavily on 3-pointers, but with threats inside and on the perimeter, Florida’s size and length will again be critical.
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           Still, raising their current average of 6.33 made threes per game would ease the burden. For perspective, UF averaged 9.75 triples per contest during last season’s national championship run.
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           Sharp-shooting backup guard 
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            Urban Klavzar
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           (7) has hit just three of 14 attempts from distance, but this make with a minute left in the FSU was a huge and gave the Gators a four-point lead. 
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           "The shooting hasn't been what we want so far; by the team and, obviously, from me," said Lee, the transfer from Princeton who has gone six of 29 to start the season. "But we have to keep shooting. That's what they keep telling me; that's what we keep telling each other. [When] you get open looks, we need to take them. We make shots every day in practice, so it's not something we're really worried about. The fact that we've been so competitive without making shots is a testament to how good we're going to be when they start to fall."
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           Fair point. Credit to Lee, who despite struggling to see shots drop, has contributed in other ways. Against FSU, he grabbed seven rebounds and dished out a team-high five assists.
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           At Princeton last season, Lee connected on 36.6% of his 3-point attempts. In UF’s closed preseason scrimmage victory over Illinois, currently ranked No. 14 nationally, he hit five of 11 from deep and finished with 17 points.
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           Coach 
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           Todd Golden
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             signed Lee out of the portal to be a scorer. The plan hasn't changed, but that doesn't mean the current situation hasn't been addressed.
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           "We're a very transparent program, and I don't think dancing around any sort of shooting slump or trying to band-aid it is the solution," Golden said. "I think when you have some issues or you're not achieving as well as you want, you got to stare it right in the face and attack it. I think our guys are doing that. I think our staff is doing that. We're going back and we're evaluating everything that we do."
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           Regarding the former (his "guys"), fans lingering around the post-game scene at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center in recent outings may have noticed UF players — Lee and Fland among them — staying late to put up extra shots. They continued those efforts with additional shooting sessions alongside Green and other staff members at the practice facility. Their commitment to refining their craft is evident.
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           "It's one of the biggest shooting slumps of my career, but I'm really not that worried about it," Lee said. "When I shoot 'em, I think they're going in. They haven't yet, but I'm confident they will."
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           At the same time, it’s important to remember the heavy expectations surrounding the program. Every opponent on Florida’s schedule views a matchup with the reigning NCAA champions as a season-defining opportunity.
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           This year’s team is a much different version than the OGs who lifted the trophy last April.
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           Charting the Gators: 3-point shooting comparison 
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           Here’s a look at Florida’s 3-point shooting start from the 2024-25 season — which ended in a national championship — compared to the current ’25-26 squad.
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           Klavzar, the most seasoned returning UF guard from last year’s squad, delivered some clutch shots during the championship run, particularly in Southeastern Conference play, though his postseason minutes were limited. Fland, meanwhile, was at Arkansas recovering from hand surgery. Lee, coming from the Ivy League, had only two games of experience against power-conference opponents during his last two seasons at Princeton — both against Rutgers. Together, this trio represents a very different backcourt compared to the guards Florida had to replace.
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           Miami marks Florida’s third power-conference opponent in just four games, making the Gators one of only two teams nationally — Alabama being the other — to take on such a demanding schedule to start the season. Naturally, the shots, and especially the makes, will be harder to come by.
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           "I think for a lot of us, staff included, we're playing with a little bit of pressure, right? The circumstances have changed for everybody and I think for [the players], it's a mental toughness thing and it's kind of pushing through and pouring into process over result," Golden said. "If we continue to focus on that, we're going to be in really good shape because, fundamentally, when we evaluate these games, I think we're doing a lot of good things and I don't want them to be so caught up or wrapped in the result of a shot where their stressing about it 15 minutes after a game. But I think their head and hearts are in the right place."
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Browse his 
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            story 
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           archives
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      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:41:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-miami-gators-seek-sharper-shooting</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Short-Handed Gators Fall at Navy in Early-Season Test</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/short-handed-gators-fall-at-navy-in-early-season-test</link>
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           ANNAPOLIS, Md.
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            — Playing without point guard
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           Liv McGill
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            , the Florida women’s basketball team dropped its first game of the season on Sunday, falling to Navy, 69-54. Local standout
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           Laila Reynolds
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            scored 19 points in her homecoming effort.
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           Key Runs
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           1st Quarter (Gators 18, Midshipmen 18)
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             opened the game with a three-pointer, but Florida missed its next six attempts and committed two turnovers as Navy surged ahead 13-3. O’Neal broke the run with a layup at the 4:26 mark, sparking a 13-0 Gators rally. Navy’s Zoe Mesuch paced all scorers with nine points, hitting three triples without a miss.
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           2nd Quarter (Midshipmen 39, Gators 31)
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            Navy pushed its lead to six early, but Florida answered with a 7-0 spurt to reclaim the edge at 29-28 with 4:20 left. The Midshipmen closed strong, scoring 11 of the final 13 points to take a nine-point halftime lead. Navy shot 50 percent in the quarter, including 4-of-7 from deep, while Florida managed just 4-of-12 overall and 2-of-8 from beyond the arc.
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           3rd Quarter (Midshipmen 53, Gators 37)
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             The Midshipmen opened the second half with six straight points to extend the margin to 14 as Florida missed its first seven shots.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             stopped the run with a jumper, but Navy answered with an 8-0 burst to build an 18-point cushion.
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           4th Quarter (Midshipmen 69, Gators 54)
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            Florida ramped up defensive pressure, forcing seven turnovers in the final frame. Reynolds converted a three-point play to cut the deficit to nine with 2:55 remaining, but Navy held firm to secure the win.
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           Key Stats
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            Navy connected on 10-of-22 from long range, while Florida went 5-of-26. Prior to this game, the Gators had not allowed more than six made threes in a contest this season.
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            The Midshipmen shot 47.1 percent (24-51) compared to Florida’s 28.8 percent (19-66).
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            Navy held a 47-37 rebounding edge, though Florida won the offensive glass battle 17-12.
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            Florida forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 14 points, while Navy scored 21 off 13 Gator miscues.
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            The Gators outscored Navy 8-0 in fast break points and 19-8 off the bench.
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            Florida, averaging 94.3 points per game entering the matchup, was limited to 54.
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           From the Gators’ Mouths
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             Coach Finley on
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            Liv McGill's
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             status for Thursday against Florida State: "Right now, Liv is day to day. We're going to continue to evaluate her, and see where we are."
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             Coach Finley on playing without
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            Liv McGill
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            : "I thought we were able to get into what we wanted to get into. Our outside shots weren't falling. We shot the ball really well in practice the last couple of days, including yesterday in their arena. But we weren't finishing inside today either, and when the shots aren't falling it makes it really tough on your defense. Defensively, we could have been quite a bit stronger. We missed quite a few defensive assignments. But we're young, we're learning, it's early in the season, and Navy is a incredibly difficult team to play against, especially on the road. They were picked to win their league for a reason. They are very strong. They're disciplined. And they're tough. I thought that Laila did an exceptionally good job at the point for us. She was still able to play off ball, and on ball get us into what we needed to get into. We'll look at the film. And we get back to work, we evaluate what we need to do, and what we need to improve upon."
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            Coach Finley on Navy’s three-point shooting: "I thought that they hit some really tough shots. Our fade coverage wasn't optimal, maybe we needed a little earlier communication, and they hit some tough shots with a hand in the face."
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           Gator Bites
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            Florida is now 2-1 all-time against Navy.
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            Liv McGill
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             missed the game due to injury.
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             scored in double figures for the fifth straight game this season (14 points).
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            Laila Reynolds
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             reached double figures for the fourth time this season and the 30th time in her career (19 points). She also logged a career-high 40 minutes and attempted 13 free throws, making nine.
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            Freshman Nyadieng Yiech scored in double figures for the third time in her career (12 points).
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            Florida trailed at halftime for the first time this season, 39-31.
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           Next Opponent
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                             Florida will be back on its home court Thursday, Nov. 20, when the Gators host Florida State (3-1 entering Sunday’s action). The matchup is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. EST tip-off at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:33:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/short-handed-gators-fall-at-navy-in-early-season-test</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>No. 10 Florida Faces Miami in Jacksonville Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/no-10-florida-faces-miami-in-jacksonville-showdown</link>
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           Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat (10) shoots over the outstretched defense of UF 7-1 center Micah Handlogten on his way to 30 points and a 93-87 upset win for the Wildcats Monday night. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           No. 10 Florida vs. Miami
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           * 
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           What:
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            Jacksonville Hoops Showdown
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            Sunday, 8:30 p.m. (ET)
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           * Where:
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            VyStar Memorial Arena / Jacksonville, Fla.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Records:
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Florida (2-1) / Miami (3-0)
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Series/Last meeting:
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            Florida leads 47-24. The Gators defeated the Hurricanes 78-58 in the winner's bracket of the Charleston (S.C.) Classic on Nov. 22, 2019, on the way to winning their first holiday tournament in 11 years. Fifth-year senior transfer 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kerry Blackshear Jr.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            had 20 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for his fourth double through the season's first six games. Freshman 
          &#xD;
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           Scottie Lewis
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            came off the bench for 13 points and eight boards. Sophomore point guard 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andrew Nembhard
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            had eight points, nine assists and four steals. UF shot 54% for the game and 10-for-19 from the 3-point line, while holding the Hurricanes to 33% after halftime and turning 14 turnovers into 21 points. The Gators advanced to the tournament title game, where they defeated Xavier 70-65.
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            ﻿
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           * TV:
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            ESPN (
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dave O'Brien 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jay Williams
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           )
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Radio:
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
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           (with 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Lee Humphrey
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Steve Egan
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Setup
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Gemini_Generated_Image_itryd2itryd2itry-3e503194.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena (capacity 14,091), across the parking lot of EverBank Stadium, is home to the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen and IFL Jacksonville Sharks.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           No. 10 Florida will face its third power-conference opponent in the first four games of the 2025-26 season — and its second on a neutral court — when the Gators take on the Miami Hurricanes, led by new coach Jai Lucas, in their second straight appearance at the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown. ESPN picked up the contest due to its late tip-off, scheduled around the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars’ 1 p.m. home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at EverBank Stadium, located just across the parking lot at the downtown sports complex.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF enters the matchup fresh off a nail-biting 78-76 home win Tuesday night over rival Florida State. Meanwhile, UM stayed unbeaten with a dominant 102-61 victory over Stetson, with all three of its games so far played in Coral Gables against low-major in-state competition.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Tale of the Tape
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/_251111_3339_JordanPerez.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida small forward
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Thomas Haugh
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (10)
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Breakdown
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/_251111_4401_JordanPerez.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF center
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            They struggled putting the ball in the basket in the win over the Seminoles, converting just 39% from the floor and only six of 31 shots from the 3-point line. The veteran front court, however, seized on its size and length advantage by out-rebounding FSU 58-34 and limiting the Seminoles' uptempo, 3-point offense to just 33.8% overall and 9-for-34 from deep (26.5%). The game likely would not have come down to the final minute had the Gators taken better care of the ball (18 turnovers) in allowing the Seminoles to chip away at a nine-point deficit and have a chance in the final minute. ... UF is still searching for its identity after 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            on offense, especially when it comes to outside shooting. Haugh, who played 38 minutes against FSU and never came out after halftime, is hitting nearly 49% of his field-goal attempts and actually leads the team in 3-point shooting but at just 31.3%. That's because the rest of the team is a collective (ready for this?) 18.9% from deep, with shooting guard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xavian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            is just six of 29 (20.7%), point guard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           two of 12 (16.7%) and backup guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           at 3-for-14 (21.4%). ... Forward
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , the preseason first-team All American, has improved his shooting efficiency from the floor (59.3%) and free-throw line (73.9%), but leads the team in turnovers with 13. He had six each in the games against Arizona and FSU. ... Center 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           had one of the best games of in his two seasons as a Gator, with 10 points, a career-best 16 rebounds (seven on the offensive end) and two blocks. ... Backup 7-1 center 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (10.3 ppg, 9.3 ppg) went scoreless against the Seminoles, but his six rebounds in just under 10 minutes made him one of six Gators with at least five boards. ... Of UF's five starters, Chinyelu was the only one who didn't play at least 32 minutes against FSU. ... Of the 79 teams in power conferences (Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern), Florida and Alabama are the only ones to schedule at least three other power conference opponents in their first four games of the season. Only nine others scheduled as many as two. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Hurricanes:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Similar to FSU in its first season under
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Luke Loucks
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Miami under Jai Lucas has entered a significant rebuild, with four starters arriving through the transfer portal and a group of promising freshmen added as complementary pieces. Offensively, the Hurricanes have been sharp in their first three outings, converting 66% of their attempts inside the arc. That efficiency, however, has come against a trio of overmatched in-state opponents — Jacksonville, Bethune-Cookman, and Stetson — with UM winning by an average margin of nearly 33 points.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida’s season-opening loss to Arizona highlighted a defensive weakness, as power forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Koa Peat
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (30 points) and point guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jaden Bradley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (27 points) repeatedly attacked downhill against smaller Gator guards and finished at the rim. Florida State’s
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Robert McCray V
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (29 points) followed the same formula. Now, forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Malik Reneau
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , the Indiana transfer and former UF commit under then-coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Mike White
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , along with Michigan (via Auburn) point guard Tre Donaldson, will look to exploit that same vulnerability. Reneau is shooting 64% from the field (with only three 3-point attempts) and has been reliable at the line, hitting 17 of 20 (85%). Donaldson has been equally efficient, shooting 56.7% overall and converting 14 of 17 free throws (82.4%).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UM doesn’t rely heavily on the 3-point shot, averaging just 18 attempts per game with 19 total makes (35.2%). Freshman guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Timotej Malovec
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            accounts for eight of those, while guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tru Washington
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , a transfer from New Mexico, has five. Together, they are 13-for-21 from deep (61.9%).
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ernest Udeh Jr
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ., who starred on the 2021 Orlando Dr. Phillips Class 7A state championship team alongside former Gators
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Riley Kugel
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , has been nearly automatic, hitting 11 of 12 shots (91.7%) without yet attempting a free throw.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers of Note
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2026-01-05+220600.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF point guard (for one season before transferring to Texas) 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jai Lucas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , now head coach at Miami.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Luke Loucks
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (left) in his FSU playing days alongside longtime Seminoles coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Leonard Hamilton
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            20 —
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             It’s been 20 years since the Gators defeated both Florida State and Miami in the same season. That last occurred in 2005-06, the first of UF’s back-to-back national championship runs. Since then, Florida has faced both programs in the ’08-09, ’14-15, ’15-16, ’16-17, and ’19-20 seasons, but managed only splits at best, with a pair of sweeps mixed in.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            376 —
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Days have passed since UF last played at VyStar Memorial Arena. The Gators opened the ’24-25 season there with a 98-83 win over South Florida, rallying from a 13-point first-half deficit. Point guard Walter Clayton Jr. scored 29, while guard Will Richard added a career-high 25. Florida poured in 54 second-half points, shooting 62.5% and going a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line.
            &#xD;
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            ﻿
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            2007-08 —
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             That was the season Miami coach Jai Lucas, then a 5-10, 160-pound McDonald’s All-America freshman point guard from Houston, started all 36 games for the Gators. He averaged 8.5 points and 2.3 assists for a team that finished 24-12 and reached the NIT semifinals. Lucas transferred to Texas the following offseason, starting just once in two years with the Longhorns while averaging 2.9 points across 58 games, before leaving to pursue a professional career overseas.
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           Bottom Line
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           Is this the night the Gators finally become a team that can shoot straight?
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1249f34a.webp" length="197572" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:09:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/no-10-florida-faces-miami-in-jacksonville-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Women’s Basketball Eyes Navy Clash with Perfect Start</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-eyes-navy-clash-with-perfect-start</link>
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           Share:
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           ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Florida women’s basketball team will take its unbeaten streak on the road for the first time in the 2025-26 campaign when the Gators meet the Navy Midshipmen on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. EST.
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           Florida opened the season with four straight wins at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. During that stretch, the Gators outscored opponents by an average margin of 42 points, posted 94.3 points per game, and converted 53.1 percent of their field goal attempts.
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           Historically, only four Florida squads have started with five consecutive victories—the teams from 1983-84, 1984-85, 1995-96, and 2000-01. Each of those groups extended their streaks to nine wins before suffering a loss.
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            Sophomore guard
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           Liv McGill
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            has been the driving force offensively, averaging 25.8 points, 7.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.25 steals per contest. She earned recognition as one of the US Basketball Writers Association National Players of the Week and was named SEC Player of the Week after the first three games.
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           As of Friday, Nov. 14, McGill ranked sixth nationally in scoring, 12th in assists, and tied for 17th in steals among NCAA Division I players. Within the SEC, she leads in scoring average, sits third in assists, third in steals, and is tied for third in made three-pointers.
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            Support has come from sophomore forward
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            , who opened the season with three straight double-doubles and is averaging 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.50 blocks while shooting 53.8 percent from the field. Junior guard
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           Laila Reynolds
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            contributes 13.3 points and 2.50 steals per game, with Sunday’s contest serving as a homecoming for the Shebach Christian Academy alum from Prince George’s County. Freshman Nyadieng Yiech adds 9.5 points per game, highlighted by her career-best 18-point performance against Samford, where she went 8-for-8 from the floor.
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           Navy enters the matchup at 2-0, with wins over Delaware (68-61) and Longwood (74-66). Preseason Patriot League Player of the Year Zanai Barnett-Gay is averaging a double-double with 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds, along with 4.5 assists per game. Teammates Zoe Mesuch (15.5 ppg) and Julianna Almeida (10.0 ppg) also provide consistent scoring.
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           Navy (2-0)
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             Date: Sunday, November 16
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             Time: 1 p.m. EST
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             Site: Alumni Hall
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             Radio:
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            ESPN 98.1FM / 850AM WRUF / 103.7 hd 2
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             Watch:
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            ESPN+
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             Live stats:
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A Florida Win Would …
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             Push the Gators to 5-0 this season and improve their November home record to 20-2 under
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            .
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            Mark the first 5-0 start since 2000-01, when Florida won nine straight to tie the program record for consecutive victories to open a season (originally set in 1983-84 and later matched in 1984-85 and 1995-96).
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            Extend Florida’s all-time record against Navy to 3-0.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           The Series
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           Florida holds a 2-0 record against Navy.
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           Gators vs. Midshipmen History
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           The Gators have won both of their previous matchups with the Midshipmen, each played on neutral courts. The most recent meeting came on Nov. 27, 2010, when Florida earned a 52-43 victory in the championship game of the Dead River Company Classic hosted by the University of Maine. In that contest, Florida limited Navy to 36.4 percent shooting overall and just 5-of-21 from beyond the arc. Jaterra Bonds paced the offense with 11 points, while Azania Stewart pulled down 14 rebounds—nine of them on the offensive glass—and was honored as the tournament’s most outstanding player.
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           Projected Florida Starters
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           Gator Bites
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            As of Friday, Nov. 14, Florida ranks among the SEC leaders in several categories: third in points per game (94.3), fifth in scoring margin (+42.0), fourth in field goal percentage (.531), sixth in rebound margin (+13.8), fifth in steals (12.8), second in turnover margin (+11.8), and sixth in defensive rebound percentage (.748).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             nearly recorded her second career triple-double on Nov. 3 against North Florida, finishing with
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            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist effort
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             . In the following game versus Chattanooga on Nov. 6, she tallied
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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            , coming just two boards short of another triple-double.
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             On Tuesday, Nov. 11,
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             became the first player in Florida women’s basketball history to be recognized as a US Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week. During that span, she averaged 27.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 5.00 steals, while hitting 40.9 percent of her three-point attempts across three victories. She also earned SEC Player of the Week honors for the same stretch.
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            Liv McGill's
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             611 points last season ranked third nationally among freshmen and set a new program record for first-year players.
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            She
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             has scored in double figures in 37 of her 41 games at Florida.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             went a flawless 10-for-10 from the free throw line in the Nov. 10 matchup against Jacksonville.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has already posted three double-doubles this season, building on the one she recorded during her freshman year.
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            Nyadieng Yiech delivered a perfect shooting performance on Nov. 13 against Samford, going 8-for-8 from the field in the Gators’ win.
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           Projected Navy Starters
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            Zanai Barnett-Gay earned recognition as the Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year.
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            She was also selected as the Naval Academy Athletic Association Athlete of the Week after recording 16 points and 10 rebounds in Navy’s season-opening victory over Delaware.
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            Defensively, the Midshipmen have been strong on the perimeter, holding opponents to just 4-of-32 shooting from beyond the arc this season.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:20:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-eyes-navy-clash-with-perfect-start</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Legends &amp; Leadership: Urban Meyer and Kelly Rae Finley on Gator Tales</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/legends-leadership-urban-meyer-and-kelly-rae-finley-on-gator-tales</link>
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           Hosted by Voice of the Gators Sean Kelley, Episode 54 of Gator Tales features former Gators head football coach Urban Meyer and current Florida head women's basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley.
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The latest installment of Gator Tales with
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           Sean Kelley
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            spotlights conversations with former Florida football national championship coach Urban Meyer and current women’s basketball head coach
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           The episode opens with Meyer, who reflects on his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class this December. He and Kelley also look ahead to his honorary return to The Swamp for the Tennessee matchup on Nov. 22, wrapping up with Meyer’s perspective and guidance for the next UF football head coach.
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           The focus then turns to Coach Finley, who shares a preview of her 2025-26 team. Beyond basketball strategy, she discusses the evolving experience of coaching while being a mother. With the Gators off to a 4-0 start, they prepare for a road contest at Navy on Nov. 16. Following Thursday’s win over Samford, Finley’s squads have compiled a 19-2 record in November games during her tenure.
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           Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune in.
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           Stay connected with us on social media and send in your questions or feedback—we may feature your input in a future episode.
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            Listeners can find the podcast on
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           Apple Podcasts
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            ,
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            . For more details, visit the
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           Gator Tales page
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      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:46:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/legends-leadership-urban-meyer-and-kelly-rae-finley-on-gator-tales</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Nyadieng Yiech’s Career Night Powers Gators Past Samford, 87-40</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/nyadieng-yiech’s-career-night-powers-gators-past-samford-87-40</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida women’s basketball improved to 4-0 on the season after holding Samford scoreless from the field for more than 12 minutes, including the entire second quarter, on their way to an 87-40 win over the Bulldogs (2-1).
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           Key Runs
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            First Quarter
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             (Florida 14, Samford 7) Both teams struggled offensively early, combining to hit just 5 of 22 shots before the first media timeout.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             scored all three of Florida’s baskets during that stretch, giving the Gators an 8-5 edge. Florida added four straight points after the break and closed the quarter strong, marking the fourth time this season they’ve held an opponent under 10 points in a period. Reynolds and
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            Nyadieng Yiech
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             each finished with six points in the frame.
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            Second Quarter
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             (Florida 41, Samford 8) Florida opened the quarter with 17 unanswered points to seize control. Samford’s only scoring came from a Briana Rivera free throw with 2:20 left before halftime, as the Bulldogs went 0-for-10 from the field and committed seven turnovers. Florida shot 11-of-18 in the quarter, led by
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            Liv McGill
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            , who scored 12 after being held scoreless in the first.
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             (Florida 67, Samford 28) Rivera ended Samford’s drought with a corner three-pointer just over a minute into the period. Florida’s lead grew to as many as 42 points, with
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             scoring 10 on 4-of-5 shooting, including two makes from beyond the arc.
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            (Florida 87, Samford 40) S
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            amford trimmed the margin to 34 early in the quarter, but Florida responded with a 12-1 run to push the lead back to 45. Yiech capped her career night with six points in the final frame, hitting all three of her attempts to finish with 18.
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            Florida held Samford without a field goal for 12 minutes and 46 seconds (from 1:39 left in the first quarter until 1:07 into the third).
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            Shooting: Florida 54.8% (34-62), Samford 25.0% (13-52).
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            Rebounding: Florida 42, Samford 28.
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            Turnovers: Florida forced 18, converting them into 27 points; Samford scored eight off nine Florida miscues.
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            Points in the paint: Florida 46, Samford 14.
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            Second-chance points: Florida 20, Samford 6.
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            Florida committed just nine turnovers, their fewest since recording seven against Florida State on Dec. 12, 2021.
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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           , Nyadieng Yiech and 
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            Liv McGill
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           From the Gators’ Mouths
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            Liv McGill
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             on bringing energy to the team: — "I live for the excitement, as you all know. When I have a lot of energy, my team feeds off of it. So most of the time I know when we're feeling down or need a little oomph or a little push, even if I don't score something or somebody else scores I'm going to get hype, I'm going to bring the energy because Gators Women's Basketball feeds off of that."
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            Coach Kelly Rae Finley on the team’s overall performance: — "I thought that was a good defensive outing for us. I thought we played with great pace throughout the course of the game. We were able to execute a lot of things that we've been working on in practice from an offensive standpoint. Not our greatest second half defense, which is something we are really looking to improve on, but I would guess holding them to one point in the second quarter has got to be a program or school record. That was pretty low, you can't get too much lower than that."
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            Nyadieng Yiech on her offensive success: — "Honestly, just trusted my reads and stayed in the moment. Just stayed in the offense, trusted in what my coaches said and just stayed in the moment."
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             Nyadieng Yiech on guidance from
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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            : — "I think she's helped me just get used to being in college and being a freshman, and she's felt a lot of the same feelings that I'm feeling right now. She's just helping me with my mental transition, my physical transition, whether that's in practice, in games or even outside of basketball."
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           Gator Bites
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             Florida improved to 19-2 at home in November under Head Coach
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            The Gators opened the season with four straight wins for the first time since 2019-20. The program record for consecutive victories to start a season is nine, achieved in 2000-01, 1995-96, 1984-85, and 1983-84.
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            Florida is now 3-0 all-time against Samford.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             reached double figures for the 37th time in her career and scored 20+ points for the 16th time (20 points).
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            Florida held Samford to seven points in the first quarter and just one in the second, marking the fourth and fifth times this season the Gators have limited an opponent to fewer than 10 points in a period.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             scored in double figures for the fourth consecutive game this season and the sixth time in her career (18 points).
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             UAB transfer
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jade-weathersby/17732" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jade Weathersby
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             made her season debut, scoring her first Florida basket on a layup with 7:20 left in the fourth quarter.
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            Nyadieng Yiech went a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, finishing w
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            ith a career-high 18 points.
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           Next Opponent
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           Florida travels to Annapolis, Md. for a matchup against Navy (2-0) on Sunday, Nov. 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST at Alumni Hall.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:13:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/nyadieng-yiech’s-career-night-powers-gators-past-samford-87-40</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Land 7-Footer Jones Lay for 2026 Class</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-land-7-footer-jones-lay-for-2026-class</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Jones Lay has signed to the Gators' 2026 freshman class.
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           Florida men's basketball has signed 7-footer Jones Lay out of Moravian Prep, head coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            announced on Wednesday.
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           "We are really excited to welcome Jones to our program here at the University of Florida," Golden said. "Jones is a big, strong athlete, with his best basketball in front of him. He is a smart, hard worker, who already has a lot of the qualities we look for in our student-athletes. He comes from a family of coaches and athletes, and we believe he will become a valuable piece to our program."
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           A native of Tabor City, N.C., Lay holds a three-star prospect ranking from ESPN and Rivals and will join the Gators in 2026.
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           The 10th-ranked Gators return to action on Sunday, Nov. 16, vs. Miami at the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown. 
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-v-miami-hurricanes-mens-jacksonville-florida-11-16-2025/event/220062EAD9ED122D?utm_medium=affiliate&amp;amp;utm_content=hotevent&amp;amp;irgwc=1&amp;amp;afsrc=1&amp;amp;clickid=yLt0AKT6HxycTzM09KSFVQMfUkpRO81-0XVE0g0&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_4241810&amp;amp;impradid=4241810&amp;amp;REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat4241810&amp;amp;wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_4241810&amp;amp;utm_source=4241810-Simpleview&amp;amp;impradname=Simpleview&amp;amp;ircid=4272" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tickets are available
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            for the 8:30 p.m. tip at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
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           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
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           Traditional season tickets are officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
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           Arena Pass
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           Arena Passes are officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
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           Single Games
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are now on sale.
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           Fans can purchase tickets at 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
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           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of 
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    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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           All Gators Weekend Pack
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The
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    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Pack is now available, which includes the Florida men's basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for only $149 plus taxes/fees.
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           All fans attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:16:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-land-7-footer-jones-lay-for-2026-class</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Women’s Basketball Signs Elite Guard Duo for Future Success</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-signs-elite-guard-duo-for-future-success</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            announced that Florida women’s basketball has secured commitments from two standout guards this signing period. Arynn Finley (Etiwanda High School, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) and Kennedy Holman (Hamilton Southeastern High School, Fishers, Ind.) officially confirmed their collegiate plans today.
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           Arynn Finley
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           Ranked No. 48 nationally by ESPNW and No. 55 by 247Sports.com, Finley comes from one of California’s premier programs. Etiwanda has consistently finished among the nation’s top three teams during each of her three seasons.
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            As a junior, she guided Etiwanda to a 28-5 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 in league play, earning the
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/girls-basketball/news/sporting-news-top-25-high-school-girls-basketball-rankings-etiwanda-crowned-2025-national-champions/d4127dfd1874f6f730f3b00d" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           number one in the nation
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ranking from The Sporting News and capturing a third consecutive Open Division state championship. Her sophomore season featured a 32-2 record and a flawless 10-0 conference mark, while her freshman year added another 10-0 league run and a 32-3 overall record, finishing third in the state.
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           Coach Finley shared: "Arynn brings a combination of grit, skill and team-first mentality to our program. She's the kind of competitor who not only impacts on and off the court, but elevates everyone around her. We're proud to welcome her to the Gator family and excited to have her in Gainesville."
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           Kennedy Holman
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           Holman is ranked No. 53 nationally by both ESPNW and 247Sports.com. . Early in her senior season, she has averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.
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           Her team at Hamilton Southeastern posted a 27-1 record last year, with the only loss coming in postseason play against Warsaw (IN). As a sophomore, the Lions finished 22-4, and during her freshman campaign, they recorded a 21-3 mark.
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           Coach Finley praised her addition: "Kennedy is a competitor who plays with poise, purpose, and passion. She embodies what it means to be a Gator—she's driven, team-minded, and committed to growth on and off the court. We're thrilled to welcome her to the Gator family."
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           Next Game
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           Florida, currently undefeated at 3-0, will host Samford on Thursday, Nov. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:20:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-signs-elite-guard-duo-for-future-success</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Clutch Free Throws Lift Gators Over Seminoles in Rivalry Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clutch-free-throws-lift-gators-over-seminoles-in-rivalry-thriller</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            – Sophomore point guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            and junior forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           each knocked down a pair of clutch free throws in the final 16 seconds, helping the 10th-ranked Florida Gators withstand a furious late push from Florida State to secure a 78-76 rivalry win Tuesday night at a sold-out Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center.
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            Junior forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            delivered a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           matched the feat with 10 points and a career-best 16 boards. Fland scored all but four of his season-high 18 points in the second half, sparking UF’s rally from a five-point deficit to notch its fifth consecutive victory in the series. The Gators struggled again from long range, hitting just six of 31 attempts from beyond the arc—their third straight poor showing from deep—and committed 18 turnovers.
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           Trailing 40-35 with 15 minutes remaining, Florida responded with an 11-0 run fueled by a pair of baskets from Fland, while the Seminoles endured a 1-for-11 stretch. UF’s lead grew to nine with six minutes left, but sloppy play allowed Florida State to close the gap. Condon (11 points, 6 rebounds) committed three of his six turnovers during that span, and the Seminoles cut the margin to 71-70 with 1:24 to play.
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            buried a 3-pointer to push the lead back to four, but FSU point guard
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            (29 points, 4 assists) answered with a basket and free throw to trim it to 74-73 after a UF miss. McCray then missed a game-tying free throw, and Fland secured the rebound before calmly sinking both shots with 15.8 seconds left. On the next possession, McCray misfired from deep, Condon was fouled, and he converted both free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining. McCray hit a 3 with one second left to bring the Seminoles within two, but that closed the scoring.
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            (10) with a first-half dunk Tuesday night. (Photo: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           The first pivotal moment came when UF, leading by nine with under seven minutes remaining, committed five turnovers in the span of five minutes. That lapse allowed Florida State to claw back into the contest and set up a tense finish for the home crowd. The second turning point arrived when Boogie Fland and Alex Condon calmly sank clutch free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win.
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           Florida’s struggles from beyond the arc continued, as the Gators shot just 21.1% from 3-point range on the season. It marked their third straight poor performance from deep—a number that underscores the urgent need for improvement. Back to the gym.
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            Florida (2-1) faces its third high-major opponent in four games—and second consecutive in-state rival—when the Gators meet Miami (3-0) Sunday night in Jacksonville. The ESPN-televised matchup pits UF against a Hurricanes squad that has rolled past Jacksonville, Bethune-Cookman, and Stetson at home to start unbeaten under new head coach
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           Jai Lucas
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           , himself a former (brief) UF point guard. 
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           Email senior writer 
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            Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            .
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           here
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      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:21:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clutch-free-throws-lift-gators-over-seminoles-in-rivalry-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Rivalry Renewed: Gators Face Remade Seminoles at O’Dome</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/rivalry-renewed-gators-face-remade-seminoles-at-odome</link>
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           The Gators have struggled for the 3-point through two games, while the incoming Seminoles are coming to town with a bombs-away style under new coach Luke Loucks that has seen them attempt 77 from distance in their first two games.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Three years ago, the Florida Gators entered their annual rivalry matchup at Tallahassee against Florida State as a shaken group. Not physically injured, but their confidence had taken a hit after suffering a home loss to Florida Atlantic just four nights earlier—a setback that marked the program’s first defeat to an in-state team from a non-power conference since 2010.
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            That road trip set up a clash with the Seminoles, who had won seven of the previous eight meetings. Veteran FSU coach Leonard Hamilton, with four decades of head-coaching experience, faced off against
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           Todd Golden
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           , then in his first season and only his fourth game leading UF.
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           Florida State came out blazing, building a 19-point first-half lead, but the Gators responded with the second-largest road comeback in program history. Center Colin Castleton poured in 29 points to fuel a 76-67 victory, highlighted by a massive 37-5 run spanning both halves that secured UF’s second straight win in the series.
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           That story sets the stage for this one.
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           Just as Florida couldn’t have foreseen how strong that FAU team would become (the Owls reached the Final Four five months later), neither Hamilton nor his Seminoles—nor anyone in college basketball—could have predicted the trajectory the Gators would take under Golden.
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           It’s a reminder for the 10th-ranked Gators (1-1) as they prepare for Tuesday night’s 2025 edition of the rivalry against the Seminoles (2-0) in what promises to be a charged atmosphere at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center. Florida State, like UF three years ago, is under new leadership. Former walk-on standout Luke Loucks, now 35, has taken over his alma mater and implemented a fast-paced style built on pressing, trapping, and heavy 3-point shooting—far different from the physical, defense-first approach Hamilton employed for 23 seasons.
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           The Seminoles aim to play at breakneck speed, forcing turnovers and firing off shots within the first eight seconds of the shot clock, ideally layups or 3-pointers. They averaged 104.5 points in their first two games, both home wins over Alcorn State and Alabama A&amp;amp;M, and set an Atlantic Coast Conference record with 47 3-point attempts in their most recent outing.
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           For the new-look Seminoles, leaving Gainesville with a win over the reigning national champions would send a powerful message.
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           [Read senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           "They're playing in transition a lot. They're shooting a lot of 3s. The goal is to get a lot of attempts up. They don't settle for any mid-range jumpers and they're trying to get pressure on the rim," Golden said of FSU, noting the NBA-style system Loucks brought after seven seasons as an assistant with Golden State and Sacramento. "They're switching defenses quite a bit and just trying to keep teams on their toes, create a little bit of chaos, create some turnovers that'll give them transition. But I think, first of all, they're really good. I think they did a good job of putting this roster together."
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           Fired-up
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            Todd Golden
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            celebrates with his players after winning his first meeting against rival Florida State in 2022 at Tallahassee.
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           That roster—and the style of play—is almost unrecognizable compared to last season. The top six players in Florida State’s rotation are all transfers, highlighted by guards Robert McCray V (Jacksonville) and Lajae Jones (St. Bonaventure), along with 6-foot-10, 225-pound forward Chauncey Wiggins (Clemson). Together, they account for an average of 142 of the team’s 200 minutes per game.
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           Of course, two matchups against overmatched low-major opponents provide only a limited sample size. Still, FSU’s reliance on the 3-point shot is clear, with 53.5% of its attempts coming from beyond the arc. The Seminoles have converted at a 40.3% clip, ranking 55th nationally—a figure worth noting, even with the small sample.
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           Meanwhile, UF, which also thrives on pace, is ranked No. 8 in defensive efficiency and has held opponents to just 27.3% shooting from deep. That defensive strength against FSU’s frenetic, full-court attack sets the stage for an entertaining first meeting between these two coaches.
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           If the Seminoles connect on a dozen or more 3-pointers, however, it could make for a tense evening inside Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center.
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           New FSU coach 
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           Luke Loucks 
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           (center) was an NBA assistant the last eight seasons. 
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           "You got to do what you can to try and not allow them to be catch-and-shoot [3s] and be comfortable shots within their offense where they know they're coming, and I think that's going to be the big challenge," Golden said. "They're going to get some up. We got to make sure they're difficult. We got to make sure they're off the dribble. We got to make sure they're not the ones that they're really hunting. And if we do that, we'll give ourselves a better chance to win."
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           The 3-point storyline actually goes two ways, considering the Gators are struggling from the arc at just 22%, which rates 318th in the country, with no starters above 30%. The new, transfer backcourt tandem of 
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            and 
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           Boogie Fland
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            has combined to go 5-for-24 (20.8%), with Fland 0-for-5. Even sharp-shooting backup 
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           Urban Klavzar
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            is at 20%. 
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           UF went just 7-for-27 in its season-opening loss against No. 13 Arizona and Las Vegas, then Thursday clanged to a six of 32 performance against North Florida, but still won by 40. 
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           "It's just two games," said junior wing 
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           Thomas Haugh
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           , who at 30% leads the team from distance. "Our [closed] scrimmages we shot it the ball well. We shoot the ball really well in practice. I think [it might be] a little bit of nerves, just being excited. I think this team is going to calm down. We're a good 3-point-shooting team. We didn't shoot it [vs. UNF], but I'm confident."
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives 
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           . 
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      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/rivalry-renewed-gators-face-remade-seminoles-at-odome</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Rally Past Seminoles in 78–76 Win</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-rally-past-seminoles-in-7876-win</link>
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           UF sophomore point guard Boogie Fland (0) finishes in transition on FSU's Kobe MaGee during the second half on his way to a season-best 18 points in Monday night's come-from-behind win over the Seminoles.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. –
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            Florida once again struggled from beyond the arc, continuing its rough start from the 3-point line. For the third straight game to open the 2025-26 season, the Gators misfired from deep against Florida State and found themselves trailing in the second half because of it.
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           While Florida hopes this cold streak won’t last, the team knows it can rely on its front-court depth, size, and length. That presence proved critical, as the Gators needed every rebound and every effort from their big men to escape a sold-out Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center with a 78-76 win in Tuesday night’s rivalry matchup.
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            UF sophomore point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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            , who tallied 14 of his season-high 18 points after halftime, sank two free throws with 15.8 seconds left. Forward
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           Alex Condon
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            added two more with 5.7 seconds remaining to push the lead to five, neutralizing FSU point guard Robert McCray V’s 3-pointer with half a second on the clock. The victory gave the Gators (2-1) their fifth straight win in the series.
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           Despite being favored by 18½ points, Florida complicated matters by hitting just six of 31 attempts from long range and committing 18 turnovers. Five of those miscues came in a late second-half stretch, allowing a nine-point cushion—built after battling back from an early deficit—to shrink to just one with a little over a minute left.
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            Ultimately, rebounding proved decisive. UF dominated the boards 58-36, including a 17-7 edge on the offensive glass. Small forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (20 points, 13 rebounds) and center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (10 points, career-best 16 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles, while four other Gators grabbed at least five rebounds.
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           "Gosh, Florida's got some big boys," FSU’s first-year coach Luke Loucks remarked. "It's one thing to see it on film, it's another thing to see it in person."
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            Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , who sees his front line daily, emphasized how vital their performance was against the Seminoles, especially given the team’s shooting woes. The plus-22 rebounding margin served as a "buffer," Golden explained, that allowed them to pull through.
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           "We have to be a team that punishes our opponents on the glass," he said.
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            That rebounding edge was crucial, as the Gators shot just 19.4% from distance. Senior guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            went 1-for-10, contributing to Florida’s season-long struggles from deep. Through three games, the team has gone a combined 19-for-90 (21.1%).
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           "Just stay the course," Fland said.
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           He knows the challenge firsthand. The Arkansas transfer and former McDonald's All American entered the game 0-for-5 from three in his first two outings as a Gator. After starting 0-for-3 in this contest, he finally found his rhythm when it mattered most.
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) does his box-out thing Tuesday night on his way to a career-high 16 rebounds.
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           Both teams shot 37.5 percent in the opening half, but FSU, running its new wide-open, 3-point-heavy, full-court-pressure approach under Loucks, carried a 40-37 lead into halftime thanks to five made 3s (on 15 attempts) compared to UF’s two (on 14). The Seminoles extended their advantage to 52-47 with under 15 minutes left and were still ahead by four near the 13-minute mark when Fland connected on his first 3-pointer as a Gator (after nine tries), pushing Florida to 4-for-22 from deep at that point.
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           "We stayed composed," Haugh said. "We started to break their press."
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           Trailing 57-55, Lee (7 rebounds, 6 assists) set up Chinyelu for a lob dunk in transition, sparking an 11-0 run. That surge included Fland’s second 3-pointer, this one from the corner, bouncing twice before dropping through.
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           "It means you're living right, as they like to say," Fland joked. "I'm just happy it went in."
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           Florida appeared to be in control, leading 66-57 with under eight minutes remaining, but Florida State mounted a furious rally. McCray, who finished with a game-high 29 points, poured in 15 over the final six-plus minutes to keep the Seminoles within striking distance. The comeback was fueled by five UF turnovers in a span of just over four minutes, three of them from Condon, who had six overall. That stretch allowed FSU to close the gap to 71-70 after two McCray free throws with 1:24 left.
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           Urban Klavzar's
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             corner 3-pointer gave the Gators some momentary breathing room – a 74-70 lead wth a minute remaining – but McCray drove to a layup and, after a Fland missed 3, got fouled and went to the line with a chance to tie the game with 17.8 seconds left. McCray hit the first, but missed the second, with Fland rebounding. He hit both free throws at the other end.
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           McCray missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds, with Condon grabbing the rebound at 5.7 and calmly sinking both free throws to push Florida ahead 78-73.
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           But McCray wasn’t finished. He drilled another 3 with just 0.4 seconds left, cutting the margin to two. The Seminoles then fouled Haugh on the inbound, but he missed both attempts at the line. That left one last chance for Florida State, as Chauncy Wiggins launched a desperation 80-foot shot that could have stolen the game, but it sailed wide to the right.
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           "I'm just really happy, really pleased," Golden said. "I think the expectation outside of our building, outside of the arena, [was] that this would be a game for us to control. But we knew coming in how difficult it was going to be. Luke has done a phenomenal job in a short period of time, getting that program playing a very unique style that's really hard to prepare for, and playing with lots of confidence."
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           Email senior writer 
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            at 
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           . Find his story archives 
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           here
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           . 
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      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:04:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-rally-past-seminoles-in-7876-win</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Liv McGill, SEC Player of the Week, Florida Gators, Record-Setting Start</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-sec-player-of-the-week-florida-gators-record-setting-start</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           — Sophomore point guard Liv McGill has been recognized by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) as one of its Ann Meyers Drysdale National Players of the Week. The SEC also named her SEC Player of the Week, presented by Allstate, after guiding Florida to a 3-0 start in the 2025-26 season and setting multiple program and personal career records.
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           McGill currently sits fourth among NCAA Division I scorers with an average of 27.7 points per game. She is tied for 20th nationally in assists (7.3 per game) and tied for 10th in steals (5.0 per game). Within the SEC, she leads in scoring, ranks tied for fourth in assists, second in steals, and tied for second in made three-pointers per contest.
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           The preseason second-team all-conference selection has already posted career-best single-game marks this season: 38 points, six three-pointers, and 13 field goals, while matching her career-high of seven steals—all in the Nov. 6 matchup against Chattanooga. Her 38 points set a new record for the most scored in a home game in Florida women’s basketball history.
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           Across the first two games of the season, McGill totaled 64 points, 17 rebounds, 19 assists, and 12 steals. According to OptaStats, "the only other NBA, WNBA or Division I men's or women's player this century to have 60/15/15/10 in those categories over a two-game span was Dwayne Wade from Feb. 28-March 2, 2009."
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           In more than a century of combined Florida men’s and women’s basketball history, no player had ever recorded 38 points with 10 assists, or 38 points with seven steals, until McGill achieved both in the same game against Chattanooga.
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           She also became just the sixth NCAA Division I women’s player since 1999-2000 to record at least 38 points and 10 assists in a single contest. Within SEC history, only three players since 1999-2000 have produced multiple games with at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. McGill joined that exclusive group by hitting those marks in each of the season’s first two games.
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           Her performance against Chattanooga on Nov. 6, 2025, also made her the only NCAA Division I women’s player since 1999-2000 to record a stat line of 38 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, and seven steals.
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           McGill nearly reached triple-doubles in both of Florida’s opening games—falling one rebound and one assist short in the season opener (26 points, nine rebounds, nine assists) and two rebounds shy in the second game (36 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists).
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           Florida will look to continue its unbeaten run when it hosts Samford on Thursday, Nov. 13 at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:12:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-sec-player-of-the-week-florida-gators-record-setting-start</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Sunshine Showdown: Gators Host Seminoles in Rivalry Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunshine-showdown-gators-host-seminoles-in-rivalry-clash</link>
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      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat (10) shoots over the outstretched defense of UF 7-1 center Micah Handlogten on his way to 30 points and a 93-87 upset win for the Wildcats Monday night. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           No. 10 Florida vs. Florida State
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            When
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            : Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            Where
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            : Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center / Gainesville, Fla.
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            Records
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            : Florida (1-1) / Florida State (2-0)
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            Series/Last meeting
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            : Florida leads 47-29. The Gators have won four straight, most recently an 87-74 victory at Tallahassee on Nov. 15, 2024. In that one, senior guard 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Walter Clayton Jr
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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             poured in 25 points on eight of 15 shooting, with four 3-pointers, while backcourt mate 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alijah Martin
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             added 17 points and six rebounds. UF dominated FSU on the glass, 47-29, with sophomore forward 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alex Condon
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             leading the way with a game-high 12 rebounds. 
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            *
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            TV
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            : SEC Network (
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            Roy Philpott
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Richard Hendrix
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            )
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            Radio
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            : Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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             (with 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Lee Humphrey
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Steve Egan
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ) 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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           Projected Starters
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           Florida point guard 
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           Boogie Fland 
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           The Setup
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Condon_Alex__251103_7384_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators forward 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida fans still recall the frustration of Florida State’s seven-game winning streak in the rivalry from 2014-20—the longest run by either program since the series began in 1951. Now, the Gators have flipped the script, winning four straight and going 3-0 under Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , with momentum to make it five as FSU adjusts to life after the offseason retirement of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Leonard Hamilton
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           , who closed his legendary tenure with 23 seasons, 460 victories, and eight NCAA Tournament appearances.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Taking over is
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           Luke Loucks
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           , a former standout walk-on for "Coach Ham" who went on to spend nine years as an NBA assistant before returning to lead the Seminoles.
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           UF dropped seven spots in the Associated Press Top 25 poll after its high-profile 93-87 season-opening loss to 13th-ranked Arizona in Las Vegas, but quickly rebounded with a dominant 104-64 win over North Florida in Thursday’s home opener. Meanwhile, Florida State launched the Loucks era with back-to-back 100-point outings, most recently a 101-64 rout of Alcorn State on Friday.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Tale of the Tape
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Lee_Xaivian__251106_3023_MaddieWashburn+%281%29.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           UF guard 
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           Xaivian Lee
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           The Breakdown
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Handlogten_Micah__251106_3281_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida center 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogton
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            (3)
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           The Gators:
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            They did what was expected in their last outing, hammering UNF, but Coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            and his troops will feel a lot better if they can put together an elite performance against a high-major opponent just eight days after getting beaten up against an excellent team at Las Vegas. UF got knocked around in the paint that night, so bodying up against the Seminoles will be a prerequisite. ... Through two games, Florida is one of the nation's worst 3-point shooting teams at 22% (that's 335th nationally), but the Gators are making 62% of shots from the 2-point area. Point guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           is averaging a mere 3.0 assists, but that number is a reflection of the team's poor outside shooting. Fland, for his part, has drawn praise from the coaches for his running of the offense. Plus, he's played 57 minutes without a turnover. Fland, like the rest of his teammates, has been cold from the floor, missing all five of his 3s. ... Forward
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a bounce-back performance against the Ospreys. He'll face a lot more size against FSU, but the same can be said about the Seminoles, who also will have to deal with 7-1 backup center 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (14.0 ppg, 12.5 rpg) and starting center 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who has been mostly quiet early in the season. ... 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            is shooting 50% from the floor, but just 3-for-10 from the arc in his first couple games playing the "3" spot. ... Guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            leads the team in 3-point makes with five, but he's just 5-for-18 from distance (26%) and only 32% overall. ... Freshmen
          &#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-lloyd/17753" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Lloyd
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             both hit 3s in their home collegiate debuts against UNF. 
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Ospreys
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : This season marks the first since 2008-09 without
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Matt Driscoll
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
              on the sidelines. Driscoll, who compiled a 248-264 record with one NCAA Tournament appearance over 16 years, departed after last season to become associate head coach at Kansas State. The program promoted longtime assistant
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bobby Kennen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
              to his first collegiate head coaching role, following his earlier stint leading Williston (Fla.) High in the late 1990s. … Expect Kennen’s teams to continue a version of the “Birds of Trey” 3-point-heavy system that defined UNF under Driscoll. Over the past six seasons, the Ospreys ranked among the nation’s leaders in 3-point attempts, with 54% of their shots coming from beyond the arc in 2024-25. … UNF returns no starters from last year’s squad, which finished 15-17 despite early-season wins over South Carolina and Georgia Tech. … Point guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kamrin Oriol
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who averaged 21 minutes off the bench, is the team’s most experienced returnee. … Starting forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dalton Gayman
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
             enters his sixth collegiate season and fifth different school, with none of his prior stops at the Division I level. His career includes stints at Purdue Southwest, Drury, Arkansas-Fort Smith (all Division II), plus one season at State Fair Community College in Missouri. … UNF’s average margin of defeat in the series against Florida stands at 33.9 points, with the lone single-digit contest a 77-69 loss at the O'Dome on Nov. 14, 2013 — the season opener of a campaign that ended with the Gators reaching the 2014 Final Four.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers of Note
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/peat_jpg2.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arizona freshman forward 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Koa Peat
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (right) goes up and over Florida counterpart 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            on his way to 30-point breakout performance in Monday night's season opener between two ranked teams.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Seminoles:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida State, which finished 17-15 last season and missed the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, entered a full rebuild under new head coach Luke Loucks. He brought in seven transfers after most of the potential returnees departed through the portal.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Through two games, all five starters are averaging double figures, led by guard LaJae Jones, who is shooting an impressive 75% from both the field and beyond the arc. Each of FSU’s starters is currently shooting above 50%, though the Seminoles have yet to face a front line—or overall defense—as imposing as Florida’s.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Point guard
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           Robert McCray V
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            , a Jacksonville native, made a splash in his debut by recording a school-record 17 assists against Alcorn, surpassing the previous mark of 16 set 53 years ago by
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           Otto Petty
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           . He has committed only five turnovers across the first two games.
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            Reserve freshman guard
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           Cam Miles
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           , from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, is averaging 7.5 points and already looks like a promising building block for the program’s future.
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           Coach
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            Luke Loucks
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           Luke Loucks
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            (left) in his FSU playing days alongside longtime Seminoles coach 
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           Leonard Hamilton
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            15
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             — Loucks scored 15 points, along with four rebounds and four assists, in his final game as a player against the Gators. Florida won that matchup 82-64 in Gainesville on Dec. 22, 2011. Florida State went on to capture the ACC Tournament title that season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
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            56th
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             — Florida State currently ranks 56th nationally in 3-point shooting. While it’s still a small sample size, the Seminoles are shooting 18% better from beyond the arc than the Gators.
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            87.5
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            — Micah Handlogten’s field-goal percentage through two games, hitting 12 of 14 attempts. He also leads the SEC in rebounding, including 7.0 offensive boards per game. His 29.7 offensive-rebounding percentage ranks fifth in the nation.
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           Bottom Line
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           This matchup serves as Part I of a two-game stretch over the next five days against two of the state’s marquee programs. Up next is a neutral-site clash Sunday in Jacksonville against rebuilding Miami, marking Florida’s third contest in four outings to open the season against power-conference opponents.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1249f34a.webp" length="197572" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:02:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunshine-showdown-gators-host-seminoles-in-rivalry-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dominant Gators Surge to 3-0 with 100-55 Rout of Jacksonville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dominant-gators-surge-to-3-0-with-100-55-rout-of-jacksonville</link>
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           Share:
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. —
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            opened the game with a three-pointer just 16 seconds after tip-off, setting the tone for Florida (3-0) in a dominant 100-55 victory over Jacksonville (2-1). O'Neal closed the night with a career-high 20 points and 11 rebounds, marking her third straight double-double to begin the season.
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           Game Highlights
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           First Quarter (Florida 28, Jacksonville 6)
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            Florida jumped out quickly, scoring the first five points and 21 of the opening 24 to seize control. Jacksonville managed just one field goal in 12 attempts, missing all five shots from beyond the arc. It was the third time this season the Gators held an opponent under 10 points in a quarter.
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           Liv McGill
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            paced the scoring with eight points, while
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           Laila Reynolds
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            and
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           Caterina Piatti
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           added six each.
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           Second Quarter (Florida 55, Jacksonville 20)
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            The Gators closed the half on a 10-0 run, building a 35-point cushion at the break. Nine different Florida players contributed to the scoring in the period.
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           Third Quarter (Florida 80, Jacksonville 39)
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            Florida extended its lead with an 11-0 surge midway through the quarter, stretching the margin to 46 points.
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            led all scorers in the frame with 12 points.
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           Fourth Quarter (Florida 100, Jacksonville 55)
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           The Gators’ advantage never dipped below 41 points. Jacksonville had its most efficient shooting stretch of the game, hitting 6 of 13 attempts, highlighted by Bailey Burns’ seven points.
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           Key Numbers
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            Florida shot 51.5% (35-68) compared to Jacksonville’s 35.6% (21-59).
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            The Gators won the rebounding battle 46-35, including a 14-11 edge on the offensive glass, converting into a 16-9 lead in second-chance points.
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            Jacksonville committed 25 turnovers, which Florida turned into 32 points. The Dolphins managed 11 points off 13 Gator turnovers.
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            Florida dominated inside, outscoring Jacksonville 60-22 in the paint and 22-5 in transition.
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            All 11 Florida players who saw action scored.
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            Free throws: Florida 26-of-35, Jacksonville 10-of-17.
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            Fouls: Jacksonville 29, Florida 18.
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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           , Guard 
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            Laila Reynolds
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           , Forward 
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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           Voices from the Gators
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            Laila Reynolds
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            on her third-year progress: — "It's year three, so I would say a lot of things are slowing down for me. Just picking them apart slowly, it doesn't have to be perfect, but taking what the defense gives me. I'm a play maker for sure, so I could score or I could pass it. I like to pass it, it makes my teammates look better for sure."
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             on her approach during the game: — "I think the most important thing for me was playing with my teammates and being connected. We emphasized getting to the paint and I was just trying my hardest to duck in and be open for my players to give me a ball or to pass to an open player."
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            Coach Kelly Rae Finley reflecting on the team’s performance: — "I thought we started the game beautifully, you saw from the jump what we're capable of. Both offensively and defensively, I thought we set the tone. We were aggressive on both ends of the floor. We were fairly consistent over the course of the entire game. I liked our effort, we had 13 turnovers, 14 assists, we've really reduced our turnovers and we've done a great job in that area. I thought we had some good individual performances, but most importantly it was a great team win."
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           Gator Highlights
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             Florida improved to 18-2 at home in November under Head Coach
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            .
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            The Gators are now 3-0 all-time against Jacksonville.
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            Liv McGill
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             reached double figures for the 36th time in her career, scoring 19 points.
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             posted her fourth career double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds), her third in a row to start the season. The last Florida player to record three straight double-doubles was
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            Ra Shaya Kyle
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             in December 2024. Kyle also logged the last 20-point, 10-rebound performance with 21 and 12 against Texas Tech in March 2025.
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             Freshman
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            Caterina Piatti
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             pulled down a career-best nine rebounds.
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            Florida’s 55 first-half points marked their highest scoring half of the season.
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            Laila Reynolds
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             went 10-for-10 from the free throw line, the first perfect 10 attempts since Aliyah Matharu achieved the same feat against Ole Miss in March 2024.
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            KN'siha Godfrey recorded her first double-digit scoring game as a Gator.
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            Gift Ezekiel
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             set a career-high with nine points and remains perfect from the field (5-for-5 across three games).
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           Looking Ahead
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           Florida continues its homestand this week, hosting Samford (1-1) on Thursday, Nov. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e088fc40.webp" length="75438" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:05:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/dominant-gators-surge-to-3-0-with-100-55-rout-of-jacksonville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Face Jacksonville Thursday at 7 PM</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-put-perfect-start-on-the-line-against-jacksonville</link>
      <description>Florida Women’s Basketball looks to stay unbeaten as they host Jacksonville on Thursday, November 10 at Exactech Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST as the Gators aim to extend their flawless start to the 2025-26 season.</description>
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           —On Monday, Nov. 10, Florida Women’s Basketball will look to extend its unbeaten start to 3-0 when the Gators welcome Jacksonville for a 7 p.m. EST matchup at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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           The Gators have a history of strong season starts, winning their first three games in 2024-25 and opening 4-0 in 2023-24. The program record for consecutive wins to begin a season is nine, achieved by the 1983-84, 1995-96, and 2000-01 teams.
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           Florida holds a 4-1 all-time advantage over Jacksonville, winning the last four meetings—all at home and each by double digits. Their most recent matchup came on
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           Nov. 28, 2017 in a 69-59 Florida victory
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           . Haley Lorenzen led with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Delicia Washington added 12 points and 9 boards.
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            Heading into Sunday’s action, preseason All-SEC Second Team guard
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           Liv McGill
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            has posted standout numbers, joining statistical company with Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum, and even Dwayne Wade (see McGill notes below). She currently ranks third nationally in scoring (32.0 ppg), tied for fifth in assists (9.5 apg), tied for sixth in steals (6.0 spg), and tied for 19th in made three-pointers (4.0 per game).
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            McGill has had plenty of support. Sophomore
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has opened the season with two double-doubles, ranking tied for fourth in the SEC in rebounds (10.5 rpg) and tied for ninth in blocks (2.0 bpg). Junior
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           Laila Reynolds
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            is averaging 12.0 points and sits tied for fourth in the league in steals (4.0 spg). Three other Gators have already recorded double-digit scoring games, and the team is shooting an impressive 53.0 percent from the field overall.
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           Jacksonville also enters at 2-0, with non-conference wins over Charleston Southern (86-84) and Florida Tech (75-47). Freshman guard Tatum Brown leads the Dolphins with 18.0 points per game, while graduate guard Priscilla Williams is averaging a 13.0-point, 10.5-rebound double-double. Brown has been efficient, hitting 59.1 percent of her shots, though the team overall is shooting 39.6 percent.
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           McGill Notes
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           D-Wadeing Into Uncharted Territory
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            Through the first two games of the 2025-26 season,
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           Liv McGill
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            has totaled 64 points, 17 rebounds, 19 assists, and 12 steals. According to OptaStats, "the only other NBA, WNBA or Division I men's or women's player this century to have 60/15/15/10 in those categories over a 2-game span was Dwayne Wade from Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2009."
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           Florida First
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            Across more than a century of combined men’s and women’s basketball history at Florida, no Gator had ever produced a stat line featuring 38 points with 10 assists, or 38 points with 7 steals.
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           Liv McGill
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            achieved both milestones in the same contest against Chattanooga on Nov. 6, marking a historic night in program history.
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           Clark, Plum, McGill …
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           On Nov. 6, 2025,
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           McGill
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            joined elite company by becoming just the sixth NCAA Division I women’s basketball player since the 1999-2000 season to record at least 38 points and 10 assists in a single game. Her performance against Chattanooga placed her alongside legends such as Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Plum.
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           25-5-5-5
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           Since the 1999-2000 season only three players in SEC history have recorded multiple games of at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. 
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           Liv McGill
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            joined that list by reaching those marks in each of her last two games.
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           38-8-10-7
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           Since the 1999-2000 season, there has been only one player in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball history to record a game of at least 38 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 7 steals. And that player is Florida's 
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           Liv McGill
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           , who posted those numbers against Chattanooga on Nov. 6, 2025.
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           Jacksonville 
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           (2-0)
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            Date: Monday, November 6
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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            Exactech Arena
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            Radio: 
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            WRUF 850 AM / 98.1 / 103.7 hd 2
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            Watch: 
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            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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            FloridaGators.com
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           A Florida Win Would…
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             Push the Gators’ season record to 3-0 and improve their November home mark under Head Coach
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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              to 18-2.
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            Secure the program’s third consecutive year opening with at least three straight victories. Florida started 3-0 in 2024-25 and 4-0 in 2023-24.
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            Extend Florida’s all-time series advantage over Jacksonville to 5-1.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           THE SERIES
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           The Gators are 4-1 against Jacksonville
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           .
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           GATORS vs. DOLPHINS HISTORY
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           Florida holds a 4-1 record in the all-time series against Jacksonville, winning each of the last four matchups. All of those victories came on the Gators’ home court and were decided by double-digit margins.
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            The most recent meeting between the programs took place on November 28, 2017, when Florida earned a
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           69-59 Florida victory
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           . Haley Lorenzen led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Delicia Washington added 12 points and came close to a double-double with 9 boards.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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           Gator Bites
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            Florida wrapped up last season ranked seventh in the SEC in overall field goal percentage (.451), eighth in three-point shooting (.322), seventh in free throw accuracy (.731), seventh in rebounds per game (39.5), fifth in defensive boards (27.3), and seventh in rebound margin (+3.9).
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            In conference play, the Gators finished sixth in field goal percentage (.436), sixth in three-point shooting (.336), sixth in rebounds (37.6), fourth in defensive rebounds (26.3), and seventh in rebound margin (+1.9).
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            Liv McGill
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             closed the 2024-25 season ranked 12th in the SEC in scoring (16.5 ppg), fourth in assists (5.2 apg), 10th in steals (2.1 spg), 18th in field goal percentage (.429), 15th in free throw percentage (.734), and 18th in minutes played (31.1 mpg).
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            McGill
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             was one of only two freshmen nationally to record a triple-double last season (
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            21 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists vs. Missouri on Jan. 12, 2025
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            ). The other was Yahmani McKayle of Massachusetts, who tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Stonehill on March 20.
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             She nearly added two more triple-doubles this season:
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            26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist
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             vs. North Florida on Nov. 3, and
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            38 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds
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             vs. Chattanooga on Nov. 6.
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            Liv McGill
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            ’s 192 assists last season were the most by any freshman in the nation, well ahead of Michigan’s Mila Holloway (148).
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            Her 611 points ranked third nationally among freshmen and set a new Florida program record for first-year players.
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            Liv McGill
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             has scored in double figures in 35 of her 39 games at Florida.
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            Laila Reynolds
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            finished last season ranked 15th in the SEC in blocks (1.0 bpg) and has reached double figures in seven of her last nine games.
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             has already recorded two double-doubles this season, adding to the one she posted during her freshman year.
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           PROJECTED JACKSONVILLE STARTERS
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           Jacksonville Quick Hits
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            Jacksonville wrapped up last season in seventh place in Atlantic Sun competition and was again projected to finish seventh in the 2025-26 preseason poll.
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            Graduate guard Priscilla Williams earned unanimous preseason All-ASUN honors. In her first year with the Dolphins (2024-25), she averaged 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
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            Williams is the lone returner among Jacksonville’s top five scorers from last season. The program lost key contributors Edyn Battle (20.8 ppg), Saniyah Craig (11.3), Makayla Edwards (8.6), and Sana’a Garrett (7.5).
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             ﻿
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      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 05:34:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-put-perfect-start-on-the-line-against-jacksonville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Condon Shines as Gators Rout Ospreys in Home Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-shines-as-gators-rout-ospreys-in-home-opener</link>
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           Junior UF forward Alex Condon throws down on his way to 25 points against UNF Thursday night.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – The Florida basketball team was left unsettled by what unfolded Monday night in the Nevada desert.
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           Taking on Arizona in Las Vegas for the season opener was certainly an ambitious challenge for the reigning NCAA champions, particularly so far from home. The Wildcats turned out to be a formidable opponent—likely even stronger than anticipated.
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           The Gators collectively expected to perform at a much higher level than they showed in the loss, and no one felt the disappointment more than junior forward Alex Condon, the preseason All-American who struggled in that outing.
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           Condon acknowledged as much on Thursday night, following his stellar showing in third-ranked UF’s 104-64 rout of North Florida at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center during the team’s home opener.
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           "I definitely had a mindset that I just wanted to prove myself a little bit, get back to what I do," said Condon, who had 11 points, a career-worst six turnovers and fouled out in 29 minutes against UA. "The reason I was recruited was [for] my physicality and my rebounding, so just get back to that and keep it simple."
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            Alex Condon
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           No one would ever confuse UNF with Arizona, but that wasn’t the focus Thursday night. The Gators entered determined to reclaim their championship confidence and swagger. Following the drop of the 2025 NCAA championship banner from the rafters to the delight of the O'Dome crowd, the undersized and outmatched Ospreys became the perfect backdrop for a bounce-back performance—led by a certain 6-foot-11 Australian.
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           Alex Condon delivered his 10th career double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, adding four assists, two steals, and committing just one turnover in 26 minutes. He connected on eight of 12 shots from the field and converted nine of 10 free throws.
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           "I thought he was great," Golden said of Condon, noting his "big" from Down Under carried the right mindset after the previous game and in practice the day before. "He wasn't feeling sorry for himself and making excuses. He was, 'Just let me get back to it. Get back to what I know.' I thought he did a great job of letting the game come to him, being aggressive when he needed to and had, obviously, a very efficient night. … I mean this is an insane All-America level type of night. We were all disappointed with how Monday went, but I thought he answered the bell."
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            ﻿
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           And Condon wasn’t the only one to step up.
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           Senior center 
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            Micah Handlogten
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            (3) posted his second double-double in as many games with 17 points and 13 boards.
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           Senior center Micah Handlogten, now fully recovered from the broken leg that sidelined him for half of his junior season, added to the double-double tally with his second in as many games. The 7-1 reserve contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds—eight of them on the offensive glass—in just 18 minutes of play. Junior wing Thomas Haugh followed with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while transfer guards Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee each scored 10 points.
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           UF shot 49% overall but struggled again from long range, hitting only 6 of 32 attempts (18.8%) for a second straight poor showing from beyond the arc. Unlike the physical and aggressive Arizona squad faced three nights earlier, the cold perimeter shooting didn’t matter this time. The Gators dominated inside, converting 69% of their two-point attempts, including an 18-for-22 first half (81.8%) that fueled a 52-28 halftime lead. They also overwhelmed the Ospreys on the boards, 33-13, and outscored them 36-16 in the paint during the opening period.
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           "We knew we had the size advantage on them, so just go out there and be physical and play our game," Handlogten said. "A lot of teams are going to have to adapt to us, so we just got to play our game – and it works."
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           By the final buzzer, UF held a plus-40 edge on the glass (64-24, including a team-record 29 offensive rebounds) and a plus-44 margin in the paint (66-22), building a lead that stretched to 43 points with under two minutes remaining.
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            ﻿
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           Every available Florida player saw action, including 7-9 walk-on redshirt freshman center Olivier Rioux—the tallest player in college basketball history—who made his collegiate debut after sitting out the previous season.
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           "It felt great. The support from everybody was amazing," said Rioux, who—much to the frustration of the Rowdy Reptiles—never touched the ball during his two minutes and nine seconds on the floor. "I'm very grateful."
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           Florida briefly fell behind 10-9 in the opening minutes, but Alex Condon’s traditional three-point play sparked a surge of 13 straight points. That momentum grew into a 31-5 run over more than 10 minutes, capped by a steal and emphatic 180-degree dunk from backup guard Isaiah Brown, who closed with nine points and a career-best eight rebounds.
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           Condon was already close to a double-double by halftime, tallying 15 points and eight rebounds.
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           The performance was far more in line with his expectations—and exactly the kind of leadership his team will rely on moving forward.
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           "There's no excuses now, it's my third year here," Condon said. "I just got to have the mindset that I'm a leader of this team. What I expect from the other guys, I got to expect for myself. No excuses."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           . Find his story archives 
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           here
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           . 
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      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-shines-as-gators-rout-ospreys-in-home-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Banner Raised, Gators Dominate North Florida in Home Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/banner-raised-gators-dominate-north-florida-in-home-opener</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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            delivered a standout performance with 25 points and 10 rebounds, recording the 10th double-double of his career and powering the third-ranked Florida Gators to a commanding 104-64 victory over North Florida on Thursday night at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center.
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           The matchup served as the 2025-26 home opener for the defending NCAA champions and began with the unveiling of the national championship banner from the O'Dome rafters, drawing loud cheers from the packed crowd.
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            Condon shot eight of 12 from the field, converted nine of 10 free throws, and added four assists along with three blocks. The 6-foot-11 Australian scored 17 points in the opening half as the Gators built a 52-28 lead at the break. From there, it turned into a stat-filled evening for Florida (and not for the Ospreys, who managed just two assists and committed 16 turnovers), with every UF player seeing action—including 7-foot-9 walk-on redshirt freshman center
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           Olivier Rioux
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           , who made his collegiate debut.
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            Backup center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           Thomas Haugh
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            , fresh off a career-high 27 points in UF’s season-opening loss to No. 13 Arizona in Las Vegas, contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Starting guards
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           Boogie Fland
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           Xaivian Lee
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           Though the Gators started slowly and struggled from beyond the arc, they didn’t need perimeter shooting against the undersized Ospreys of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Florida dominated the paint with a 36-4 scoring edge in the first half and controlled the boards 33-13, building a decisive advantage.
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           By the second half, the Gators’ lead ballooned to as many as 43 points.
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           UF junior wing 
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           Thomas Haugh
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           UNF led 10-9 when Condon grabbed an offensive rebound and stuck it back, was fouled and hit the free throw to start a 31-5 run at the 15:09 mark. Thirteen consecutive points initiated the spree and included consecutive slams by Fland (off a steal and run-out), Condon (on a stick-back) and Handlogten on a feed from Fland. When the run was done, the Gators led 40-15 with five minutes to go in the period, with the last bucket a steal and run-out 180-degree dunk by sophomore reserve 
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           Isaiah Brown
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           . 
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           Staggering Statistic
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           The Gators are 13 of 59 in two games from the 3-point line. That's 22%. It didn't matter against the Ospreys, but did in the 93-87 loss Monday against Arizona. Bears watching. 
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           Up Next
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           Florida (1-1) will be off Friday, then get back to work in preparation for Tuesday's home date against rival Florida State (1-0), under first-year coach and former walk-on FSU player Luke Loucks. The Seminoles opened the Loucks era Tuesday with a 108-76 defeat of Alcorn State and play at home again Friday against against Alabama State. The Gators have won four straight in the series. 
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           Email senior writer 
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            Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            .
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-10bdc669.webp" length="223376" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:22:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/banner-raised-gators-dominate-north-florida-in-home-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Look to Reset in Home Opener vs. UNF</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-look-to-reset-in-home-opener-vs-unf</link>
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           Share:
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           Gators coach Todd Golden purposely scheduled a challenging season-opener to serve as a gauge to where his new-look Gators stack up.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Adversity right out of the gate can be a good thing, right?
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            That was essentially the question posed to
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           Todd Golden
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            during the Florida basketball coach’s media availability Wednesday, just two days after the Gators fell to 13th-ranked Arizona 93-87 in their much-anticipated 2025-26 season opener in Las Vegas.
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           Golden seemed slightly surprised by the framing.
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           "Adversity ... like losing one game early in the year? I guess," Golden responded. "Talk about expectations."
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           So let’s talk about them. The reigning national-champion Gators – ranked No. 3 nationally and returning four key players from last year’s title team – dropped their opener, sparking plenty of outside chatter questioning whether they’re truly built to repeat.
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           Never mind that the Wildcats, a Sweet 16 team last season, sit just a notch below blue-blood status and were essentially playing a home game in a neighboring state. Or that Tommy Lloyd is a proven coach who brought in a top-five freshman class, headlined by McDonald's All American and projected lottery pick Koa Peat, who dazzled with 30 points in his debut against Florida. And as for Arizona being a proud program motivated to topple the champs? That’s a given.
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           Inside the Florida camp, however, outside noise and social media negativity were ignored as the Gators (0-1) turned their attention to Thursday night’s home opener against North Florida (0-0) at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center.
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           [Read senior writer Chris Harry's "Pregame Stuff" setup here]
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           "You have to turn it into a positive," Golden said before his team’s spirited practice at the O'Dome. "We had a lot of things that we could do better and [still] had a chance to win the game. So, whether it happens now or January 3rd, yeah, I'm happy it's happening now. We get an opportunity to correct things early."
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           Plenty will unfold between now and Jan. 3, but Florida’s immediate focus is internal – starting with regrouping against the Ospreys. As for Jan. 3, that’s the date of the Southeastern Conference opener against Missouri, and it carries some weight.
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           Think back to Jan. 4 of last season, when UF was one of just three unbeaten teams nationally and opened SEC play at Kentucky. The Gators battled but ultimately fell 106-100, realizing after a relatively soft non-conference slate that defensive adjustments were needed. They made them, but that UK test served as a wake-up call.
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           That’s context.
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            Want more?
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             ﻿
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            Two seasons ago, after a routine home win over Loyola-Maryland, the Gators traveled to Charlotte, N.C., for a so-called neutral-site game against Virginia. UF lost 73-70 after two costly turnovers in the final 15 seconds by a mid-major transfer point guard facing one of the nation’s toughest defenses. And yes,
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            improved after that.
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           Gators sophomore point guard 
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            Boogie Fland
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            (0) will look to make a bigger impact on both ends of the floor. 
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            And speaking of Florida point guards, sophomore transfer and former McDonald's All American
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           Boogie Fland
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            struggled in his UF debut. He finished with nine points on 3-for-9 shooting, missed a couple of 3s, and tallied just three assists, while being matched up against Arizona’s Jaden Bradley, who poured in 27 points. Still, Fland deserves some leeway. At just 19 years old, he was playing in only his fourth game of the calendar year, a stretch that included two surgeries. It was also just the 22nd game of his collegiate career, compared to Bradley, a 22-year-old and fellow McDonald's All American, who was appearing in his 111th. Fland did log 32 minutes without committing a turnover and was effective in initiating Florida’s offense, though the team as a whole shot poorly (43% overall, just 7-for-27 from deep).
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           "We learned a lot about ourselves," Fland said.
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            As for Florida’s starting “bigs,” the struggles of
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           Alex Condon
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            (six turnovers) and
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            (one rebound) were notable in the Arizona matchup. Still, one loss against a strong opponent doesn’t erase what both players have proven capable of. Remember the 36 wins last season, including some major ones in March and April under the brightest lights? That wasn’t long ago.
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            The defeat clearly weighed on the team, evident in the slumped shoulders and subdued demeanor on the flight home from Nevada early Tuesday morning. Yet forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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           , fresh off his career-high 27-point performance, offered reassurance: "This isn't the team you're going to see in a couple weeks."
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           Or perhaps even Thursday night. Expect the Gators to play with energy and emotion against the Ospreys, the next opponent standing in their way.
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           "It's about us. We got to focus on what's important to us," Golden said. "We got to make sure we play with great purpose, play with a little better organization and execution on the offensive end, do a better job guarding straight-line drives, defending without fouling defensively, and we got to dominate the boards."
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           That would be the right way to respond to “adversity” in the opening week of November.
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           Email senior writer
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            Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu. Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:10:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-look-to-reset-in-home-opener-vs-unf</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>McGill’s Record-Breaking Night Powers Gators Past Chattanooga</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-womens-basketball-mcgill-record-38-points-vs-chattanooga</link>
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.—
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           Liv McGill
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            delivered a career-best 38 points as Florida Women’s Basketball surged past Chattanooga, 94-52, on Thursday evening at Exactech Arena. The sophomore’s scoring total set a new program mark for most points in a home game. Florida’s decisive second quarter, where they outscored the Mocs 28-4, proved to be the turning point.
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           Key Runs
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           1st Quarter
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           (Mocs 24, Gators 19) Florida opened with an 11-6 advantage, but Chattanooga responded with 11 straight points to close the period ahead by five. Gianna Corbitt paced the Mocs with 12 points, hitting 8 of 15 shots overall and 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.
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           2nd Quarter (Gators 47, Mocs 28)
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            Trailing 25-23 early, the Gators tightened their defense and closed the half on a 24-1 run. Florida limited Chattanooga to just 1-of-9 shooting, forced nine turnovers, and grabbed eight offensive rebounds. Those miscues turned into 15 points for Florida. McGill scored 14 in the quarter, outscoring the Mocs by herself.
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           3rd Quarter (Gators 68, Mocs 43)
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            Florida’s lead grew to as many as 27 late in the third. The scoring was spread across the roster, with five players contributing between three and six points.
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           4th Quarter (Gators 94, Mocs 52)
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            The Gators closed strong, outscoring Chattanooga 26-9. McGill added 19 points in the final frame to cap her record-setting night.
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           Key Stats
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            Florida shot 52.2% (35-67) compared to Chattanooga’s 33.3% (14-42).
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            The Gators dominated the boards 46-26, including a 20-8 edge on the offensive glass, leading to a 31-6 margin in second-chance points.
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            Florida forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 35 points. Chattanooga managed just five points off 13 Gator turnovers.
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            In the paint, Florida held a 44-10 advantage and outscored the Mocs 14-2 in fast break opportunities.
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           Post Game Press Conference:
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            Head Coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            , Guard
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           Liv McGill
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           , and Guard Emilija Dakic.
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           Post Game Press Conference: Head Coach 
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           Kelly Rae Finle
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           y
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           , Guard 
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           Liv McGill
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            and Guard Emilija Dakic
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           From the Gators’ Mouths
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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             Liv McGill
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            on breaking Florida’s home single-game scoring record
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             — "As coach keeps saying that basket was just huge. But it's countless hours put in, countless hours with my teammates, countless hours of us drilling, work. I guess the basketball gods were just in my favor today, and we won. And that's what matters. It was a great team win, and everybody contributed. It's a blessing to set a record."
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            Coach Kelly Rae Finley on the team’s early success
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             — "I said this to our team after the game and I meant it. I said it on Media Day, and I meant it then too. The strength of our team is our team. We have great players. We have players who are hungry to win, and want to be great, and that love the game. I'm blessed as a coach, because we have complete and total buy in to whatever it takes to win."
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            Coach Finley on
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            Alexia Dizeko
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            ’s defensive impact
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             — "
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            Alexia Dizeko
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             does a lot of things that don't end up on the stat sheet. This can make me really emotional because in this day and age with social media, with the pressure, with the 'ohh, ahh' everybody wants to be posting this, that and whatever, it doesn't matter to Lex. She just wants to win. She wants the Gators to be great, and I would say that is the absolute mindset of our entire roster."
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            Emilija “Mills” Dakic on
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             Alexia Dizeko
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             — "Lex is the most selfless player I've ever played with on any team. She's there when you need something. She's always the first person you can go to. And having that person, especially as a freshman, to look up to, and you're like 'yeah, that's what I can also be for people coming through for years to come'. She sets an example day in and day out."
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           Gator Bites
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             Florida improved to 17-2 at home in November under Head Coach
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            .
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            The Gators are now 3-3 all-time against Chattanooga and 14-6 against Southern Conference opponents.
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             Liv McGill scored 20+ points for the 15th time in her career, finishing with 38. It was her first 30-point game as a Gator. The last Florida player to reach 30 was
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            Aliyah Matharu
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            , who had 35 against Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament on March 7, 2024.
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            McGill’s 38 points set a new program record for most scored in a home contest, surpassing the previous mark of 36 by Vanessa Hayden (vs. Oakland, Nov. 16, 2001) and Cheryl Fisher (vs. Miami, Feb. 18, 1980).
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             She also hit a career-high six three-pointers. The last Gator to make six threes in a game was
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            Jeriah Warren
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             at UNLV on March 23, 2025.
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             posted her third career double-double and second in a row to start the season, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
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            Florida’s defense limited preseason Southern Conference Player of the Year Caia Elisaldez to nine points on 2-of-5 shooting, while forcing her into four turnovers.
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           Next Opponent
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           Florida continues its homestand next week, hosting Jacksonville (2-0) on Monday, November 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 04:07:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-womens-basketball-mcgill-record-38-points-vs-chattanooga</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Aim for 2-0 Start Against Chattanooga in Home Doubleheader</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-for-2-0-start-against-chattanooga-in-home-doubleheader</link>
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           Senior guard Will Richard (center), flanked by junior center Micah Handlogten (left) and sophomore forward Thomas Haugh (right), get hyped during UF's one-sided win Tuesday over OU.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Florida Women’s Basketball (1-0) will look to stay unbeaten as they welcome Chattanooga (1-0) on Thursday, November 6 at 5 p.m. ET. The matchup is part of a doubleheader at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, with the men’s team scheduled to play North Florida later that evening at 8 p.m.
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            The Gators began their 2025-26 campaign with a dominant 96-62 home victory over North Florida. Sophomore
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , a preseason All-SEC Second Team selection, came close to her second career triple-double. She delivered the program’s first quadruple-nickel since 2022, finishing with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sophomore
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            notched her second career double-double, pulling down a personal-best 11 rebounds alongside 14 points. Florida also had three other players in double figures: junior
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            with 19, freshman Catarina Piatti with 14, and freshman Nyadieng Yiech with 10. The team shot an impressive 53.8 percent from the field.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chattanooga enters the contest at 1-0 after defeating King University 82-34 on Monday. Preseason Southern Conference Player of the Year Caia Elisaldez led the Mocs with 20 points, while every player who saw action contributed to the scoring.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Elisaldez earned First-Team All-Southern Conference honors last season, averaging 14.1 points and 4.9 assists while shooting 48.6 percent from the floor. The 5-5 guard was also named to the All-Tournament First Team after guiding Chattanooga to the SoCon Championship game, where they fell 64-57 in overtime to UNC Greensboro.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chattanooga 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (1-0)
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Thursday, November 6
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 5 p.m. ET
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Site: 
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/4/4/exactech-arena-stephen-c-oconnell-center.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.wruf.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            WRUF 850 AM / 98.1 / 103.7 hd 2
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=6802577c-f966-49d0-a300-0b0daccbc379" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           A
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve the Gators record to 2-0 on the season, and 17-2 at home in the month of November during the 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/2061" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kelly Rae Finley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             era.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mark the 3rd straight season that Florida has won its first two games of the year. In 2024-25, the Gators began the season 3-0, and in 2023-24, they won their first four games of the year.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Even the series record against the Mocs at 3-3.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve the Gators' record against teams in the Southern Conference to 14-6
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           TALE OF THE TAPE (2025-26)
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           THE SERIES
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/basketball-women/opponent-history/chattanooga/194" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators are 2-3 all-time against Chattanooga
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           GATORS vs. MOCS HISTORY
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida is 2-3 against Chattanooga in a series which dates back to January 22, 1977. The last time these teams met was 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2017-18/chattanooga/boxscore/13528" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           December 20, 2017 in Gainesville
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           —Coach Finley's 1st season as an assistant with the program—as the Mocs picked up a 65-50 win. Funda Makkasoglu led Florida with 21 points, but Chattanooga scored 10 of the final 13 to secure the victory.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Bites
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida closed last season ranked seventh in the SEC in overall field goal percentage (.451), eighth in three-point shooting (.322), seventh in free throw accuracy (.731), seventh in rebounds per game (39.5), fifth in defensive boards (27.3), and seventh in rebound margin (+3.9).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In SEC play, the Gators finished sixth in field goal percentage (.436), sixth in three-point shooting (.336), sixth in rebounds (37.6), fourth in defensive rebounds (26.3), and seventh in rebound margin (+1.9).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign ranked 12th in the league in scoring (16.5 ppg), fourth in assists (5.2 apg), 10th in steals (2.1 spg), 18th in field goal percentage (.429), 15th in free throw percentage (.734), and 18th in minutes played (31.1 mpg).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             was one of only two freshmen nationally to record a triple-double last season (
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/gatorzone.com/stats/basketball-women/2024/pdf/20250112050346-2547589.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            21 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists vs. Missouri on January 12, 2025
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ). The other was Yahmani McKayle of Massachusetts, who posted 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Stonehill on March 20.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             On November 3 against North Florida, McGill nearly secured her second career triple-double, finishing with
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/gatorzone.com/stats/basketball-women/2025/pdf/20251103081441-2721338.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             She also added 5 steals, marking her first career quadruple nickel (five or more in four statistical categories).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            's 192 assists last season were the most by any freshman in the nation, well ahead of Michigan’s Mila Holloway, who had 148.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Her 611 points ranked third nationally among freshmen and set a new Florida program record for first-year players.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             has scored in double figures in 34 of her 38 games at Florida.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ended last season ranked 15th in the SEC in blocks (1.0 bpg) and has reached double figures in scoring in seven of her last eight outings.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             tallied her second career double-double in the season opener against North Florida, recording 14 points and a personal-best 11 rebounds.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED CHATTANOOGA STARTERS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chattanooga wrapped up last season with a 9-5 mark in Southern Conference play. The Mocs defeated Mercer and Furman in the league tournament to reach the championship game, where they fell 64-57 in overtime to top-seeded UNC Greensboro. Their run earned them a spot in the WNIT, where they beat Alabama A&amp;amp;M before being eliminated by Troy.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Caia Elisaldez was the team’s leading scorer last year, averaging 14.1 points per contest. She enters this season as the Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year and opened the 2025-26 campaign with 20 points in the victory over King.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           In their season opener, all 11 Chattanooga players who saw action logged at least 11 minutes, and each contributed to the scoring effort.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-63377276.webp" length="98906" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:04:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-for-2-0-start-against-chattanooga-in-home-doubleheader</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-63377276.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Aim to Bounce Back in Home Opener vs. North Florida</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-to-bounce-back-in-home-opener-vs-north-florida</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat (10) shoots over the outstretched defense of UF 7-1 center Micah Handlogten on his way to 30 points and a 93-87 upset win for the Wildcats Monday night. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida vs. North Florida
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            When:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Thursday, 8 p.m. (ET)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Where:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center, Gainesville, Fla.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Records:
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Florida (0-1) / North Florida (0-0)
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Series/Last Meeting:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             UF holds an 11-0 advantage in the series. The Gators last faced the Ospreys on Dec. 21, 2024, earning a 99-45 victory behind
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-alexis/16985" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Will Richard’s
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             career-best 26 points, which included 6-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/VDoSj8-1c228fe5.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Backup forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-alexis/16985" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sam Alexis
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            came off the bench to record a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. The 54-point margin of victory marked the ninth-largest win in program history for Florida.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            TV:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             SEC Network+ (
            &#xD;
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ryan Urquhart
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mark Wise
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            )
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            Radio:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
            &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/404?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
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             (with
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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             ,
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Brian Hogan
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             and
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/1Q5A7678.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF sophomore point guard
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            Boogie Fland
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Setup
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/054_Haugh_Thomas__251103_1262_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           UF junior wing 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh 
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (10)
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Just three nights after beginning the season on the opposite coast, Florida returns for its first home game — and first appearance in the O'Dome — as the reigning NCAA champions. The No. 3 Gators quickly learned how their championship status will draw out the best from opponents, as 13th-ranked Arizona delivered a physical and inspired effort Monday, defeating the champs 93-87 before a supportive crowd in Las Vegas.
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           Despite a strong opening stretch, UF surrendered a decisive run that allowed UA to seize the halftime lead, leaving the Gators playing from behind and on their heels for much of the second half. Thursday’s contest, the first with the 2025 championship banner raised to the rafters, will be about reclaiming their toughness and front court presence after being outmatched in the paint.
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           Tale of the Tape
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            Indicates 2024-25 statistics
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           The Breakdown
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           Gators reserve guard 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar 
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           (7) 
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            The Gators: Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            admitted he wasn’t flawless in the opener, but he still delivered a career-high 27 points, logged more than 38 minutes, and stayed on the floor for the entire second half. That level of effort is exactly what UF will need from forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and center
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , both of whom struggled against the physical, big-bodied Wildcats — particularly 30-point freshman Koa Peat — before fouling out. Chinyelu managed just one rebound, tying his UF career low set in seven minutes against Texas A&amp;amp;M last season. … Backup 7-1 center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            had his best all-around outing since his sophomore year, going 5-for-5 from the field for 11 points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds. … Point guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            and shooting guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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            were disappointed with their play on both ends, combining to shoot just 8-for-26 overall and 3-for-13 from deep. Defensively, they struggled to fight through ball screens, allowing Peat and point guard
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jaden Bradley
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            (27 points) to attack downhill and finish or draw fouls. … Backup guard
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            contributed eight points, hitting two of six 3-point attempts, but also committed two turnovers in 18 minutes off the bench. … Freshman reserve guard
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            knocked down an early 3-pointer but looked a bit overwhelmed later in the contest — understandable given the stage. … Florida has now won 34 straight home openers dating back to 1991. The last time the Gators dropped one was Nov. 27, 1991, when visiting Texas edged UF 76-74 in the first home game under new coach
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           Lon Kruger
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           .
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           The Ospreys
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            : This season marks the first since 2008-09 without
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           Matt Driscoll
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            on the sidelines. Driscoll, who compiled a 248-264 record with one NCAA Tournament appearance over 16 years, departed after last season to become associate head coach at Kansas State. The program promoted longtime assistant
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Bobby Kennen
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            to his first collegiate head coaching role, following his earlier stint leading Williston (Fla.) High in the late 1990s. … Expect Kennen’s teams to continue a version of the “Birds of Trey” 3-point-heavy system that defined UNF under Driscoll. Over the past six seasons, the Ospreys ranked among the nation’s leaders in 3-point attempts, with 54% of their shots coming from beyond the arc in 2024-25. … UNF returns no starters from last year’s squad, which finished 15-17 despite early-season wins over South Carolina and Georgia Tech. … Point guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kamrin Oriol
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who averaged 21 minutes off the bench, is the team’s most experienced returnee. … Starting forward
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           Dalton Gayman
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           enters his sixth collegiate season and fifth different school, with none of his prior stops at the Division I level. His career includes stints at Purdue Southwest, Drury, Arkansas-Fort Smith (all Division II), plus one season at State Fair Community College in Missouri. … UNF’s average margin of defeat in the series against Florida stands at 33.9 points, with the lone single-digit contest a 77-69 loss at the O'Dome on Nov. 14, 2013 — the season opener of a campaign that ended with the Gators reaching the 2014 Final Four.
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           Numbers of Note
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Arizona freshman forward 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Koa Peat
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (right) goes up and over Florida counterpart 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            on his way to 30-point breakout performance in Monday night's season opener between two ranked teams.
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            minus-4
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — The Gators finished with a minus-4 margin in points scored in the paint against the Wildcats, far below what UF’s coaches expected — and needed — from a front court promoted as one of the nation’s best.
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            .259
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            — Florida’s 3-point shooting percentage versus Arizona, going just 7-for-27 from beyond the arc. That figure must improve.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2006
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The year UF and UNF first met, with the reigning national-champion Gators posting an 86-40 victory in only their second season competing at the NCAA Division I level.
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Bottom Line
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Following Monday’s high-level season-opening loss, the level of competition drops significantly. The Gators’ intensity and focus, however, must remain sharp.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Email senior writer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           at
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Find his story archives
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1249f34a.webp" length="197572" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-to-bounce-back-in-home-opener-vs-north-florida</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Wildcats Outmuscle Gators in Vegas Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/wildcats-outmuscle-gators-in-vegas-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat (10) shoots over the outstretched defense of UF 7-1 center Micah Handlogten on his way to 30 points and a 93-87 upset win for the Wildcats Monday night. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           LAS VEGAS
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            – Florida coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            wanted a tough test for his team in its first outing as the reigning NCAA champion. He certainly got one, along with an early glimpse of how the bulls-eye on the Gators’ jerseys will motivate opponents throughout the 2025-26 season.
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           The Arizona Wildcats were far from an ordinary challenger.
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           Freshman forward Koa Peat and senior point guard Jaden Bradley combined for 57 points, including 17 from the free-throw line, as the 13th-ranked Wildcats handed the Gators a 93-87 loss in their highly anticipated Hall of Fame Series clash Monday night at a raucous T-Mobile Arena.
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           The opening-night atmosphere resembled that of a deep NCAA Tournament game, with Arizona feeding off the partisan crowd and attacking the Gators (0-1) in a relentlessly physical style that overwhelmed Florida’s veteran, championship-tested front court. Peat, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound McDonald's All American, hit 11 of 18 shots, converted eight of 12 free throws, collected seven rebounds, dished five assists, and added three steals. Bradley shot 9-for-14 from the field, went 9-for-10 at the line, and contributed five assists and two steals.
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           For much of the night, Arizona (1-0) relied on putting its two stars in middle ball screens and letting them dictate the action.
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           "Koa is tough to guard when he gets that downhill run, and we just weren't able to match his physicality on a couple plays," Golden said. "He did a good job of putting us in the basket."
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           Arizona’s efficiency told the story: the Wildcats shot 49.2% overall (despite attempting only five 3-pointers) and earned 38 trips to the free-throw line, converting 31 (81.6%). Their aggressive play carried over defensively, holding Florida to just under 43% shooting, including 7-for-27 from beyond the arc (26%). After halftime, UF managed only 36.8% shooting while committing nine of its 15 turnovers. Arizona also edged Florida on the boards, 41-39. The Gators hurt themselves at the stripe, making just 20 of 30 (66.6%) in what remained a one-possession contest inside the final minute.
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            Florida’s bright spot was junior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            , who thrived in his first game at the wing "3" position, scoring a career-high 27 points in 38 minutes and going 12-for-14 at the free-throw line. Backup center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            added energy off the bench, hitting all five of his shots for 11 points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.
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            The rest of the Gators struggled, including the new-look backcourt of transfer guards
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           Boogie Fland
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            and
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           Xaivian Lee
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            . Returning starters
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           Alex Condon
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            (11 points, eight rebounds, four assists, but six turnovers) and
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (four points, one rebound) also had difficulties, both fouling out while trying to contain the relentless Peat.
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           Gators junior 
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            Thomas Haugh
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            scored a career-high 27 points in his debut start at small forward. (Photos: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           "Our bigs, as a group, we need to be the best front court in the nation," Haugh said, including himself in that mix. "We can't let someone like that come out and score 30 points against us. That's unacceptable. Won't happen moving forward."
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           Added Fland, the transfer from Arkansas: "I felt we learned a lot about ourselves today. [Arizona] showed fight and grit, and [we] just didn't match it. … We definitely could have been better on the defensive end, but as bad as we played, we still gave ourselves a chance. It's a lesson, not a step back."
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           The pairing of Fland and Lee combined for 23 points, eight assists, four steals, and only two turnovers, though they struggled with efficiency, shooting just 8-for-26 overall and 3-for-13 from beyond the arc.
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           "I just think we weren't our usual selves. The things we pride ourselves on – guarding, rebounding, being physical, making shots – I just don't think we did any of that on the level we can," said Lee, who finished with 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting and 3-of-11 from three-point range. "That being said, I'm not too worried. I think we'll do those things more times than not, so this was a good game to learn from. I think me and Boogie have to be better. Me especially. I need to make more shots."
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           Senior guard
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            Xaivian Lee
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            (1) had 14 points against the Wildcats 
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           Lee, the transfer from Princeton, opened the game by sinking a 3-pointer. The Gators quickly built momentum, pulling ahead by 12 points on three separate occasions, the last coming midway through the half. That was when Peat and Bradley began to shift the momentum.
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           "I told our guys, these games are crazy and they're emotional but they're long, so take a breath," UA coach Tommy Lloyd said.
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           After beginning just 5-for-13 from the field, the Wildcats caught fire, hitting 12 of their next 19 attempts over the final nine-plus minutes. They outscored Florida 30-14 during that stretch and carried a 50-46 advantage into halftime.
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           Arizona finished the half shooting 53 percent.
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           "The way we play is very complementary," Golden said. "But when we're pulling the ball out of the net every time it's really hard to get out in transition, get early baskets and play the way we want to play."
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           Arizona point guard
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            Jaden Bradley 
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           (0) was on the attack all game against the 
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            Boogie Fland
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            (0) and the Gators on his way to 27 points. 
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           The momentum carried into the second half, with the Wildcats stretching their lead to nine with 16 minutes remaining. The Gators, fueled by Haugh, chipped away and strung together a seven-point run to even the score at 67 with just under eight minutes left, and again tied it at 70 following a Lee 3-pointer inside the seven-minute mark.
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           Moments later, Peat electrified the crowd with back-to-back dunks, helping UA rebuild its advantage to 86-78 with 1:40 to play. Still, UF refused to fold. The Gators scored, applied full-court pressure, and forced turnovers to trim the deficit to three, 88-85, with 43.4 seconds left, prompting an Arizona timeout when the Wildcats struggled to inbound the ball.
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           Out of the break, Fland came up with a steal, and when his defender slipped, the new Gator found himself with a wide-open chance to tie the game from deep.
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           "Too open, I guess," Fland said, whose jumper rimmed short. "As a kid, you dream of being able to take a shot like that."
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           Arizona closed the contest at the free-throw line, walking away with a prized victory — that of a champion.
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           A proud champion that boarded its long charter flight home in a bitter mood.
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           "We're a high-floor program. We rebound well, we take care of the ball, and that's going to usually give us a great chance to win, and we were deficient in both those areas [Monday] and we're walking out of here with a six-point loss," Golden said. "I'm super disappointed we lost, but the reason why we played this game was to give ourselves a really good opportunity to get a quality win. I don't think anybody is going to hold this loss over our head moving forward, and I do think it gives us a great opportunity to teach our team."
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu. Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-04cbb20a.webp" length="134310" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:32:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/wildcats-outmuscle-gators-in-vegas-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-04cbb20a.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>On Guard: Florida’s New Backcourt Takes Center Stage vs Arizona</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/on-guard-floridas-new-backcourt-takes-center-stage-vs-arizona</link>
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           Share:
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           The '25-26 Gators backcourt of Xaivian Lee (left) and Boogie Fland, a pair of high-profile acquisitions out of the transfer portal.
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            LAS VEGAS
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           – The first outing together was as one-sided as the final score suggested.
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           Florida’s Oct. 17 scrimmage against Florida International in Gainesville ended with a dominant 101-59 victory for the Gators. In their first live action against another opponent,
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           Thomas Haugh
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           excelled in his new role on the wing, while guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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           and center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           provided strong contributions off the bench. UF point guard
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           Boogie Fland
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           , the transfer from Arkansas, shined in his debut, posting 13 points, five assists, four steals, and no turnovers, looking completely comfortable orchestrating Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           ’s fast-paced offense.
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           For
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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           , the Princeton transfer and the other half of Florida’s rebuilt backcourt, the debut was far different from Fland’s. Lee, a 1,100-point career scorer and known for his ball security in the Ivy League, missed his first eight attempts and finished with five points and four turnovers.
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           "Wasn't great," Lee admitted.
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           That made his response in the Oct. 24 scrimmage against 17th-ranked Illinois in Orlando all the more noteworthy.
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           With Fland sidelined for precautionary health reasons, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Lee ran the offense for nearly the entire game against a strong Big Ten opponent. He knocked down an early 3-pointer to settle in, then connected with
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           Alex Condon
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           in transition for a highlight lob dunk. Later, Lee buried a deep, late-clock 3-pointer in the second half that sparked a rally from six points down with just over five minutes remaining, leading to a 96-86 win. His final line: 17 points, five made 3s, eight assists, and only one turnover in 33 minutes.
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           Princeton transfer 
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            Xaivian Lee
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           "Phenomenal," Fland said of Lee’s performance. "He did everything. He controlled the pace of the game, controlled us on offense and made plays on defense. It was an all-around game for everyone, and him."
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           Lee added: "Boogie didn't play, so I kind of had to take on a little more responsibility, but I thought we played pretty good overall. Definitely, stuff to work on, but I thought it's always good to play against another top team and see how we stack up against a talented roster."
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           That sets the stage for the Gators, who enter the 2025-26 season ranked No. 3 nationally, to reset their backcourt. The question now is how the duo will perform with Fland healthy and back at point guard, alongside Lee at shooting guard. Together again. Facing another marquee opponent in the 13th-ranked Arizona Wildcats. On the neutral floor of T-Mobile Arena on The Strip, in college basketball’s biggest season-opening matchup Monday night.
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           [Read senior writer Chris Harry's "Pregame Stuff" setup here]
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           Gator Nation, along with college basketball fans, will be eager to see how the new Fland/Lee tandem – successors to the unforgettable Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin pairing – blends with what is arguably the best returning frontcourt in the country. All under the spotlight and pressure that comes with being the reigning NCAA champions.
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           Florida’s coach is looking for answers, too.
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           "It's a new team," said Golden, now 40, who last April became the youngest head coach since Jim Valvano in 1983 to win a national championship. "We have a great kind of comfort blanket [with] the returning front court, and we have our new guys on the perimeter. They've played pretty well so far, but Monday night's a new challenge. I've never been under the lights with those guys yet, so we'll see what that looks like."
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           The Gators looked sharp Saturday morning after flying cross-country, holding a spirited practice at UNLV’s facility. They followed up Sunday afternoon with another session at T-Mobile Arena, preparing to face an Arizona team returning three starters from last year’s Sweet Sixteen squad and bolstered by a top-five freshman class featuring two McDonald’s All Americans.
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           Florida, of course, has plenty of championship experience in its frontcourt with Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten, and Rueben Chinyelu. That naturally shifts the spotlight onto the newcomers, Fland and Lee.
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           Fland, a 6-3, 185-pound former McDonald’s All American from Bronx, New York, averaged 13.5 points on 38% shooting overall and 34% from 3-point range, along with 5.1 assists and nearly two steals per game during an injury-shortened freshman season at Arkansas. Initially planning to enter the NBA Draft, he reconsidered during the evaluation process and became a late transfer portal addition. Florida seized the opportunity.
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           "I wasn't planning on coming back to college, but then I met with Coach Golden and it kind of changed my mind," Fland said.
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           He soon connected with Lee, who averaged 16.9 points, shot 44% overall and 37% from deep, while adding 5.5 assists in his final season at Princeton, where he was the focal point of opposing defenses. At Florida, Lee is simply another skilled weapon in a deep rotation.
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           "I was looking forward to playing off the ball," Lee said.
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           Effectively, Florida will feature two point guards in the backcourt.
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           "We want them to play free," … "They've had enough time to gel. The chemistry is there. They communicate well together. Now, it's a matter of going out and doing it against somebody else."
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           Both guards ranked among the nation’s leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio, and when combined with UF’s expected dominance on the offensive glass, the result should be one of the most efficient offenses in the country.
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           It’s worth noting that the Gators finished No. 2 nationally in offensive efficiency last season, setting a high standard to meet.
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           "I feel like there's a lot of people out there questioning [the new backcourt] or whatever, but I think we're going to be pretty good," Lee said. "Everybody talks about our front court. I think our backcourt is pretty good, as well, and I'm excited to just go out there and show that. I think we have good chemistry on and off the court, and I think it will show when we play."
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           Arkansas transfer 
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            Boogie Fland
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           Fland, who underwent hernia surgery during the summer and completed an impressive rehab, is expected to be one of the fastest players in the league – perhaps even nationally. Beyond his speed, he is also regarded as an elite on-ball defender, using his length and quickness to disrupt opponents. It’s a part of his overall game that often goes underappreciated.
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           "Just being competitive and loving the game," Fland said of his defensive mindset. "I feel like some people say they love the game, but don't play both sides. That's just my take on it."
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           With their debut, the public will now form its opinion of the new-look Gators, who, as the most recent national champions, will be circled as a marquee matchup on every opponent’s schedule.
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           Golden is confident that his roster – both the returning veterans and the newcomers – is prepared for the challenge.
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           "I think our team is pretty well-rounded and has a really good understanding what it takes to be good," Golden said. "I think our role allocation is in a good spot. I imagine there is going to be a [question] or two that pops up. Maybe it's Monday night, maybe it's the first couple weeks of the season that we're like, 'All right, we need to figure this issue out to be the best we can be.' "
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           Email senior writer
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            Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu. Find his story archives
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            here
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6b7dbb9f.webp" length="72398" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 07:10:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/on-guard-floridas-new-backcourt-takes-center-stage-vs-arizona</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Arizona Stuns No. 3 Florida in Season-Opening Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/arizona-stuns-no-3-florida-in-season-opening-thriller</link>
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           Share:
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           Thomas Haugh (pictured), along with Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee, received recognition on the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Watch List.
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            What Happened 
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            LAS VEGAS
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           – Arizona freshman forward
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            Koa Peat
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           delivered a standout collegiate debut with 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while senior point guard
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            Jaden Bradley
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           added 27 points. The 13th-ranked Wildcats showcased a strong, physical performance to defeat the No. 3 and defending NCAA-champion Florida Gators in their season-opening Hall of Fame Series matchup Monday night before a packed crowd at T-Mobile Arena.
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           Peat, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound McDonald's All American, connected on 11 of 18 attempts and anchored an Arizona offense that relentlessly attacked the Gators’ experienced front court. Bradley went 9-for-14 from the field and 9-for-10 at the free-throw line, also contributing five assists. The Wildcats held a narrow edge in the paint, outscoring Florida 50-46.
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           Arizona led by eight with one minute left, but the Gators quickly cut the margin with five points. With 35 seconds remaining, sophomore point guard
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            Boogie Fland
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           stole an in-bound pass and had a wide-open corner 3-pointer to tie the game. His shot fell short, and UA guard
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           sank two free throws to push the lead back to five. Florida forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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           , who was outstanding with a career-high 27 points, scored again to trim the deficit to three, but Peat sealed the win by hitting three of four free throws in the final 25 seconds.
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           The Wildcats overcame a 12-point first-half deficit and limited Florida to 43% shooting overall (7-for-27 from beyond the arc). In the second half, Arizona held the Gators to 37% shooting and forced nine of UF’s 15 turnovers. The Wildcats finished at 49% from the field and converted 31 of 38 free throws (81.6%), while Florida struggled at the line, making just 20 of 30 (66.6%).
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           UF forward 
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           Alex Condon 
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           with a first-half slam. 
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           Turning Point
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           Arizona’s decisive 22-9 surge in the first half erased a 12-point UF advantage and ignited the crowd. From that moment on, Florida was forced to play catch-up for nearly the remainder of the contest.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Despite returning its entire front court from last season’s 36-win squad—expected to be among the nation’s top rebounding units—UF was outmatched on the boards. UA claimed a 41-39 edge overall, highlighted by a 21-12 advantage in the first half, when the Wildcats regrouped after trailing by double digits and seized control of the game.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (0-1) heads back to Gainesville for its home opener, where the new 2025 NCAA championship banner will hang proudly inside Exactech Arena. The Gators will host North Florida (0-0), representing Jacksonville and the Atlantic Sun Conference. It will mark the season debut for the Ospreys, who are 0-11 all-time against Florida, before they travel six days later to face No. 18 Tennessee.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Find his story archives
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 04:52:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/arizona-stuns-no-3-florida-in-season-opening-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Quartet Earns Spot on Prestigious Naismith Watch List</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-quartet-earns-spot-on-prestigious-naismith-watch-list</link>
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           Share:
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           Thomas Haugh (pictured), along with Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee, received recognition on the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Watch List.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Four Florida men's basketball players earned spots on the Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watch List on Monday. The Gator group of Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Thomas Haugh, and Xaivian Lee were each recognized on the list.
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           All four athletes had already been selected to the positional watch lists that form the Naismith Starting 5 awards.
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           Ranked No. 3 nationally, the Gators begin their season Monday at 7 p.m. EST against No. 13 Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas. Fans can catch the matchup on TNT and truTV, with streaming available via HBO Max.
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             ﻿
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            Preseason Individual Accolades
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           Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watch List
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           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
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           Traditional season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are now officially SOLD OUT.
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           Arena Pass
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           Arena Passes have also reached capacity and are SOLD OUT for the upcoming season.
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           Single Games
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           Tickets
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            for individual games during the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are currently available.
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            Fans can secure tickets through
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
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            , by contacting the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
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    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ben+Hill+Griffin+Stadium/@29.6499459,-82.3512565,1960m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88e8a379c55b3a57:0xf870d075572b3ea2!8m2!3d29.6499413!4d-82.3486816!16zL20vMDVieHNx?entry=tts&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxMC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&amp;amp;skid=51593301-ad02-4488-8531-657a99b4ad00" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           All Gators Weekend Pack
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    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
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            Pack is now on sale, featuring admission to the Florida men's basketball matchup against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, along with the Florida football showdown against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22. The package is priced at $149 plus applicable taxes and fees.
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           Every fan attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, courtesy of Meldon Law.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-57c81050.webp" length="64452" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 04:40:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-quartet-earns-spot-on-prestigious-naismith-watch-list</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Women’s Basketball Dominates Season Opener vs North Florida</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-womens-basketball-dominates-season-opener-vs-north-florida</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           —Florida’s women’s basketball program begins its 2025–26 campaign on Monday, November 3, hosting the North Florida Ospreys. The matchup at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.
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            The Gators, who finished 19-18 overall and 5-11 in SEC play last season, enter the new year after making their fifth consecutive postseason appearance. Three starters return to the lineup: sophomore guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            (16.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.05 steals per game), junior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            (10.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.97 blocks per game), and graduate student
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/17715" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alexia Dizeko
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            (5.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, .340 three-point percentage).
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           McGill earned a spot on the All-SEC preseason second team, as chosen by league coaches. Her freshman season set a program record for points in a single year (611) and ranked second among Gators rookies in both assists (192) and steals (76), trailing only All-American Brandi McCain '02.
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           North Florida, which posted a 5-26 record in 2024–25, brings back four players from last season. Sophomore Jamisyn Stinson (7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds per game) is the Ospreys’ leading returning scorer.
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           North Florida 
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           (5-26 in 2024-25)
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            Date: Monday, November 3
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/4/4/exactech-arena-stephen-c-oconnell-center.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena
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            Radio: ESPN 98.1FM / 850AM WRUF / 103.7 hd 2
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            Watch: SECN+
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            Live stats: FloridaGators.com
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD …
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            Mark the 7th straight year that the Gators have opened the regular season with a victory
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            Improve the Gators record to 9-0 against the Ospreys
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            Up the Gators November home record under Coach Finley to 16-2
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
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           TALE OF THE TAPE (2024-25 Statistics)
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           THE SERIES
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           The Gators are 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/basketball-women/opponent-history/north-florida/73" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           8-0 all-time against North Florida
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           .
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           GATORS vs. OSPREYS HISTORY
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida and North Florida have met on the hardwood eight times before tonight’s contest, with matchups occurring in each of the past three seasons. Every game in the series has taken place on the Gators’ home floor. Florida holds eight wins in the rivalry, seven of which came by double‑digit margins. In last year’s 75–47 victory, RA Shaya Kyle posted 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Liv McGill and Laila Reynolds each added 16 points.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           FLORIDA'S LAST TIME OUT
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In last year’s postseason, Florida competed in the WBIT, earning wins over Northern Iowa, UNLV, and Texas Tech before being eliminated in the semifinals by Minnesota, 66–52. Against the Golden Gophers,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            led the team with 18 points, while also collecting nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            added 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The appearance marked Florida’s fifth consecutive trip to postseason play.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           GATOR QUICK HITS
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida closed the 2024–25 season ranked seventh in the SEC in overall field goal percentage (.451), eighth in three‑point shooting (.322), seventh in free throw accuracy (.731), seventh in rebounds (39.5 per game), fifth in defensive boards (27.3 per game), and seventh in rebound margin (+3.9).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Within conference action, the Gators placed sixth in field goal percentage (.436), sixth in three‑point shooting (.336), sixth in rebounds (37.6 per game), fourth in defensive rebounds (26.3 per game), and seventh in rebound margin (+1.9).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             finished her freshman campaign ranked 12th in SEC scoring (16.5 ppg), fourth in assists (5.2 apg), 10th in steals (2.1 spg), 18th in field goal percentage (.429), 15th in free throw percentage (.734), and 18th in minutes played (31.1 mpg).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             was one of only two freshmen nationwide to record a triple‑double last season (21 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists vs. Missouri on January 12, 2025). The other was Yahmani McKayle of Massachusetts, who tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Stonehill on March 20.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ’s 192 assists were the highest total by any freshman in the country, with Michigan’s Mila Holloway next at 148.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Her 611 points ranked third nationally among freshmen.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             scored in double figures in 33 of her 37 games.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             finished 15th in the SEC in blocks (1.0 per game) and reached double‑digit scoring in six of her final seven contests.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           NORTH FLORIDA QUICK HITS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Ospreys return only three players from last season’s roster.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sophomore Jamisyn Stinson is the team’s top returning scorer, averaging 7.8 points per game on 36.3 percent shooting overall and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            North Florida went winless on the road in 2024–25 (0–16). Their most recent away victory came on January 13, 2024, with a 76–57 result over Queens University of Charlotte.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-5440aedd.webp" length="138022" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2025 18:14:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-womens-basketball-dominates-season-opener-vs-north-florida</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-5440aedd.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-5440aedd.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Top-15 Showdown: No. 3 Florida Battles No. 13 Arizona in Vegas</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/top-15-showdown-no-3-florida-battles-no-13-arizona-in-vegas</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon is one of four Gators recognized on Naismith Starting 5 preseason watch lists.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Hall of Fame Series   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            No. 3 Florida vs. No. 13 Arizona
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            When:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Monday, 7 p.m. (ET)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Where:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           T-Mobile Arena / Las Vegas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Records:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida (0-0) / Arizona (0-0)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Series history:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The matchup is tied at 2-2. The Gators and Wildcats last met in a home-and-home series, with each team winning on its own court. Florida earned a 78-72 overtime victory on Dec. 7, 2011 at the O'Connell Center, while Arizona pulled off a dramatic comeback in Tucson—trailing by six with under a minute left, the Wildcats scored seven straight points off three consecutive UF turnovers to edge the unbeaten, 12th-ranked Gators, 65-64.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TV:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            TNT (
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Brian Anderson
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Grant Hill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
              and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andy Katz
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Radio:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/404?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Brian Hogan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
              and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Steve Egan
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket info
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Hall of Fame Series 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            No. 3 Florida vs. No. 13 Arizona
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            When:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Monday, 7 p.m. (ET)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Where:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           T-Mobile Arena / Las Vegas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Records:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida (0-0) / Arizona (0-0)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Series history:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The matchup is tied at 2-2. The Gators and Wildcats last met in a home-and-home series, with each team winning on its own court. Florida earned a 78-72 overtime victory on Dec. 7, 2011 at the O'Connell Center, while Arizona pulled off a dramatic comeback in Tucson—trailing by six with under a minute left, the Wildcats scored seven straight points off three consecutive UF turnovers to edge the unbeaten, 12th-ranked Gators, 65-64.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TV:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            TNT (
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Brian Anderson
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Grant Hill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andy Katz
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Radio:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/404?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Brian Hogan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Steve Egan
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket info
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida junior forward 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Setup
          &#xD;
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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           T-Mobile Arena (capacity 20,000) is home to the NHL's Las Vegas Golden Knights.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The 2025-26 season opener for both programs will be featured in the Hall of Fame Series, which will also stage events in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Boston, and Phoenix over the next six weeks. The UF-Arizona matchup will serve as the first game of a double-header, followed by Villanova vs. No. 8 Brigham Young, led by rising NIL freshman standout
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           AJ Dybantsa
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , in the nightcap.
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In just his third season, Coach
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           - Men's Basketball Coach - Florida Gators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (76-33) guided the Gators to the 2025 national championship. Meanwhile, the Wildcats, under
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tommy Lloyd
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (112-33) in his fourth year, finished 24-13, fell to NCAA runner-up Houston in the Big 12 Tournament championship game, and advanced to the Sweet 16 as the No. 4 seed in the NCAA East Region before being eliminated by top-seeded Duke.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Arizona enters the season among a group of Big 12 contenders that includes Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas, and BYU, with Houston regarded as the favorite to capture the league title. The UF-Arizona clash stands out as the only game on college basketball’s opening night to feature two ranked teams.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           Wildcats guard
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Jaden Bradley
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (0) 
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Breakdown 
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF center 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu 
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida brings back four of the top eight contributors from its NCAA championship rotation. Leading the group are first-team preseason All-American
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and postseason standout
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , joined by starting center
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            and versatile 7-1 reserve
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . Together, this front court has the potential to be among the nation’s best. With three of the four expected to see heavy minutes, the Gators should rank as one of the premier rebounding teams in college basketball, particularly on the offensive glass.
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            Attention will also be on UF’s new-look backcourt featuring transfers
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Arkansas) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Princeton). Fland will handle the primary point guard duties, while Lee will also see opportunities to run the offense. Their shooting consistency, especially in capitalizing on second-chance opportunities created by offensive rebounds, will be critical in determining whether Florida is simply a strong team or capable of repeating as championship caliber.
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            Junior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has impressed with his shooting throughout the offseason, and that success carried into both closed-scrimmage victories, where he delivered a barrage of 3-pointers. Freshman wing
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is considered the rookie to watch, though fellow freshman guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-lloyd/17753" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Lloyd
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has shown promise as a player who could steadily improve as the season progresses, provided he earns the minutes.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arizona, meanwhile, returns three starters, highlighted by guard Jaden Bradley, who transferred from Alabama two years ago. Bradley scored 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including two made 3-pointers, in the team’s 81-68 exhibition win over Saint Mary’s two weeks ago. Forward Tobe Awaka, who averaged 8.0 points and a team-leading 7.8 rebounds across 36 starts after transferring from Tennessee last season, missed the exhibition games due to injury. That absence gave Tommy Lloyd a chance to evaluate Lithuanian big man Motiejus Krivas, now healthy after season-ending foot surgery last January.
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           Arizona also welcomed a six-player freshman class ranked among the nation’s top five. McDonald’s All-Americans Koa Peat and Brayden Burries have already stepped into starting roles. Bryce James, son of LeBron James, is part of the class but is not expected to play. Against Saint Mary’s, Peat, a physically imposing forward, and Burries, a skilled offensive guard, each scored 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, with Burries adding seven rebounds and two steals.
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           Numbers of Note
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           UF coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (center)
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           7
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — Current NCAA coaches with national championships: Kansas's Bill Self (2008, 2020); Connecticut's Dan Hurley (2023, 2024); St. John's Rick Pitino (Kentucky 1996); Michigan State's Tom Izzo (2000); Arkansas's John Calipari (Kentucky 2012); Baylor's Scott Drew (2021); Florida's
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (2025).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           11
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           — Straight victories by the Gators over teams ranked in the Associated Press top 25, a streak that includes seven consecutive wins against top 10 opponents and four against teams ranked in the top five.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           12,948
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           — Total miles traveled to and from UF’s seven road or neutral-site non-conference games over the next two months. For comparison, the Gators logged just over 16,000 miles during the entire 2024-25 season and did not surpass the 13,000-mile mark until their trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, for the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Bottom Line 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This season and this game promise plenty of excitement. OK, maybe not quite the level of fun from last year (that would be tough to match), but the potential for another highly successful campaign is definitely ther
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           e.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Email senior writer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           at
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Find his story archives
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1bdddf33.webp" length="176326" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2025 06:55:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/top-15-showdown-no-3-florida-battles-no-13-arizona-in-vegas</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Condon Earns Spot on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-earns-spot-on-kareem-abdul-jabbar-award-watch-list</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Alex Condon is one of four Gators recognized on Naismith Starting 5 preseason watch lists.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men’s basketball junior
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           has earned a spot on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Top 20 Preseason List, as announced Friday by the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Abdul-Jabbar Award is one of the Naismith Starting 5 positional honors.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Condon contributed 10.6 points per game and led the team with 7.5 rebounds during the Gators’ 2024-25 national championship run. He recorded seven double-doubles and secured third-team recognition on the coaches All-SEC squad. The Perth, Australia native has compiled 668 career points and 508 rebounds across his first two seasons at UF. Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, Condon has already collected preseason AP All-America honors, first-team All-SEC selection, and inclusion on the NABC Player of the Year Watch List.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           He joins three teammates who were also named preseason Naismith Starting 5 honorees earlier this year:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (Bob Cousy Award),
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (Jerry West Award), and
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (Karl Malone Award). Since its inception in 2015, the Abdul-Jabbar Award has recognized the nation’s top centers, and Condon becomes the first Gator to appear on its watch list since Colin Castleton (2022-23).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Preseason Watch List
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 season are officially SOLD OUT.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Pass 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes for the 2025-26 season are also SOLD OUT.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single Games 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Fans can secure tickets through
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ben+Hill+Griffin+Stadium/@29.6499459,-82.3512565,1960m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88e8a379c55b3a57:0xf870d075572b3ea2!8m2!3d29.6499413!4d-82.3486816!16zL20vMDVieHNx?entry=tts&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxMC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&amp;amp;skid=51593301-ad02-4488-8531-657a99b4ad00" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pack is currently on sale and includes admission to the Florida men’s basketball game vs. Merrimack on Friday, November 21, along with the Florida football game vs. Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus applicable taxes and fees.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Every fan attending the Merrimack men’s basketball game will also receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, courtesy of Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ea33176e.webp" length="155712" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 06:03:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-earns-spot-on-kareem-abdul-jabbar-award-watch-list</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ea33176e.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ea33176e.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Unveil Exciting 2025-26 Basketball Promotions</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-unveil-exciting-2025-26-basketball-promotions</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men's basketball has a full promotional schedule for the 2025-26 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Men's Basketball has released the promotional schedule for the 2025-26 season. More information about specific game themes, giveaways, and promotions will be shared as the season progresses.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game tickets are currently available for all home contests through
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com/tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling (352) 375-4683, or at the O'Connell Center Ticket Office beginning 90 minutes prior to each game.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Season-Long Promotions
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Giveaway Rack
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Stop by the Gate 1 lobby before games to pick up free items.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Orange &amp;amp; Blue Shakers
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Distributed on lower-level UF student seats for every game.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Meldon Law Sock Toss
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Fans can snag a pair of custom Albert &amp;amp; Alberta socks.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Pepsi Double Barrel T-Shirt Gatling Gun
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Get ready for free shirts launched into the crowd.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Alligator Alley on the Practice Court
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Interactive activities available before all five SEC weekend matchups.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Postgame Layups
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Kids ages 12 and under can take a layup on the court after six select games (FSU – 11/11, Dartmouth – 12/29, and SEC games vs. Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Mi Apá Free Throws
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Every fan receives one free empanada if the opposing team misses two straight free throws in the second half.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Game-by-Game Promotions
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Nov. 6 at 8 PM | North Florida | Opening Night Doubleheader
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            National Championship lapel pins and schedule posters for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            "GatorBoys Stay Hot" T-shirts for the first 1,000 UF students, courtesy of American Campus Communities.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Opportunity to win a 2025 National Championship team-signed basketball.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Halftime entertainment by Simon Sez.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free admission to the women’s basketball game vs. Chattanooga (5 PM) with a men’s basketball ticket.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Nov. 11 at 7 PM | Florida State | Veterans Day | Presented by VyStar
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Schedule magnets for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Rowdy Reptiles bucket hats for the first 1,000 UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Nov. 21 at 7 PM | Merrimack | Presented by Meldon Law
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Replica National Championship Giveaway for all fans in attendance (one per person), courtesy of Meldon Law.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dec. 17 at 6:30 PM | St. Francis | Doubleheader
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gators Santa hats for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Swag bags for Stars of Honor students before tipoff.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free admission to the women’s basketball game vs. FAMU (3 PM) with a men’s basketball ticket.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dec. 21 at 12 PM | Colgate | Doubleheader | Presented by Florida Credit Union
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida holiday scarves for the first 2,000 fans, courtesy of Florida Credit Union.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Albert and Alberta holiday photo station on the concourse.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free admission to the women’s basketball game vs. Tulsa (2:45 PM) with a men’s basketball ticket.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dec. 29 at 6 PM | Dartmouth
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SEC schedule koozies for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jan. 6 at 7 PM | Georgia | SEC Opener
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Cheer cards for the fir
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            st 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Knit hats for the first 1,000
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jan. 10 at 12 PM | Tennessee | Presented by UF Health
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Basketball lapel pins for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Blue shirseys for the first 1,000 UF students, courtesy of UF Health.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            O2B Kids Baby Race at halftime.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jan. 20 at 7 PM | LSU | Presented by Cox
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Cheer cards for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gators Basketball T-shirts for the first 1,000 UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jan. 24 at 4/4:30 PM | Auburn | Light Up the O'Dome Presented by Meldon Law
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            White LED PixMob wristbands for all fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            1,000 pairs of Pit Viper sunglasses for UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            One fan will attempt a full-court putt for $54,000.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Feb. 1 at 1 PM | Alabama | Presented by Regions
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Gators rope hats for the first 2,000 fans, courtesy of Regions.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Rowdy Reptiles replica jerseys for the first 1,000 UF students, courtesy of American Campus Communities.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Halftime show by magician and mentalist Jay Alexander.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Feb. 14 at 3 PM | Kentucky | Orange Out | Presented by GFL
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Orange T-shirts for all fans in the lower bowl.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Feb. 17 at 7 PM | South Carolina
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida lapel pins for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Big chain logo necklaces for the first 1,000 UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Feb. 28 at 8:30 PM | Arkansas | Presented by Florida Dairy Farmers
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Blue T-shirts for all fans in the lower bowl.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF students can enter to win Meta AI sunglasses.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mar. 3 at 8 PM | Mississippi State | Senior Day
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pregame Senior Day ceremony.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Senior cheer cards for the first 2,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tank tops for the first 1,000 UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025-26 Men's Basketball Ticket Options
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Season Tickets and Arena Passes – Sold out.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Single-Game Tickets
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Available now for all 2025-26 matchups.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             All Gators Weekend Pack
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Includes tickets to the men’s basketball game vs. Merrimack (Nov. 21) and the football game vs. Tennessee (Nov. 22) for $149 plus taxes and fees.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Rowdy Reptile for a Game Package
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Courtside student section seating for three Winter Break games (Dec. 17 vs. St. Francis, Dec. 21 vs. Colgate, Dec. 29 vs. Dartmouth) plus an exclusive Rowdy Reptiles T-shirt with each ticket. On sale by late November.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Group Tickets (15+ people)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            – Complete this form to be contacted by a Ticket Sales Specialist.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All promotions, giveaways, and themes are subject to change.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6cece7d2.webp" length="115570" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:42:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-unveil-exciting-2025-26-basketball-promotions</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6cece7d2.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6cece7d2.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thomas Haugh Named to Karl Malone Award Watch List</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thomas-haugh-named-to-karl-malone-award-watch-list</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh is the first Gator since Dorian Finney-Smith to make the Karl Malone Award watch list.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men’s basketball junior
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           has been selected to the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Top 20 Preseason List, as announced Thursday by the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Malone Award is one of the Naismith Starting 5 positional honors.
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           Haugh contributed 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as Florida’s sixth man during the Gators’ 2025 national championship run. He recorded four double-doubles, led the team in rebounding on eight occasions, and was the only player to score in all 40 games last season. The New Oxford, Pa., native earned a spot on the 2025 NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team after delivering 20 points and 11 rebounds in Florida’s Elite Eight victory over Texas Tech. Heading into the 2025-26 season, he has also been recognized with preseason second-team All-SEC honors by media vote.
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           Haugh joins teammates
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           Boogie Fland
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           (Bob Cousy Award) and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
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           (Jerry West Award) as fellow preseason Naismith Starting 5 honorees. First presented in 2015, the Malone Award now features Haugh as the first Gator named to its watch list since Dorian Finney-Smith (2015-16).
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Karl Malone Award Preseason Watch List
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           2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Information
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           Traditional season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 season are officially SOLD OUT.
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           Arena Pass 
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           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the 2025-26 season.
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           Single Games 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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            tickets during the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available.
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            Fans can purchase tickets through
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
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            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pack is currently on sale. This package includes admission to the Florida men’s basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, along with the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes and fees.
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           All fans attending the Merrimack men’s basketball game will also receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c7c348f1.webp" length="67062" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thomas-haugh-named-to-karl-malone-award-watch-list</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c7c348f1.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c7c348f1.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Trio Earns Coaches’ Preseason All-SEC Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-trio-earns-coaches-preseason-all-sec-honors</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Boogie Fland dribbles against assistant coach Dave Klatsky in practice.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/10/30/mens-basketball-trio-named-to-coaches-preseason-all-sec" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           have been selected to the men’s basketball coaches preseason All-SEC team, as announced Thursday by the Southeastern Conference.
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           The trio of Gators also earned spots on the
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/10/13/mens-basketball-tops-secs-preseason-media-poll-three-tabbed-all-sec" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           media's preseason All-SEC team
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           . Florida now prepares for a demanding nonconference schedule that features neutral-site matchups against Arizona, UConn, Miami, and TCU, along with a road trip to Duke and a home contest against Florida State.
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           The Gators will open the season on Monday, Nov. 3, facing Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas.
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            First Team   
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ,
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Otega Oweh, Kentucky
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Second Team   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ,
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Malik Dia, Ole Miss
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Mark Mitchell, Missouri
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Nate Ament, Tennessee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Third Team   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Aden Holloway, Alabama
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Karter Knox, Arkansas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           D.J. Wagner, Arkansas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ,
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Preseason Player of the Year   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Otega Oweh, Kentucky
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Information
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 season are officially SOLD OUT.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arena Pass   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Single Games   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can purchase tickets at
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            All Gators Weekend Pack   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pack is currently on sale. It includes admission to the Florida men’s basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes and fees.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All fans attending the Merrimack men’s basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c5b9d48e.webp" length="66066" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:35:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-trio-earns-coaches-preseason-all-sec-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alex Condon Named to Prestigious NABC Player of the Year Watch List</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alex-condon-named-to-prestigious-nabc-player-of-the-year-watch-list</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon is one of 20 on the NABC's preseason national player of the year watch list.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men’s basketball junior
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           has earned a spot on the National Association of Basketball Coaches preseason watch list for the 2026 NABC Division I Player of the Year Award.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           This recognition adds to Condon’s growing list of preseason honors, which already include AP All-America and first-team All-SEC accolades.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators will open their season on Monday, Nov. 3, against Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2026 NABC Division I Player of the Year – Preseason Watch List   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Nate Ament, Tennessee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Cameron Boozer, Duke
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ,
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Donovan Dent, UCLA
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           AJ Dybantsa, BYU
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           PJ Haggerty, Kansas State
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Graham Ike, Gonzaga
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Karaban, Connecticut
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Otega Oweh, Kentucky
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Darryn Peterson, Kansas
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Labaron Philon, Alabama
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Braden Smith, Purdue
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           JT Toppin, Texas Tech
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Milos Uzan, Houston
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Darrion Williams, North Carolina State
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Information   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 season are officially SOLD OUT.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arena Pass   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the 2025-26 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Single Games   
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can purchase tickets at
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pack is currently on sale. It includes admission to the Florida men’s basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes and fees.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All fans attending the Merrimack men’s basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:24:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alex-condon-named-to-prestigious-nabc-player-of-the-year-watch-list</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Charting the Gators: Florida’s Rare Ranked Season Openers</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/charting-the-gators-floridas-rare-ranked-season-openers</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           The No. 3 Florida men's basketball team will play 2025-26 season opener (and first game as reigning NCAA champions) Monday night at T-Mobile Arena, home to NHL Las Vegas Knights, against 13th-ranked Arizona.
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           –
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ’s commitment to analytics – from in-game strategy and scouting to recruiting and scheduling – quickly had him shaking his head early in his Florida tenure.
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           Golden was introduced as UF’s coach on March 18, 2022, and soon after reviewed the slate of games already contracted for his first season. The Gators were set for a road trip to Florida State, three high-major contests in the PK85 at Portland, a home matchup against rising Connecticut, and a neutral-site clash with Oklahoma.
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           Ooof.
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           Still, the game that stood out most to Golden from one of the toughest non-conference schedules in program history was the third of three consecutive home openers: Nov. 14 vs. Florida Atlantic.
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           Golden’s reaction to seeing a KenPom.com top-130 team from the prior year coming to Gainesville was essentially, "Who the hell scheduled this?"
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           The answer was the previous staff. Mike White, as professional courtesy often dictates, extended a favor to Dusty May, his former assistant who departed for FAU in 2017. White offered May a marquee, in-state opponent on the road. By the time the matchup arrived, White had moved on, and May didn’t return the favor. Instead, he brought his fifth Owls squad to Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center and handed Golden’s debut Gators a 76-74 defeat.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           That FAU team went on to finish 35-4 and reach the Final Four. Since then, Florida has scheduled strictly to Golden’s specifications: home games against analytically lower-ranked opponents, no home-and-home series with power-conference programs, and strong neutral-site contests designed to bolster the KenPom resume.
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           Which leads to Monday’s opener against 13th-ranked Arizona at the grand T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Hard to turn down an opener like that on national TV," UF assistant coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jonathan-safir/2083" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jonathan Safir
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           - Men's Basketball Coach - Florida Gators
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           said. "Even if it means going cross-country."
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           And that’s only the beginning. The matchup places Florida against its seventh ranked season-opening opponent – and the highest in 25 years. Looking at the broader picture, UF’s 2025-26 pre-Southeastern Conference schedule – FSU at home; Miami in Jacksonville; a Thanksgiving tournament in San Diego featuring Wisconsin, Providence, and Texas Christian; at Duke; UConn in New York City; and George Washington in Sunrise, Florida – may prove even more ambitious than Golden’s first year.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           That approach fits the reigning NCAA champions and reflects the Gators’ philosophy on scheduling.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            CHARTING THE GATORS: Hittin’ the Season Running vs Ranked Foes   
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            ﻿
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            Here’s a look back at the six previous occasions Florida opened a men’s basketball season against a ranked opponent. The Gators will carry a 2-4 record in those situations into ﻿
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            ﻿
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            Las Vegas, where they’ll face the No. 13 Arizona Wildcats.
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           Former Gators standout
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            Udonis Haslem 
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           (center)
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           Email senior writer 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            at 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           Find his story archives 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:30:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/charting-the-gators-floridas-rare-ranked-season-openers</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Unveils 2025–26 Promotional Lineup</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-unveils-202526-promotional-lineup</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With the season opener approaching, Florida women’s basketball has unveiled its promotional lineup for the 2025–26 campaign, which begins Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Additional updates will be shared as the season progresses. Single‑game tickets are available now for all home contests through the [Florida Gators Ticketing Page], by calling (352) 375‑4683, or at the O’Connell Center Ticket Office beginning 90 minutes prior to tip‑off.
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           Season‑Long Promotions
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            Giveaway Rack
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             — Fans can stop by the Gate 1 lobby before games to pick up free Gators merchandise.
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            Meldon Law Sock Toss
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            — Exclusive Albert socks will be tossed into the crowd.
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            Meldon Law Postgame Layups
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             — Kids ages 12 and under can take the court for a layup after five select games
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            (12/7 South Alabama, 1/4 South Carolina, 1/18 Missouri, 2/8 Arkansas, 2/22 Alabama).
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            Postgame Autographs
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             — Meet the team and collect autographs near Gate 1 following all Sunday home games
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            (12/7, 12/14, 12/28, 1/4, 1/18, 2/8, 2/22).
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            Kids Corner
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             — Interactive games and activities for children will be available near Gate 1 during Sunday home games
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            (same dates as above)
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            .
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            Mi Apá Free Throws
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            — Every fan receives a free empanada if the opposing team misses two consecutive free throws in the second half.
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           Game‑by‑Game Promotions
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           Nov. 3, 7 PM vs. North Florida | Opening Game
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    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/ism/V0IyNTAx?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=WBK-SINGLE&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_WBK-SINGLE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (buy tickets)
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            Schedule posters for the first 1,000 fans
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            Free donuts for the first 250 UF students
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            Enter‑to‑win four Florida Women’s Basketball season tickets
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           Nov. 6, 5 PM vs. Chattanooga
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            Men’s Basketball Doubleheader (8 PM vs. North Florida)
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            Team photo cards for the first 500 fans
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            Halftime performance by Simon Sez
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           Nov. 10, 7 PM vs. Jacksonville | Minecraft Night
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            Minecraft bucket hats for the first 500 kids ages 12 and under
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           Nov. 13, 7 PM vs. Samford | Club Sports Night
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            Schedule magnets for the first 500 fans
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           Nov. 20, 6:30 PM vs. Florida State | Wicked 2 Night
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            Wicked
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            ‑inspired T‑shirts for the first 500 UF students
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            Food for the first 50 UF students
           &#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Enter‑to‑win a
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            Wicked
           &#xD;
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             vinyl record set
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           Dec. 7, 2 PM vs. South Alabama | The Villages Night
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            Scratch‑off cards for the first 500 fans
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Coloring station
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           Dec. 14, 2 PM vs. West Georgia | Comfy &amp;amp; Cozy Day
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            Gators pajama pants for the first 500 fans
           &#xD;
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Write letters to Santa
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           Dec. 17, 2:30 PM vs. Florida A&amp;amp;M | Holiday Game
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            Men’s Basketball Doubleheader (6:30 PM vs. St. Francis)
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            Blue Gators Santa hats for the first 2,000 fans
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           Dec. 21, 2:45 PM vs. Tulsa
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            Men’s Basketball Doubleheader (12 PM vs. Colgate)
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            Florida holiday scarves for the first 2,000 fans
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Face painting
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           Dec. 28, 2 PM vs. Furman
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            SEC schedule koozies for the first 500 fans
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Coloring station
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           Jan. 4, 2 PM vs. South Carolina | Alberta &amp;amp; Friends Day
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            Alberta squish pillows for the first 1,000 fans
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            Enter‑to‑win four Disney tickets to Magic Kingdom
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            Swag bags for Stars of Honor students
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Meet Alberta and mascot friends
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           Jan. 8, 7 PM vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
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            Cream replica jerseys presented by Publix for the first 500 fans
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           Jan. 18, TBA vs. Missouri | We Back Pat Game
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            Blue corduroy throwback hats for the first 500 fans
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            Halftime: Corgi Race
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Coloring station
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           Jan. 29, 7 PM vs. Texas
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            Plush Gator hats for the first 500 UF students
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            Food for the first 50 UF students
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            Enter‑to‑win a MacBook Pro
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            Halftime: Grace Good
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           Feb. 5, 7 PM vs. Auburn | Play4Kay
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            Pink sherpa bucket hats for the first 500 UF students
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            Food for the first 50 UF students
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           Feb. 8, 12 PM vs. Arkansas | Super Blue Sunday | Alumni Day
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            Blue T‑shirts presented by Campus USA Credit Union for the first 500 UF students
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Meet Bluey
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            Enter‑to‑win a Super Blue Prize Pack (snacks, grill, Gators grilling set)
           &#xD;
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           Feb. 22, 12 PM vs. Alabama | Spirit Day
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            Blue tie‑dye T‑shirts for the first 1,000 fans
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            Lil’ Gators Activity: Balloon artist
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           Feb. 26, 6 PM vs. Ole Miss | Senior Day
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            Shoe charm packs for the first 500 UF students
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            Food for the first 50 UF students
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            Enter‑to‑win Gator Crocs and a Crocs gift card
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           2025–26 Women’s Basketball Ticket Options
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2023/2/1/womens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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             Season Tickets
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             — Available now for the 2025–26 season
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2023/2/1/womens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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             Single-Game Tickets
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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             — On sale for all matchups
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            Group Tickets (15+ people)
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             — Complete
            &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            this form
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             to be contacted by a Ticket Sales Specialist
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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             Full Schedule
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             — View the complete 2025–26 Florida Women’s Basketball schedule here.
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           All promotions, giveaways, and themes are subject to change.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9d549969.webp" length="110826" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:09:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-unveils-202526-promotional-lineup</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9d549969.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Inside-Out Impact: Thomas Haugh Thrives on the Wing</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/inside-out-impact-thomas-haugh-thrives-on-the-wing</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           A new role as a small forward won't alter the emotional game of fiery junior Thomas Haugh, one of the (many) heroes of UF's run to the 2025 NCAA championship last April.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           – Just days before the official start of fall practice,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           sat comfortably in a chair inside the Hathcock Basketball Complex, chatting with a few Florida teammates while observing another group of Gators running through shooting drills.
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           Known for his constant smile and approachable demeanor, Haugh greeted a visitor with a nod and light conversation before the topic inevitably shifted to basketball. Recently, another college basketball analyst took to social media to express doubts about the 6-foot-9, 215-pound Haugh—one of the standout figures from the Gators' remarkable NCAA Tournament run last spring—transitioning from the power forward "4" role he had played for two seasons to the wing "3" spot on the perimeter as he enters his junior year.
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           "A lot of the so-called experts, Tommy, aren't sure you can do it."
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           Haugh simply shrugged at the remark, treating it like an easy pitch.
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           "Who cares?" he replied with a grin.
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           Inside the Hathcock Basketball Complex, nobody seemed concerned. The outside critics are likely the same voices who insisted the Gators lacked a point guard last season. And we all saw how that turned out.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Haugh_Thomas_MBK_Headshot_250911_7271__gOoTr.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Thomas Haugh
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            It’s safe to say that UF coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            and his staff have more than earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to roster construction, particularly with their success in the transfer portal. Golden also has a clear knack for making things happen on the court, where he remains committed to a two-big system. The vision for Haugh to eventually shift from the paint to the wing has been in place since the Gators signed the lean, energetic, high-motor prospect out of his elite Pennsylvania prep school three years ago. Comparisons to Chandler Parsons began almost immediately.
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           Now, Haugh’s growth and progression have lined up seamlessly with the position of the third-ranked Gators as they head into the 2025-26 season, opening Monday night against No. 13 Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series at Las Vegas. A large contingent of NBA scouts will be at T-Mobile Arena, many of whom already project Haugh as a small forward at the next level. They conveyed that to him during his brief stint last spring in the NBA evaluation process.
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            "He's going to be a really impactful player at that spot," UF junior forward and close friend
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           Alex Condon
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            said.
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           As a freshman, Haugh averaged 3.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 15 minutes per game. By his sophomore year, he raised those numbers to 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, while also boosting his shooting efficiency—improving by 9% from beyond the arc and nearly 34% at the free-throw line. That season, Haugh established himself as one of the nation’s premier sixth men and delivered some of the most crucial shots during the Gators’ remarkable championship run.
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           Thomas Haugh
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           (right) loads up for a 3-ball in UF's scrimmage defeat of FIU on Oct. 18.
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            In the team’s two preseason scrimmages this month—victories over Florida International and No. 17 Illinois—Haugh averaged 17.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. He shot 61% from the field, nearly 36% from beyond the arc, and converted all seven of his free throws in his first live action at the wing position, a spot held almost exclusively (and impressively) the past two seasons by guard
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           Will Richard
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           , now with the NBA Golden State Warriors. Haugh’s trademark long, wiry, and relentless defense remained a key part of his game.
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           "Yeah, it does feel different because I'm out in the corner a lot, but honestly, it's felt pretty natural," said Haugh, who has shifted from the high-low action he played almost exclusively as a freshman and sophomore to ball screens and face-up opportunities outside the paint in halfcourt sets. "At first, it was hard just knowing where to go and finding the right spots, but I'm used to it now."
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           Golden noted that a casual basketball observer might struggle to distinguish between "Tommy the 4" and "Tommy the 3" because of Haugh’s style of play—always hard, always in the thick of the action.
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           "You'll see a lot of the same things with Tommy that made him such an impactful, winning player last year," Golden said, adding that Haugh will still see some possessions in the post throughout the season. "Bottom line, he's going to be around the ball a lot. I think his effort, hustle and winning plays will be on display as often as they were before. The one difference may be his propensity for taking more perimeter shots, but other than that a lot of the same things will show up."
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            One of the biggest changes—perhaps less for Haugh individually than for the team—will be the Gators having three members of what is arguably the nation’s best front court on the floor at once. With Haugh moving to the "3," the team gains that advantage, positioning itself to at least match its standing as the nation’s No. 5 offensive rebounding squad last season (38.5%), and potentially improve with a rotation featuring Haugh, Condon, 6-11, 265-pound
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , or 7-1, 265-pound
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           Micah Handlogten
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            logging significant minutes together.
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           "Just naturally, there probably won't be as many defensive rebound opportunities for him because those [other two bigs] are going to be close to the rim," Golden said. "But I think he'll have plenty of games where he's stuffing the stat sheet in the rebounding column."
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           Last season, Haugh recorded five double-digit rebounding performances, including a career-best-tying 11 boards in the Elite Eight win over third-seeded and ninth-ranked Texas Tech. He also scored 20 points in that game, knocking down four 3-pointers, with two coming during the rally from a 12-point deficit in the final seven minutes.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (10) bombed four 3s, including two clutch ones during the late-second half comeback, on his way to a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double in UF's defeat of Texas Tech in the NCAA West Region title game last March 29 at San Francisco. His dedication to working in the gym showed up in his freshman year (25.4% from 3 and 46.7% from the free-throw line) to sophomore season (34.0 from 3 and 79.4 at the line). 
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           In the analytics realm—where Golden’s Gators thrive—Haugh ranked as the 13th-best player nationally (and sixth in the Southeastern Conference) in overall offensive efficiency. He also placed 206th in the country (6th in SEC) in offensive rebounding percentage at 10.7.
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           Haugh closed last season fifth on the team in scoring, third in rebounding, fourth in steals and 3-point percentage, and third in blocks, while averaging 24.4 minutes per game. This year, expect Haugh—widely regarded as the best-conditioned athlete on the roster—to log 33-34 minutes per contest, still playing at his trademark 110 mph pace.
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           "We expect him to be out there a lot," Golden said.
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           For the Gators to reach their full potential, Haugh must continue to be a perimeter threat. He shot 34.0% from three-point range last season on 103 attempts. By comparison, Richard connected at 35.9% on 223 attempts. The message is clear: keep firing, young man.
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           "Shooting is what I've really focused on. I have to be really comfortable shooting the ball," said Haugh, who spent the summer in the gym, with the results already evident in live action. "Defenses have to respect my shot. That will open up space, get them to close out and allow me to cut and make plays."
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           And then, of course, comes the defensive side of the game.
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           Don't expect a more seasoned and stronger 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            to shy away from the new defensive challenges he'll face on the perimeter.
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           The skeptics mentioned earlier will be watching closely to see how Haugh handles defending more skilled face-the-basket players compared to traditional low-post matchups. That shouldn’t pose a problem. Throughout last season, Haugh was tasked with switching in the halfcourt against opponents across the "1" through "5" positions. Thanks to his size, athleticism, and relentless effort, he’s proven capable of guarding them all. Staying sharp in transition defense against quicker players will also be essential.
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           "I'll just take it all as a challenge," he said. "Some guys will be quicker, some guys will be bigger. I'm good with all of it."
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           It’s the perfect response, especially since his team is counting on Haugh to be very good—if not great—in his new role.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           Find his story archives
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           here
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-91dbd6eb.webp" length="105896" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:09:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/inside-out-impact-thomas-haugh-thrives-on-the-wing</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Xaivian Lee Earns Spot on Jerry West Award Watch List</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/xaivian-lee-earns-spot-on-jerry-west-award-watch-list</link>
      <description />
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           Xaivian Lee is one of 20 players named to the Jerry West Award preseason watch list.
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           Share:
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           Florida men's basketball senior 
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           XaivianLee
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            has been named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Top 20 Preseason List, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday. The West Award is part of the Naismith Starting 5 positional awards.
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           A two-time first-team All-Ivy League performer at Princeton, Lee transferred to UF this offseason after averaging 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season. A Toronto native, Lee has tallied 1,154 points, 406 rebounds, 302 assists and 124 3-point field goals in three career seasons entering 2025-26.
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           Lee joins backcourt mate 
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           Boogie Fland
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            as a preseason Naismith Starting 5 honoree, with Fland named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list on Monday. The West Award has been presented since 2015, and the Gators' 
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           Alijah Martin
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            was on last season's midseason watch list.
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             ﻿
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           Jerry West Award Preseason Watch List
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           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
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           Traditional season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are now officially SOLD OUT.
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           Arena Pass 
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           Arena Passes have also reached capacity and are officially SOLD OUT for the season.
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           Single Games 
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           Single-game
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            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are currently available.
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            Fans can secure tickets through
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           Fl
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           oridaGators.com
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            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
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           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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           All Gators Weekend Pack 
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    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
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            Pack is now on sale. This package includes admission to the Florida men's basketball matchup against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, along with the Florida football showdown against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, all for $149 plus applicable taxes and fees.
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           Every fan attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:05:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/xaivian-lee-earns-spot-on-jerry-west-award-watch-list</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Fland Earns Bob Cousy Watch List Honor as Gators Gear Up</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/fland-earns-bob-cousy-watch-list-honor-as-gators-gear-up</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Boogie Fland brings the ball up the floor in a preseason scrimmage.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men's basketball sophomore guard
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           B
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           oogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           has earned a spot on the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Top 20 Preseason List, as announced Monday by the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Cousy Award is one of the Naismith Starting 5 positional honors.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fland joined UF this offseason after posting 13.5 points and 5.1 assists with a 3.72 assist-to-turnover ratio across 21 games during his freshman year at Arkansas. The Bronx, N.Y., native also received preseason second-team All-SEC recognition from media voters.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Cousy Award has been presented annually since 2004, and the Gators'
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           was one of the five finalists for the 2024-25 season.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
          &#xD;
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           Traditional season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are officially SOLD OUT.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Arena Pass
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single Games
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are now available.
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            Fans can purchase tickets at
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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            ﻿
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pack is now on sale, offering admission to the Florida men's basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, along with the Florida football matchup vs. Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes/fees.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           All fans attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c0a6edf8.webp" length="53834" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:06:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/fland-earns-bob-cousy-watch-list-honor-as-gators-gear-up</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Inside Gator Tales: Todd Golden Joins Sean Kelley Ahead of Tipoff</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/inside-gator-tales-todd-golden-joins-sean-kelley-ahead-of-tipoff</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Boogie Fland (#0) and Rueben Chinyelu defend at a recent scrimmage.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gator-tales-with-sean-kelley-mens-hoops-preview-with/id1036270178?i=1000733190901" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2025-12-26+154630.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gator Tales with
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Presented by UF Health, turns its attention to the court this week as Episode 53 spotlights head men's basketball coach
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ahead of Florida's Nov. 3 season opener vs. Arizona.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           With the 2026 season set to begin in Las Vegas in under two weeks, Golden and Kelley break down a busy offseason for the reigning National Champions. Golden also offers a look at what lies ahead for the AP's Preseason No. 3 team, which once again enters the year with major expectations.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           After cutting down the nets last April, Golden became the youngest head coach to lead his team to a national championship since Jim Valvano in 1983. Under his guidance, the Gators wrapped up the season on a 12-game winning streak, highlighted by victories over nine top-25 opponents, including No. 1 seeds Auburn and Houston.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Be sure to follow us on social and send in your questions and comments. Your submission might even be featured on a future episode.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can tune in to the podcast on
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Apple Podcasts
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ,
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Spotify
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
            and
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           YouTube
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , as well as on FloridaGators.com. . For additional details, visit the
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Tales page
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets are officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arena Pass
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Single Games
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are now available.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans may purchase tickets at
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            All Gators Weekend Pack
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pack is now on sale, offering admission to the Florida men's basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes/fees.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All fans attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-13ef62f6.webp" length="42456" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:53:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/inside-gator-tales-todd-golden-joins-sean-kelley-ahead-of-tipoff</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-13ef62f6.webp">
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    <item>
      <title>Liv McGill Earns All‑SEC Second Team Honors for Florida Gators</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-earns-allsec-second-team-honors-for-florida-gators</link>
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            BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference announced Wednesday that sophomore guard
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           Liv McGill
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            has been selected to the 2025–26 Preseason All‑SEC Second Team.
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           McGill made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, emerging as a vital contributor in the starting lineup. She led the Gators in scoring with an average of 16.5 points per game and set a program record for most points in a freshman season with 611. Her performance helped Florida reach the Quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. She was honored on the 2025 SEC All‑Freshman Team and earned a spot on the WBIT All‑Tournament Team after guiding the Gators to the Semifinals.
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           The Minneapolis native will look to build on that success as Florida begins its 2025–26 season on Nov. 3, hosting North Florida at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at 7 p.m.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:57:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-earns-allsec-second-team-honors-for-florida-gators</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Golden &amp; Condon Hit Gator Talk: Florida Preps for Season Tipoff</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-condon-hit-gator-talk-florida-preps-for-season-tipoff</link>
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           Boogie Fland (#0) and Rueben Chinyelu defend at a recent scrimmage.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Six months after capturing a national championship, men's basketball head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           and starting forward
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           Alex Condon
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           are set to appear on Gator Talk, presented by Dream Finders Homes, on Thursday. They will be joined by the Voice of the Gators, Sean Kelly, as they look ahead to the 2025-26 season, which begins Nov. 3 in Las Vegas.
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           All attendees will receive 10% off all non-discounted items at Miller's Ale House, where the Thursday night special features prime rib.
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           After cutting down the nets last season, Golden became the youngest head coach to lead his team to a national championship since Jim Valvano in 1983. Under his direction, the Gators ended the year on a 12-game winning streak, highlighted by victories over nine top-25 opponents, including No. 1 seeds Auburn and Houston.
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           Condon, named Monday to the five-man preseason Associated Press All-America team, returns as Florida's leading scorer from last season. During the 2024-25 campaign, the Perth, Australia native averaged 10.6 points and recorded seven double-doubles.
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           Florida football interim head coach
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           Billy Gonzales
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , along with select football student-athletes, will headline four of the five remaining shows. Each episode will air from 7-8 p.m.
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           New Florida volleyball head coach Ryan Theis made his Gator Talk debut on Sept. 25.
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           Gator Talk is a weekly, hour-long program that highlights the latest in Gator athletics. The show airs across all
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           38 affiliates of the Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD
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           , as well as on the
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           Florida Gators Mobile App
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           and the
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           Varsity Mobile App
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           .
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           Fans are invited to attend the live broadcast from 7 - 8 p.m. at
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           Gainesville's Miller's Ale House.
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            2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets are officially SOLD OUT for the 2025-26 season.
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            Arena Pass
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           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming season.
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            Single Games
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           Single-game tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are now available.
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           Fans can purchase tickets at FloridaGators.com, by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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            All Gators Weekend Pack
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           The All Gators Weekend Pack is now on sale, offering admission to the Florida men's basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes/fees.
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           All fans attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:43:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-condon-hit-gator-talk-florida-preps-for-season-tipoff</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Surge to No. 3: Florida Earns Elite Preseason Ranking</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-surge-to-no-3-florida-earns-elite-preseason-ranking</link>
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           Boogie Fland (#0) and Rueben Chinyelu defend at a recent scrimmage.
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           Florida men's basketball enters the season ranked third in the preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll, which was
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           released on Wednesday
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           . The Gators also picked up one first-place vote.
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           This is the third instance in program history that Florida has earned a top-five preseason ranking (No. 5 in 2001-02; No. 1 in 2006-07) and the 12th time the team has opened a season inside the coaches' top 10. The poll is determined by voters representing each of the 32 Division I conferences that receive an automatic NCAA tournament bid.
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           Florida’s schedule includes nine matchups against eight teams ranked in the preseason top 25, with a possible 10th game against Wisconsin at the Rady Children's Invitational. Four more 2025-26 opponents are listed among those receiving votes.
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           Florida also landed at
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           t
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           hird in the AP preseason poll
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           . The Gators begin the 2025-26 campaign against Arizona at the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas on Nov. 3.
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            Coaches Preseason Top 25
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           First-place votes in parentheses
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            Purdue (18)
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            Houston (12)
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             Florida (1)
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            UConn*
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            Duke*
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            St. John's
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            Michigan
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            BYU
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            Kentucky*
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            Louisville
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Texas Tech
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            UCLA
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arizona*
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Illinois
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arkansas*
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alabama*
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tennessee*
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Iowa State
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kansas
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gonzaga
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Michigan State
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Auburn*
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Creighton
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Wisconsin^
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            North Carolina
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Receiving votes: NC State, Oregon, San Diego St., Ohio St., Baylor, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Texas, Villanova, Missouri, Ole Miss, Washington, Saint Mary's, Iowa, Cincinnati, VCU, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Boise State
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           *2025-26 Opponent; ^Potential Rady Children's Invitational Opponent
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida's Preseason Rankings
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are officially SOLD OUT.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Pass
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes are also officially SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single Games
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men's basketball season are now available.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Fans may purchase tickets through
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pack is now on sale, offering access to the Florida men's basketball matchup against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, along with the Florida football game versus Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes/fees.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           All fans attending the Merrimack men's basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-923b42ef.webp" length="76840" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:17:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-surge-to-no-3-florida-earns-elite-preseason-ranking</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-923b42ef.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-923b42ef.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Nine Gators Tip Off the NBA Season: Florida’s Pro Legacy Grows</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/nine-gators-tip-off-the-nba-season-floridas-pro-legacy-grows</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr. enters his rookie season with the Utah Jazz.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           With three NBA Draft selections this year, the Gators head into the 2025-26 campaign featuring nine players on NBA opening day rosters.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (Jazz),
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (Raptors two-way) and
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           (Warriors) all entered the NBA following last season’s national championship run. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal (Clippers), Dorian Finney-Smith (Rockets) and Al Horford (Warriors) each joined new teams during the offseason.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andrew Nembhard continues his tenure with the defending Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. Tre Mann begins his fifth NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets and Colin Castleton recently secured a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Beyond the nine players set for the 2025-26 season, the Gators also feature numerous former players, coaches and staff members holding roles across NBA coaching staffs and front offices.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The NBA season opens Tuesday evening with Finney-Smith’s Rockets facing the Thunder, followed by Horford and Richard’s Warriors taking on the Lakers.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gators on 2025-26 NBA Opening Day Rosters
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bradley Beal, Los Angeles Clippers
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Colin Castleton, Orlando Magic (two-way)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Utah Jazz
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dorian Finney-Smith, Houston Rockets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Al Horford, Golden State Warriors
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tre Mann, Charlotte Hornets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Toronto Raptors (two-way)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Golden State Warriors
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025-26 NBA Staff (Florida role)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bennett-andersen/16989" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bennett Andersen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , San Antonio Spurs, Operations Assistant (player/manager)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Corey Brewer, New Orleans Pelicans, Assistant Coach (player)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           RC Buford, San Antonio Spurs, CEO (assistant coach)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder, Head Coach (assistant to the head coach)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls, Head Coach (head coach)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Billy Donovan III, Windy City Bulls, Head Coach (player)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andrew Ford, Brooklyn Nets, Scouting Coordinator (manager)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Adam Glessner, San Antonio Spurs, Associate VP of Player Personnel (manager)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jack May, Miami Heat, Video Room Intern (player)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kenny McCraney, Miami Heat, Senior Director of Player Programs (assistant coach)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Schuyler Rimmer, Phoenix Suns, Assistant Coach (player)
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           Billy Schmidt, Chicago Bulls, Assistant Coach (assistant to the head coach)
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           Daniel Starkman, Atlanta Hawks, VP of Player Personnel (manager)
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           DeVon Walker, OKC Thunder, Director of Advance Scouting and Player Analyst (player)
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           Mike Weinar, Indiana Pacers, Assistant Coach (manager)
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ryan Winters, Brooklyn Nets, Pro Scout (manager)
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      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:05:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/nine-gators-tip-off-the-nba-season-floridas-pro-legacy-grows</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Alex Condon Earns Preseason AP All-America Honors for Florida Gators</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alex-condon-earns-preseason-ap-all-america-honors-for-florida-gators</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Alex Condon becomes the first Gator since Joakim Noah to earn preseason AP All-America recognition.
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           Florida junior
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           Alex Condon
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           has been selected to the five-man preseason Associated Press All-America team, the AP announced Monday.
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           Condon, the Gators’ leading returning scorer from last season with 10.6 points per game, also earned a first-team All-SEC honor and Blue Ribbon Yearbook first-team All-America recognition this preseason. The Perth, Australia native recorded seven double-doubles during Florida’s 2024-25 national championship run, and his 103 offensive rebounds ranked as the third-most in a single season in program history.
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           Florida has produced only one first-team All-America honoree in its history, with
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           earning the distinction for his 2024-25 performance. The last Gator to receive preseason AP All-America recognition was Joakim Noah ahead of the 2006-07 season.
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           Condon joins Braden Smith (Purdue, unanimous selection), JT Toppin (Texas Tech), Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan), and AJ Dybantsa (BYU) on the
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           Associated Press
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           preseason team.
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           No. 3-ranked Florida begins its 2025-26 campaign on Monday, Nov. 3, against 13th-ranked Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas. The Gators will host their home opener on Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. versus North Florida.
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            2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Information 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets are SOLD OUT for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
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            Arena Pass 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes are SOLD OUT for the 2025-26 season.
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            Single Games 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can purchase tickets at
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           FloridaGators.com
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
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           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            All Gators Weekend Pack 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pack is currently available for $149 plus taxes/fees. It includes admission to the Florida men’s basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           All fans attending the Merrimack basketball game will also receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:11:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alex-condon-earns-preseason-ap-all-america-honors-for-florida-gators</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c14d26ee.webp">
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      <title>Brotherly Bond Fuels Florida Gators Basketball Journey</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/brotherly-bond-fuels-florida-gators-basketball-journey</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           The Brown brothers from Orlando: sophomore Isaiah (left) and senior transfer AJ (right)
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           – When asked if he remembered the first time he defeated his older brother in a one-on-one game,
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           Isaiah Brown
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           didn’t hesitate.
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           "Very clearly," he said.
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           For
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           AJ Brown
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           , two years older than Isaiah, the memory wasn’t quite as sharp.
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           "Controversial ending," he said.
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           The moment dates back nearly a decade. Game point. Isaiah trailed 14-13, with the next basket deciding the winner. He tried to use his size to back AJ down, but AJ held his ground. A drive to the left failed. A drive to the right—same result. AJ blocked both attempts.
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           Isaiah decided to simplify things.
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           "I just backed away and threw up a shot," Isaiah said. "It went in and I ran into the house."
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           Isaiah quickly announced his victory to the family before heading to his room, trailed by AJ, who wasn’t ready to concede.
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           "We're going to 21," AJ said.
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           And so, the game continued.
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           The Browns’ basketball journeys—both shared and individual—have largely been shaped by fierce competition that eventually led to success. Together, they captured two state championships in high school. AJ went on to shine as a mid-major standout at Ohio University in the Mid-American Conference. Isaiah, following a different path, signed with Florida and celebrated a national championship as a freshman.
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           Now, in 2025, the brothers’ story that began in an Orlando driveway has come full circle. AJ and Isaiah are teammates for the Gators, competing against each other once again—this time for backup minutes at the small forward and shooting guard spots.
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           And they’re perfectly fine with it.
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           Top: 
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           Isaiah
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            (left) and 
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           AJ
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            (right) after winning their first of back-to-back state championships at Orlando Christian Prep.
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           Bottom: Cute kids mugging for the camera
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           "For me, it's basketball. The better player wins," AJ said. "Whatever the coaches see as the best fit for the season, that's what it's going to be. I mean, we're going to be competitive. We're going to be at each other's throats. But at the end of the day it's the coaches' decision."
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           At the end of the day, though, they’re still brothers—the first sibling duo to play together for Florida men’s basketball since Dwayne and Travis Schintzius shared part of the 1989-90 season (preceded by Joe and Pat Lawrence from 1984-87).
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           "There is never going to be bad blood between AJ and me," said Isaiah, who is known to his teammates as "Zay." "It's more like, if he plays, I'm glad. 'Yeah, go for it.' If I'm playing, he's going to cheer for me."
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           The Brown brothers cutting up with teammate
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            Cooper Josefsberg
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            (left) during a studio photo shoot.
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            Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           , now in his fourth season at Florida and seventh overall as a head coach, utilizes a rotation system of eight to nine players that gradually tightens as the season progresses.
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            The Gators boast depth in the front court, highlighted by junior
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           Thomas Haugh
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            —considered one of the nation’s top sixth men last year—who is now firmly set at the "3" position after spending the past two seasons primarily as a backup "4." Competing for minutes behind Haugh, as well as for the third shooting guard spot behind Princeton transfer
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           Xaivian Lee
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            and returning junior
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           Urban Klavzar
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           , are the Brown brothers, each battling to carve out their place in the rotation.
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           AJ
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            (foreground) and
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            Isaiah 
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           (background) during a summer morning conditioning session at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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            During the opening month of fall practice, freshman
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           CJ Ingram
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            has stood out in the backup "3" role, logging significant time with the blue (front-line) squad during full-contact scrimmages.
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           Meanwhile, AJ and Isaiah have primarily been working with the white (scout) team as they continue striving to make an impact. There’s still plenty of opportunity ahead.
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            "They've both been up and down, but they're competing and that's all we ask," said UF associate head coach
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           Korey McCray
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           , who works with the guards and often reminds the reserves that three starters from last season’s 36-4 team missed games due to injuries. "What it looks like today may not be what it looks like that tomorrow. You have to stay ready."
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           The coaching staff also plays a role in that process.
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            "You keep coaching them, keep encouraging them, but it has to come from themselves," said
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           Taurean Green
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           , who directs player development. "They're both older players now. Zay is in his second year. AJ is a veteran college player. This is his fourth year. They know what to expect in college basketball. They've got to be able to bring it consistently. They know what it takes to play at a high level and what it takes to win."
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           The Brown family (from left): father 
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           Ronald Jr.
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           , 
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           AJ
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           , 
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           Ronald III
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           , 
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           Siarah
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           , 
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           Isaiah
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            and mother 
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           Sheraida
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           .
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           AJ is 21 years old with 62 career games and 731 points to his name. Isaiah, at 19, has appeared in just 19 games and tallied 36 points so far in his young career. The Browns were five years younger when they captured the first of back-to-back Class 2A state championships at Orlando Christian Prep. AJ once posted 35 points in a game, while Isaiah later surpassed that mark with 45.
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           Winning is something they both know well, though their individual styles of play are quite different. Interestingly, they don’t look much alike either, despite both standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds.
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           "You should see my twin sister," AJ said. "She looks nothing like me."
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           Isaiah added: "The best way to explain it is that he's more Type A and I'm more Type B. I'm going to let it happen, he's going to make it happen. Honestly, I think that's the only way we're different because we both love to laugh, listen to the same music and are strong in our faiths. We're common in so many ways."
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           But when it comes to basketball, the differences are clear.
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           Father Ronald Brown Jr. summed up their contrasting skill sets: "Finesse player versus a brute."
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            AJ fits the finesse label. At Ohio, he averaged 11.4 points across three seasons, highlighted by a career-best 28 in the 2023 Mid-American Conference Tournament against Ball State as a freshman (earlier that season, AJ scored 14 points in an 82-48 loss to UF at Tampa). As a senior, he produced 13.2 points per game while shooting 47.1% from the field, 38.8% from three-point range, and 82.0% from the free-throw line. For perspective, his 139 made threes were 22 more than
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            knocked down last season for the Gators. At his peak, AJ can truly stroke it.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/aj-brown/17750" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           AJ Brown
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            (3) was a volume 3-point shooter at Ohio U, where he hit 37.7% from deep over his three seasons.
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           During a stretch in ’25 where he scored in double figures in 15 of 16 games, AJ’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury suffered against rival Miami-Ohio. Six weeks later, he was watching from home as Florida defeated Houston to capture the NCAA title in San Antonio on April 7.
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           "I was so happy for my brother. I felt like I was there," he said.
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           Following the injury, AJ entered the transfer portal and chose to join his younger brother at UF. Less than a month after arriving in Gainesville, he underwent shoulder surgery and spent nearly the entire summer rehabbing. He was cleared for full-contact practice just before the official start of fall workouts. A medical redshirt for the 2025-26 season remains a possibility, though AJ’s progress toward regaining his hot-shooting Ohio Bobcat form continues.
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           "Honestly, the Lord has been good to our family," Ronald Brown said. "AJ had other options and, truth be told, he really loved playing for Ohio. But the opportunity came up and it was something, as a family, we sat down and talked about. Even for AJ, as many years as he was at Ohio and how much he played, he understood that coming to Florida was like starting over again. Everything was going to be different. Everything was going to be harder. But playing with his brother was ultimately why he made the decision."
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           Isaiah, a left-handed player with bounce, logged 71 minutes as a freshman last season. His most significant action came in a Southeastern Conference home game against Vanderbilt, where he played six minutes while Clayton was sidelined with an ankle injury. Earlier in the season, he scored nine points—including two 3-pointers—in seven minutes against Florida A&amp;amp;M, and added seven points with four rebounds in 10 minutes versus North Florida. Of the two brothers, Isaiah is clearly the superior athlete, capable of using his athleticism to play with physicality when he chooses.
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           Even AJ acknowledges it.
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           "Not everybody can be blessed with a 40-inch vertical jump," he said.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/17740" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
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            with a run-out slam as a freshman against Stetson last season.
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            Although Isaiah logged only three total minutes across the Gators’ six NCAA Tournament games, the image of him in tears, embracing best friend
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            during the national final celebration at the Alamodome, showed just how much the season meant to him.
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           "One of the things that he understands was that he might not have played on the court, but he was part of the program and helping guys get better each and every day," Ronald Brown said. "A lot of people don't understand or appreciate how much the day-to-day routine and practice matter."
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           Fast forward to today.
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           The Brown Brothers, '2025-26
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            The Browns spend most of their time on the white team during scrimmages. Facing players like Haugh,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           , Reuben Chinyelu and others, some days prove more challenging for the backups—tests that only demand greater toughness. Push through. Compete.
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           Just two weekends ago, the white team defeated the blue in an O’Dome scrimmage, a result that thrilled the coaches (and frustrated the starters). After a week of ups and downs, the Browns delivered an excellent performance that day—Isaiah in particular stood out.
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           According to Green, when they’re at their best:
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           * On Isaiah: "A big, athletic, physical SEC body. He has a high motor. When he plays under control he is an effective player. Just needs to keep the game simple. Crash hard, throw his body around."
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           * On AJ: "He needs to get his rhythm back and hunt shots. He's a very good shooter. He's got a slow and smooth release, but he's a smart enough player to get it off and know he has to be aggressive on offense. It's harder on the white team, but they've been practicing long enough to understand what they're up against, who they're up against and what they need to do."
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           In short, the message remains the same: keep working, keep competing—just like those driveway battles from years ago.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
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           at
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    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           Find his story archives
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/chris-harry/archives" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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           .
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      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:06:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/brotherly-bond-fuels-florida-gators-basketball-journey</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Basketball Single-Game Tickets Available Now</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-basketball-single-game-tickets-available-now</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Urban Klavzar and the Gators are set to tip off the 2025-26 season.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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            tickets for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are officially available.
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            Fans can secure their tickets through
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
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            , by contacting the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or by visiting Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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            Arena Pass 
           &#xD;
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            While traditional season tickets that require Booster contributions are sold out,
           &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            remain available for the 2025-26 season. For $450, fans receive admission to all 15 home games without a Booster contribution. Each Arena Pass provides a different seating location for every game, offering a fresh experience inside the O’Dome. Seat assignments are randomly generated weekly, and accounts can be linked for the season. Single-game guest passes are also offered for those wishing to sit with friends.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            All Gators Weekend Pack 
           &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pack is now on sale for $149 plus taxes/fees. This package includes tickets to the Florida men’s basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game versus Tennessee on Saturday, November 22.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Fans attending the Merrimack basketball game will also receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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            Season Tickets 
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           Traditional season tickets for the 2025-26 season are SOLD OUT.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:41:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-basketball-single-game-tickets-available-now</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Earn No. 3 Spot in Preseason AP Men’s Basketball Poll</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-earn-no-3-spot-in-preseason-ap-mens-basketball-poll</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           Todd Golden will lead the Gators into 2025-26 with a No. 3 national ranking.
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           Florida men’s basketball has been placed at No. 3 in the Associated Press preseason poll, announced on Monday.
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           This is only the second time in program history that Florida has earned a top-five preseason ranking (No. 1 in 2006-07) and the 14th occasion the team has opened a season inside the top 10.
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           The Gators’ schedule features nine matchups against eight teams ranked in the AP preseason top 25, with a possible 10th game against Wisconsin at the Rady Children’s Invitational. Additionally, six other 2025-26 opponents are receiving votes in the poll.
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           Florida begins the 2025-26 campaign facing 13th-ranked Arizona at the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas on Nov. 3.
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           AP Preseason Top 25
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           First-place votes in parentheses
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  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
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            Purdue (35)
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            Houston (16)
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            Florida (8)
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            UConn (2)*
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            St. John’s
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            Duke*
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            Michigan
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            BYU
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            Kentucky*
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            Texas Tech
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            Louisville
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            UCLA
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            Arizona*
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            Arkansas*
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            Alabama*
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            Iowa State
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            Illinois
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            Tennessee*
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            Kansas
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            Auburn*
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            Gonzaga
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            Michigan State
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            Creighton
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            Wisconsin^
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            North Carolina
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           Receiving votes: NC State, Oregon, San Diego St., Texas, Ohio St., Kansas St., Ole Miss, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Mississippi St., Oklahoma, Baylor
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           *2025-26 Opponent; ^Potential Rady Children’s Invitational Opponent
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           Florida’s Preseason AP Rankings
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           2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Information
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           Traditional season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 season are officially SOLD OUT.
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           Arena Pass
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            While season tickets that include Booster contributions are no longer available,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            remain on sale for the 2025-26 season. Priced at $450, the Arena Pass provides admission to all 15 home games without requiring a Booster contribution. Each game offers a different seating location inside the O’Dome, creating a unique experience for fans. Seat assignments are randomly generated weekly, and accounts can be linked for the full season. Single-game guest passes are also available for those who want to sit with friends.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           All Gators Weekend Pack
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pack is currently offered for $149 plus taxes/fees. This package includes tickets to the Florida men’s basketball matchup against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Fans attending the Merrimack basketball game will also receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
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           Single Games
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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            and select discounted tickets will first be available to
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    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Mensbasketball37" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Swamp Certified
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            members on October 10, with public sales beginning October 14. Fans can become Swamp Certified for free in under two minutes to gain access to the exclusive presale before October 14.
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            Tickets can be purchased at
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-96768f8f.webp" length="79704" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:34:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-earn-no-3-spot-in-preseason-ap-mens-basketball-poll</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-96768f8f.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Crowned SEC Preseason Favorites, Trio Earns All-SEC Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-crowned-sec-preseason-favorites-trio-earns-all-sec-honors</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Alex Condon picked up preseason first-team All-SEC honors in the league's media poll.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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            Florida men’s basketball has been chosen by the media as the preseason favorite in the Southeastern Conference, with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            , and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            each earning preseason All-SEC recognition.
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            Condon, the Gators’ leading returning scorer from last year, was selected to the first-team All-SEC list, while
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
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            both secured second-team honors. The preseason poll was determined by a panel of SEC and national media representatives.
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           This marks only the third occasion since the SEC preseason poll began in 1989 that UF has been picked as the preseason frontrunner, previously earning the distinction in 2006-07 and 2010-11. Florida went on to capture the SEC championship in both of those seasons.
          &#xD;
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           The 2025-26 season tips off Monday, Nov. 3, with conference play beginning Saturday, Jan. 3. The SEC Tournament is scheduled for March 11-15 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           First Team All-SEC 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            –
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Otega Oweh – Kentucky
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Tahaad Pettiford – Auburn
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Second Team All-SEC 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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           Nate Ament – Tennessee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Boogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            –
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ja'Kobi Gillespie – Tennessee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            –
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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           Mark Mitchell – Missouri
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Third Team All-SEC 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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           Malik Dia – Ole Miss
          &#xD;
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           Aden Holloway – Alabama
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           Karter Knox – Arkansas
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           Jaland Lowe – Kentucky
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           D.J. Wagner – Arkansas
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           SEC Player of the Year 
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           Otega Oweh – Kentucky
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Predicted Order Of Finish
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
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            Kentucky
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            Tennessee
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            Alabama
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            Arkansas
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            Auburn
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            Missouri
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            Ole Miss
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            Texas
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            Mississippi State
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            Vanderbilt
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            Oklahoma
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            Texas A&amp;amp;M
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            Georgia
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            LSU
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            South Carolina
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           2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Information
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           Traditional season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign are officially SOLD OUT.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Pass 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            While traditional season tickets requiring Booster contributions are unavailable,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            remain on sale for $450. Each pass includes admission to all 15 home games without a Booster contribution. Seating locations vary by game, offering fans a new experience inside the O’Dome each time. Seat assignments are randomly generated weekly, and accounts can be linked for the season or paired with single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is now offered at $149 plus taxes/fees. It includes admission to the Florida men’s basketball matchup against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football showdown with Tennessee on Saturday, November 22.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans attending the Merrimack basketball game will also receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single Games 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and select discounted tickets will be available to
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Mensbasketball37" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Swamp Certified
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            members beginning October 10, with public sales opening October 14. Fans can become Swamp Certified for free in under two minutes to access the exclusive presale.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tickets can be purchased at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-cb951e53.webp" length="104084" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:22:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-crowned-sec-preseason-favorites-trio-earns-all-sec-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-cb951e53.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-cb951e53.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gator Nation Packs the House: Season Tickets Sold Out</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/traditional-season-tickets-have-sold-out-for-the-2025-26-men-s-basketball-campaign</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Traditional season tickets have sold out for the 2025-26 men's basketball campaign.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men’s basketball season tickets are officially sold out for the 2025-26 campaign. Last year, the Gators filled the O’Dome with nine sellout crowds on their way to winning the program’s third national championship.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Pass
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           While traditional season tickets that include Booster contributions are no longer available,
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           for the 2025-26 season remain on sale. For $450, fans can secure tickets to all 15 home games without any Booster contribution required. The Arena Pass provides a different seating location for each contest, offering a new experience inside the O’Dome every time. Seat assignments are randomly generated weekly, and fans may link accounts for the season or purchase single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           All Gators Weekend Pack
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Allgators2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The All Gators Weekend
          &#xD;
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           Pack is now available, featuring the Florida men’s basketball game against Merrimack on Friday, November 21, and the Florida football game against Tennessee on Saturday, November 22, for $149 plus taxes/fees.
          &#xD;
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           All attendees of the Merrimack men’s basketball game will receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.
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           Single Games
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Single-game
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           and select discounted tickets will be released first to
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/Mensbasketball37" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Swamp Certified
          &#xD;
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           members on October 10, followed by the public on-sale beginning October 14. Fans can become Swamp Certified today to access the exclusive presale before October 14 — it’s free and takes less than two minutes to complete.
          &#xD;
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           Tickets can be purchased at
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           .
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:33:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/traditional-season-tickets-have-sold-out-for-the-2025-26-men-s-basketball-campaign</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Primetime Tip-Off: Gators Launch 2025-26 Season on TNT Sports</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/primetime-tip-off-gators-launch-2025-26-season-on-tnt-sports</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Rueben Chinyelu and the Gators tip their season vs. Arizona on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Eastern in Las Vegas.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida men’s basketball will open its season against Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas, with the game airing on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max at 7 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 3, as announced Wednesday.
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           Following Florida’s matchup, Villanova will face BYU to close out the evening. The doubleheader will be broadcast on TNT and truTV, with a studio show beginning 30 minutes before the Arizona-Florida tipoff. Fans can stream both studio coverage and live games through HBO Max’s B/R Sports Add-On.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            This announcement finalizes Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/10/7/game-times-set-for-2025-26-mens-basketball-campaign" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           television schedule for the 2025-26 campaign
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           .
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           2025-26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Options
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            A limited number of
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 season ticket packages
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            remain available.
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           Arena Passes for the 2025-26 season are currently on sale for $450. These passes provide tickets to all 15 home games, with seating locations varying each game. Seat assignments are randomly generated weekly, and fans may link accounts for the season or purchase single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
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    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3M2d0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           SEC Weekend Packs
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            are also available while supplies last. For $650, fans can secure 100-level seats for five marquee SEC matchups: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Feb. 1), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28).
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Discounted
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    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=mbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           group tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for parties of 15 or more, along with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           single-game tickets
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           , will be released later this fall.
          &#xD;
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            Tickets can be purchased at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8b024cb3.webp" length="57406" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:26:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/primetime-tip-off-gators-launch-2025-26-season-on-tnt-sports</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8b024cb3.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Reveals 2025–26 Tip‑Off Times</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-reveals-202526-tipoff-times</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – ESPN announced Wednesday that the television lineup and tip‑off times for the Florida women’s basketball 2025–26 season are now set.
          &#xD;
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           The Gators are scheduled for seven appearances on SEC Network, starting with a non‑conference showdown against Florida State on Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at Exactech Arena.
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           ESPN2 will air Florida’s ACC‑SEC Challenge contest at Virginia Tech on Dec. 4 at 5 p.m., offering fans a national broadcast of the Orange and Blue early in the season.
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           In addition, Florida will be featured on SEC Network for six league matchups, four of which will be played at home. These include high‑profile games against South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, and Ole Miss.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Women’s Basketball 2025–26 Television Schedule:
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025–26 Florida Women’s Basketball Ticket Options
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans of the Gators can now secure their seats at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for the upcoming 2025–26 women’s basketball season.
          &#xD;
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           Florida is set to play 18 home contests at Exactech Arena, with highlight matchups including Florida State on Nov. 20, South Carolina on Jan. 4, and Texas on Jan. 29, among others.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The season will officially begin with the home opener against North Florida on Monday, Nov. 3.
          &#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Single‑game tickets are priced at $10 each,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/womens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Grab Your Single-Game Tickets Online Today
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            with an online purchase discount of $2 available.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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           Other ticket options include:
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025–26 Seas
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Tickets – Available [
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/ism/V0IyNQ==" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            HERE
           &#xD;
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            ], starting at $75.
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Group Tickets (15+) – Offered for every home game. Complete this
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            [
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            form
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ] for details.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Request Ticket Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Women's Basketball Schedule
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-bbf2c629.webp" length="102316" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:55:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-womens-basketball-reveals-202526-tipoff-times</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-bbf2c629.webp">
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    <item>
      <title>Freshman Isaiah Ingram Making Waves in Gators Lineup</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/freshman-isaiah-ingram-making-waves-in-gators-lineup</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           High school football star turn basketball freshman CJ Ingram.
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The offseason months serve their role well. Players spend time sharpening individual skills, building strength and conditioning, and a few times each week they get the chance to compete in pickup games organized by the coaches, which often become highly competitive. During this period, the staff experiments with rotations and lineups that may look solid initially but are always subject to adjustment once official fall practices begin.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Just two weeks into practice, here’s the latest Florida basketball update: the Gators’ projected 2025-26 rotation has already shifted.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Freshman
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has made his presence felt.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/taurean-green/2082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Taurean Green
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , the former UF point guard and current assistant overseeing player development, summed it up this way:
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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           "The light came on," Green said of Ingram, the 6-foot-6 former high school football standout.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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           Bouncy, long and athletic 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            at practice in the O'Dome
          &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           For a college newcomer, opportunity can sometimes feel more complicated than it really is. That proved true for CJ Ingram, a late-bloomer now in just his second year focusing solely on basketball. During his first four months, he often overthought situations on the court and tried to do too much. It took time to adjust, but the timing of his breakthrough couldn’t have been better.
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           Recognized as one of the most versatile athletes on the roster, Ingram eventually realized that earning minutes was straightforward — just as his coaches had been reminding him: play defense, know his positioning, make smart choices, and, at times, “just getting the hell out of the way.”
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "As a freshman, whatever you do, you want to play. That was my whole thing going in," Ingram said Tuesday. "I didn't really come in thinking I was going to be a scorer right away, but once I really locked in on the small details – like rebounding, crashing, defending hard on every play – that's when I realized what I can do to help the team and that's the position I'll be in this season."
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           The reigning national champion Gators are in their third week of official practice. The start to the '25-26 season – Nov. 3 against Arizona at Las Vegas – is less than four weeks away.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The best front line in the country (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) is set. So is the starting backcourt (transfers 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           B
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           oogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ). His coaching track record suggests 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            likely will lean into an eight- or nine-man rotation that will get squeezed as the schedule moves deeper into the rugged Southeastern Conference slate and inches toward March. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "As a freshman, whatever you do, you want to play. That was my whole thing going in," Ingram said Tuesday. "I didn't really come in thinking I was going to be a scorer right away, but once I really locked in on the small details – like rebounding, crashing, defending hard on every play – that's when I realized what I can do to help the team and that's the position I'll be in this season."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The reigning national champion Gators are in their third week of official practice. The start to the '25-26 season – Nov. 3 against Arizona at Las Vegas – is less than four weeks away.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The best front line in the country (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) is set. So is the starting backcourt (transfers 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           B
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           oogie Fland
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Xaivian Lee
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ). His coaching track record suggests 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            likely will lean into an eight- or nine-man rotation that will get squeezed as the schedule moves deeper into the rugged Southeastern Conference slate and inches toward March. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/convert-89f1cd2c.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           It's early October, but junior guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            has played himself into the first guard off the bench, while Ingram, the 6-foot-6 late-bloomer and former football standout, has caught the eye of the entire staff with his improvement in just the last few weeks. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ingram is battling for minutes at the wing (or "3") spot behind Haugh, who in making the move from backup "4" (and elite sixth man) to starting small forward has looked splendid. Ingram's competition entering fall was returning sophomore 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/17740" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who played sparingly last season, and his brother, 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/aj-brown/17750" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           AJ Brown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , a transfer from Ohio who began his UF career by undergoing shoulder surgery in June and only was cleared for contact last month. Worth noting: The Brown brothers showed up in a big way Saturday when the white team handed the blue squad a rare defeat in a highly contentious scrimmage. Neither Isaiah nor AJ is conceding the competition for that wing spot -- not in early October -- but Ingram, the least experienced of the three, is the leader in the clubhouse.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           For now. 
            &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "I thought he'd make a huge jump by January," said UF associate head coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/korey-mccray/2080" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Korey McCray
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who tutors the backcourt, said of his freshman. "He's made that jump already."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram has established himself as a regular on the “blue” team — the group made up of starters and primary rotation players (as opposed to the “white” team, which consists mostly of reserves still competing for minutes). He earned his spot in full-speed scrimmages by embracing coaching and doing the little things that matter.
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           "We have guys who are pretty much going to the NBA. They can score the ball. They can do everything. That's why they are the starters. That's why they are good at what they do," Ingram said. "So, I'm just trying to be a glue guy; to do the small things that help us win. Be a rebounder, diving on loose balls, being a defender."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           For a freshman, the formula is straightforward — and Ingram is proving it works.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Take Tuesday’s scrimmage at the Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, officiated by NCAA referees. The Blue team forced a stop and pushed the ball in transition. Fland advanced the ball to Ingram in the right corner. After a ball fake, Ingram drove into the lane but was cut off by a defender. Rather than forcing a shot, he kicked the ball out to Haugh at the top of the key. Haugh quickly swung it to the left corner, where Klavzar was waiting for a clean look at a three-pointer. Swish.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           In basketball terms, it was a “hockey assist” for Ingram, but more importantly, it was the smart and unselfish play.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Whatever I got to do to help the team win," Ingram said.
          &#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ingram arrived at UF in May as a raw but explosive athlete the Gators had long anticipated. A standout high school quarterback under his father, former UF tight end Cornelius Ingram, he guided Hawthorne (Fla.) High to back-to-back state championships. Still, his passion was always basketball.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Following a breakout summer on the club circuit, Ingram stepped away from football before his 2024-25 senior year and transferred to Montverde (Fla.) Academy to sharpen his skills against elite competition. That Montverde team not only sent Ingram to Florida but also produced signees for Cincinnati, Creighton, Indiana, and Miami. Ingram thrived in that environment, climbing into the national top-25 rankings.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/images_ImagnImages_mmsport_all_gators_01jmfstp9x8b68mka5n7.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           In his one season at Montverde, 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (11) averaged 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game on a team that sent five players to high-major programs.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Golden isn't shy about saying he prefers building his roster with proven transfers versus recruiting high school players – given his mastery of the portal (guys named Clayton, Richard and Martin come to mind), can you blame him? – but he's also shown to be open-minded to playing freshmen if they prove trustworthy. Ask Condon and Haugh. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ingram's 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/9/5/mens-basketball-new-kids-on-the-championship-block-sept5-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           fellow freshman, roommate and new best friend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/9/5/mens-basketball-new-kids-on-the-championship-block-sept5-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           has watched the transition unfold. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "He's just figuring out what he has to do, and getting good at it … getting really good at it," guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-lloyd/17753" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Lloyd
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            said of Ingram. "I feel like he's going to continue to improve."
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           That's the plan for the new guy.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Ingram_CJ_250627_9756_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           CJ Ingram
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           during summer conditioning drills.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           It's early in the process, but Ingram has shown he just might a freshman that "gets it," as they saying goes. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "He's doing a great job of letting the game come to him," Golden said. "He's focused on the things that we emphasize – defending, rebounding, taking care of the ball. He's been a great team player, taking the right shots and making the right plays. In a role where you're not going to be the highest-usage guy, I think he's done a nice job of balancing when to be aggressive and when to not be. He's been impressive over the last two weeks."
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Email senior writer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            at 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Find his story archives 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/archives"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:16:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/freshman-isaiah-ingram-making-waves-in-gators-lineup</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Reveal 2025-26 Basketball Game Times</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-reveal-2025-26-basketball-game-times</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten and the Gators are set for a challenging 2025-26 slate.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s broadcast schedule for the 2025-26 campaign is nearly finalized, with most game times and television network assignments now confirmed.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           This season, the Gators will appear in three nationally televised broadcasts — two on ABC and one on FOX. The nonconference slate includes three matchups each on ESPN and SEC Network, plus single appearances on FOX, ESPN2, FS1, and TNT Sports. Additionally, three contests will be available via streaming on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Within SEC play, Florida is scheduled for 10 games across ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU, along with six on SEC Network and two more on ABC.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators open the season in less than a month, taking the court Monday, Nov. 3, in Las Vegas against Arizona.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Men's Basketball 2025-26 Schedule
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Options
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           A limited number of 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 season ticket packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            remain available.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            for the 2025-26 season are on sale now. For $450, fans will receive tickets to all 15 home games with a different seating location for each game. Seat assignments are randomly generated each game week, and fans have the option to link accounts for the entire season or purchase single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3M2d0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           SEC Weekend Packs
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            are also available while supplies last. For $650, fans can secure 100-level seats for five marquee SEC matchups: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Feb. 1), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28).
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Discounted 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=mbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           group tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            for parties of 15 or more and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           single-game tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            will go on sale later this fall.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can purchase tickets at 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:56:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-reveal-2025-26-basketball-game-times</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Trio &amp; Coach Golden Set for SEC Tip-Off ’26</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-trio-coach-golden-set-for-sec-tip-off-26</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Thomas Haugh will represent Florida alongside Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon and Todd Golden at SEC Tip-Off '26.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/17742" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            will join head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in representing Florida men’s basketball at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           SEC Tip-Off ’26
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The three players were the leading rebounders from last season’s national championship team and also rank as the program’s top returning scorers.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Chinyelu started all 40 contests for the Gators last year, contributing 6.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, along with four double-doubles, while anchoring the middle. He is one of only five players in Florida history to start 40 games in a single season, joining
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/taurean-green/2082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Taurean Green
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Lee Humphrey, and Joakim Noah.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           His standout performance included a career-best 15 rebounds in Florida’s home victory over No. 1 Tennessee.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Condon averaged 10.6 points and a team-high 7.5 rebounds per game and led the Gators with 49 blocked shots on the way to All-SEC honors. He posted seven double-doubles, and his 103 offensive rebounds marked the third-most in a season in Florida history. Condon's dive to the floor for a loose ball as the horn sounded sealed the Gators' national championship win vs. Houston.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Haugh averaged 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds and was the only Gator to score in all 40 games in their championship season. Haugh was the first player off the bench in 33 of the 35 games he did not start and was typically one of Florida's closing five. Haugh posted 20 points and 11 rebounds and shot 4-for-6 from 3-point range in the Elite Eight win vs. Texas Tech, including a pair of late 3-pointers to spark Florida's rally.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Portions of the event will be aired on SEC Network, with specific time windows to be announced later.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Men's Basketball Ticket Options
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           A limited number of 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 season ticket packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            remain available.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            for the 2025-26 season are on sale now. For $450, fans will receive tickets to all 15 home games with a different seating location for each game. Seat assignments are randomly generated each game week, and fans have the option to link accounts for the entire season or purchase single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3M2d0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           SEC Weekend Packs
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            are also available while supplies last. For $650, fans can secure 100-level seats for five marquee SEC matchups: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Feb. 1), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28).
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Discounted 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=mbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           group tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            for parties of 15 or more and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           single-game tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            will go on sale later this fall.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can purchase tickets at 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:47:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-trio-coach-golden-set-for-sec-tip-off-26</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Trio Ready to Shine at SEC Media Days</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-trio-ready-to-shine-at-sec-media-days</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            – The Southeastern Conference has announced the lineup of student-athletes and the complete agenda for SEC Tipoff ’26, scheduled in Birmingham, Alabama, on Oct. 14–15.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida’s women’s basketball program will take the stage on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/17726" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/17719" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/17717" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            representing the Gators at 12:20 p.m. ET.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Reynolds heads into her junior year after starting every contest during the 2024–25 campaign. She logged 963 minutes, scored 339 points, and averaged 10.3 points per game. On defense, she contributed 32 blocks and 120 rebounds, split between 89 defensive and 31 offensive boards.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           O’Neal, in her freshman season, appeared in eight starts and totaled 482 minutes of play. She scored 167 points, averaging 4.8 per game, while adding 20 steals and 137 rebounds (41 offensive, 96 defensive).
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           McGill quickly established herself as the team’s top scorer in her debut season, averaging 16.5 points per game. She set a program record with 611 points as a freshman, guided the Gators to the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals, and earned recognition on the 2025 SEC All-Freshman Team. McGill was also named to the WBIT All-Tournament Team after helping Florida advance to the Semifinals.
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           Fans nationwide can follow the action as SEC Network provides live coverage throughout the two-day event.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:25:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-trio-ready-to-shine-at-sec-media-days</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Global Game: Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Embraces International Talent</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-game-florida-gators-womens-basketball-embraces-international-talent</link>
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           UF freshman center Caterina Piatti, by way of Italy.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Scandiano, a town in Italy with roughly 30,000 residents, rests at the foot of the scenic Apennine Mountains. To the west lies France, about 250 miles away, while Switzerland is situated approximately 300 miles to the north.
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            Gainesville, however, is much farther — nearly 5,000 miles from Scandiano. Yet
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           Caterina Piatti
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           , a native of the Italian city, shares that the University of Florida — and in particular the recognizable Gator head emblem — is “very well known” back home.
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           “Very famous, yes,” Piatti explained in her improving English. “If you are a [regular] person, maybe you do not know. But if you are a player or athlete, yes, you know about Florida.”
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            ﻿
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           Her community in Scandiano will soon have even more reason to recognize the connection. Standing at 6-foot-4, Piatti built her reputation competing for Italy’s FIBA U18 and U20 national squads, including the 2024 team that secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s EuroBasket Championships. After years representing Italy in its traditional green, white, and red, she now transitions to the University of Florida, where she will don the Gators’ orange and blue as part of the Southeastern Conference this season.
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           C
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           aterina Piatti
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           (
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            Scandiano, Italy)
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           Although Caterina Piatti is still adjusting to life in the United States, her on-court transition has gone smoothly. Her instincts, technique, and confidence around the basket have already positioned her as the likely starting center for the University of Florida. As the 2025–26 Gators prepare for their season debut on November 3 against North Florida at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, Piatti is expected to play a central role.
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           Communication has not posed an issue.
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            “Basketball is a different language in itself,” Florida coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            said.
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           That perspective benefits the 2025–26 Gators, whose lineup of 12 includes seven international athletes. The team represents seven nations across four continents, creating a diverse mix of cultures within the program.
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            “We say the United Nations is right here,” UF assistant coach
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           Jackie Moore
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            said. “We have all kinds of flags and all kinds of languages and accents.”
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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           Charting the Gators: UF's 2025-26 international players
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           Having a roster with international representation is not unusual in today’s college basketball scene. Now in her fifth year guiding the Gators, Kelly Rae Finley has consistently coached teams with at least two and sometimes as many as five international athletes. She and her staff are well-versed in bridging cultural differences.
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            For example, last season they had to explain — and later remind — freshman guard
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           Daviane Mindoudi Ongbakahoumb
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           , who came to Florida by way of Spain, that her usual siesta hours coincided with practice time.
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           “We're around teammates who are in the same boat,” said freshman guard Emilija Mills Dakic from Australia. “We're able to lean on each other when you need to because you have so many teammates going through the same thing.”
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           What sets this year’s group apart is that all 12 players only arrived on campus together at the start of the fall semester. Many of the international athletes spent the summer either at home or competing with their national teams. While that provided valuable experience, it also delayed opportunities to build team chemistry both on and off the court.
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           To address this, Finley and her staff have emphasized intentional efforts to accelerate bonding.
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           “It's really important, every day, to do something to create a common language because everybody's experience the last 18 years of their life has been unique and different,” Finley said. “What something looks like in Minnesota is not the same as what it looks like in Italy, and what it looks like in Italy is not going to look the same in Nigeria. The time we've invested in has been well spent and our chemistry is going to be built through that time. In our practices, you'll see a lot of up and down, you'll see mistakes, but also a lot of learning each other in what we do.”
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            Florida brings back five players, including three starters, from last year’s squad that finished 19-18 and advanced to the WBIT semifinals in Indianapolis. Point guard
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           Liv McGill
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            lived up to her billing as the program’s highest-rated recruit, setting a freshman scoring record while averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 assists, and earning SEC All-Freshman Team recognition. Junior guard
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           Laila Reynolds
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            (10.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and graduate forward
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            (5.0 ppg) also return as starters. Additionally, 6-foot-4 sophomore
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            (4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 13.8 minutes per game) is aiming to step into a larger role in her second season.
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           Caterina Piatti is expected to play a major role for the Gators — in every sense of the word.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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           , who held the starting center position for much of the past three seasons, departed for Miami last spring after averaging 12.1 points and 7.8 rebounds. Her exit created a significant opening in the paint, one that Florida is counting on Piatti to step into as a freshman, only a few months into her time in the United States.
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           “She’s a different type of player [than Kyle],” Moore said. “We can move her around. Cat is a really good passer, knows the game and has a basketball IQ that is off the charts. You show her something once and she gets it.”
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           UF assistant 
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            Jackie Moore
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            Caterina Piatti
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            (14) with her Italian national team during the 2024 FIBA U20 competition. 
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           Her fellow players share confidence in her abilities.
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           “It's going to be different for her because she's not been put in those situations before, but I think Cat is going to do great,” Dakic said. “She's strong, she's got a really good spin move and she's smart. We're going to continue to believe in her and help her lift up her game.”
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            ﻿
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           Back in Scandiano, fans will be keeping an eye out for the Gator emblem. The community already became familiar with it last spring when the men’s team at the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex staged an international showcase of their own.
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           Emilija Mills Dakic
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           “All the people who know I came here, they see the men's basketball team and they were like, 'You going there too,'” Piatti said. “Yes, they know about the Gators.”
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           Email senior writer
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            Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           Find his story archives
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            here
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ffc49dfe.webp" length="46564" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:33:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-game-florida-gators-womens-basketball-embraces-international-talent</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Your Courtside Countdown Begins—Tickets Just $10!</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/women-s-basketball</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Catch Every Slam—Florida Women’s Basketball Tickets On Sale
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           Fans can now purchase single-game tickets for any of the 18 home games this season at Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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           Gator Fans—Your Seat Awaits for the 2025–26 Season!
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           Gainesville is gearing up for another thrilling season—Florida fans can now reserve seats for the 2025–26 women’s basketball home games at Exactech Arena, located inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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           The Gators is set to host 18 home games this season at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Fans can look forward to high-profile showdowns, including matchups against Florida State on November 20, South Carolina on January 4, and Texas on January 29—plus plenty more action throughout the season.
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           The 2025–26 season tips off with Florida Women’s Basketball hosting North Florida for their home opener on Monday, November 3 at Exactech Arena.
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           Single-game tickets are available for just $10, with a $2 discount when purchased online—
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/womens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            secure yours now
           &#xD;
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            and catch the action live.
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            Looking for more ways to attend? Season tickets for the 2025–26 Florida Women’s Basketball season start at just $75 and are available
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/ism/V0IyNQ==" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           HERE
          &#xD;
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            . For groups of 15 or more, tickets are offered for every home game—complete this
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            form
           &#xD;
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            to request more information.
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    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Request Ticket Information
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025-26 Florida Women's Basketball Schedule
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-af2b1c26.webp" length="182654" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:14:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/women-s-basketball</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-af2b1c26.webp">
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    <item>
      <title>ABC to Broadcast Two SEC Men's Basketball Games This Season</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/abc-to-broadcast-two-sec-men-s-basketball-games-this-season</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           A national ABC audience will watch Alex Condon and the Gators in the O'Dome twice in February.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida Men's Basketball Earns Spotlight with Two ABC Broadcasts
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            Florida is the only program featured twice in ABC’s five-game men’s basketball slate for the 2025–26 regular season.
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            ﻿
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           Both matchups will air live from Gainesville: Alabama on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 1 PM, and Kentucky on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 PM.
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           The Gators are currently in preseason camp and will open their regular season on Nov. 3 in Las Vegas against Arizona.
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           2025-26 ESPN on ABC Men's College Basketball Schedule
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           Note: Rankings according to ESPN.com's Way-Too-Early rankings
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           2025–26 Florida Men’s Basketball Ticket Packages
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            A limited number of
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           season ticket options
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            remain for the upcoming campaign.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Arena Passes
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             for the 2025–26 season are available now. For $450, fans receive access to all 15 home games, with seating locations that change each week. Assignments are randomized, and fans can link accounts for consistent group seating or add single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3M2d0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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             SEC Weekend Packs
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             are on sale while supplies last. For $650, fans can lock in 100-level seats for five high-demand SEC matchups: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Feb. 1), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=mbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Discounted Group
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             and
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Single-Game Tickets
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             Discounted rates for groups of 15+ and individual game tickets will be released later this fall.
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            Tickets can be purchased at
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
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            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ben+Hill+Griffin+Stadium/@29.6499459,-82.3512565,1960m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88e8a379c55b3a57:0xf870d075572b3ea2!8m2!3d29.6499413!4d-82.3486816!16zL20vMDVieHNx?entry=tts&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxMC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&amp;amp;skid=51593301-ad02-4488-8531-657a99b4ad00" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
          &#xD;
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           .
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      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 22:54:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/abc-to-broadcast-two-sec-men-s-basketball-games-this-season</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c45fc08f.webp">
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    <item>
      <title>The Titanium Comeback: How One Broken Leg Became Florida’s Championship Catalyst</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/the-titanium-comeback-how-one-broken-leg-became-floridas-championship-catalyst</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Micah Handlogten, both pensive and anxious, awaits to check into his first game last February after recovering from a horrific compound fracture to his left leg.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           One Year Later: The Court That Broke Him Crowned Him Champion
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            – During a recent scrimmage break, the usual sounds of sneakers squeaking and casual court banter were suddenly drowned out by the commanding voice of associate head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/2081" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlin Hartman
          &#xD;
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           .
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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            Hartman wasn’t just mildly annoyed—he was fired up. His frustration was aimed squarely at 7-foot-1 senior center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who hadn’t merely missed a box-out but seemed to have skipped it entirely. The reprimand was loud, direct, and laced with intensity. “He lit into me—and he was right,” Handlogten later admitted. “I told him, ‘I got you, Coach.’ That was on me. Effort is non-negotiable.”
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Handlogten—now stronger, leaner, and in peak condition—will anchor the action from day one.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Hartman was simply honoring the commitment he made to Handlogten and his family during their campus visit two years ago: to push him harder than ever before. That promise has held true, even through the highs and lows of a career that was dramatically interrupted.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Fast forward to Monday—Handlogten was back in action, sprinting the court, battling for rebounds, and dishing out passes as the defending national champions kicked off fall practice.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           It felt like business as usual.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But rewind a year, and the contrast is stark. At the start of the 2024–25 season, Handlogten was sidelined, cheering from the bench. Go back 18 months, and the image is even more haunting: Handlogten lying injured on the Bridgestone Arena floor in Nashville, his leg shattered, bone exposed, blood pooling.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “There was a time we didn’t know if Micah would walk again,” said his mother, Danielle. “You can only imagine the emotional roller coaster we’ve been on.” That’s what makes this moment so deeply rewarding.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Handlogten_Micah_MBK_Headshot_250911_7337_.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Hartman was simply honoring the commitment he made to Handlogten and his family during their campus visit two years ago: to push him harder than ever before. That promise has held true, even through the highs and lows of a career that was dramatically interrupted.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fast forward to Monday—Handlogten was back in action, sprinting the court, battling for rebounds, and dishing out passes as the defending national champions kicked off fall practice.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           It felt like business as usual.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But rewind a year, and the contrast is stark. At the start of the 2024–25 season, Handlogten was sidelined, cheering from the bench. Go back 18 months, and the image is even more haunting: Handlogten lying injured on the Bridgestone Arena floor in Nashville, his leg shattered, bone exposed, blood pooling.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “There was a time we didn’t know if Micah would walk again,” said his mother, Danielle. “You can only imagine the emotional roller coaster we’ve been on.” That’s what makes this moment so deeply rewarding.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Handlogten_Micah_MBK_Headshot_250911_7337_.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Only Micah and his inner circle truly understand the journey—but Gator Nation felt every beat of last season’s emotional arc. It ended with Handlogten sobbing tears of joy, embraced by teammates, coaches, and family, as Florida climbed podium after podium on their way to a storybook NCAA title.
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           Handlogten—now stronger, leaner, and in peak condition—will anchor the action from day one.
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           “It feels so different,” said Micah Handlogten, now up to a solid 260 pounds—a notable increase from the 225–230 he carried during his 2023–24 SEC debut, where he held his own against elite competition. “Learning to play at this weight and being able to still move around at 30 pounds heavier is definitely an adjustment, but I'm starting to get more agile with it.”
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            UF head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            added: “He's as confident, as strong and as fit as he's ever been, and I couldn't be happier for him.”
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           Few players have earned a smooth, fulfilling run through the 2025–26 season more than Handlogten. After enduring a brutal rehab from a devastating injury, he made the selfless call to give up his planned medical redshirt and step in as a role-player—just when Florida’s frontcourt depth was stretched thin during a season with championship-level promise.
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            “He burned a year and showed us all that what we were trying to do was bigger than one person,” said junior forward
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           Alex Condon
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           . “Micah knew we needed him at the time. Once he came back, we played a different – even more unselfish – brand of basketball, and there was no looking back.”
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           To truly understand what Handlogten has overcome, you have to rewind—not just to the past two seasons, but even further.
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           Next in Line: Micah’s Rise from Big Ben’s Roots
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           Ben Handlogten, a 6-foot-10 center from Grand Rapids, Michigan, carved out a notable career at Western Michigan, tallying 1,167 points and 833 rebounds before graduating in 1996. His professional journey spanned nine years across Turkey, Italy, and Greece, eventually landing him with the Utah Jazz in 2003. His NBA stint lasted two seasons, one cut short by a knee injury, followed by a final year playing in Korea before retiring in 2006.
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           By then, Ben and his wife Danielle were raising three young kids. Micah, the youngest at age 3, was already showing signs of standing out.
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           In age only.
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            ﻿
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           “By fourth grade, he was taller than his teachers,” Danielle recalled.
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           Micah excelled in soccer and lacrosse well into high school—imagine a giraffe sprinting across the Serengeti—but basketball always seemed inevitable. With Ben’s background, the court was calling. He coached Micah through youth leagues and later at SouthLake Christian Academy, a K–12 school in Huntersville, North Carolina. By the time Micah reached varsity level, Ben had transitioned into the medical supply industry.
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           Top row: Handlogten as a lacrosse player at SouthLake Christian
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           Bottom (left to right) With a sizeable reach advantage on the youth comp; younger but as tall as sisters 
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           Mia
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            (left) and 
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           Hailey
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            (right); as a soccer player 
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           Although Micah Handlogten grew to a towering 7 feet, his recruitment didn’t draw much attention. Playing for a private Presbyterian school in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association—and navigating the disruptions of the Covid pandemic—meant college scouts weren’t exactly lining up.
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           Despite averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds as a senior, his strongest Division I offer came from Marshall.
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           “Micah was a late-bloomer,” said his mother, Danielle. “I'm a believer that God has a plan. If Micah had gone to a big school he probably would have sat on the bench.”
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           At Marshall, Handlogten made an immediate impact—starting every game, shooting 71.1% from the field, and leading the league with 9.8 rebounds per contest. His performance earned him 2023 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year honors.
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           When he entered the transfer portal that spring, interest exploded—36 schools reached out within the first 48 hours.
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           His parents helped organize a few campus visits, starting with Florida. Micah arrived in Gainesville with a list of questions, crafted with help from his father, aimed at head coach Todd Golden and his staff, who were coming off a 16–17 season. Was he a priority or a backup plan?
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            ﻿
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           Where did he fit in the rotation? What were the team dynamics like? Could he build a meaningful connection with his coach?
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           On that front, “Carlin was the one Micah needed in his life,” Danielle said, referring to associate head coach Carlin Hartman.
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           From the very beginning, everything clicked. That night, Micah texted his mom from their hotel room with a simple message:
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           “This is where I’m going.”
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           Handlogten (3) played his sophomore season with Florida at around 230 pounds
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           From Role Player to SEC Force
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           From the moment Micah Handlogten stepped onto the court, he was Florida’s starting center in the SEC. While his scoring average hovered at 5.3 points per game and he occasionally struggled against more physically dominant opponents, his rebounding presence was undeniable. He pulled down 6.9 boards per game—nearly half on the offensive glass—including a standout performance with 23 points and 17 rebounds in a win over Georgia.
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           His offensive-rebound rate of 17.9% led the SEC and ranked fourth nationally.
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            ﻿
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           By the time Florida reached the SEC Tournament, the team had carved out a clear identity: explosive scoring, relentless offensive rebounding, and shaky defense. Still, that formula delivered results—24 wins and a three-game surge that propelled the Gators to their first SEC Tournament championship appearance since 2014.
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           The opponent was 12th-ranked Auburn—a team Florida had dominated just five weeks earlier in Gainesville. The energy in the arena was electric… but only briefly.
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            Moments into the game, Micah Handlogten collapsed in pain, away from the ball. Before Danielle could even process what had happened, her husband was already sprinting down the steps toward the court. She followed close behind, kneeling beside her son to offer comfort.
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           "You can't be here now, Mom," Micah said. "You can't see this."
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           The game—
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2024/3/17/mens-basketball-gators-lose-handlogten-in-tearful-sec-title-game-defeat-march-17-2024" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           an eventual 86–67 win for Auburn over a stunned Florida squad—faded into the background
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           . Handlogten was quickly stabilized and prepped for surgery. Just two miles away at Vanderbilt Medical Center, one of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons was ready. A titanium rod, flown in by helicopter that same afternoon, would soon be inserted to begin the long road to recovery.
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           Gators coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Todd Golden
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           comforts Handlogten after his injury. USA Today photo
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           The Gators headed back to Gainesville that night, but Micah Handlogten remained in Nashville to begin recovery. His mind raced—filled with uncertainty and the weight of what lay ahead. At one point, the emotional toll overwhelmed him, and he broke down, pulling his mother into the moment. “I’ll never be able to unsee, unhear or unfeel it,” he told her. It was likely the lowest point.
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           Later that week, Handlogten rejoined his teammates in Indianapolis for their NCAA Tournament opener. Florida players took the court wearing shirts emblazoned with “Handlogten” and his No. 3. From behind the bench, seated in a wheelchair, he watched as the Gators fell in a heartbreaking 102–100 buzzer-beater to Colorado.
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            ﻿
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           The season was over. But for Handlogten, the offseason would be unlike any other—quiet, isolating, and filled with the long, solitary work of healing.
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           Back from the Brink
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           Everyone was on the same page—Micah Handlogten would take a medical redshirt year, dedicating his time to recovery and growth. There was no pressure to return early, and no one considered any alternative.
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            ﻿
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           His rehab was mostly solitary, focused on upper-body strength while lower-body activity remained minimal and low-impact. That routine defined his spring, summer, and early fall.
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           When Florida opened its first official practice for the 2024–25 season, Handlogten was there—not in uniform, but on the sidelines. He encouraged teammates, offered support, and occasionally launched shots during breaks in the action, quietly staying connected to the game he loved.
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           Handlogten took his role as a spirited and passionate cheerleader for his teammates very seriously. 
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           Handlogten’s first steps back into motion came courtesy of an anti-gravity treadmill. By early October, he was running straight-line sprints, with lateral movement and conditioning added in the weeks that followed.
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           Three weeks into the season, Florida traveled to Orlando for a Thanksgiving tournament. During warm-ups, Micah Handlogten felt something shift—not physically, but mentally.
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           “I couldn’t do a lot, but I remember thinking I felt really, really good,” he said. “That was different.”
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            The plan, however, remained unchanged. “Our goal all along was to have him be a full practice player by the time the conference games started in January,” said UF head trainer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jon-michelini/2088" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jon Michelini
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           . “We pushed him pretty hard.”
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           After a series of evaluations by Florida’s medical team—including trainers, strength staff, physical therapists, and orthopedic specialists—Handlogten was cleared for full contact. No restrictions. He quickly became a formidable presence on the scout team, giving teammates like Alex Condon a true test in practice.
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           In late January, after watching Florida struggle on the boards during a comeback win at South Carolina, Handlogten approached the staff about suiting up. Inside the program, the response was enthusiastic. Back home in North Carolina, however, his parents had reservations.
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           “It’s your life and your decision, but I do not support this,” his father told him. That was Wednesday. By Friday afternoon, Handlogten was practicing with the blue-shirt starters. He was ready. By Friday night, he wasn’t.
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           “I definitely got cold feet,” Handlogten admitted. “My dad has always been my voice of reason. He sensed I wanted to do it, but he didn’t think I was mentally there—and he was right. It was kind of a want-versus-need scenario. I wanted to play, but I needed to know that I was comfortable playing. I had been through practices, but the thought of playing in games—live, full speed, in front of 12,000 fans—honestly, it scared me. Fear of myself, fear of failure, fear of what might happen. I had doubts, and I didn’t want any doubts.”
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           He sat out the Jan. 28 game against Georgia.
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            Then came Feb. 11. In a road matchup at Mississippi State, Condon rolled his ankle just 30 seconds into the game and couldn’t return. Later, backup forward
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-alexis/16985" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sam Alexis
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            went down with foot and ankle injuries during a scramble under the basket.
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           Suddenly, the Gators—ranked third nationally with a 21–3 record—were missing half their frontcourt rotation, at least for the short term.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Handlogten, who had leaned heavily on prayer throughout his recovery, turned again to his faith. Watching Condon and Alexis grind through rehab and stationary bike sessions during practice weighed on him. The moment was approaching—and he knew it.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/014_Handlogten_Micah__250215_3393_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Handlogten was all smiles on his first retreat up the court in his first appearance of the season, a home win over South Carolina. 
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           “It just got to a tipping point. Those guys were hurt, and the team needed me,” Micah Handlogten said, reflecting on the moment his heart overruled hesitation. “I mean, I was running up and down, feeling good and was like, ‘What am I doing?’ Those guys had been with me through it all, surrounding me and supporting me 24/7. Their love carried me through one of the hardest times of my life. If they were willing to do that for me – push me when I'm down, tell me not to give up – I had to do something for them.”
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           On February 14, during Florida’s routine pregame media session, Handlogten walked in alongside head coach Todd Golden and made his announcement. Calm, direct, and unmistakable: He was back. For real this time.
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            ﻿
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           The team, he said, had a shot at a national title—and he intended to help them chase it.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bold step. Bold words.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Back Stronger: Florida’s Title Catalyst
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Before Florida’s Feb. 15 home game against South Carolina, Micah Handlogten shared a heartfelt moment in the stands—a group hug and prayer with his family. “It was scary,” said his mother, Danielle. “I spent most of that time crying tears of worry, but when he got into the game it was tears of joy.”
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           Just four minutes into the game, Handlogten was called to the scorer’s table. As he waited for a stoppage to check in, his mind raced. When the PA announcer said his name, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation that sent chills through him—and nearly brought tears.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Twenty-one seconds after stepping on the court, he caught a pass in the post and fired a kick-out to
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who drained a three. Message received: he was back. Handlogten logged 20 minutes—twice what he expected—finishing with two points, four rebounds, and a career-best five assists. Florida cruised to victory.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “We already had a high ceiling,” said associate head coach Carlin Hartman. “He raised it even higher.”
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           With Alex Condon back in the lineup just weeks later, Florida surged to close out the regular season—winning their final four games and entering the SEC Tournament as the No. 2 seed. Over three days, the Gators rolled past No. 15 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama, and No. 8 Tennessee—the last victory coming in the championship game, played on the very court where Micah Handlogten had suffered his injury exactly 366 days earlier.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Hartman_Carlin_Handlogten_Micah__250316_8009_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF associate head coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/2081" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Carlin Hartman
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            and Handlogten share a special moment after winning the 2025 SEC Tournament just one year and a day to Handlogten's tragic injury on the very same floor in Nashville.
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           The hugs and tears that followed were a year in the making.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            And that was only the beginning. Similar scenes unfolded in San Francisco after Florida clinched the NCAA West Region title, and again in San Antonio, where the Gators captured the national championship against Houston. As the final buzzer sounded, tournament hero
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . launched himself into Handlogten’s arms—an image that instantly became one of the defining moments of March Madness.
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           “Total validation,” said associate head coach Carlin Hartman.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Handlogten_Micah_family_250329_6198_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Handlogten, flanked by mother Danielle and father Ben, after defeating Texas Tech in the NCAA West Region title game to advance to the Final Four.
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           “Micah got the ultimate reward,” said head coach Todd Golden. “Just calling it like it is, playing for a national championship would have been the only reason I would have come back. He saw it and took a leap of faith, trusted in his teammates, and we did it. And, honestly, I'm not sure we win it without him. He was impactful every step of the way and gave us a big lift on and off the floor.”
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           From doubt to dominance, Handlogten’s journey became one of the defining arcs of Florida’s championship run—a leap of faith that turned into a legacy.
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           New Season, Same Mission
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           That chapter is written. The story of Florida’s NCAA title run is complete. But echoes of that championship squad—and Micah Handlogten’s senior season—still resonate.
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            ﻿
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           Especially in the frontcourt.
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           A slam versus Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. [NCAA photo]
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who started all 40 games last year, returns stronger than ever. Alex Condon, a third-team All-SEC honoree and Florida’s top rebounder, tested the NBA waters but chose to come back. So did
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , widely considered the best sixth man in college basketball and now primed for a breakout junior campaign. And then there’s Handlogten—leaner, more explosive, and under 10% body fat for the first time. He’ll technically come off the bench, but expect starter-level minutes. “Backup” is just a label.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Handlogten_Micah__250412_9513_VictoriaRiccobono.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 2025 national champion (with trophy to prove it)
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Handlogten, however, stared down the adversity. A season that brought so much fulfilment now flips to one of incredible (maybe even unrealistic) expectation in the quest to repeat as national champions – "from hunters to hunted," Handlogten said – but that's a long way from being flat on his back in Nashville. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           And it's exactly the kind of challenge he came to Florida for. And now, in the best shape of his life, 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            has immersed himself in the joy of it all. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           With Hartman still very much in his ear. Every day. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "I'm a Florida Gator – and there is so much joy in that – but now I wake up every day as a national champion and they can never take that away from me," he said. "You know how many people dream to be in the position I'm in right now?" 
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           He answered the question.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Countless," Handlogten said. "And I count my blessings every day."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Email senior writer 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            at 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d888bd27.webp" length="122712" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:21:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/the-titanium-comeback-how-one-broken-leg-became-floridas-championship-catalyst</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>UF Shines Again: Eight Straight Years Among Top Public Universities</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/uf-shines-again-eight-straight-years-among-top-public-universities</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The University of Florida has once again been recognized among the nation’s leading public institutions, earning the No. 7 spot in the 2026 U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            “Best Colleges” rankings
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           . This marks the eighth consecutive year UF has remained in the top 10.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           “UF’s ranking among the very best public universities in the country reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students and the strong support we receive from the state of Florida, for which we are grateful,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of UF’s Board of Trustees. “Once again, this is proof positive that the University of Florida’s future is as bright as it ever was. We refuse to slow down.”
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF also placed No. 30 overall among all universities, public and private, underscoring its growing reputation for academic excellence, innovative research, and student achievement. The university was recently ranked among the top five institutions by Forbes, further elevating its national profile.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           “UF’s standing reflects a decade of concerted effort, supported by historic state investment and federal research funding, leading to stronger student outcomes, inspired research accomplishments and ever-greater impact on the economy of Florida,” UF Interim President Donald Landry said. “Our future is one of thriving students, groundbreaking research and signal service to our state, because fortune favors the bold.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Rankings from U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report are based on several measures, including graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and financial strength. The full list is available at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            usnews.com/best-colleges
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:17:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/uf-shines-again-eight-straight-years-among-top-public-universities</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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      <title>New Season, New Identity: Gators Tip Off 2025–26 with Depth, Swagger, and Purpose</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-season-new-identity-gators-tip-off-202526-with-depth-swagger-and-purpose</link>
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           From left: Micah Handlogten, Alex Kovatchev, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh during Monday's first practice of the '25-26 season.
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           Share:
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           Champions Reset: Florida Reloads with Ruthless Intent
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ahead of the 2025–26 season, the Florida men's basketball team gathered at Coach
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           Todd
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           Golden’s home to watch the SEC Network documentary Repeat After Us, which revisits the Gators’ historic back-to-back national titles in 2006 and ’07.
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            ﻿
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           The viewing wasn’t about inspiration—it was about insight.
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           “It’s tricky, because unlike 20 years ago we don’t have our whole starting five back,” Golden said Monday. “On a macro level, our goal is to win again, but with this team, specifically, we’re not talking a lot about repeating. We are talking about doing everything we can to play deep into March.”
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           That’s what Florida did six months ago. And it’s what this new group—who hit the court Monday afternoon for their first official fall practice—aims to do again.
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           The Gators return three players who logged starter-level minutes last season, along with four more scholarship athletes who contributed during the regular season and helped cut down nets after a 36–4 campaign that delivered the program’s third NCAA championship—and first in nearly two decades.
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           Senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           Gone are the perimeter anchors of that title run:  
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            ,
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           Will Richard
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            , and
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           Alijah Martin
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           . But Florida brings back a four-man frontcourt rotation widely considered among the deepest and most talented in the nation, plus two high-profile transfer guards to round out the backcourt.
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           With so many changes, the idea of “repeating” doesn’t quite apply.
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            “Coach talked to us about not being focused on repeating. That’s a word I think that dwells in the past a bit,” said junior center
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           Alex Condon
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           , a third-team All-SEC selection in 2025 who passed on an NBA opportunity to return. “It’s going to take a lot for this team to go all the way, but I think we have the capability to do it.”
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           Junior forward 
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           Alex Condon
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            throws down during scrimmaging Monday.
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            Florida enters the 2025–26 season with a wealth of experience, especially in the frontcourt. Three projected starters—Alex Condon,
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , and
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           Thomas Haugh
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            —each averaged at least 19 minutes per game last year and are expected to take on even larger roles. Senior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           ,
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           , now stronger and more physically refined, will come off the bench but play significant minutes—starter-level impact in a reserve role.
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            The backcourt has been retooled with the arrival of transfer guards
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           Boogie Fland
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            (Arkansas) and
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (Princeton), both expected to contribute immediately. Returnees
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           Urban Klavzar
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            and
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           Isaiah Brown
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            will also see expanded, more clearly defined roles. The rest of the rotation will take shape over the next six weeks of practice.
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            Florida opens its season on
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           Nov. 3 against Arizona in Las Vegas
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           . Don’t be surprised if the Gators appear near the top of the Associated Press preseason poll or are picked to win the SEC—something they haven’t done since 2014.
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           Last season, Florida debuted at No. 21 and was projected to finish sixth in the conference. This year, the narrative has flipped.
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           From hunters to hunted.
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           “It’s college basketball. At this level, there’s a lot of pressure, in general,” Haugh said. “Obviously, [repeating is] going to be in the back of our minds, but I think this team’s mature enough and confident enough to move on to the next year, and we’re going to go out there and show it.”
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            Florida Gators Men’s Basketball
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           Strategic Shifts in Staff Leadership
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           During Florida’s postseason run last March, two key assistants—Kevin Hovde and John Andrzejek—accepted head coaching roles at Columbia and Campbell, respectively.
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           Hovde had served as the offensive coordinator, helping the Gators climb to No. 2 nationally in offensive efficiency. Andrzejek, in his debut season as defensive coordinator, oversaw a dramatic leap from No. 94 to No. 6 in defensive metrics.
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            With both now departed, Todd Golden will take the lead on offensive planning, supported by the broader coaching staff—including
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           Kevin Olsen
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           , recently appointed director of basketball strategy and analytics.
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           Dave Klatsky
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            On the defensive side, newly promoted assistant
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           Jonathan Safir
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            and newcomer
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           Dave Klatsky
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            (formerly of NYU) will share responsibilities.
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           “I think those guys, specifically, will be tasked with making sure we’re on target for where we are and what we need to do,” Golden said. “The good thing about defense is there is some technicality to it, but it is a lot more about effort and enthusiasm and about being physical and playing hard. I think those guys will do a good job on that side of the ball.”
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           Versatile Forward, Elevated Role
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           Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing in at 215 pounds, Thomas Haugh is set to start at small forward—a position held almost exclusively by Will Richard over the past three seasons. Though Haugh started just five games last year, he logged more minutes than any other frontcourt player, averaging 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds.
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           With Haugh shifting to the wing, Florida will regularly deploy three of its four elite big men, creating one of the most aggressive rebounding units in the country—and one of the most energetic front lines.
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           But how will Haugh adapt to the perimeter responsibilities, especially the shooting demands of the “3” spot?
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           “Tommy has proven the ability to be a good wing. He knows how to shake up and get a catch and shoot. He knows how to get downhill going right,” said head coach Todd Golden. “Really good basketball players kind of figure it out, and he’s one of those guys, and we still have the ability to play him at the [‘4’] when we want to get ‘Condo’ some rest. He’s an elite playmaker in the middle of the floor. And my hope is, offensively, we’ll take care of the ball really well this year with this group, and we should be elite on the offensive glass. He just allows us to continue to raise our floor with this specific team.”
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            Since arriving in Gainesville in summer 2023, Haugh has drawn comparisons to
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           Chandler Parsons
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           —thanks to his frame, athleticism, instincts, and skill set. Unlike Parsons, who took time to find his rhythm, Haugh has consistently embraced every role assigned to him and is well ahead of that developmental curve.
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           “I’m going to embrace it,” Haugh said.
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           He’s already shown significant growth, boosting his free-throw percentage from 46.7% to 79.4 and his three-point accuracy from 25.5% to 34.0 between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Now entering year three, he’s aiming for another leap.
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           Dual Threat at the Point
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           Heading into the season, Boogie Fland is projected to lead Florida’s offense as the primary point guard—“PG1,” as it’s often called. Despite battling injuries last year at Arkansas, he averaged 13.5 points and finished second in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio.
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           But don’t overlook Xaivian Lee, whose passing ability drew high praise from head coach Todd Golden: “He’s fantastic.” Lee’s combination of playmaking and shot creation adds a dynamic layer to Florida’s revamped offensive scheme.
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           Last season, both guards averaged over five assists per game at their previous programs—more than any Florida point guard has posted in the past five years.
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           “With him playing off the ball, we want to get him in positions where he’s a decision-maker and a playmaker,” Golden said of Lee. “So you want to get him there whether it’s a [dribble handoff] action or you let him bring it up, let him play over a ball screen, where he’s getting downhill, going to his right hand. He’s very capable as a playmaker going left or right as well. Honestly, one of his best talents is his ability to play-make both ways, but my point is that we just need to get him into positions where he can make plays. And so, getting him downhill to his right hand off some different actions that we can run with Boogie starting the offense will be really good for us and make teams guard both sides of the floor.”
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            Florida Gators Men’s Basketball
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           Two years ago, Micah Handlogten started 32 of 33 games while weighing between 230–235 pounds. Now up to 260, he’s moving better than ever. “He’s playing great and is as healthy as he’s been in a long time,” said head coach Todd Golden.
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            Florida has two closed scrimmages lined up for the preseason: one on
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           Oct. 18 vs. Florida International at the O’Dome
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            , and another on
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           Oct. 25 in Orlando against Illinois
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           , a team projected to be in the national top 20.
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            Last Friday, several hundred gathered at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center at Celebration Pointe for a special reunion honoring UF basketball alumni, coaches, and staff dating back to the early 1960s. Among the attendees: Hall-of-Fame coach Lon Kruger and former standouts
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           Andy Owens
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           Chip Williams
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            , Andrew Moten,
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           Stacey Poole
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           Craig Brown
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           Dan Cross
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           Eddie Shannon
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           Patric Young
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            —and Gator all-time scoring leader
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           Vernon Maxwell
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           , whose records were reinstated ahead of his emotional return to the program.
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           “I think it was a long time coming and a great opportunity for us to get one of our best alums back involved in the program,” Golden said. “Now, understandably, a relationship with a Gator great that was a little frayed prior to this past weekend is back. Anytime you can say that it’s a huge win.”
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            Credit goes to former player and longtime supporter
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           Bill Koss
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            for organizing the first-of-its-kind event.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c2005c03.webp" length="100008" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:18:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-season-new-identity-gators-tip-off-202526-with-depth-swagger-and-purpose</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Vernon Maxwell’s Legacy Restored: Gators’ All-Time Scoring King Returns</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/vernon-maxwells-legacy-restored-gators-all-time-scoring-king-returns</link>
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           Guard Vernon Maxwell scored a school-record 2,450 points and was twice named first-team All-SEC guard during his Gators career.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – "Mad Max" has reclaimed his place at the top of Florida’s all-time scoring list.
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           Vernon Maxwell (1987)
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           Vernon Maxwell, the dynamic guard remembered for both his brilliance on the court and controversies off it, has had his final two seasons of statistics reinstated by the University Athletic Association. With the restoration, Maxwell now stands as the leading scorer in Gators basketball history and ranks third all-time in the Southeastern Conference.
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            "It's time," said Florida athletic director
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           Scott Stricklin
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           Vernon Maxwell 
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           (1987)
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           A Gainesville native and standout from Buchholz High School, Maxwell finished his Florida career (1985-89) with 2,450 points, averaging 18.8 per game. He played a pivotal role in guiding the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance, which included a Sweet 16 run in 1987. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard earned first-team All-SEC honors twice during his collegiate career.
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           In the years following his Florida career, Vernon Maxwell became a central figure in an NCAA investigation that led to the Gators being placed on unsanctioned probation. As a result, Florida was required to vacate three NCAA Tournament wins in which Maxwell had played — two from 1987 and one from 1988.
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           At the time, athletic director Bill Arnsparger went a step further, taking the unusual action of removing Maxwell’s individual statistics from those two seasons. That decision erased 1,404 points across 67 games, making Maxwell one of the rare athletes in NCAA history to have his personal records stripped by his own institution during a probation case.
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            ﻿
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           More than three decades later, those numbers have been restored following the recommendation of current athletic director Scott Stricklin.
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           Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin reflected on Vernon Maxwell’s impact, saying, "Vernon Maxwell is one of the greatest players ever to wear a Gator uniform. You could not write the history of Florida basketball without him. What happened with the program and the NCAA did not change what Vernon accomplished on the court in helping put the Gators on the national basketball map. He earned those points."
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            Now 60 years old, Maxwell received a call Tuesday night from UF associate athletics director and basketball administrator Dave Werner, who shared the news that his records were officially reinstated. The following day, head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            reached out to personally welcome Maxwell back as Florida’s all-time scoring leader.
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           "I fell on the floor. I was ecstatic," Maxwell said, describing his reaction. He plans to celebrate the reinstatement with former teammates, friends, and family — including his 82-year-old mother — during a reunion in Gainesville this weekend that will bring together Gator players spanning seven decades. "Man, I am just so happy. This is a blessing for me and my family. Honestly, I never, ever thought this was going to happen."
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           Vernon Maxwell 
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           (11) made a UF-record 921 field goals during his four seasons.
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           At the end of Florida’s 2024-25 national championship run, Vernon Maxwell was listed 55th on the program’s career scoring chart with 1,046 points, a total that excluded his junior and senior seasons.
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           With his reinstated numbers, the updated record book for the 2025-26 campaign now places Maxwell at the very top. The former Gator, who went on to play 12 years in the NBA and win two titles with the Houston Rockets, has surpassed Ronnie Williams (2,090 points from 1980-84) and Kenny Boynton (2,033 from 2009-13) as the only Florida players to eclipse 2,000 career points.
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           Within the SEC’s historical rankings, Maxwell now sits third overall, trailing only LSU legend “Pistol” Pete Maravich (3,667 points from 1967-70) and Tennessee’s Allan Houston (2,801 from 1990-93). He joins the league’s all-time top five alongside Ole Miss’ John Stroud (2,328 from 1977-80) and Auburn’s Chuck Person (2,311 from 1983-86).
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            Maxwell’s 738 points across 33 games in the 1986-87 season have also been restored as Florida’s single-season scoring record, surpassing the 714 points
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           Vernon Maxwell now appears prominently across several statistical categories in Florida’s record book. He ranks first in both field goals made (921) and attempted (1,995), fourth in free throws made (505), third in free throws attempted (706), first in steals (206), fifth in steals per game (1.58), and first in points scored during SEC competition (1,362).
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           Looking back on his college years, Maxwell admits they were filled with highs and lows. "Ups and downs, man," he said, noting that time has given him perspective and maturity. When asked what advice his 60-year-old self would give to his 20-year-old self, Maxwell responded with honesty and humility:
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           "I'd tell him, 'Whatever you're doing, do the opposite.' "
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           Vernon Maxwell 
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           CHARTING THE GATORS: UF's updated all-time top 10
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           Email senior writer 
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      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:31:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/vernon-maxwells-legacy-restored-gators-all-time-scoring-king-returns</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Legacy Reclaimed: Vernon Maxwell Returns to the Record Books</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/legacy-reclaimed-vernon-maxwell-returns-to-the-record-books</link>
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           Guard Vernon Maxwell scored a school-record 2,450 points and was twice named first-team All-SEC guard during his Gators career.
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           Share:
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           To the Max: Vernon Maxwell’s Legacy Officially Reinstated
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ahead of the 2025–26 season, the Florida men's basketball team gathered at Coach Todd Golden’s home to watch the SEC Network documentary Repeat After Us, which revisits the Gators’ historic back-to-back national titles in 2006 and ’07.
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           The viewing wasn’t about inspiration—it was about insight.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – “Mad Max” reclaims his place in Gators history.
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           Vernon Maxwell, the dynamic guard whose time at Florida was marked by brilliance on the court and turbulence off it, has officially had his final two seasons of individual statistics reinstated by the University Athletic Association. With the restoration, Maxwell now stands as the No. 1 all-time scorer in Florida men’s basketball and No. 3 in Southeastern Conference history.
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            “It’s time,” said Florida athletic director
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           Scott Stricklin
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           , who led the effort to restore Maxwell’s numbers.
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           A Gainesville native and standout at Buchholz High, Maxwell scored 2,450 points  across four seasons (1985–89), averaging 18.8 points per game. He played a pivotal role in leading Florida to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, including a Sweet 16 run in 1987. Maxwell earned first-team All-SEC honors twice  and helped elevate the program to national relevance.
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           Vernon Maxwell 
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           (1987)
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            However, following his college career, Maxwell became entangled in an NCAA investigation that resulted in Florida vacating three tournament wins—two in 1987 and one in 1988. Then-athletic director
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            took the unusual step of removing Maxwell’s individual stats from those seasons—
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           1,404 points over 67 games
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           —making him one of the few athletes in NCAA history to be personally stripped of statistical records by their own institution.
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            Now,
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           35 years later
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           , those numbers are back in the books.
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           “This was a great opportunity to reconnect with one of our most accomplished alums,” Stricklin said. “A relationship that had been strained for decades is now restored. Anytime you can say that, it’s a huge win.”
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           “Vernon Maxwell is one of the greatest players ever to wear a Gator uniform. You could not write the history of Florida basketball without him,” said athletic director Scott Stricklin. “What happened with the program and the NCAA did not change what Vernon accomplished on the court in helping put the Gators on the national basketball map. He earned those points.”
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            Now 60 years old, Vernon Maxwell received the news Tuesday night via a call from UF associate athletics director Dave Werner. A day later, head coach
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            followed up with a personal welcome, officially bringing Florida’s all-time scoring leader back into the fold.
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           “I fell on the floor. I was ecstatic,” Maxwell said. “Man, I am just so happy. This is a blessing for me and my family. Honestly, I never, ever thought this was going to happen.” He’ll celebrate the moment with teammates, friends, and his 82-year-old mother during a weekend reunion of Gator basketball alumni spanning seven decades.
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           At the end of Florida’s 2024–25 championship season, Maxwell sat at No. 55 on the all-time scoring list with 1,046 points—his junior and senior seasons still excluded. With those stats now reinstated, he rises to the top of the chart with 2,450 career points, surpassing Ronnie Williams (2,090) and Kenny Boynton (2,033) as one of only three Gators to eclipse the 2,000-point mark.
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           In SEC history, Maxwell now ranks third all-time behind LSU’s Pete Maravich (3,667) and Tennessee’s Allan Houston (2,801), joining elite company alongside John Stroud (2,328) and Chuck Person (2,311).
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           Vernon Maxwell 
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           (11) made a UF-record 921 field goals during his four seasons.
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           His 738-point campaign over 33 games in 1986–87 also reclaims the top spot on Florida’s single-season scoring list, edging out
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .’s 714 points from the 2024–25 title run. Maxwell’s career average of 18.8 points per game now ranks sixth in program history.
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           Heading into the 2025–26 season, Vernon Maxwell officially sits atop Florida’s all-time scoring list. After a 12-year NBA career and two championships with the Houston Rockets, Maxwell now leads the Gators’ record book with 2,450 career points, surpassing Ronnie Williams (2,090) and Kenny Boynton (2,033) as one of only three Florida players to break the 2,000-point mark.
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           In the Southeastern Conference, Maxwell ranks third in career scoring behind LSU legend Pete Maravich (3,667) and Tennessee’s Allan Houston (2,801). He joins elite company in the SEC’s top five alongside John Stroud of Ole Miss (2,328) and Auburn’s Chuck Person (2,311).
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           Maxwell’s 738-point campaign over 33 games in 1986–87 now reclaims the top spot on Florida’s single-season scoring chart, edging out Walter Clayton Jr.’s 714 points from the 2024–25 national championship run. His career average of 18.8 points per game ranks sixth in program history.
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           Beyond reclaiming the top spot in career scoring, Vernon Maxwell now ranks among Florida’s all-time leaders in several key categories:
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            Field Goals Made: 1st (921)
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            Free Throws Attempted: 3rd (706)
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            Steals: 1st (206)
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            Steals Per Game: 5th (1.58)
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            Points in SEC Play: 1st (1,362)
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           Looking back on his college years, Maxwell reflects with humility and clarity. “Ups and downs, man,” he said, acknowledging the highs and lows of his journey. When asked what advice his 60-year-old self would offer to his 20-year-old self, Maxwell didn’t hesitate.
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           “I’d tell him, ‘Whatever you’re doing, do the opposite.’”
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           CHARTING THE GATORS: UF's updated all-time top 10
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-62fa66b8.webp" length="32800" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:52:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/legacy-reclaimed-vernon-maxwell-returns-to-the-record-books</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>“Reloaded and Ready: Florida’s 2025–26 Basketball Blueprint</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/reloaded-and-ready-floridas-202526-basketball-blueprint</link>
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           The Florida men's basketball team, five months removed from winning the national championship, officially tips off 2025-26 fall practice Monday.
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           Share:
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           Chris Harry breaks down roster shifts, coaching changes, and championship expectations as the Gators tip off a new era.
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           So here we are again, nudging our way toward the start of the college basketball season, the preparation for which actually began way back in April when new guys arrived and former players bolted. But this season – this Florida basketball team – has a different feel.
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            The intensity and competitive fire that defined last summer’s workouts at the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex were unmistakable. The return of elite scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            ., a more polished
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           Will Richard
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           ,
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            and the defensive edge brought by
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           Alijah Martin
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            gave Florida a daily dose of leadership and grit. Their impact was undeniable—we’ve seen the results, felt the energy, and held the hardware. Now, all three are off to the NBA.
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            Still, the reigning NCAA champions aren’t starting from scratch. Florida brings back a strong core, anchored by what many consider the deepest and most dominant frontcourt in the country. Head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and his staff faced the challenge of filling—not replacing—the void left by the trio of Clayton, Martin, and Richard. So far, the early signs point to something more than just promising.
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           Chris Harry
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           Here we are again—Florida officially tips off fall practice on Monday. The role projections below stem from summer workouts, individual instruction sessions, and pickup games. They’re fluid, of course (I’ve missed a few in this space before), as the season’s length, inevitable injuries, and player development will shape the final picture. The 2025–26 Gators are still carving out their identity, but the coaching staff has a solid grasp of what this group brings.
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           This year’s squad may not crack the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency like last season’s did, but the goal is top 20 in both—a benchmark that statistically gives teams the best shot at winning it all. Florida should still be able to score in waves, though perhaps not with the same firepower (Walter Clayton Jr. might’ve been the best offensive player in the country). Defensively, it’s reasonable to expect a slight dip with Alijah Martin’s departure. Even so, Florida is projected to be the preseason favorite in the Southeastern Conference. Many analysts will pencil them into the Final Four conversation.
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            The season officially begins
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           Nov. 3 vs. Arizona in Las Vegas
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           .
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            ﻿
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           Time to prime.
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           BEST PLAYER: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Thomas Haugh
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (10) made only five starts last season, but was one of three Gators to play in all 40 games, with his 973 minutes tops among the front court.
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           On a roster filled with high-level talent, naming a standout wasn’t taken lightly. Several players could’ve earned the nod based on past performance, but the selection was made with a clear understanding: Thomas Haugh, now a junior, is shifting from his role as a full-time power forward (“4”) to starting at small forward (“3”)—a position held primarily by Will Richard and his reliable perimeter shooting over the past three seasons.
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            The transition to the wing will be a new challenge for Haugh, but one that aligns with his growth over two seasons. Despite coming off the bench in all but five games last year, he ranked fifth in minutes (24.3), fifth in scoring (9.8), and third in rebounding (6.1). When stepping in for
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           Alex
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           Condon
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          during
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            a six-game stretch, Haugh averaged 31.5 minutes, 13.7 points, 60% shooting, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. In a road win at Mississippi State, after Condon rolled his ankle just 30 seconds into the game, Haugh nearly posted a triple-double with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists in 37 minutes.
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           As for the shooting demands at the “3,” Haugh’s offseason work paid off—he improved his three-point percentage from 25.5% as a freshman to 34.0% as a sophomore, just two points shy of Richard’s mark last season. He hit three or more triples in four games, including a career-high four in the Elite Eight comeback against Texas Tech.
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           Whether the move away from the paint affects his rebounding remains to be seen, but Haugh’s relentless motor suggests he’ll continue to be a force on the glass—whether grabbing boards himself or keeping possessions alive for teammates. He’ll still log minutes at the “4,” but his versatility is a major asset.
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           Haugh’s name has surfaced on several national “breakout player” lists this season. That’s not just an understatement—it’s almost dismissive. “Tommy” was one of the most impactful players in the country last season, delivering in high-pressure moments and carrying that momentum into the offseason.
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           BIG EXPECTATIONS: 
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            Alex Condon
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            After earning third-team All-SEC honors in 2025 with averages of
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           10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds
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            over 25 minutes per game, Alex Condon explored the NBA evaluation process before making the call to return for his junior season—a decision that could pay major dividends.
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            The 6-foot-11, 236-pound Australian brings elite energy, sharp instincts, soft hands, and exceptional timing as a shot-blocker. His ability to run the floor makes him a standout in transition. “Condo” had stretches last season where he looked like one of the top big men in the country. He earned
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           SEC Player of the Week honors three times
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            , including the final week of the regular season when he posted career highs with
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           27 points at Alabama
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            and
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           15 rebounds vs. Ole Miss
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           .
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            In the NCAA Tournament, Condon faced a gauntlet of physical, pro-ready opponents and struggled through a four-game stretch with just 19 total points and some turnover issues. But he bounced back in the championship game against Houston, delivering
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           12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals
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            when it mattered most.
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           Twice during the season, Condon suffered ankle injuries—the first sidelining him for nearly four games. Despite the setbacks, he pushed through the pain and continued to contribute at a high level. Like his close friend and teammate Thomas Haugh, Condon’s effort is never in question.
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            ﻿
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            If he continues his upward trajectory—adding polish to his finishes around the rim, improving his
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           60% free-throw shooting
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            , and refining his
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           three-point shot (29% as a freshman, 33% as a sophomore)
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            —Condon could hear his name called in the first round. If everything clicks, the
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           lottery isn’t out of reach
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           .
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           FORCE: 
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            Rueben Chinyelu
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            Center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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           (9), as a sophomore, led the Gators in offensive rebound percentage (13.2), which ranked 52nd nationally and fifth in the SEC.
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           After earning third-team All-SEC honors in 2025 with averages of 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds over 25 minutes per game, Alex Condon explored the NBA evaluation process before making the call to return for his junior season—a decision that could pay major dividends.
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           The 6-foot-11, 236-pound Australian brings elite energy, sharp instincts, soft hands, and exceptional timing as a shot-blocker. His ability to run the floor makes him a standout in transition. “Condo” had stretches last season where he looked like one of the top big men in the country. He earned SEC Player of the Week honors three times, including the final week of the regular season when he posted career highs with 27 points at Alabama and 15 rebounds vs. Ole Miss.
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           In the NCAA Tournament, Condon faced a gauntlet of physical, pro-ready opponents and struggled through a four-game stretch with just 19 total points and some turnover issues. But he bounced back in the championship game against Houston, delivering 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals when it mattered most.
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           Twice during the season, Condon suffered ankle injuries—the first sidelining him for nearly four games. Despite the setbacks, he pushed through the pain and continued to contribute at a high level. Like his close friend and teammate Thomas Haugh, Condon’s effort is never in question.
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           If he continues his upward trajectory—adding polish to his finishes around the rim, improving his 60% free-throw shooting, and refining his three-point shot (29% as a freshman, 33% as a sophomore)—Condon could hear his name called in the first round. If everything clicks, the lottery isn’t out of reach.
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           PEDIGREE PRO PROSPECT: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/boogie-fland/17752" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Boogie Fland
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           Guard 
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           Boogie Fland 
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           (center), the transfer from Arkansas, will again be one of the fastest player in the SEC (heck, in the country); maybe even faster as he enters his sophomore season fully healthy.
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            It’s been a while since Florida welcomed a former McDonald’s All American to its roster—not since 2019, when the Gators signed
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           Scottie Lewis
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            and
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           Tre Mann
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            out of high school. That streak ends with Boogie Fland, who arrives in Gainesville after a freshman season at Arkansas marked by both promise and adversity.
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           Despite entering the year with a hernia and missing 15 games due to torn wrist ligaments, Fland still averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. When preseason practice begins next week, he’ll be the healthiest he’s been since stepping onto a college court and is expected to take over the “PG1” role vacated by Walter Clayton Jr.—though in a shared setup with another newcomer.
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            A Bronx native, Fland might be the fastest player to join the Gators since
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           Chris Chiozza,
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            which bodes well for Florida’s transition game. While technically a combo guard, his 3.7 assist-to-turnover ratio (second in the SEC) highlights his unselfish playmaking. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, he’s more physical and athletic than his frame suggests.
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           Fland shot 37.9% from the field and 34.0% from three last season—numbers the staff expects to climb, especially with a focus on improving his finishing around the rim. One of the most intriguing storylines heading into fall practice will be how Florida’s coaches build an offensive system around two ball-dominant guards who both excel at distributing the basketball.
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           SUPER-SKILLED TRANSFER: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xaivian-lee/17751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Xaivian Lee
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           Guard 
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (right) ranked 75th nationally in offensive usage (29.2%) and 19th in assist (36.8%) during his 2025 first-team All-Ivy League junior season at Princeton. 
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           Rounding out the projected starting five is Xaivian Lee, a 6-foot-4, 183-pound guard and two-time first-team All-Ivy League selection from Princeton. While he’s slotted at the “2” shooting guard spot, his role—and that of Boogie Fland—is expected to be fluid, with both capable of initiating the offense.
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           Lee posted impressive numbers last season: 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He ranked 75th nationally in usage and 19th in assist rate (36.8%), leading the Ivy League in field-goal attempts with 408. His ability to create off the dribble and generate separation makes him Florida’s top option in late-clock situations.
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           He shot a career-best 36.6% from three-point range in 2024–25, though he only attempted 161 triples—significantly fewer than Walter Clayton Jr. (303), Alijah Martin (226), and Will Richard (223). That lower volume stemmed from Princeton’s limited offensive depth, which made Lee the focal point of opposing defenses and reduced his catch-and-shoot chances.
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           With Florida’s emphasis on ball movement—both side-to-side and inside-out—Lee is expected to see more open looks than ever before. Capitalizing on those opportunities will be key. He’s also a proven facilitator: his 165 assists last season would’ve led the Gators, and he did it in 10 fewer games.
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           Lee will face a steeper physical challenge in the SEC, where size and athleticism ramp up considerably. But his skill set and poise suggest he’s ready to adapt. At the line, he’s a career 79.6% free-throw shooter, while Fland hit 83.3% at Arkansas—making both reliable closers in tight games.
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           FULL-GO FRONT COURT LUXURY: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/17743" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           Senior 
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (3), a terrific passer and one of the nation's best offensive rebounders, is not only 100% healthy but in the best shape of his college career.
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            Consider the range of preseason narratives surrounding Micah Handlogten, Florida’s 7-foot-1 senior. In 2023–24, he arrived from Marshall as the starting center for a program in rebuild mode under Todd Golden’s second-year leadership. By 2024–25, he was expected to take a medical redshirt after suffering a devastating compound leg fracture in the SEC Tournament. Now, entering 2025–26, he’s stronger, healthier, and in peak condition—ready to be one of the top big men in the country…
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           as a backup
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           . And he’s completely fine with that.
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            Handlogten’s decision to forgo the redshirt and return midseason last February was both surprising and selfless, giving Florida critical frontcourt depth during its national title run. A locker room favorite, he averaged
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           2.6 points and 13.3 minutes
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            across 16 games, but his rebounding impact was undeniable: nearly
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           five boards per game
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            , with a
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           21.5% defensive rebounding rate
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            (second-best on the team) and a team-high
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           13.7% on the offensive glass
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           .
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            Now back at full strength and up to
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           260 pounds
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           , Handlogten will anchor Florida’s three-man center rotation alongside Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon, forming what may be the deepest frontcourt in college basketball. Opponents will have their hands full when Chinyelu and Handlogten share the floor—yes, that’s happening.
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            ﻿
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            Handlogten is a savvy passer from the low block, keeping the offense fluid and excelling at kick-outs off offensive rebounds. To earn crunch-time minutes, though, he’ll need to improve his free-throw shooting, which sits at
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           33.3% over two seasons
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            , including
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           2-for-11 (18.2%) last year
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           .
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           BEST SHOOTER: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17746" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Urban Klavzar
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (7) had a streak of seven consecutive SEC games with at least one made 3-pointer off the bench. 
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           When Luka Klavžar arrived late last summer after a stint with Real Madrid, many UF fans and media mistakenly assumed he was a point guard. That’s never been his role—and won’t be this season either. While he’s capable of making plays, Klavžar’s true identity is clear: an elite spot-up shooter.
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           His freshman year started slowly, in part due to an uncertain eligibility status that kept him sidelined until the fourth game of the season. That limbo weighed heavily on his preseason rhythm. Klavžar missed 12 of his first 13 three-point attempts, likely pressing to make the most of limited minutes. But once injuries sidelined Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr., Klavžar stepped up—going 11-for-19 from deep over a seven-game SEC stretch.
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           His minutes dipped in the postseason as defenses tightened and denied him clean looks. He finished the year averaging 3.2 points in 10 minutes across 26 games, shooting 34% from beyond the arc. Though he didn’t play after the Sweet 16, Klavžar remained a high-energy presence on the bench.
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           This summer reaffirmed his reputation as having the smoothest stroke on the team, with Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee learning to find him in transition. Heading into 2025–26, Klavžar is expected to be the first guard off the bench, with a focus on becoming a more complete player—starting with added strength and improved ball-handling in his second SEC campaign.
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           *
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           HIS FOR THE TAKING: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/17740" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Isaiah Brown
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           Sophomore wing 
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           Isaiah Brown
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            (20) is as bouncy as anyone on the UF squad.
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           Someone has to claim the backup “3” spot—a role that demands speed in transition, ball-handling, perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and the ability to make winning plays in limited minutes. Florida’s coaching staff will give Isaiah Brown, a sophomore from Orlando, the first opportunity to step into that role behind Thomas Haugh.
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           Brown saw limited action as a freshman, scoring 36 points in just 3.8 minutes per game across 19 appearances, but his efficiency stood out: 52% shooting from the field, 3-for-8 from three, and his most meaningful minutes came when Walter Clayton Jr. sat out against Vanderbilt. He also turned heads on the scout team during practices and remained a high-energy presence on the bench.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators will quickly learn how much they can lean on Brown, but the staff is hopeful he can become part of a developmental pipeline—similar to what they envisioned for
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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           —a four-year contributor who grows within the program and eventually steps into a leadership role.
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           For Brown, the key will be day-to-day consistency, both in practice and in translating that effort into game performance.
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           RECOVERING WILD CARD: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/aj-brown/17750" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            AJ Brown
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           AJ Brown's 
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           effective field-goal percentage of 57.4 last season at Ohio ranked 173rd nationally. 
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown’s older brother, a proven scorer from Ohio University, joins the Gators after averaging 13.2 points and nearly 39% from three as a junior in 2024–25. His season was cut short on March 1 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. After entering the transfer portal, he landed at Florida and spent the offseason rehabbing, gradually returning to form. Though he’d been running and shooting for weeks, he was only cleared for contact last week, meaning he’ll begin preseason practices slightly behind in the competition for backup wing minutes—alongside his younger brother, Isaiah.
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           The elder Brown brings a solid résumé: six career games with 20+ points, a career-high of 28, and 12 games with at least three made threes. He’s also battled injuries throughout his college career, missing 35 games total (8 as a freshman, 24 as a sophomore, 3 as a junior), so his physical readiness will be key in determining his role.
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           When fully healthy, Brown has the potential to be a “microwave” scorer off the bench—similar to Luka Klavžar last season—but he’s more than just a spot-up shooter. His 50% career shooting from inside the arc and 77% free-throw accuracy on 176 attempts show a well-rounded offensive game.
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           Still, he’s only logged one week of full-contact work since arriving in the spring. The coaching staff will be watching closely to see how quickly he can ramp up and contribute.
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           FRESH(MAN) FACES: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            CJ Ingram
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            &amp;amp; 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-lloyd/17753" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alex Lloyd
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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           With two experienced, highly skilled transfers in the fold, plus a couple returning guards with a season in the UF system, freshmen 
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           CJ Ingram
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            (top) and 
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           Alex Lloyd
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             (bottom) likely will have to be patient and prove themselves to the coaching staff in their rookie college seasons, especially during practice. 
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           Recruiting rankings can vary widely. For context, ESPN rated Florida’s two-man freshman class as the 22nd-best nationally and eighth in the SEC, while Rivals was less generous, placing it 47th overall and 13th in the league. It’s worth remembering that UF’s 2023 class—without any Top 100 prospects—ranked at the bottom of the SEC. FWIW: Condo and Haugh might disagree. Whatever.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators are excited about their two newcomers: Ingram, a wing from Hawthorne, Florida and son of former UF tight end (and occasional
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           Billy Donovan
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            forward)
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           Cornelius Ingram
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           , and Lloyd, a combo guard from Miami Westminster who arrived with a well-rounded offensive game and immediately got to work improving it.
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           Ingram made waves on the club circuit last summer, thanks to his explosive athleticism, jumping from a top-125 prospect into the top 30. His shot still needs refinement, but he’s been a regular in the gym since arriving in May. Right now, he’s long, athletic, and bouncy, and once he settles into the system, he projects as a versatile defender who could potentially guard four positions. He’s not there yet.
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           Lloyd, meanwhile, is further along offensively. He has a strong feel for the game and may have a clearer path to early minutes than his classmate. As a senior, he averaged 27.9 points, including three games with 40-plus, and has impressed in pickup runs—especially with his jumper.
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           FIFTH FRONTCOURT BODY: 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/viktor-mikic/17747" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Viktor Mikic
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Mikic_Viktor__250906_0899_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Viktor Mikic
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who posted DNPs the final 32 games of the season, is back after a successful summer playing for his homeland in Europe.
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           Florida added Nikola Mikic, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center from Serbia, during the summer of 2024 to bolster size and depth in the frontcourt—primarily to challenge Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon in practice. That’s exactly how his freshman season unfolded: Mikic logged just seven minutes across four games, with his final appearance coming during the Thanksgiving tournament in Orlando. He attempted only one shot and did not dress for the NCAA Tournament.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           However, Mikic spent the summer back home representing Serbia in the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, where he averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds, offering a glimpse of his potential and giving Florida’s staff reason for optimism.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           With Florida’s frontcourt rotation already stacked, minutes will be hard to come by. Still, with Thomas Haugh shifting to the “3” spot, a narrow window could open—if Mikic has made enough progress to step through it.
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           DOWN UNDER PRACTICE DEPTH: 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-kovatchev/17798" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alex Kovatchev
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           Summer-addition guard 
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           Alex Kovatchev
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             (right) has 16 career Division I starts, which is 16 more than four of the five UF guards he'll be competing against for reserve time on the perimeter. 
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida entered the summer with 12 scholarship players, one shy of the NCAA limit, and filled the gap by adding Aleksa Kovatchev, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound guard from Sacramento State via the transfer portal. With
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/aj-brown/17750" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           AJ Brown
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            still awaiting medical clearance, the Gators needed another backcourt option—and got one with a familiar twist: Kovatchev hails from Perth, Australia, just like Alex Condon. The two were teammates at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, giving them instant chemistry.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kovatchev, now a third-year sophomore, started 12 of 33 games as a true freshman in the Big Sky Conference, averaging 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds before a broken leg ended his 2024–25 season after just four games. Since arriving in Gainesville, he’s impressed coaches with his feel for the game, court awareness, and quick grasp of the system.
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           While the SEC presents a significant leap in competition from the Big Sky, Kovatchev’s versatility and familiarity with Condon could help him carve out a role—especially on the wing.
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           THE WALK-ONS: 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/olivier-rioux/17749" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Olivier Rioux
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            &amp;amp; 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cooper-josefsberg/17745" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Cooper Josefsberg
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Rioux_Olivier__250114_5707_MauraSchaeffer.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           College basketball's tallest player (
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Olivier Rioux
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , top) and one of team's most popular players (
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           Cooper Josefsberg
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           , bottom) will be energetic fixtures on the UF sidelines again.
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Josefsberg_Cooper__250405_7647_MaddieWashburn-62c77815.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           College basketball's tallest player (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Olivier Rioux
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , top) and one of team's most popular players (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Cooper Josefsberg
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , bottom) will be energetic fixtures on the UF sidelines again.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           It’s safe to say Olivier Rioux became the most recognizable player in college basketball last season—despite never logging a minute of game action. At 7-foot-9 and 305 pounds, the tallest player in the sport spent most of the year focused on development and conditioning, participating in only a handful of practices.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Over the summer, Rioux suited up for Canada’s FIBA U19 World Cup team, averaging 1.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in about 10 minutes per game. His live-action reps remain limited heading into the fall, so 2025–26 will likely be another season of growth. Unlike last year, when a redshirt was the plan from the start, Rioux enters this season as a second-year freshman—and a likely fan favorite. Expect the Rowdy Reptiles to chant “WE WANT OLLIE!” during lopsided home wins.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           As for Ben Josefsberg, the junior guard and team favorite appeared in four games last season without attempting a shot. That’s expected to change. In fact, it’s a safe bet he’ll take one this year—and an even safer bet he’ll make it
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           .
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:06:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/reloaded-and-ready-floridas-202526-basketball-blueprint</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Schedule Update: Florida vs. Alabama Game Moved to January 25</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/schedule-update-florida-vs-alabama-game-moved-to-january-25</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators' game vs. Alabama has been shifted to Sunday, Feb. 1.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The scheduled date for the Florida men's basketball matchup against Alabama has been moved to Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, from its original slot on Saturday, Jan. 31. Details regarding game time and broadcast network are still to be announced.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           No action is needed for fans who already hold season tickets, arena passes, or the SEC Weekend Pack (formerly known as the SEC Saturday Pack).
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Buy 2025-26 Season Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reserve 2025-26 Arena Passes
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3M2d0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Secure SEC Weekend Packs
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            View 2025-26 Schedule
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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            A limited number of
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           season ticket packages
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            for 2025–26 are still available.
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           Arena Passes are currently on sale for $450, offering access to all 15 home games with rotating seat assignments each week. Fans can link accounts for consistent seating or purchase single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
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           SEC Weekend Packs are also available while supplies last. For $650, fans can lock in 100-level seats for five high-profile SEC contests:
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            Tennessee (Jan. 10)
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            Auburn (Jan. 24)
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            Alabama (Feb. 1)
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            Kentucky (Feb. 14)
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            Arkansas (Feb. 28)
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           Group discounts
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            for parties of 15+ and
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           single-game tickets
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            will be released later this fall.
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           Tickets can be purchased at
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            F
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           loridaGators.com
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            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
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    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ben+Hill+Griffin+Stadium/@29.6499459,-82.3512565,1960m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88e8a379c55b3a57:0xf870d075572b3ea2!8m2!3d29.6499413!4d-82.3486816!16zL20vMDVieHNx?entry=tts&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgxMC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&amp;amp;skid=51593301-ad02-4488-8531-657a99b4ad00" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e5ec28d7.webp" length="89378" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:20:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/schedule-update-florida-vs-alabama-game-moved-to-january-25</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>New Faces, Championship Dreams: Meet the Gators' Freshman Class</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-faces-championship-dreams-meet-the-gators-freshman-class</link>
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           Freshman wing 
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            CJ Ingram
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           jumped into the top 25 among national prospects with an eye-popping 2024 on the summer circuit.
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           Share:
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On April 7,
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           Alex Lloyd
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            was back home in Miami, watching from his living room as Florida erased a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat Houston and capture the national championship. Lloyd, a talented combo guard who had signed with the Gators the previous fall, turned to his parents and smiled. "I wish I'd gone there earlier," he said.
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            Meanwhile, fellow freshman
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           CJ Ingram
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            had a front-row view of the moment. He was seated behind the UF bench at the Alamodome in San Antonio, alongside his mother, as orange and blue confetti rained down.
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           "It was surreal," Ingram recalled. "I was about to graduate and it felt like everything was happening so fast. Like it was go-time. It made it all feel real. It was coming." Now, five months later…
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           It’s here. They’re here.
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           Freshman wing 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            CJ Ingram
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           jumped into the top 25 among national prospects with an eye-popping 2024 on the summer circuit.
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           With official preseason practice just two weeks away, the reigning NCAA champions are gearing up for another run—and Alex Lloyd and CJ Ingram have been putting in the work since arriving for the Summer “A” session. Both freshmen have been regulars in the gym, preparing for their college debuts with intensity and focus.
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           Fans attending Saturday’s football game against South Florida may find themselves cooling off inside Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, where an open practice offers a first look at the 2025–26 Gators. It’s a chance to see the blend of new arrivals and returning veterans who will play key roles as Florida looks to defend its first national title in 18 years.
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           Among the newcomers, Lloyd and Ingram are eager to earn their place.
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           “Even though we won the national championship, the expectations for CJ and Alex are no different than they were for [
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           Thomas Haugh
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           ] and [
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           Alex Condon
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            ] when they were freshmen or Isaiah [Brown] last year. And that's to come in here and do everything they can to help this team win,” said Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            after a competitive pickup session. “Yes, a lot of roles are already defined and we have players back, but there is opportunity. It's going to be a challenge, for lack of a better term, to carve out a huge role on this team, but there will be minutes to be had.”
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           How those minutes are distributed will begin to take shape during preseason and likely solidify once the SEC schedule kicks off in January.
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           Lloyd and Ingram—now roommates and close friends—aren’t backing down from the challenge.
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           “There are guys in front of me that have years of experience and years in the program and I'm still trying to figure some things out, like positioning and where I'm supposed to be [on floor] at times,” Ingram said. “I'm still learning. Once everything adds up, I think I'll be contributing to the team at a real high level. That's my personal goal.”
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           Added Lloyd: “You have to earn your stripes. Nothing is going to be given to me and I don't want anything given to me.”
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            Just two years ago,
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           CJ Ingram
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            wasn’t on many basketball recruiting radars—despite averaging
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           25 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.7 steals
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            as a junior. That’s because he was also a standout quarterback for his father, former UF tight end (and occasional basketball contributor)
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           Cornelius Ingram
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            , at
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           Hawthorne High School
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            , where he led the team to
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           back-to-back state football titles
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            . Ingram was a
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           three-star football recruit
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            with over 20 offers as a projected wide receiver, but only two in basketball.
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           “The difference between then and now? Not even close,” Ingram said, reflecting on his growth on the hardwood.
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            His breakout came during the
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           2024 summer club circuit
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            , where he soared into the
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           national top 30
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            and backed it up with a strong senior season at
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           Montverde Academy
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            , averaging
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           12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals
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            on a roster stacked with Division I talent.
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            Florida landed a
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           long, bouncy slasher
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            with elite athleticism and defensive upside. Ingram is still developing his feel for the game and refining his jump shot—understandable after years of balancing two sports. The good news? He’s fully aware of what needs work.
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            “His work ethic has been ridiculous, so far,” said head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           .
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          Whether that effort translates into minutes at the “3” spot—where
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           Thomas Haugh
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           is expected to start and
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           Isaiah Brown
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          , along with transfer
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           A.J. Brown
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           (recovering from shoulder surgery), will compete—remains one of the fall’s most intriguing position battles.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Hawthorne-quarterback-C.J.-Ingram-was-named-the-Class-1R-Player-of-the-Year.-.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Hawthorne QB and 2023 Class 1A Player of the Year 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cj-ingram/17754" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            CJ Ingram
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           Photo by 
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           CJ Gish 
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           / Main Street Daily News 
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            Meanwhile,
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           Alex Lloyd
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           , listed at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, arrived on campus with a sharper feel, higher basketball IQ, and more polished shot than the coaching staff expected. He’s already turning heads. Is Lloyd a “1” or “2”? Doesn’t matter.
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            ﻿
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            “He’s a guard and bucket-getter,” Golden said of Lloyd, who averaged
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           27.9 points
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            as a senior at
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           Miami Westminster
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            and entered college as a
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           top-50 prospect
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           . “I’ve been impressed with his maturity and coachability so far.”
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            Alex Lloyd
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           , with his unique, high-arcing jumper, averaged nearly 28 points per game during his senior year of high school in Miami.
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           Alex Lloyd’s outside shot—with its high, slightly behind-the-head release point—has already made an impression in pickup sessions. It’s tough to contest and has become a noticeable weapon.
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            The same can be said—and then some—about Florida’s two high-profile backcourt transfers:
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (Princeton) and
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           Boogie Fland
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            (Arkansas), both expected to start and log significant minutes as they step into roles vacated by 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            ,
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           Alijah Martin
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            , and top reserve
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , now at Kentucky.
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            Lloyd will compete for reserve minutes at either guard spot alongside
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           Urban Klavzar
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            , Isaiah Brown, CJ Ingram, and potentially
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           Alex Kovatchev
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            (Sacramento State), who arrived late in the offseason.
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           “With the people in front of me, I have to wait my turn. I understand that, so my expectation is not only to do what I can and do what I'm asked, but be good at doing it as well,” Lloyd said. “Obviously, it's an adjustment, but how you handle it is very much a mental thing. You have to put yourself in the mind frame that there are other good players here who have been through the wars. Now, it's my time to learn and be ready because you never know how the course of a season is going to go.”
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           Both Lloyd and Ingram understand where the team begins—ranked among the nation’s elite—and what it will take to climb the rotation and contribute meaningfully: make the Gators better.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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            at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:02:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-faces-championship-dreams-meet-the-gators-freshman-class</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Past and Present Unite for Championship Reunion</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-past-and-present-unite-for-championship-reunion</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Friday, September 5, 2025 | Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Men's Swimming &amp;amp; Diving, Women's Tennis, Volleyball, Men's Track and Field
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           Share:
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           Gator Athletics Championship Reunion Weekend kicks off with celebrations honoring two national champions and 15 conference title teams.
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           Champions Parade
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           Come give high-fives to returning title-winning Gators during the Gator Walk Parade of Champions. Fans are encouraged to gather at Gator Walk Village to cheer on these legendary squads. The parade begins 2 hours and 30 minutes before the 4:15 p.m. kickoff.
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           On-Field Presentation
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           At the end of the first quarter, help welcome back the 2000 Gator football team to the Swamp. All other championship teams will be recognized during halftime on Saturday.
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           Teams Being Honored
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           Here’s the full lineup of championship squads celebrating milestone seasons this weekend:
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           NCAA Team Titles
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           Conference Champions
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/9/5/football-florida-south-florida-what-you-need-to-know.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fan Info for Saturday's Florida-South Florida game
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-cccf8e28.webp" length="55166" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:37:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-past-and-present-unite-for-championship-reunion</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <title>UF Health Extends Partnership to Care for Team USA Athletes Through 2028</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/uf-health-extends-partnership-to-care-for-team-usa-athletes-through-2028</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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           — University of Florida Health will continue serving Team USA athletes with specialized medical care through both the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, following an extended agreement with the U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
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           This renewal builds on UF Health’s initial two years as part of the USOPC Medical Network, during which its specialists provided treatment to more than 70 Olympic and Paralympic athletes preparing for international competition.
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           UF Health is one of only four national medical centers chosen by the USOPC to deliver advanced sports medicine and performance care. The extended partnership ensures Team USA athletes will continue to benefit from UF Health’s diagnostics, specialized treatments, and rehabilitation services as they train and compete at the highest level.
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           Since joining the network in 2023, UF Health physicians from over 17 departments in Gainesville and Jacksonville have cared for athletes across 18 different sports. The health system also collaborates with the USOPC and other providers on professional programs, including a recent traumatic brain injury workshop hosted by the UF Health Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases.
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           “As a health care leader in the United States and home to many Team USA athletes over the years, we’re thrilled that UF Health will continue to be one of the premier medical providers who care for the unique needs of Team USA athletes,” said Jonathan Finnoff, D.O., FACSM, USOPC chief medical officer.
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           UF Health became the third national medical center in the U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Medical Network in 2023, and the first located in the Southeast, a region where many elite athletes live and train. This agreement builds on UF Health’s long tradition of caring for University of Florida athletes, many of whom have gone on to compete at the highest levels.
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            “When I think of a Team USA athlete competing on the world stage, the concept of greatness and excellence comes to mind immediately. And that’s so inspiring because those exact words — greatness, excellence — resonate with the care that is delivered through UF Health each and every day,” said
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    &lt;a href="https://ufhealth.org/news/2024/nationally-renowned-health-system-leader-appointed-to-head-uf-health-clinical-enterprise" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS
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           , UF Health president and system CEO. “Being a trusted medical center for Team USA sends a very clear message across not only the state of Florida, but throughout the world, that world-class care sits right here within UF Health, and is demonstrated every single day in what we do — delivering this same elite level of care to each and every one of the communities we serve.”
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           UF Health clinicians provide a wide range of services, from routine care to complex surgeries.
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           “I thank all the people from UF Health who invested in me on my journey through hip surgery. The care was top-notch,” said bobsledder Elliot Markuson. “Now competing as a member of Team USA post-hip surgery, I have recommended them to a lot of other athletes.”
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           Elite athletes face numerous challenges, including health and injury setbacks. While perseverance and dedication are essential, access to world-class medical care is equally critical.
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            “UF Health provides expert comprehensive, world-class, health care to all our patients, including our Team USA athletes, whether they are from down the street in Gainesville or from around the world,” said
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    &lt;a href="https://pmr.med.ufl.edu/profile/zaremski-jason/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jason L. Zaremski, M.D., CAQSM, FACSM
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           , FACSM, professor and chief of the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Division of Sports Medicine, part of the Department of Physical Medicine &amp;amp; Rehabilitation. “We’re the experts next door. It’s also an indescribable feeling when you see a patient going for the gold who was treated at UF Health.”
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           About USOPC
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            Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. The USOPC is dedicated to protecting, supporting, and empowering American athletes, and oversees U.S. participation in the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American, and Parapan American Games. Learn more at
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    &lt;a href="https://www.teamusa.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           TeamUSA.com
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            . For details about the U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Medical Network, visit
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    &lt;a href="https://www.usopc.org/medical-network" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           usopc.org/medical-network
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           About UF Health
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           UF Health is a U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Committee National Medical Center and the academic health system of the University of Florida, recognized globally for research and patient care. Its flagship, UF Health Shands Hospital, is consistently ranked among the nation’s top hospitals by U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report.
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           With campuses in Gainesville and Jacksonville, plus satellite sites in Central Florida, St. Johns County, and other regions, UF Health delivers care across Florida, the nation’s third-most populous state. The system includes six health colleges, 10 research centers and institutes, and 12 hospitals — among them two teaching hospitals and five specialty hospitals — along with physician practices and outpatient services. More information is available at UFHealth.org.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:04:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/uf-health-extends-partnership-to-care-for-team-usa-athletes-through-2028</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Swamp Salute: Billy D’s Championship Legacy Takes Center Field</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/swamp-salute-billy-ds-championship-legacy-takes-center-field</link>
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           Billy Donovan, who won 467 games, six SEC titles and two NCAA championships over his 19 seasons at Florida before leaving for the NBA, will be inducted in the Naismith Hall of Fame next weekend as a member of its Class of 2025. [Chicago Bulls photo]
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           Share:
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           Honoring a Florida Legend Under the Lights of the Swamp
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Just five months ago, a Florida men's basketball coach stepped onto Steve Spurrier/Florida Field to celebrate a newly earned NCAA championship. The moment still resonates across Gator Nation, especially inside the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex, where the echoes of that March Madness triumph linger.
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           But this Saturday, the spotlight shifts—with all due respect to Todd Golden, who currently holds the crown in college hoops—to the coach who transformed Florida basketball from an underdog program into a national powerhouse. The one who made championship dreams a reality.
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           Billy Donovan, the most successful coach in UF history, will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next weekend in Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the first player or coach with Florida ties to receive the honor. Before that, he’ll make a stop at "The Swamp" during the Gators’ season opener against Long Island, where he’ll be recognized between the first and second quarters with what’s sure to be a roaring ovation from a sold-out crowd.
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           This weekend marks Donovan’s only chance to attend a home game, given his commitments to Hall of Fame festivities on Sept. 4–5 and the start of Chicago Bulls training camp on Oct. 1. His schedule is packed, but his connection to Gainesville remains strong—and the fans haven’t forgotten.
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           "It's very humbling," Donovan said, reflecting on his journey. Over 19 seasons at UF, he compiled a 467–186 record (and 502–206 overall) before heading to the NBA in 2015. "You don't get into the game thinking that you're one day going to be in any Hall of Fame. You do it because you love it."
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           Billy Donovan’s love for basketball was undeniable—and the game returned the favor. Once a lightly recruited point guard from Long Island, “Billy the Kid” carved out a standout collegiate career under Rick Pitino at Providence, then launched into coaching as Pitino’s assistant at Kentucky. That path led to his first head coaching role at Marshall, and eventually to Florida, a program with little basketball tradition at the time.
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           Donovan didn’t just elevate UF—he flipped the Southeastern Conference on its head, guiding the Gators to six league titles, four Final Four appearances, and back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007
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           In the modern era of college basketball, Donovan joins elite company: John Wooden (UCLA), Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), and Dan Hurley (Connecticut)—the only coaches to win consecutive NCAA titles. Florida’s second championship, now 18 years old, stood as the pinnacle of the program’s history.
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           That moment gained a worthy companion on April 7, when Florida captured its third national title.
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           Billy Donovan
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            hoists the first of his two consecutive NCAA championship trophies, this one after defeating UCLA in the 2006 title game.
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           “Coach Donovan set the standard,” said current head coach Todd Golden. “He is the face of Florida basketball and there are some pretty high expectations now because of what he was able to do during his time here.”
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            ﻿
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           Golden met that standard in San Antonio, Texas, where the Gators claimed their latest NCAA crown. Fittingly, the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2025—featuring Donovan, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Micky Arison, and the 2008 USA Olympic Team—was announced during the lead-up to the Final Four. Donovan, the program’s foundational figure, was there in person, seated behind the UF bench, as Florida rallied past Auburn in the semifinals..
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           The 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class was introduced at the Final Four in San Antonio on April 5.
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           From left: Julius Erving (board member), 
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           Micky Arison
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            (Miami Heat owner), 
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           Mike Kzyzewski 
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           (coach of the 2008 USA Olympic so-called "Redeem Team"),
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            Carmelo Anthony
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            (Syracuse and NBA star), 
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           Joey Crawford 
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           (NBA official), 
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           Billy Donovan
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            (Providence standout and Florida coach) and 
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           Dwight Howard
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            (NBA star). 
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           Just two nights after witnessing Florida’s dramatic semifinal win in person, Billy Donovan was back on duty with the Chicago Bulls—watching from afar as the top-seeded Gators completed a thrilling comeback to defeat 1-seed Houston and claim the national championship. Florida trailed in the second half of four of its final five NCAA Tournament games, including a 12-point deficit in the title game.
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           “I watched the second half of the national-championship game and the announcers made a comment: ‘This is Florida’s first lead of the game.’ Your first lead? With a minute to go in the game? Incredible,” Donovan said, referencing the moment UF took control with just 46 seconds remaining. “Talk about the idea of just going for it. You have to have guys that have that kind of mentality. Sometimes the moment is too big, but those guys immersed themselves in the moment.”
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            Among those players,
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            stood out. Named Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Clayton was later selected in the first round of the NBA Draft and will soon be on Donovan’s radar with the Utah Jazz.
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           “I always loved him and the thing I loved about him was he just seemed really competitive, fearless and had great belief,” Donovan said. “That’s what came across to me. A big shot-maker who really leaned into the biggest moments. I just love that in guys. The confidence. He always appeared on the court very calm, under control and never rattled.”
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           Donovan, who turned 60 in May, also offered high praise for Todd Golden, the coach who led Florida to its third NCAA title. “I really didn’t know Todd or much about him,” Donovan admitted, recalling the coaching search that followed Mike White’s departure in 2022. But Golden’s impact is now undeniable.
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           Gators coach 
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            Todd Golden
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           during the national-championship celebration at halftime of the annual Orange &amp;amp; Blue Spring Game at Spurrier/Florida Field on April 12. 
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           Gators coach 
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           during the national-championship celebration at halftime of the annual Orange &amp;amp; Blue Spring Game at Spurrier/Florida Field on April 12. 
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            When UF athletic director
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           Scott Stricklin
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            and his search team focused in on Todd Golden, then in his third year leading San Francisco, he reached out to Billy Donovan—a gesture that served both as a courtesy and a request.
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           “He wanted me to be a resource,” Donovan said.
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           Golden was seeking insight from someone who understood the unique challenges of coaching at Florida and competing in the Southeastern Conference—not just surviving, but thriving.
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           Though Donovan hadn’t navigated the transfer portal era, his advice was clear: prioritize recruiting top talent from within the state, pursue elite prospects nationally, and most importantly, reconnect with Florida’s basketball greats—bring them back to campus and make them part of the program’s culture.
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            Todd Golden didn’t just take Billy Donovan’s advice—he ran with it. Over the past three seasons, multiple former players have returned to campus, reconnecting with the program and helping build a stronger Gator basketball community. One of the most impactful moves? Hiring
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           Taurean Green
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           , Donovan’s championship-winning point guard, first as director of player development, then promoting him to assistant coach. A UF Hall of Famer, Green became a vital link to the program’s past and helped reignite the orange-and-blue brotherhood.
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           “We’ve welcomed guys back with open arms and it’s been great. Plus, we’re winning and we got a really good buzz right now,” Green said. “I think it’s also a testament to the guys on the team last year. They lived up to the standard that Coach D set when he was here.”
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           Then came the grin—and the line that connected two title eras:
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           “Those Gator boys stayed hot,” Green said.
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           During his brief return to Gainesville, Billy Donovan will likely be asked to compare his championship teams to those of Todd Golden. He’ll be gracious—but also candid.
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           “I’m biased,” Donovan admitted.
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           And that’s perfectly fair.
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           His first title team began the season unranked, with little outside expectation, and climbed all the way to the top. The second entered the year ranked No. 1, burdened with the pressure to repeat and nowhere to go but down. “We did it both ways,” Donovan said.
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           Billy Donovan's last triumphant return to UF came Feb. 15, 2020 when the court at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center was named in his honor.
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           In doing so, they proved it could be done—twice, at Florida. It remains one of the most remarkable accomplishments in the rich history of UF Athletics.
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           What happened five months ago was just as electrifying—and just as affirming. It reestablished the championship standard Donovan brought to Gainesville nearly 30 years ago. Welcome back, Billy D. And thank you.
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           “To me, the program doesn’t get enough respect because it’s not a quote-unquote blue blood school,” Donovan said. “You can sit there and say, in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, Florida didn’t have what UCLA and Kentucky and Kansas had. That’s fine. Those places had done it for a hundred years. But look at what Florida has done over the last 30 years. You can say, yeah, Florida is right there.”
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:43:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/swamp-salute-billy-ds-championship-legacy-takes-center-field</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Your Gator Tales Countdown Begins</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/your-gator-countdown-begins</link>
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            The 2025-26 UF Athletics season kicks off with the return of Gator Tales with
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           Sean Kelley
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            . Episode 50 features a conversation with UF Men's Basketball National Champion
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           Alex Condon
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            and Gators Football transfer wide receiver
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           J. Michael Sturdivant
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           . With the 2025 football season opener against LIU on September 30 at 7 p.m., Sturdivant is set to make his debut in The Swamp after transferring from UCLA and Cal.
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           Fans are encouraged to leave a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever they listen.
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           Follow us on social media and share your questions and comments; your response could be featured on a future episode.
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            Gator Tales is available on
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    &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gator-tales-with-sean-kelley/id1036270178" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Apple Podcasts
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1Cd7mcwvB2IfsR2WzOWsQq?si=3cab21929c274349" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Spotify
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSvDmFCp0zGOPSLFuuOLtkmuLVIn_6ynh&amp;amp;si=AfZqFf9UEg_XMLp4" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           YouTube
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            , and FloridaGators.com. For more details, visit the
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           Gator Tales page.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:12:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/your-gator-countdown-begins</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>A Day for New Banners</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/a-day-for-new-banners</link>
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           UF athletic director and members of the 2024-25 men's basketball team watch as their national-championship banner is revealed Tuesday.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gators' traditions are always evolving, and this one is no exception. It's even newer than the "I Won't Back Down" anthem introduced in 2017.
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            The banners representing Southeastern Conference and national championships hang proudly from the ceiling of the Heavener Football Training Center in
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           Jeremy Foley
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            Hall of Champions. These banners have graced the hall for three years, with updates added annually. Each time a new title is claimed, a crowd gathers in the Condron Dining Hall to celebrate the occasion.
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           This Tuesday lunchtime was no different.
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            "We're adding three more," announced UF athletic director
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-stricklin/487" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Stricklin
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            with pride.
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           The banners for lacrosse, men's golf, and men's basketball were unveiled, marking their stellar performances during the spring season. The student-athletes, coaches, and staff from various UF teams filled the hall with applause.
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           Lacrosse took the spotlight first. Coach Amanda O'Leary's team triumphed in its first season in the Big 12 Conference, winning 20 games, securing an 11th consecutive league tournament title, and making it to the Final Four for the second year in a row.
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           Next, men's golf was recognized for securing its second SEC title in three years (17th in the program's history). This victory extended UF’s record of winning at least one SEC team championship for 47 consecutive years.
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           Finally, it was basketball's turn.
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           "It's special when we unveil an SEC title," Stricklin remarked. "But it's a whole different feeling when it's a national championship."
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            Coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , in only his third season, led the Gators to an impressive 36-4 record, including an SEC Tournament victory. That set the stage for an unforgettable six-game NCAA Tournament run, culminating in a 65-63 victory over Houston in the final in San Antonio.
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           With that win, the Gators added their 49th all-time national championship to their legacy, three of which belong to men’s basketball.
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            "The amazing thing for Todd is how quickly it all happened," said men's golf coach
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           J.C. Deacon
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           . "At 39, he’s the youngest to win an NCAA men’s title since Jim Valvano in 1983. I’ve told him, you can have 15 more great teams over the next 15 years and not win another one, so enjoy this."
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           Golden and his Gators have certainly embraced the moment.
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           "It’s incredibly special," said Golden. "To have these players recognized by their peers like this is a big deal. Winning a national championship at a place like Florida means you’re part of something extraordinary."
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           And as for the tradition, it’s a fresh addition to an already impressive legacy.
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            After the basketball banner was unveiled, featuring the 2025 championship alongside Billy Donovan’s 2006 and 2007 titles, junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            grabbed the microphone. Known for his fast-paced speech, Chinyelu’s words were clear and impactful.
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           "We're an everything school," Chinyelu declared. "And we don’t back down."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:33:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/a-day-for-new-banners</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Billy Donovan to Be Honored at Florida Football Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/billy-donovan-to-be-honored-at-florida-football-opener</link>
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           Billy Donovan will receive recognition for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame during the Florida-LIU football game on August 30.
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-football-vs-long-island-gainesville-florida-08-30-2025/event/220062A5EFE47B83?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=FB-SINGLE&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_FB-SINGLE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Get LIU Football Game Tickets
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Secure Men's Basketball Tickets
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           In honor of his upcoming induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, legendary Florida men's basketball coach Billy Donovan will be celebrated with a special in-game ceremony at the Gators' football game against LIU on Saturday, August 30, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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           Donovan, who led Florida from 1996-2015, steered the program to two national championships, four Final Fours, six Southeastern Conference regular-season titles, four SEC Tournament victories, and 467 wins. Since leaving Gainesville, he has tallied 438 NBA wins with the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder.
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           The 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class will be officially enshrined on Sept. 5-6 in Springfield, Mass. Donovan was announced as part of the 2025 class on April 5, and he was honored at halftime of the Gators' Final Four win in San Antonio.
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            A limited number of tickets are still available for the game against LIU, which kicks off at 7 p.m. The event will also feature 352 Community Day, presented by Regions, and a special halftime fireworks display, presented by BeReal.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Click here
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            to get your tickets while they last.
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            Single-game tickets for the other five home football games this season are also on sale. Fans can purchase tickets online at
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/football-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
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           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium ticket office, located at Gate 2 on the stadium’s west side.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:27:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/billy-donovan-to-be-honored-at-florida-football-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Join the Era: Florida Signs On for Elite Players Era Championship</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-join-the-era-florida-signs-on-for-elite-players-era-championship</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators have signed on to participate in the fast-growing Players Era Championship, beginning with the 2026-27 season.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida men’s basketball has entered into a multi-year commitment to compete in the Players Era Men's Championship starting with the 2026 edition, as announced jointly by Players Era and the Gators on Tuesday.
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            “The Players Era Men's Championship has already become one of the elite multi-team events in a short time, and we're excited to be part of that growth and innovation,” said Florida head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           . “With the field assembled, Players Era will be a central piece of our nonconference schedule for the next several years.”
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           Florida is set to join a stacked 2026 lineup, expected to include all programs participating in this year’s tournament: Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, St. Joseph’s, St. John’s, Tennessee, Syracuse, and UNLV.
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            “The University of Florida is the current standard bearer of excellence in NCAA men's basketball and there is no higher peak than being able to add the defending national champions to the
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.playersera.com/2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Players Era Men's Championship
          &#xD;
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           ,” said Players Era CEO Seth Berger. “Coach Golden has quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the game, and we thank him for his support of our event and can't wait to see them match up with other premier programs in 2026.”
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           The 2025 Players Era Men's Championship will be held during Thanksgiving week across multiple venues in Las Vegas, with coverage provided by TNT Sports on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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            Fans can catch the defending national champions in action with a range of ticket options for the upcoming season. Limited quantities of
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           season ticket packages
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           , 
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             , SEC Saturday Packs (100-level seats for marquee matchups against Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky, and Arkansas), and
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           Arena Passes
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            (randomly assigned seats for all 15 home games) are currently available and selling fast.
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           Group tickets
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           for parties of 15 or more and single-game tickets will be released later this fall. Tickets can be purchased at
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
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           , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:04:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-join-the-era-florida-signs-on-for-elite-players-era-championship</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Get Your Full-Season Passes and SEC Weekend Bundles Now</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/get-your-full-season-passes-and-sec-weekend-bundles-now</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The place was loud! The O'Dome was packed in 2024-25. Come bring the energy next season and secure your spot!
          &#xD;
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           The defending national champion Florida men's basketball team is gearing up for another championship run, and fans can secure their seats now for some of the season's most exciting matchups at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Buy 2025-26 Season Tickets
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           Reserve 2025-26 Arena Passes
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           Secure SEC Saturday Packs
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           View 2025-26 Schedule
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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            In 2024-25, the Gators averaged 10,039 fans per game (99% capacity), with nine sellouts, marking the program’s highest home attendance since the 2016-17 season. A limited number of
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 season ticket packages
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            are still available.
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    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/eVQ7t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arena Passes
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for the 2025-26 season are now on sale. For $450, fans will receive tickets to all 15 home games, with a different seating location for each one. Seat assignments are randomly assigned each week, and fans can link their accounts for the full season or purchase single-game guest passes to sit with friends.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3M2d0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           SEC Saturday Packs
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            are also available while supplies last. For $650, fans can secure 100-level seats for five marquee SEC matchups: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Jan. 31), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28).
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Discounted
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=mbasketball&amp;amp;product=group" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           group tickets
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            for parties of 15 or more and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           single-game tickets
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            will be available later this fall.
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            Fans can purchase tickets at
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com
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            , by calling the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 on the west side of
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    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmcpEDMhXbKTn8XNA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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           .
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           Share:
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      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:12:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/get-your-full-season-passes-and-sec-weekend-bundles-now</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Set to Battle TCU on Thanksgiving Day in San Diego Tournament</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-to-battle-tcu-on-thanksgiving-day-in-san-diego-tournament</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Micah Handlogten and the Gators will kick off the Rady Children's Invitational by taking on TCU in sunny San Diego this Thanksgiving.
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           Sports San Diego has officially announced that the Florida men's basketball team will start the Rady Children's Invitational by playing TCU on Thursday, November 27. This Thanksgiving Day matchup in San Diego will be broadcast on FS1 at 3 p.m. Eastern time, immediately followed by the game between Providence and Wisconsin.
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           The tournament schedule continues on Friday, November 28, featuring the third-place game followed by the championship. Both games on Friday will air on FOX, with game times to be announced later.
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           Historically, the Gators hold a 2-1 record against TCU, though they lost the most recent matchup in the 2019 SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Florida currently maintains a perfect 5-0 record against Providence and a 3-2 record against Wisconsin.
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           The team is aiming to secure their second consecutive holiday tournament title, having successfully won last season's ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee with strong performances against Wake Forest and Wichita State.
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           The 2025-26 season officially begins on Monday, November 3, when Florida faces Arizona in Las Vegas as part of the Hall of Fame Series.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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            After posting a fantastic 15–1 home record last year, drawing nine sellout crowds, and achieving the highest attendance since 2016–2017, the defending National Champions are prepared for another thrilling year in the O'Dome.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–2026 campaign are available now and moving fast. Don't wait—secure your seats while supplies last!
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           Mini-Plans Coming Soon
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           The Gators' SEC Saturday home schedule includes five major games in 2026: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Jan. 31), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28). You can ensure your seat for all five of these prime weekend games before single-game tickets become available to the general public.
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           Notify Me: SEC Saturday Pack
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           : Complete the form at the link above to receive an alert when the SEC Saturday Pack goes on sale.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:29:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-to-battle-tcu-on-thanksgiving-day-in-san-diego-tournament</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Loaded 18-Game Schedule Revealed for SEC Men's Basketball Season</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/loaded-18-game-schedule-revealed-for-sec-men-s-basketball-season</link>
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           Rueben Chinyelu (#9), Alex Condon, and the Gators are set for a challenging 18-game conference slate after the SEC schedule was released.
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           After navigating the conference’s toughest schedule to become national champions in 2025, the Florida men's basketball team has its full 2026 league schedule. The Southeastern Conference officially announced the slate of games on Wednesday, featuring several major showdowns for the defending champions.
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           The Gators’ home weekends are loaded with elite teams, including Saturday contests in the O'Connell Center against: Tennessee (Jan. 10), Auburn (Jan. 24), Alabama (Jan. 31), Kentucky (Feb. 14), and Arkansas (Feb. 28). Midweek home games at the Exactech Arena include visits from Georgia (Jan. 6/7), LSU (Jan. 20/21), South Carolina (Feb. 17/18), and Mississippi State (March 3/4).
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           League play will both begin and end on the road for the Gators, starting with a trip to Missouri on Jan. 3 and concluding on March 7 at Kentucky. Other road games include the team's first trip to Texas (Feb. 25) since 1997 and their inaugural visit to Oklahoma (Jan. 13/14) since the Sooners joined the SEC. Florida will also travel to Vanderbilt (Jan. 17), South Carolina (Jan. 27/28), Texas A&amp;amp;M (Feb. 7), Georgia (Feb. 10/11), and Ole Miss (Feb. 21).
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           Under the SEC’s current format, the Gators maintain permanent home-and-home series against Georgia and South Carolina, with Kentucky serving as the rotational home-and-home opponent for the 2025-26 season. All other opponents are split evenly between home and away venues.
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           Beyond the SEC, Florida’s non-conference schedule includes high-profile neutral-site matchups with Arizona and UConn, a road trip to Duke, the annual home rivalry game against Florida State, the Rady Children's Invitational over Thanksgiving in San Diego, and the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Florida.
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           Specific midweek dates, final game times, and television network assignments will be announced at a later date.
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           Mini-Plans Coming Soon
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           The SEC Saturday slate features Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky, and Arkansas. You can ensure your seat for all five weekend home games before single-game tickets are released.
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    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=mbasketball&amp;amp;product=secsaturdays&amp;amp;utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=STORY&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBK-MINI" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Notify Me: SEC Saturday Pack
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           : Complete the form at the link above to receive an alert when the SEC Saturday Pack goes on sale.
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           2025-26 Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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            After an incredible year with a 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the program’s highest attendance since the 2016–2017 season, the defending National Champions are ready for another exciting year.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–2026 campaign are available now and selling fast. Be sure to secure your seats while supplies last!
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           2026 Florida Men's Basketball SEC Schedule
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      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:55:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/loaded-18-game-schedule-revealed-for-sec-men-s-basketball-season</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Grit, Grind, and Gator Pride: Florida Women’s SEC Roadmap Revealed</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-grind-and-gator-pride-florida-womens-sec-roadmap-revealed</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
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            – The Southeastern Conference has released the full 2025–26 women’s basketball schedule, setting the stage for another competitive season across the league. Florida opens its SEC campaign on January 1, 2026, with a road matchup against Tennessee.
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           The conference will once again follow its 16-game format, with each team playing eight home and eight road games, including one rotating home-and-home series.
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           The Gators begin SEC play in Knoxville on Thursday, Jan. 1, before returning to Exactech Arena for consecutive home games against South Carolina (Jan. 4), the 2025 NCAA Tournament runner-up, and Texas A&amp;amp;M (Jan. 8).
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           Florida then hits the road for matchups at Auburn (Jan. 11) and Kentucky (Jan. 15), followed by a home game against Missouri (Jan. 18). The final road trip of the month takes the team to LSU (Jan. 26), before closing out January at home against Texas (Jan. 29), the reigning SEC regular season champion.
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           February opens with a visit to Vanderbilt (Feb. 1), followed by a homestand featuring Auburn (Feb. 5) and Arkansas (Feb. 8). The Gators then travel to Oklahoma (Feb. 12) before a scheduled bye week.
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           To wrap up the regular season, Florida will face Mississippi State (Feb. 19) and Georgia (Mar. 1) on the road, while hosting Alabama (Feb. 22) and Ole Miss (Feb. 26) in Gainesville.
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           The 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament returns to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., running from March 4–8, and will feature all 16 conference programs.
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           2025-26 Women's Basketball SEC Schedule:
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           Game times and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
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           2025-26 Florida Women's Basketball Season Tickets Available Now
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           Fans can reserve new season ticket packages and renew their seats for the 2025-26 campaign.
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           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Packages
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           New season tickets are available starting at $75 for general admission tickets. Courtside seating begins at $250 per ticket while loge seating starts at $150.
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           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
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           For additional questions, fans can call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, email 
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           ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu
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           , or fill out this 
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           form
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            to be contacted by a representative.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:00:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-grind-and-gator-pride-florida-womens-sec-roadmap-revealed</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Kevin Olsen Rejoins Men's Basketball Staff as Analytics Director</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/kevin-olsen-rejoins-men-s-basketball-staff-as-analytics-director</link>
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           Kevin Olsen returns to the program after two years away. He was previously on Todd Golden's staff during the 2022-23 season.
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            Florida men's basketball has welcomed
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           Kevin Olsen
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            back to the staff, appointing him to the role of Director of Basketball Strategy and Analytics. Olsen previously served as UF's video coordinator in the 2022-23 season and is returning to Gainesville following two seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of San Francisco. This position opened up when
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           Jonathan Safir
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            was promoted to assistant coach during the offseason.
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           While serving as an assistant coach at San Francisco from 2023 to 2025, Olsen helped lead the Dons to a 48-21 record and earned two NIT appearances. The 2024-25 campaign included notable victories over Saint Mary's and Oregon State on the road, alongside WCC Tournament and NIT wins (against Washington State and Utah Valley, respectively). In the 2023-24 season, USF secured wins over Big Ten and Big East teams, defeating both Minnesota and DePaul.
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            The Villa Park, California, native originally worked as the video coordinator on
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           Todd Golden
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           's first staff at UF in 2022-23. During that season, the Gators achieved two top-25 victories and earned a spot in the postseason. That campaign also saw Colin Castleton receive All-SEC honors and Riley Kugel earn SEC All-Freshman recognition.
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           Before his initial tenure at UF, Olsen spent three seasons with the University of San Francisco, starting as the head student manager and later moving into a graduate assistant role on Golden's staff. He completed his sociology degree at San Francisco in 2021.
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           Prior to his time at San Francisco, Olsen was a team captain for the men's basketball team at Irvine Valley College, where he also coached with West Coast Elite Basketball.
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           Florida officially begins its 2025-26 campaign on Monday, November 3, meeting Arizona in Las Vegas as part of the Hall of Fame Series.
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           2025-26 Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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            After an incredible year featuring a 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the program’s highest attendance since the 2016–2017 season, the defending National Champions are ready for another fantastic year in the O'Dome.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–2026 season are available now and selling quickly. Secure your seats before they are gone!
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           Share:
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      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:41:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/kevin-olsen-rejoins-men-s-basketball-staff-as-analytics-director</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gator Hoops Stars Alexia Dizeko and Sarah Deng Compete at 2025 FIBA AfroBasket</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-hoops-stars-alexia-dizeko-and-sarah-deng-compete-at-2025-fiba-afrobasket</link>
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           Alexia Dizeko is shining for Team Angola at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, dropping 33 points across two impressive games.
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Several members of the Florida women's basketball program spent their summer playing overseas for their home national teams. Among them are
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            and
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           Sarah Deng
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            , who have recently begun competition in Africa. Dizeko earned a spot on Angola's national team roster, while
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           Deng
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            is proudly playing for South Sudan.
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           During Angola's Group C match against Egypt on July 27, Dizeko delivered an exceptional performance. She was the only Angolan player to reach double digits, scoring 11 points, alongside 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Dizeko followed this up with an even bigger outing on July 28 against Côte d'Ivoire, pouring in 21 points and leading the team defensively with eight rebounds.
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           Dizeko and Angola are scheduled to face Cameroon on Wednesday, July 30, in a pivotal matchup to qualify for the AfroBasket quarterfinals. That game tips off at 5 p.m. ET inside Palais des Sports in Treichville, Côte d'Ivoire.
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           Florida is also represented in the tournament by Deng on Team South Sudan. Deng and her teammates are making a historic entrance, as South Sudan qualified for the tournament for the very first time via a wildcard entry. Deng has played in two group-phase contests, accumulating a combined 43 minutes of action.
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           In South Sudan's opening game on July 26, Deng topped the team in both assists and steals, tallying three assists and two steals against Mali. Most recently, South Sudan played Cameroon and lost a close 70-63 contest in the Group Phase. South Sudan’s next game is scheduled for July 30, against Egypt.
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            The FIBA AfroBasket tournament is the premiere continental championship for African national teams and is organized by FIBA. It takes place every four years, and the 2025 edition marks the 31st year of the competition. For more information on AfroBasket, please
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    &lt;a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-afrobasket-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           follow this link
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           .
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 19:10:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-hoops-stars-alexia-dizeko-and-sarah-deng-compete-at-2025-fiba-afrobasket</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Island Showdown: Gators Set for Memphis &amp; Georgia Tech in Cayman Classic</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/island-showdown-gators-set-for-memphis-georgia-tech-in-cayman-classic</link>
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      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Me'Arah O'Neal returns to Florida for her sophomore season and will play a vital role in the Gators success for the 2025-26 season.
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           Share:
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           GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman
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            — Florida women’s basketball is set to compete in the 2025 Cayman Islands Classic this Thanksgiving, with matchups now confirmed for the two-day event. The tournament will be held November 28–29 at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman.
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           The Gators will open play against Memphis on Friday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET, closing out the day’s slate as the fourth and final game. They’ll return to action Saturday, Nov. 29, for a 5 p.m. ET tipoff against Georgia Tech—a rematch of their 68–58 win in the 2023 ACC-SEC Challenge.
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           Now in its third year, the Cayman Islands Classic features eight programs divided into two divisions named after the islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Florida joins Georgia Tech, Memphis, and St. John’s in the Cayman Brac Division. Charlotte, George Washington, Miami, and Oklahoma State make up the Little Cayman Division.
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            Travel packages, all-tournament passes, and booster options are currently available. For full details, visit the official tournament website
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           at this link
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           .
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           .
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:08:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/island-showdown-gators-set-for-memphis-georgia-tech-in-cayman-classic</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>The Analytics Behind the Move: Deconstructing Florida Basketball’s Transfer Portal Pitch</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/the-analytics-behind-the-move-deconstructing-florida-basketballs-transfer-portal-pitch</link>
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           Veteran guard and Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee during a summer training session with his new squad. The data showed he was the perfect fit.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The presentation had just started, but the information immediately resonated. The Florida coaching staff clearly understood exactly who they were talking to.
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            “I’m really focused on numbers myself,” said
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           Xaivian Lee
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           , the 6-foot-3 guard who entered the transfer portal in March after a stellar 2024-25 season at Princeton. “I appreciate advanced stats.”
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            Head Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and his staff were well aware of this when Lee visited in April, and they came prepared with proof of concept.
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            After a brief welcome, the screen displayed Zyon Pullin and
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           —two successful guards who transferred to UF from mid-major programs. Metrics confirmed that the competition they faced at their previous schools was comparable to the level Lee played at in the Ivy League.
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            Over the past two seasons, guard
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           Xaivian Lee
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            (1) established himself as one of the Ivy League's most impactful performers.
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           The first example was Pullin, who arrived from California-Riverside. His career stats there showed averages of 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and a 35.2% clip from three, earning him second-team All-Big West honors in his final season. In his single year with the Gators, Pullin boosted his averages to 15.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, shooting 44.9% from beyond the arc, and was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference.
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           Next up was Clayton. In two years at Iona, he posted 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, culminating in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year award as a sophomore. Lee, like any savvy basketball enthusiast, knew the implication of the next comparison. In Clayton’s two seasons at UF, he averaged 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. In 2025, he received multiple honors, including being named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award (nation’s top point guard), first-team All-SEC, SEC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, first-team All-America, NCAA West Region MOP, and 2025 Final Four MOP after leading the Gators to the national championship.
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           The following slide featured a photo of Lee, superimposed into a No. 1 Florida uniform, along with three key themes the staff intended to detail: "Data Driven Improvement," "Commitment to the Work," and "Style of Play."
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           “How we play, how you fit gives you a chance to be the next great Florida guard.”
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           “How does this blueprint function? How does it all connect?” Golden elaborated. “These are the three major elements we use to explain his fit. We discuss how we drive improvement using a data-centric methodology, focusing on superior coaching and player management, and—most crucially—our playing style.”
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            By the conclusion of the formal pitch (and certainly by the end of his visit), Lee was convinced. He committed to the Gators the next week, immediately filling a major void in the backcourt. Although the program was energized by its dramatic championship run, it needed to replace 1,790 points—equaling 53% of the team's scoring—following the departure of the standout senior guard trio of Clayton,
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           Alijah Martin
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            , and
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           Will Richard
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           .
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            Pictured from left: Former guards
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           Will Richard
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            ,
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            , and
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           Alijah Martin
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            celebrated the national title at the April Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game. All three players went on to be selected in last month's 2025 NBA Draft, highlighted by Clayton becoming the program’s first first-round pick in four years.
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            The successful acquisition of Lee, who averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on his way to first-team All-Ivy League honors, mirrored the approach used to recruit transfers like Clayton, Pullin, Martin, Richard, and big men
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/17741" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            and
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           Micah Handlogten
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           . UF’s recruiting strategy heavily leverages analytics—both historical data and projected performance—a method that has yielded incredible on-court results.
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           During Florida’s 36-win 2024-25 season, opposing coaches and media consistently praised the team's roster construction and on-court cohesion. Following the loss of the nation’s top guard trio, the offseason rebuild centered entirely on the perimeter, given that Florida is set to return what many expect will be the nation's best frontcourt for 2025-26.
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            Last week, Golden and his staff provided a demonstration of the same presentation used to recruit Lee (and later used for transfer guards
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           Boogie Fland
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            from Arkansas and
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           AJ Brown
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            from Ohio U), offering insight into the meticulous nature of their data analysis.
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           “It gave me the impression that they genuinely understood my game and weren’t just relying on the 'eye test,' which I feel many coaches do,” said Lee, an 1,100-point career scorer known for his passing ability. “Other coaches typically focus on the freedom you’ll get. That’s good, but these [Florida] coaches used data to explain why they valued me, why I was an ideal fit for their program, and why they wanted me.”
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           Golden reinforced the process: “A major component of our recruiting is painting a picture of how student-athletes will integrate successfully into our system, both individually and within the team concept. We develop these presentations and review them with the player, usually alongside a family member. The first portion introduces the Florida program. The second half is deeply analytical, customized specifically to them.”
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           Lee is the latest in a line of Florida players who were unranked in the top 100 national prospects coming out of high school. In fact, all 13 scholarship players on last season’s championship roster fit that description. The Gators became the first team since the NCAA Tournament expansion in 1985 to win the title without a single top-100 high school recruit—proof that the coaches’ system and plan, not just raw high school rankings, created greatness.
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           Lee was shown precisely how and why he could be the next success story.
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           Xaivian Lee (No. 1) consistently put up big numbers at Princeton, averaging 17 points per game across his final two seasons. This included 19 contests where he scored 20 points or more, and four where he hit at least 30.
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           The presentation opened with slides highlighting Florida’s athletic and academic excellence, including its championship history and the university's ranking as a top public school (per Forbes). This academic standing was important to Lee’s parents, given his decision to leave Princeton a year short of his degree. The team culture and philosophy—seeking players with exceptional attitude and work ethic—were also stressed.
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           The squad’s underdog identity, famously championed by Martin's "Remember where you came from" slogan during the postseason, was featured with a video montage of championship-season highlights. “They should all want to commit after that,” Golden quipped.
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           The focus then shifted to player development, using Pullin and Clayton as case studies, followed by a detailed explanation of the program's "Hustle Stats" grading system. The staff tracks every 5-on-5 practice possession across 40 distinct statistical areas proven to correlate with winning. This “Moneyball” approach calculates each player’s "HSE" (Hustle Stat Efficiency) score for the day.
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            Assistant Coach
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           Jonathan Safir
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           , who previously spent three seasons as the Director of Basketball Strategy and Analytics and was vital to the championship roster, explained the philosophy: “The core theme of Hustle Stats is prioritizing process over result. For instance, the box score only shows two ball-handling stats: assists and turnovers. We break down assists further into assists, virtual assists (passing to a teammate who misses an open shot), and hockey assists. If you make the correct pass but the shot doesn't fall, the box score penalizes you, but our system rewards the right play. Over time, making the correct play reliably improves the team. An analytical and high-achieving individual like Xaivian understands this principle.”
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           The system divides categories into shooting, ball-handling, defense, and rebounding, each containing 9 to 18 sub-categories assigned specific numerical values. Values are adjusted yearly based on personnel, but general rules apply: a made shot adds points to HSE; a miss subtracts points. An assist might be +3, while a live-ball turnover is a severe -5. Positives include charges taken and box-outs; negatives include missed close-outs and defensive gambles.
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           Players receive a grade after every practice, with numbers aggregated and reviewed constantly.
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           The next segment covered Lee's HD Intelligence (HDI) scouting report. HDI, a third-party analytics service, categorized Lee as an elite efficiency and high-usage shot creator who excelled in open-floor scenarios. He scored well as a defensive rebounder and was rated solid as a shot-blocker and steal threat. The report did identify an area for improvement: subpar finishing at the rim.
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           Finally, the presentation showcased Lee’s data from KenPom.com for his last two seasons at Princeton. The coaches highlighted his offensive possession (usage) percentage of 29.2 (75th nationally) and his assist rate of 36.8% (19th). Notably, his usage rate held steady against Tier A&amp;amp;B competition (Top 100 teams), and his assist rate actually jumped to a devastating 44.6%.
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            Florida assistant coach
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           Jonathan Safir
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            moved up this spring after spending three years prior as the team's director of basketball strategy and analytics.
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           Safir emphasized the importance of high-level competition metrics: “His numbers against Tier A and B competition were our first critical check. Moving from the Ivy League to the SEC means almost every game will be Tier A or B. His numbers did not drop off when the competition increased. That was vital. From there, we looked at other advanced metrics, such as off-the-dribble shooting, to predict his performance in a 30-plus game SEC schedule.”
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           Safir continued, noting one numerical comparison player for Lee was future NBA star Damian Lillard during his 2010 season at Weber State—a highly encouraging sign.
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           “These numbers are very promising,” he stated. “A statistical drop-off against elite competition would have been a major red flag. But every study we performed—backed by the eye test—suggested Xaivian has a superb chance to succeed transferring up multiple levels into the best conference in college basketball. We also extensively researched Xaivian’s personality and loved his fit with the culture we’ve built over the last three years.”
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           Discussions also included raising Lee's catch-and-shoot percentage, which was low at Princeton because he was forced to create most of his own offense. Lee’s exceptional ability to freeze defenders and generate space off the dribble makes him a major threat late in the shot clock.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jordan-jacobson/2087" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jordan Jacobson
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            UF Director of Basketball Operations
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           Jordan Jacobson
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            pointed out that Lee’s catch-and-shoot quality should improve in the new system: “His elite off-the-dribble numbers confirm his skills will translate, but we are optimistic the quality of his catch-and-shoot opportunities will be far better here because he will be surrounded by multiple high-level playmakers. He was the primary offensive engine at Princeton, which limited the high-quality catch-and-shoot looks available to him.”
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            Next, they showed Clayton's final Iona KenPom page side-by-side with Lee's final Princeton page, highlighting similarities. The presentation then introduced Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/taurean-green/2082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Taurean Green
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           , a two-time national champion point guard with NBA experience, who focuses intensely on guard development.
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           This led to a comparison of Pullin and Clayton’s productivity at their former schools versus their numbers at UF, noting how their transition assist figures effectively doubled in Florida’s faster-paced system. They also benefited, again, from being surrounded by better players.
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           The presentation concluded with video footage. Clips of Clayton and/or Martin executing specific transition plays (driving, finding teammates, cross-court passing) and ball-screen offense (attacking the rim, mid-range, shooting, facilitating) were shown. In every instance, the Gator clip was immediately followed by multiple clips of Lee performing the same successful action.
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            The goal of this specific clip selection was to offer immediate comfort that the player would thrive in the system, Jacobson explained, noting that the staff had already been sold on Lee long before this visit. A conversation with forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/17744" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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           , who was prep-school teammates with Lee, revealed that Lee was a big fan of former Gator Tre Mann. The staff quickly added four or five Tre Mann clips showing similar moves to those Lee makes.
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           The comparison worked. Lee’s individual game closely resembles elements of Mann’s, particularly in his ability to create space off the dribble.
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           The final sequence interspersed highlights of Lee with clips of both Clayton and Mann in late-game, late-clock scoring situations.
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           The final slide was a redesigned version of the initial one: Lee in his UF No. 1 uniform, arms raised, beneath the simple message: NEXT 1 UP.
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           Now, the hard work begins: integrating the new backcourt pieces. This transition will be the focus of the coming months in the gym. But the highly analytical presentation the coaches crafted for Lee (and later for the equally talented combo guard Fland) established the perfect foundation.
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           “I thought I knew my game well, but the way they analyzed it raised it to a whole new level,” Lee said. “It all made perfect sense.”
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           And that was the goal for everyone involved.
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           Share:
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      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:13:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/the-analytics-behind-the-move-deconstructing-florida-basketballs-transfer-portal-pitch</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Women's Hoops Reveals Full 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-women-s-hoops-reveals-full-2025-26-non-conference-schedule</link>
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           The 2025-26 season marks Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley's fifth year leading the Gators, holding an overall record of 75-60 at UF.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida women's basketball team has publicly released its non-conference slate for the 2025-26 season. The schedule features a strategic mix of home games, local rivalry matchups, and a trip to the Cayman Islands for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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           The Gators will start their season with a four-game homestand in Gainesville. Action begins on Monday, November 3, against North Florida, followed by games with UT Chattanooga (Nov. 6), Jacksonville (Nov. 10), and Samford (Nov. 13). The team will then travel for a non-conference road game on Sunday, November 16, at Navy in Annapolis, Maryland.
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           A major highlight of the non-conference season is the home game on Thursday, November 20, when Florida welcomes rival Florida State to the Exactech Arena. The focus on in-state competition continues when the Gators travel to Boca Raton to play Florida Atlantic (Nov. 24).
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           The team will then head overseas to the Caribbean for the 2025 Cayman Islands Classic, which serves as the team's Thanksgiving tournament. Florida will play back-to-back contests, taking on Memphis (Nov. 28) and Georgia Tech (Nov. 29).
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           Upon returning to the mainland, Florida will participate in the annual SEC-ACC Challenge. The Gators will play on the road on December 4, in Blacksburg, Virginia, against the Hokies. This will mark the first meeting between the two programs since 2014.
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           Florida will wrap up the non-conference portion of its season with five final games hosted at home: South Alabama (Dec. 7), West Georgia (Dec. 14), Florida A&amp;amp;M (Dec. 17), Tulsa (Dec. 21), and Furman (Dec. 28).
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           Florida Gators Women's Hoops: 2025-26 Out-of-Conference Slate
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           Note: Game times and television network assignments will be announced at a later date.
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           2025-26 Florida Women's Basketball Season Tickets Available Now
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            Fans can now lock in their spots by reserving
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           new season ticket packages
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            or processing their
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    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/renewal" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           seat renewals
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            for the 2025-26 campaign.
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            New 2025-26 Season Tickets
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            2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Packages and Pricing
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           New season tickets
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            are available starting at $75 for general admission seating. Premium seating begins at $250 per ticket for courtside seats and $150 for loge seating.
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            New 2025-26 Season Tickets
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            2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
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           Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
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           Current season ticket holders must renew their seats for the 2025-26 season by July 17th. All returning ticket holders have several ways to complete their renewal:
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      &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/renewal" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            renew online
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             (Recommended)
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            Call the Gator Ticket Office Service and Retention team at (352) 375-4683
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             Fill out a ticket information request
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            form
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             to be contacted personally.
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           Contact the Ticket Office
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           For all other inquiries, fans can:
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            Call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683
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             Email
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            ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu
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             Fill out this
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            form
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             to have a representative contact them.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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           Share:
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      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 23:06:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-women-s-hoops-reveals-full-2025-26-non-conference-schedule</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Leading the Charge: Laila Reynolds to Represent Gators at SEC Leadership Council</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/leading-the-charge-laila-reynolds-to-represent-gators-at-sec-leadership-council</link>
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           Florida's rising junior, Laila Reynolds, will attend the 2025 SEC Leadership Council events and represent the University of Florida.
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            BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Five student-athletes from the University of Florida will participate in this year’s SEC Leadership Council meetings, with
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           Laila Reynolds
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            selected to represent the Gators in Atlanta on July 17–18.
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           Reynolds will be joined by fellow Florida representatives AJ Brown, Hayden Hansen, Jayden Emmanuel, and Jocelyn Erickson, alongside peers from all 16 SEC member institutions.
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           Participants include members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Football Leadership Council, and the Men's and Women's Basketball Leadership Councils. MSU’s SAAC representative for the event is Warren.
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           The SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council serves as a platform for student-athletes to engage with campus administrators and conference staff. These councils act as a communication bridge to the SEC office on matters related to athlete experience, wellness, and playing rules.
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           During the two-day gathering, attendees will meet with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey to explore topics such as conference governance, legislative updates, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) developments. They’ll also hear from SEC Chief Medical Officer Catherine O’Neal on athlete safety initiatives and sport psychology protocols. Breakout sessions tailored to each leadership group will round out the event.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:12:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/leading-the-charge-laila-reynolds-to-represent-gators-at-sec-leadership-council</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Sunshine Showdown: Gators vs. Hurricanes Set for Jacksonville Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunshine-showdown-gators-vs-hurricanes-set-for-jacksonville-clash</link>
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           Thomas Haugh and the Gators return to Jacksonville for the second straight season.
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           Florida men’s basketball is set to face Miami on Sunday, Nov. 16, in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown, presented by the Jacksonville Sports Foundation. The matchup will take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
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           Part of an aggressive 2025–26 nonconference schedule, the Gators will play seven power-conference opponents, with six of those contests away from home or at neutral sites. Florida’s ACC slate includes road games at Duke, a home showdown with Florida State, and the neutral-site clash with Miami.
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           Game time and broadcast details will be announced later. Intersport, a Chicago-based sports marketing and events firm, will oversee event operations.
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            Tickets go on sale Sept. 24, with presale access available Sept. 23 for fans who register at
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           arena.jaxevents.com
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           Florida leads the all-time series against Miami, 47–24, and claimed a 78–58 win in their last meeting during the 2019 Charleston Classic semifinals. The Gators also opened the 2024–25 season with a 98–83 win over South Florida at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
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            After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending national champions are gearing up for another electric season in the O’Dome.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and moving fast.
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           Secure your seats while supplies last!
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           Florida Men's Basketball 2025-26 Nonconference Schedule
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           SEC Home Opponents: 
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           Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee and South Carolina
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           SEC Away Opponents: 
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           Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&amp;amp;M, Vanderbilt
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:17:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunshine-showdown-gators-vs-hurricanes-set-for-jacksonville-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Back to the Bowl: Gators Set for Orange Bowl Classic Return</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/back-to-the-bowl-gators-set-for-orange-bowl-classic-return</link>
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           Alex Condon blocks a shot vs. Richmond in the Gators' most recent trip to the Orange Bowl Classic.
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           Florida men’s basketball is set to make its 24th appearance in the Orange Bowl Classic on Saturday, Dec. 13, with a matchup against George Washington at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
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            Tickets are available at
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    &lt;a href="https://www.orangebowl.org/basketball/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           orangebowl.org/basketball
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            or by contacting the Orange Bowl Ticket Office at (305) 341-4701 or
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    &lt;a href="file:///C:/Users/epuia/Desktop/tickets@orangebowl.org" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           tickets@orangebowl.org
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           . Game time and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
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            The Gators hold a 19–4 all-time record in the Orange Bowl Classic, including a 1–0 mark under head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/2078" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           . Their most recent showing in the event was an 87–76 win over Richmond on Dec. 14, 2023.
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           This year’s Orange Bowl Classic remains the only Division I basketball event hosted in Broward County and will feature a doubleheader: Florida vs. the Revolutionaries and Florida State vs. UMass. The Gators and George Washington have met four times previously, with the series tied 2–2. Their last meeting was a road loss in the 2016 NIT quarterfinals.
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            After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since the 2016–17 season, the defending national champions are gearing up for another thrilling year in the O’Dome.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–26 campaign are on sale now and moving fast.
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           Secure your seats while they last!
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           Florida Men's Basketball 2025-26 Nonconference Schedule
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           SEC Home Opponents: 
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           Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee and South Carolina
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           Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&amp;amp;M, Vanderbilt
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      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:39:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/back-to-the-bowl-gators-set-for-orange-bowl-classic-return</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Crowned in the SEC: Walter Clayton Jr. Named Male Athlete of the Year</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crowned-in-the-sec-walter-clayton-jr-named-male-athlete-of-the-year</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr.'s postseason heroics helped propel the Gators to the national championship.
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           Walter Clayton Jr. has earned the Southeastern Conference’s Roy F. Kramer Male Athlete of the Year honor, as announced by the SEC on Wednesday.
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           Clayton played a pivotal role in leading Florida to the 2025 men’s basketball national title, collecting Final Four Most Outstanding Player accolades and consensus first-team All-America recognition. He becomes the first Gator from men’s basketball to receive the Kramer Award and the 14th overall honoree from Florida (17 total honors).
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           He joins an elite group of UF male athletes previously recognized: Danny Wuerffel (1995, ’96), Ryan Lochte (2005), Tim Tebow (2007, ’08), Caeleb Dressel (2018), and Grant Holloway (2019). Florida has now had an SEC Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years, with Parker Valby (2024) and Trinity Thomas (2023) earning the female honor. The Gators lead the conference with eight male and nine female recipients.
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           A native of Lake Wales, Fla., Clayton averaged 18.3 points per game last season and set a new single-season scoring record at Florida with 713 total points. He delivered standout performances in the NCAA Tournament, including a career-best 34 points in the Final Four win over Auburn and 30 in the Elite Eight against Texas Tech—becoming the first player since Larry Bird to post 30+ points in consecutive games from the regional final onward.
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           Clayton also shined in the SEC Tournament, averaging 20.7 points and hitting 13-of-26 from beyond the arc to earn MVP and All-Tournament Team honors, helping Florida capture its first SEC title since 2014.
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           He graduated in Spring 2025 with a degree in Educational Sciences and was selected 18th overall in the NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz.
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           After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending national champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
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           Season ticket packages
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           for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
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           Secure your seats while they last!
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           Florida's SEC Athletes of the Year
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           2025 SEC Male Athlete of the Year Nominees
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           The Southeastern Conference has announced its standout male student-athlete nominees for the prestigious Roy F. Kramer Award. Representing a wide range of sports and schools, this year’s field includes:
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            Mark Sears
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            , Alabama – Basketball
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            Wehiwa Aloy
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            , Arkansas – Baseball
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            Johni Broome
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            , Auburn – Basketball
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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             Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , Florida – Basketball
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            Luca Urlando
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            , Georgia – Swimming
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Carlie Makarawu
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            , Kentucky – Track &amp;amp; Field
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kade Anderson
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , LSU – Baseball
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Michael La Sasso
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Ole Miss – Golf
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Peyton Bair
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Mississippi State – Track &amp;amp; Field
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jonathan Seremes
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Missouri – Track &amp;amp; Field
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ralford Mullings
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Oklahoma – Track &amp;amp; Field
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            LaNorris Sellers
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , South Carolina – Football
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jordan Crooks
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Tennessee – Swimming
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Hubert Kos
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Texas – Swimming
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sam Whitmarsh
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Texas A&amp;amp;M – Track &amp;amp; Field
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Diego Pavia
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            , Vanderbilt – Football
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           2025 SEC Female Athlete of the Year Nominees
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           The Southeastern Conference has announced its top female student-athlete nominees for the Roy F. Kramer Award, celebrating excellence across a wide range of sports:
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            Doris Lemngole
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            , Alabama – Cross Country / Track &amp;amp; Field
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Bri Ellis
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            , Arkansas – Softball
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            DJ Bennett
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            , Auburn – Tennis
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            Leanne Wong
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            , Florida – Gymnastics
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            Dasha Vidmanova
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            , Georgia – Tennis (2025 Female Winner)
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            Brooklyn DeLeye
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            , Kentucky – Volleyball
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Aneesah Morrow
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            , LSU – Basketball
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Caitlyn Macnab
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Ole Miss – Golf
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Maddy Anderson
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Mississippi State – Soccer
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Helen Hu
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Missouri – Gymnastics
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jordan Bowers
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Oklahoma – Gymnastics
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            JaMeesia Ford
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , South Carolina – Track &amp;amp; Field
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Karlyn Pickens
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Tennessee – Softball
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Madison Booker
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Texas – Basketball
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jaiya Covington
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Texas A&amp;amp;M – Track &amp;amp; Field
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Celia-Belle Mohr
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Roy F. Kramer Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Year Recipients
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%283%29-dec2baec.webp" length="106266" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:00:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crowned-in-the-sec-walter-clayton-jr-named-male-athlete-of-the-year</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Global Stage Bound: Nyadieng Yiech Named to Canada’s U19 Roster</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-stage-bound-nyadieng-yiech-named-to-canadas-u19-roster</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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            TORONTO, Canada
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             — Canada Basketball has revealed its 12-player roster for the 2025 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, with
            &#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/nyadieng-nidi-yiech/17727" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Nyadieng Yiech
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            , an incoming freshman at Florida, earning a spot after participating in training sessions at Humber College in Toronto from June 22–28.
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           Yiech joins a talented group representing Canada: Jasmine Bascoe, Mila Holloway, Avery Howell, Olivia Leung, Agot Makeer, Brooke McLeod, Ify Nwaobi, Rachael Okokoh, Cearah Parchment, Syla Swords, Marie Grace Talle, and Nyadieng Yiech.
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           The team will be coached by Marlo Davis, who returns after guiding Canada to a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup.
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           Canada opens tournament play in Brno, Czechia, starting with a matchup against Portugal on July 12 at 8:30 a.m. ET. They’ll face Nigeria on July 13 at 5:45 a.m. ET, and wrap up group play against China on July 15 at 5:45 a.m. ET. The round of 16 is scheduled for July 16, with matchups and times to be determined.
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           The FIBA U19 Women's World Cup brings together the top 16 national teams in the age group, each earning qualification through their performance in the prior year’s U18 zone championships.
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             For full tournament details, click
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u19-womens-basketball-world-cup-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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            . 
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-c47d92ed.webp" length="36032" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:44:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-stage-bound-nyadieng-yiech-named-to-canadas-u19-roster</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Road-Tested: Gators Unveil Power-Packed Nonconference Schedule for 2025–26</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/road-tested-gators-unveil-power-packed-nonconference-schedule-for-202526</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Rueben Chinyelu and the Gators eye a challenging November and December leading into SEC play.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — Florida men’s basketball has rolled out additional details for its 2025–26 nonconference schedule, building on previously announced marquee matchups and teasing two more neutral-site games still to be revealed.
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           The Gators tip off the season on Nov. 3 in Las Vegas against Arizona, followed by their home opener on Nov. 6 vs. North Florida and the annual rivalry clash with Florida State on Nov. 11. A neutral-site contest will precede their Nov. 21 home game against Merrimack, scheduled the night before Florida football hosts Tennessee.
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           Florida then hits the road for five consecutive games, including appearances in the Thanksgiving tournament in San Diego, the ACC-SEC Challenge, a visit to Duke, the Jimmy V Classic against UConn in New York City, and another Florida-based neutral-site game to be announced.
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           Three home games during the holiday stretch will round out the nonconference slate before SEC play begins on Jan. 3.
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           Conference action promises a high-caliber lineup at Exactech Arena, the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, with Florida set to host nine SEC opponents—Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and South Carolina—all of which competed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025–26 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
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           After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending national champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
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           Secure your seats while they last!
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           Florida's SEC Athletes of the Year
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           SEC Home Opponents: 
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           Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee and South Carolina
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           SEC Away Opponents: 
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           Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&amp;amp;M, Vanderbilt
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:05:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/road-tested-gators-unveil-power-packed-nonconference-schedule-for-202526</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gator Nation Goes Prime Time: Florida Takes Over SEC Network July 1</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-nation-goes-prime-time-florida-takes-over-sec-network-july-1</link>
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           Florida's National Championship victory will be featured at 8 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The SEC Network is going “All for the Gators” on Tuesday, July 1, with a full day dedicated to showcasing Florida Athletics.
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           As part of its annual 16-day summer series, the SEC Network will spotlight each member institution with 24 hours of programming. Now in its 11th year, the event celebrates standout moments from across the Southeastern Conference.
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           Florida’s feature day will include highlights from the past year, such as the men’s basketball NCAA National Championship win over Houston and their SEC Tournament title against Tennessee. Fans can also catch the men’s golf SEC Championship victory over Texas A&amp;amp;M, football’s back-to-back wins over No. 21 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss in The Swamp, and standout performances from gymnastics, including a trio of perfect 10.0s against Kentucky.
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           Additional programming will feature softball’s series-clinching win over No. 1 Oklahoma, plus action from baseball, women’s basketball, and soccer—all part of the Gators’ 24-hour takeover.
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           Florida's July 1 SEC Network Takeover Schedule
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           About SEC Network
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           Launched on August 14, 2014, SEC Network is a collaboration between the Southeastern Conference and ESPN, delivering year-round coverage of all 21 SEC-sponsored sports. The network airs hundreds of live games annually and features studio programming like SEC Nation, Thinking Out Loud, Out Of Pocket, and Rally Cap, along with daily updates from The Paul Finebaum Show and SEC Now.
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            Original series such as TrueSouth, SEC Storied, and SEC Inside offer deeper storytelling and behind-the-scenes access. Fans can stream additional live events through SEC Network+, available via the ESPN App and
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           SECNetwork.com
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           .
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           International viewers in over 135 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia can access SEC Network content through ESPN Player, the region’s dedicated sports streaming platform.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:16:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-nation-goes-prime-time-florida-takes-over-sec-network-july-1</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Global Game, Gator Pride: Olivier Rioux Heads to FIBA U19 World Cup</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-game-gator-pride-olivier-rioux-heads-to-fiba-u19-world-cup</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — Florida men’s basketball center Olivier Rioux has been named to Canada’s roster for the FIBA U19 World Cup, which tips off Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Montreal native continues his streak of international appearances, marking his fifth consecutive summer representing Team Canada.
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           Rioux, who redshirted during the 2024–25 season, was part of Florida’s national championship squad and is set to return for his redshirt freshman year in 2025–26. His international résumé includes consistent FIBA competition since 2021: the 2024 U18 Americas (bronze), 2023 U19 World Cup (seventh place), 2022 U17 World Cup (ninth place), and 2021 U16 Americas (bronze).
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           The tournament spans eight days and features 16 national teams. Each squad will play three group-stage games before advancing to the knockout rounds based on seeding.
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           Canada Schedule | FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland
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           2025-26 Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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           Coming off a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since the 2016–17 season, the defending National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling year inside the O’Dome. Season ticket packages for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and moving fast.
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           Don’t miss your chance to lock in seats—get yours while they last!
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      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:26:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-game-gator-pride-olivier-rioux-heads-to-fiba-u19-world-cup</guid>
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      <title>Gators Pair Martin and Richard Taken in NBA Second Round</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-pair-martin-and-richard-taken-in-nba-second-round</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard finished their national championship senior year with the ultimate success, all three being selected in the NBA Draft.
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           By: Denver Parler
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            Florida's
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           Alijah Martin
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            and
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           Will Richard
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            were both chosen during the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday. Martin was the 39th pick, selected by the Toronto Raptors, while Richard went 56th to the Golden State Warriors (whose pick was acquired through a deal with Memphis).
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            By joining
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (18th pick to the Utah Jazz), the trio forms the second-largest draft class in the history of the Florida program (trailing only five players drafted in 2007). The three players were the highest-scoring combination in program history last season, collectively leading the Gators to the 2025 national championship.
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           Martin, a Summit, Mississippi native, is now the 39th player drafted in Florida history and is the first Gator ever to be selected by the Raptors organization.
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           "I’m dealing with a mix of emotions right now; I’m excited and a little nervous," Martin told ESPN from the Barclays Center following his selection. "I'm prepared to advance to the next level and demonstrate my full capabilities."
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           When asked what lessons he took from Florida’s championship success last season, Martin replied, "The significance of team chemistry. I believe that dedication carries over to the next level, and that’s something we prioritized successfully."
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           Alijah Martin averaged a personal-best 14.4 points per game, a scoring rate that was key to Florida winning the 2025 national championship. His heroic moment came in the final game when he sank the go-ahead free throws with only 46.5 seconds remaining. After being part of Florida Atlantic’s 2023 Final Four team, Martin made history by becoming the first player ever to start in the Final Four for two different schools. Over his five-season collegiate career, his totals were impressive: 2,022 points, 786 rebounds, 321 three-point field goals, 253 assists, and 211 steals.
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           Will Richard, who hails from Fairburn, Georgia, is now the 40th Gator drafted all-time and only the second player chosen by the Golden State Warriors (the first was Andrew DeClercq in 1995, at the 34th pick).
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            As the first commitment to
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           Todd Golden
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            and his staff in 2022, Richard was considered the foundational piece of the renewed program. He was a force in the 2025 national championship game, leading Florida with 18 points and eight rebounds. Across his three seasons at Florida (108 appearances, 105 starts), Richard compiled 1,275 points, 470 rebounds, 201 three-point field goals, 148 assists, and 129 steals. He often performed brilliantly in high-pressure situations, earning spots on both the SEC Tournament and Final Four All-Tournament Teams in 2025. Richard completed his degree at UF in Sport Management in Spring 2025 and sits 33rd on Florida's all-time scoring list.
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           Years with Multiple Gators Selected in the NBA Draft
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           The following seasons represent years where the Florida men's basketball program had multiple players chosen in the NBA Draft:
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            2025-
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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             (18th/Jazz),
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            Alijah Martin
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             (39th/Raptors),
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            Will Richard
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             (56th/Warriors)
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            2021-Tre Mann (18th/Thunder), Scottie Lewis (56th/Hornets)
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            2011-Chandler Parsons (38th/Rockets), Vernon Macklin (52nd/Pistons)
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             2007-Al Horford (3rd/Hawks), Corey Brewer (7th/Timberwolves), Joakim Noah (9th/Bulls), Chris Richard (41st/Timberwolves),
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            Taurean Green
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             (52nd/Trail Blazers)
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            2000-Mike Miller (5th/Magic), Donnell Harvey (22nd/Knicks)
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            1984-Ronnie Williams (48th/Celtics), Vernon Delancy (67th/Bucks)
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           2025-26 Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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            Following an exceptional year that included a 15–1 home record, nine sellout crowds, and the highest total attendance since the 2016–2017 season, the defending National Champions are positioned for another exciting year in the O'Dome.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–2026 campaign are currently on sale and selling quickly. Ensure you secure your seats while supplies last!
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           Share:
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      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:47:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-pair-martin-and-richard-taken-in-nba-second-round</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton Selected by Utah in First Round of NBA Draft</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-selected-by-utah-in-first-round-of-nba-draft</link>
      <description />
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           NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomes Walter Clayton Jr. in Brooklyn after Wednesday's draft.
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           By: Denver Parler
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            with the 18th pick in the NBA Draft. Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed him into the league at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday. Although the Washington Wizards initially held the 18th pick, they finalized a trade agreement with the Jazz just before the selection was announced.
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           Clayton, a native of Lake Wales, Florida, now stands as the 38th player in Florida history to be drafted and the 13th to be chosen in the first round. He is also the first Gator ever to be drafted by the Jazz organization.
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           Speaking with ESPN immediately after his selection, Clayton reflected on his time in Gainesville: “I feel like I grew immensely, simply by being around my teammates [at Florida]. I don't think people truly realize the great chemistry we shared, both on and off the court, and all the time we invested together.”
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            Ahead of the draft, Head Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            spoke glowingly about Clayton to NBA TV at Barclays Center: "It begins with his integrity—he is an simply fantastic young man. He’s incredibly responsive to coaching, has a desire to lead, and possesses an outstanding work ethic. Furthermore, I would argue he was arguably the best player in college basketball over the past year. He guided us to 36 victories and a national championship, stood out as the top performer in both the SEC and NCAA Tournaments, and carries a fantastic competitive drive."
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           Walter Clayton Jr. averaged an impressive 18.3 points and spearheaded the Gators' successful run to the 2025 national championship. This season alone, he accumulated several major honors, including consensus first-team All-American, Final Four and NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player (MOP), SEC Tournament MVP, and first-team All-SEC. His total of 713 points scored established a new Florida single-season scoring record, and he became the first Gator in history to surpass the 100-point mark in a single NCAA Tournament run (finishing with 134).
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           His total of 1,346 points while playing for the Gators places him 24th on Florida's all-time scoring list, and it stands as the highest point total scored by any Gator over a two-season period. Clayton is responsible for two of the top six highest-scoring seasons in the history of the program, led by his record-setting 713 points in 2024-25. He successfully completed his education at UF, graduating in Spring 2025 with a degree in Educational Sciences.
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            Following an exceptional year that included a 15–1 home record, nine sellout crowds, and the highest total attendance since the 2016–2017 season, the defending National Champions are positioned for another exciting year in the O'Dome.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–2026 campaign are currently on sale and selling quickly. Ensure you secure your seats while supplies last!
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           Share:
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      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 23:11:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-selected-by-utah-in-first-round-of-nba-draft</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Red, White, and Gator Blue: Liv McGill Joins USA U19 National Team</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/red-white-and-gator-blue-liv-mcgill-joins-usa-u19-national-team</link>
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           COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. — USA Basketball has named its 12-player roster for the 2025 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, with Florida sophomore 
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           Liv McGill
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            earning a spot following a three-day trial at the U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Training Center.
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           The full roster includes: Sienna Betts, Addison Bjorn, Jasmine Davidson, Sydney Douglas, Kate Harpring, Saniyah Hall, Kayleigh Heckel, Jordan Lee,  
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           Liv McGill
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           , Jerzy Robinson, Emilee Skinner, and Zania Socka-Nguemen.
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           Selected by the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team Committee, the squad features a mix of collegiate and high school talent: four rising sophomores, three incoming freshmen, and five athletes from the graduating classes of 2026 and 2028. All team members must be U.S. citizens born on or after January 1, 2006.
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           Coaching duties will be handled by Teri Moren (Indiana University), Niele Ivey (University of Notre Dame), and Jose Fernandez (University of South Florida)—the same trio that guided McGill and Team USA to gold at the 2024 U18 championship.
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           Team USA begins play in Brno, Czechia, opening against Korea on July 12 at 2:15 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup with Hungary on July 13 at the same time. Group play wraps up with a game against Israel on July 15 at 8:30 a.m. ET. The round of 16 begins July 16, with matchups and times to be determined.
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           The FIBA U19 Women's World Cup features 16 elite national teams, each earning qualification through their performance in the previous year’s U18 zone championships. Team USA has claimed gold in nine of the last ten tournaments, including the last three.
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            For full tournament details, click
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           here
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:32:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/red-white-and-gator-blue-liv-mcgill-joins-usa-u19-national-team</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators in the Big League: Former Florida Duo Clinches NBA Championship Glory</title>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the NBA title on Sunday, guided by head coach Mark Daigneault, who previously spent three seasons (2010–14) as part of the Florida men’s basketball staff. The championship roster also includes Gator alum DeVon Walker (2012–16), now serving as the Thunder’s director of advance scouting and player analyst.
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           During their time in Gainesville, both Daigneault and Walker contributed to two SEC championship runs (2013, 2014) and Florida’s Final Four appearance in 2014
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           "This was a dream for everybody here at one point in our lives," Daigneault said in his postgame TV interview Sunday. "There was one point where we didn't know if we were going to be in the NBA, from players to staff to coaches, and it's a privilege we're incredibly grateful for."
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           The NBA Finals had a strong Gator presence on both sides of the court. In addition to Oklahoma City’s championship run, the Indiana Pacers featured two Florida alumni: Andrew Nembhard, who played at UF from 2018–20 and averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 assists across 67 games, and Mike Weinar, a former Gators team manager (2004–08) now serving as an assistant coach for the Pacers.
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           Florida’s connection to NBA championship glory continues, marking the second consecutive season with Gator ties to the title. In 2024, Al Horford helped lead Boston to victory, and in 2022, Chris Chiozza was part of Golden State’s championship run. With Oklahoma City’s latest win, Florida alumni have now been linked to three of the last four NBA champions.
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           Now an OKC Thunder staff member, DeVon Walker was part of Florida's 2014 Final Four team.
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            After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
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           Secure your seats while they last!
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      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:39:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-in-the-big-league-former-florida-duo-clinches-nba-championship-glory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Championship Team Hits Peak Summer Training</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/championship-team-hits-peak-summer-training</link>
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           U.S. Marine Major Ulysses Sosa gives instructions to the UF men's basketball team during their workout session on Friday morning.
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           By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Around this time last year,
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            was busy getting familiar with the sharp elbows of
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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           . Condon was expected to transition from a returning Florida role player into a starter, while Chinyelu was a high-potential transfer expected to make a significant defensive impact.
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           Both players fulfilled those expectations, and the foundation for their success—and the eventual triumph of that remarkable 2024-25 Gators squad—was laid during a summer dedicated to development, team chemistry, and physical exertion.
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           And the process has begun again.
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            Friday marked the start of the official summer training period, and members of the 2025-26 UF basketball team were awake and active by 7 a.m. The squad was put through intense, military-style drills on the marching band practice field, organized by Strength and Conditioning Coordinator
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           Victor Lopez
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           . The demanding maneuvers were overseen by several U.S. Marines who traveled from Tampa at the invitation of Lopez, who is a former Marine himself.
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           This tough session concluded the second week of a summer training regimen that, over the next two months, will involve significant shooting practice, detailed individual coaching, lively team sessions, and extensive weightlifting and cardio work.
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            “The coaches describe this period as ‘crunch time’—a time that truly defines us,” said junior forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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           . “Clearly, the goal is getting us into top physical condition, but it’s just as much about building our character, strengthening our bonds, and maintaining our unity. Last year, we embraced this summer phase completely, and that allowed us to succeed.”
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           Succeeding, perhaps, beyond their wildest expectations.
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            Recent arrival Boogie Fland, transfer point guard from Arkansas, flips the heavy tire under watchful eye of strength/conditioning coordinator
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           Victor Lopez
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            during Friday morning's training session.
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            Every college program starts the preseason with championship aspirations, but only one achieved that goal last year, and that was the Gators. UF is bringing back only four players from the primary rotation that blazed through the Southeastern Conference Tournament with victories over three ranked opponents. That momentum carried them deep into the NCAA Tournament, where they secured four thrilling second-half comeback wins and triumphed over three top-10 teams, including defeating two No. 1 seeds en route to the Final Four. That celebrated team was powered by the senior guard trio: NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , alongside key perimeter threats
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           Alijah Martin
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            and
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           Will Richard
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           . In their final seasons, this group collectively accounted for 1,790 points—a massive 53% of the Gators' total scoring output.
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            Florida is expected to boast one of the nation's premier frontcourts in the 2025-26 season, thanks to the return of 6-foot-11 Chinyelu, 6-foot-11 Condon, 6-foot-9 Haugh, and 7-foot-1 senior
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           Micah Handlogten
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           . Consequently, much attention will be placed on the development of the rebuilt backcourt. The Gators will look to two transfer guards—Boogie Fland (from Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (from Princeton)—to immediately provide offensive firepower. Of the players returning to the perimeter, only junior Urban Klavžar (3.2 points per game) logged significant minutes last year, primarily during a period of midseason injuries. Klavžar played just 18 minutes in the NCAA Tournament, with all but five of those coming in the 26-point rout of Norfolk State in the first round.
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            The departures of Clayton, Martin, and Richard open substantial opportunities for Klavžar, as well as returning sophomore wing
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           Isaiah Brown
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           . The Gators also added junior wing AJ Brown, a transfer from Ohio U and Isaiah’s older brother, but he is not yet cleared for contact after undergoing shoulder surgery following the 2024-25 season. Freshmen CJ Ingram (from Hawthorne, Florida) and Alex Lloyd (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) complete the list of newcomers.
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            Two returning players, sophomore forward
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           Viktor Mikic
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            and 7-foot-9 walk-on center
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           Olivier Rioux
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           , have not yet returned to campus. They are currently playing with international teams in their respective home countries of Serbia and Canada.
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           Despite these absences, the team's core nucleus is present in Gainesville and deeply involved in the crucial summer workload.
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           Junior guard Urban Klavzar doing sandbag squats. 
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            “Individual player growth is a massive priority during the summer, but these six or seven weeks together also give us a crucial chance to start shaping the unit into a functional team,” stated Gators coach
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           Todd Golden
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           . At 39, Golden became the youngest coach in 42 years to claim a national championship, achieving the feat in just his third season leading the Florida program. "We have an excellent core foundation with the returning players, but this time is essential for getting the new guys fully integrated and up to speed."
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           Fland, a 2024 McDonald’s All-American from the Bronx, New York, posted averages of 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, shooting 34% from three-point range over 21 games during his freshman year with the Razorbacks. Although a broken finger sidelined him for 15 games, he is now completely healthy and has demonstrated his shooting ability to his new teammates. His skills as a distributor will become more apparent when scrimmaging begins later in the summer.
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           “Coach Golden sets a clear standard, and we are here to meet it,” said Fland, who is the first McDonald’s All-American to join the UF roster in five years. “I’m thrilled to be here and excited to be part of this program.”
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           Like Fland, Lee is a highly capable combo guard whose numbers were even stronger: 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 37% from distance. However, Lee achieved these stats in the Ivy League, meaning he faces a significant step up in competition against the SEC. His time in the gym now is key preparation, but Lee expresses great confidence in his ability.
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           Judging by his movement, ball-handling, and shooting form, that confidence is well-founded.
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           “I know many people are wondering, ‘How will he perform against tougher competition?’ But for me, the exciting part is getting to play alongside many more talented and athletic guys,” said Lee, a Toronto native who played a year of prep school in Pennsylvania with teammate Haugh. “I’m genuinely excited about this. I took part in some [NBA] pre-draft activities last year, which gave me experience playing with guys from the high-major level. I am coming in confident, eager to find out exactly how successful I can be.”
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           The team's transition extends to the coaching staff, which lost both offensive and defensive coordinators—Kevin Hovde and John Andrzejek—to new head-coaching opportunities. How the remaining staff integrates two naturally ball-dominant point guards will be one of the most fascinating themes to watch this summer and throughout the entire 2025-26 season.
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           Equally important will be the organic emergence of team leaders. The obvious choices among the returning players are the incumbent frontcourt veterans: Haugh, Condon, Chinyelu, and Handlogten.
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           Following the team's initial practice last week, it was Chinyelu who stepped forward to address the media.
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           "We have guys here who have championship experience and know the process needed for success," Chinyelu said. "Now, our focus must be on enjoying every moment, being fully present, and treating every single practice repetition like it's a game situation. This is the starting point, and it begins immediately. As long as we remain present and approach each day like it's game day, we are going to enjoy the results. I am ready to go to war with my brothers."
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           Major Ulysses Sosa
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           6th Marine Corps District
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           Yes, it is a new collective unit, a point their Friday platoon leader, Major Ulysses Sosa, made clear. Sosa reminded the players that when this season begins, absolutely nobody will care about the Gators' accomplishments from the previous year.
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           In fact, before dismissing the team, Sosa shared a historical anecdote. He brought up an image of the Vikings (the historical figures, not the football team). Sosa explained that when the Vikings landed in a new territory, their purpose wasn't to establish friendly relations; it was to dominate and conquer. To drive the point home, the Vikings would intentionally set their ships ablaze.
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           "No going back," Sosa declared.
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           The message was clear: Gators, your sole focus must be on the 2025-26 season.
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           "I agree completely—100 percent. No one outside of here cares what we achieved last year," said Haugh. "As a group, we celebrated that victory, and now we've transitioned to a new season where every opponent will be desperate to defeat us. We must match that hunger. This process begins right here."
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            To contact Senior Writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           , please email him at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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           Share:
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%2817%29.webp" length="41040" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:56:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/championship-team-hits-peak-summer-training</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Men's Basketball</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/summertime-turns-crunch-time-for-reigning-champs</link>
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           Summertime Turns 'Crunch Time' for Reigning Champs
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           U.S. Marine Major Ulysses Sosa addresses his troops of the day, the UF men's basketball team, during Friday morning's workout.
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           Photo By: Maddie Washburn
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           The defending national champions have rebuilt the roster and now must build chemistry, as the team looks to the 2025-26 season with the start to summer workouts. 
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – This time last year, 
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           Alex Condon
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            was getting acquainted with 
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           Rueben Chinyelu's
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            elbows. The former was a returning Florida role player expected to step into a starting role, while the latter was a transfer with high-impact potential, especially on the defensive end 
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           The scenarios played out for both players, but the baseline for the two – and what became of that magnificent 2024-25 Gators team – was established over a summer of building, bonding and banging bodies. 
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           And here we are again. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Friday marked the first official day of summer and members of the 2025-26 UF basketball team were up and at 'em at 7 a.m. on the marching band practice field for some hardcore U.S. Marine Corps-style drilling at the behest of strength/conditioning coordinator 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/victor-lopez/1899" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Victor Lopez
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           . The manuevers were supervised by a handful of Marines who made the trip from Tampa at the invitation of Lopez, a former Marine himself.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           The session capped the second week of workouts that over the next couple months will include tons of shooting, precise individual instruction, spirited team practices, plus weightlifting and cardio work. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "The coaches sum it up by saying this is crunch time, a time that really matters," junior forward 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            said. "Obviously, it's about getting us in shape, but it's also building character and helping us bond and keeping us together. Last year, we attacked this time of year head-on and it allowed us to be successful." 
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Beyond, perhaps, their wildest dreams.
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Fland_Boogie_250620_5061_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt="A man is pushing a large tire on a field."/&gt;&#xD;
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           Recent arrival
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            Boogie Fland
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , transfer point guard from Arkansas, flips the heavy tire under watchful eye of strength/conditioning coordinator 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/victor-lopez/1899" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Victor Lopez
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           during Friday morning's training session.
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           Every team convenes to start an offseason with the highest of goals, but only one can realize a national championship and the Gators did so. UF returns just four players from its main rotation that ripped through the Southeastern Conference Tournament with wins over three ranked opponents, then rode that momentum through the NCAA Tournament, with four pulsating second-half comeback victories and three wins over top-10 teams, including a pair of defeats of No. 1 seeds at the Final Four. That team was led by the senior guard trio of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , alongside perimeter standouts 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who together accounted for 1,790 points during their swan-song seasons – or 53% of the Gators' scoring output. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF figures to have one of the best front courts in the country in '25-26, with the return of the 6-foot-11 Chinyelu, 6-11 Condon and 6-9 Haugh, plus 7-1 senior 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , so there's going to be a lot of focus on what's to become of the new backcourt, where the Gators will turn to a pair of transfer guards in Boogie Fland (by way of Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) to provide offensive punch. Of the returning perimeter players only junior Urban Klazvar (3.2 points per game) played meaningful minutes last season and those came when the Gators were dealing with a mini-run of midseason injuries. Klavzar played only 18 minutes in the NCAA Tournament and all but five of those came in the 26-point first-round blowout of Norfolk State. 
           &#xD;
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           The loss of Clayton, Martin and Richard, however, frees up rotation opportunities for Klavzar, as well as returning sophomore wing 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/16986" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . The Gators also added Ohio U transfer and junior wing AJ Brown, but the older brother of Isaiah underwent shoulder surgery after the '24-25 and is not cleared yet for contact. Freshmen CJ Ingram (from Hawthorne, Florida) and Alex Lloyd (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) round out the newcomers. 
           &#xD;
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           A pair of returnees, sophomore forward 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/viktor-mikic/17199" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Viktor Mikic
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 7-foot-9 walk-on center 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/olivier-rioux/16990" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Olivier Rioux
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , are not back on campus yet. They're playing with international teams in their respective home countries of Serbia and Canada. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           The squad's nucleus is here, though, and knee-deep in the work. 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Klavzar_Urban__250620_5204_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt="Two men are doing lunges on a field with a bag on their backs."/&gt;&#xD;
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           Junior guard 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           doing sandbag squats. 
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "In the summer, individual development is a huge part of it, but we have an opportunity, with these six or seven weeks together, to try to build a little bit of a team," said Gators coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who at 39 became the youngest coach to win a national championship in 42 years in just his third season on the Florida sideline. "I think there's a great foundation with the guys coming back, but this gives us a great opportunity to get the rest up to speed."
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fland, a 2024 McDonald's All American from the Bronx, New York, averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 34% from the 3-point line in 21 games during his freshman season with the Razorbacks. A broken finger sidelined Fland for 15 games, but he's fully healthy now and shown his teammates he can shoot the ball. His distribution skills will be on display later when scrimmage work begins. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Coach Golden, he has a standard and we've just got to meet it," said Fland, the first McDonald's All American on the UF roster in five years. "Excited to be here, excited to be with the program."
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Like Fland, Lee is a highly skilled combo guard who put up even better numbers at 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 37% from distance. Lee, though, did his thing in the Ivy League, so there will be a transition in dealing with the SEC. The time he's spending in the gym now is a good start, but Lee has plenty of faith in himself. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           The way he moves, handles and shoots the ball, he should. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "I see a lot of people talking about 'How's he going to do against better competition?' But for me, I look at it like I am getting to play with a lot more talented, athletic guys," said Lee, who hails from Toronto and played one year of prep school alongside Haugh in Pennsylvania. "I'm excited about it, honestly. I did some [NBA] pre-draft stuff last year, got used to playing with guys at the high-major level. I'm coming in confident, trying to see, you know, how well I can do."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           How the coaching staff – also is undergoing transition in losing coordinators Kevin Hovde (offense) and John Andrzejek (defense) to head-coaching jobs – meshes two ball-dominant point guards will be one of the most intriguing story lines of the summer (and the '25-26 season). 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           So will the emergence of team leaders, with incumbents Haugh, Condon, Chinyelu and Handlogten the obvious candidates. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           After the first practice last week, it was Chinyelu who did the post-game talking. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "We have guys here who have done it and know how to do it," Chinyelu said. "Now, we must enjoy the moment, always being present and taking every rep like a game rep. This is where it starts and it starts now. As long as we're present and attacking the day like a game day, we will all love that. I can't wait to go to war with my brothers."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Major Ulysses Sosa
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           6th Marine Corps District
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/crop.webp" length="55406" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:57:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/summertime-turns-crunch-time-for-reigning-champs</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">,Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Circle the Dates: Gators Learn 2025–26 SEC Opponents</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/circle-the-dates-gators-learn-202526-sec-opponents</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida men’s basketball has received its Southeastern Conference home-and-away assignments for the upcoming 2025–26 season, as announced by the SEC on Wednesday.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Under the current scheduling format, the Gators maintain their annual home-and-away series with Georgia and South Carolina, and will also face Kentucky twice as part of this year’s rotational two-game pairing.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           SEC Matchups Breakdown:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Home &amp;amp; Away
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Home Only
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Away Only
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Ole Miss, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&amp;amp;M, Vanderbilt
           &#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Seven of Florida’s nine home SEC opponents appeared in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Gators will travel to Texas for the first time since 1997 and make their third visit to Oklahoma (previously in January 2017 and December 2021), marking their first SEC matchup in Norman. With Kentucky added to the two-game rotation, Tennessee rotates off—Florida will host the Vols for their lone regular-season meeting.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Beyond the SEC slate, Florida has already announced several high-profile nonconference matchups, including a road game at Duke (ACC-SEC Challenge), neutral-site contests against Arizona (Las Vegas), UConn (New York), and a Thanksgiving tournament in San Diego featuring Providence, TCU, and Wisconsin. The Gators will also host Florida State in their annual rivalry showdown.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025–26 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Secure your seats while they last!
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:43:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/circle-the-dates-gators-learn-202526-sec-opponents</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators on the Move: 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Matchups Revealed</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-on-the-move-2026-sec-womens-basketball-matchups-revealed</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The Southeastern Conference has released the women’s basketball matchups for the 2026 season, with league play set to begin on Thursday, January 1.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Each team will compete in a 16-game schedule featuring a single round robin of home or away contests (14 games), plus one rotating opponent played both home and away (2 games). The rotating matchup changes annually. This marks the 17th year of the current format for SEC women’s basketball.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The regular season wraps up with the 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, returning for the ninth time to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. All 16 teams will participate, with tournament play beginning Wednesday, March 4 and concluding with the championship game on Sunday, March 8.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Game times, dates, and broadcast details will be announced later.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s 2026 SEC Opponent Breakdown
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Home &amp;amp; Away:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Auburn
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Home Only:
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas A&amp;amp;M, Texas
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Away Only:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Women's Basketball Season Tickets Available Now
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can reserve new season ticket packages and renew their seats for the 2025-26 campaign.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=Nzc5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           New season tickets are available starting at $75 for general admission tickets. Courtside seating begins at $250 per ticket while loge seating starts at $150.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=Nzc5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket holders are eligible to renew their seats for the 2025-26 season through July 17th. Payment plan opportunities are available for fans who renew by the July 15th deadline. All returning ticket holders can 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           renew online
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , contact the Gator Ticket Office Service and Retention team at (352) 375-4683, or fill out a ticket information request 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           form
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            to be contacted.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           For additional questions, fans can call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, email 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , or fill out this 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           form
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            to be contacted by a representative.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025–26 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Secure your seats while they last!
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           FOLLOW THE GATORS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%284%29-d7b07dda.webp" length="98814" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:55:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-on-the-move-2026-sec-womens-basketball-matchups-revealed</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Showdown Set: Gators vs. Hokies in ACC/SEC Challenge</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/showdown-set-gators-vs-hokies-in-acc-sec-challenge</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — ESPN has revealed the matchups for the third annual ACC-SEC Challenge, with Florida women’s basketball set to face Virginia Tech on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. This marks UF’s third appearance in the event, where they currently hold a perfect 2–0 record.
          &#xD;
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           The Gators previously earned wins over Georgia Tech (68–58 in 2023) and Clemson (77–64 in 2024), and will aim to extend their unbeaten streak in the challenge as they head to Blacksburg, Va.
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           Historically, Florida leads the series against Virginia Tech with a 3–1 record. Their last meeting came in 2014, when the Gators secured a 73–44 home victory. The Hokies’ lone win in the series was a 71–59 result in Blacksburg back in 2013.
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           Coverage of the 2025 ACC-SEC Challenge will air across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ACC Network, and SEC Network. Full broadcast details, including platform assignments and commentary teams, will be announced closer to the start of the 2025–26 college basketball season.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           2025 ACC-SEC Women's Basketball Challenge:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Wednesday, Dec. 3
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kentucky at Miami
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tennessee at Stanford
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           NC State at Oklahoma
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Georgia at Florida State
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Auburn at Syracuse
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Georgia Tech at Texas A&amp;amp;M
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Virginia at Vanderbilt
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Thursday, Dec. 4
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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           LSU at Duke
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           South Carolina at Louisville
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida at Virginia Tech
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Notre Dame at Ole Miss
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           UNC at Texas
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Clemson at Alabama
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arkansas at SMU
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pittsburgh at Mississippi State
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           Cal at Missouri
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Florida Women's Basketball Season Tickets Available Now
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fans can reserve new season ticket packages and renew their seats for the 2025-26 campaign.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=Nzc5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           New season tickets are available starting at $75 for general admission tickets. Courtside seating begins at $250 per ticket while loge seating starts at $150.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=Nzc5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket holders are eligible to renew their seats for the 2025-26 season through July 17th. Payment plan opportunities are available for fans who renew by the July 15th deadline. All returning ticket holders can 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           renew online
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , contact the Gator Ticket Office Service and Retention team at (352) 375-4683, or fill out a ticket information request 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           form
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            to be contacted.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           For additional questions, fans can call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, email 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , or fill out this 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           form
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            to be contacted by a representative.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025–26 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            After a dominant 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Secure your seats while they last!
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           FOLLOW THE GATORS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c63cfff6.webp" length="57180" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:01:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/showdown-set-gators-vs-hokies-in-acc-sec-challenge</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c63cfff6.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c63cfff6.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Storm Cameron: Florida Heads to Duke for ACC–SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-storm-cameron-florida-heads-to-duke-for-accsec-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten will return to his home state as the Gators visit Duke for the 2025 ACC-SEC Challenge.
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The defending national champion Florida men's basketball team is set to travel to Duke for the ACC–SEC Challenge on Tuesday, Dec. 2, as announced by ESPN.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This will be the first meeting between Florida and Duke since their clash in the Phil Knight Invitational title game in Portland, Oregon, back in November 2017. It also marks Florida’s first trip to Durham since 1998. The Gators’ most recent win in the series came during the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2000, when they defeated a No. 1-ranked Duke squad en route to their first national championship game appearance. While Florida trails the overall series 4–14, only seven of those matchups have occurred in the past 55 years, with Florida going 2–5 in that span.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Beyond the ACC–SEC Challenge, Florida’s nonconference slate includes high-profile matchups against Arizona in Las Vegas and UConn in New York, as well as a Thanksgiving tournament in San Diego featuring Providence, TCU, and Wisconsin.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025–26 Season Tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            After a stellar 15–1 home record, nine sellout crowds, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the reigning National Champions are gearing up for another electrifying season in the O’Dome.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for the 2025–26 campaign are now available and selling fast—secure your spot while supplies last!
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025 ACC-SEC Challenge Matchups
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tuesday, Dec.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           2Florida at Duke
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Georgia at Florida State
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           North Carolina at Kentucky
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           Miami at Ole Miss
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           Missouri at Notre Dame
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           Oklahoma at Wake Forest
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           Virginia Tech at South Carolina
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           Tennessee at Syracuse
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           Texas A&amp;amp;M at Pittsburgh
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           Wednesday, Dec. 3
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           Clemson at Alabama
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           Louisville at Arkansas
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           NC State at Auburn
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           Mississippi State at Georgia Tech
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           LSU at Boston College
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           Virginia at Texas
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           SMU at Vanderbilt
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:21:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-storm-cameron-florida-heads-to-duke-for-accsec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Feel the Roar: 2025–26 Gators Women’s Basketball Season Tickets Are Here!</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/feel-the-roar-202526-gators-womens-basketball-season-tickets-are-here</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators will return to the O'Dome for the 2025-26 season under head coach Kelly Rae Finley.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Following a fourth straight postseason run—highlighted by reaching the SEC Tournament quarterfinals and advancing to the WBIT semifinals—Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            and the Gators are gearing up for their return to the O'Dome for the 2025–26 season.
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            With a solid foundation in place, Finley will lean on the leadership and skill of returning players
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alexia Dizeko
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            , and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/daviane-mindoudi-ongbakahoumb/17197" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Daviane Mindoudi Ongbakahoumb
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           , each contributing their own strengths and experience. The roster gains additional depth with the arrival of key transfers: K'Nisha Godfrey (TCU), Jade Weathersby (UAB), and Sara Deng from Eastern Arizona.
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           The incoming class also includes three promising freshmen: Emilija Dakic, Caterina Piatti, and Nyadieng "Nidi" Yiech.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           2025–26 Florida Women's Basketball Season Tickets Available Now
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           Fans can now purchase new season ticket packages or renew their seats for the upcoming campaign.
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    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=Nzc5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Packages
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           New season tickets are available starting at $75 for general admission tickets. Courtside seating begins at $250 per ticket while loge seating starts at $150.
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    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=Nzc5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           New 2025-26 Season Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
          &#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           2025-26 Season Ticket Renewals
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           Season ticket holders are eligible to renew their seats for the 2025-26 season through July 17th. Payment plan opportunities are available for fans who renew by the July 15th deadline. All returning ticket holders can 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/invoice" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           renew online
          &#xD;
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           , contact the Gator Ticket Office Service and Retention team at (352) 375-4683, or fill out a ticket information request 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           form
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
            
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            to be contacted.
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           Single Game Tickets
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           Individual tickets for all 2025-26 home games will go on sale to the general public early this fall.
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           Free Women's Basketball Tickets for UF Students
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           Student tickets for Florida women's basketball home games are free to current UF students who pay the athletic fee in their tuition and are taking at least 1 credit hour. For more information on UF student tickets, 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_students_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           click here
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           .
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           For additional questions, fans can call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, email 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="mailto:ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           ticketoffice@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , or fill out this 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cloud.e.floridagators.com/ticket-interest-form?sport=wbasketball" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           form
          &#xD;
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            to be contacted by a representative.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 22:26:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/feel-the-roar-202526-gators-womens-basketball-season-tickets-are-here</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>McGill on the Move: Gators Guard Heads to USA U19 Trials</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgill-on-the-move-gators-guard-heads-to-usa-u19-trials</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida's Liv McGill will return to the national stage at Basketball USA's training facility. McGill will compete for a spot on the U19 national team after winning the gold medal on the U18 roster last summer.
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           Share:
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           COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.
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            – USA Basketball has revealed its 27-player lineup for the upcoming 2025 Women's U19 National Team trials, with Florida's
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            earning a spot among the invitees.
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           The trials are scheduled to begin on June 18 at the U.S. Olympic &amp;amp; Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. After evaluations, 12 athletes will be chosen to form the final roster. That team will represent the U.S. at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup in Brno, Czechia, taking place from July 12–20.
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           Coaching the squad will be Teri Moren of Indiana University, joined by assistant coaches Niele Ivey (University of Notre Dame) and Jose Fernandez (University of South Florida).
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           2025 USA Basketball Women's U19 Trial Roster:
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            Kelsi Andrews
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            Sienna Betts
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            Addison Bjorn
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            Aaliyah Chavez
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            Aaliyah Crump
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            Jasmine Davidson
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            Sydney Douglas
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            Autumn Fleary
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            Bella Flemings
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            Madison Francis
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            Lanie Grant
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            Maddyn Greenway
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            Saniyah Hall
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            Kate Harpring
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            Kayleigh Heckel
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            Jayla Jackson
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            ZaKiyah Johnson
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            Trinity Jones
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            Jordan Lee
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill 
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            De'Andra Minor
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            Jerzy Robinson
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            Emilee Skinner
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            Zania Socka
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            Hailee Swain
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            Oumou 'Mimi' Thiero
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            Lilly Williams
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           Trial participants include athletes from the high school graduating classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028, along with incoming college freshmen and sophomores. Selections for both players and coaches were made by the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team Committee.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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            For more details on the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup,
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    &lt;a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u19-womens-basketball-world-cup-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           click here
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           .
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:50:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgill-on-the-move-gators-guard-heads-to-usa-u19-trials</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators vs. Huskies: Florida Returns to MSG for Jimmy V Classic Rematch</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-huskies-florida-returns-to-msg-for-jimmy-v-classic-rematch</link>
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           Rueben Chinyelu and the Gators defeated UConn in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — Florida men's basketball is set to take on UConn in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as announced by ESPN.
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           This marks the second consecutive season the Gators and Huskies will face off, following Florida’s thrilling 77–75 victory in the NCAA second round last March en route to their 2025 national title. The matchup will be broadcast at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, closing out a doubleheader that begins with BYU vs. Clemson
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           Florida’s season opener features another marquee clash against Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas. The team will also head to San Diego for the Rady Children’s Invitational on Nov. 27–28, joining a competitive lineup that includes Providence, TCU, and Wisconsin.
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           The Gators return to the Jimmy V Classic and Madison Square Garden for the first time since defeating West Virginia in December 2018. Previous appearances include a 2016 loss to Duke and a 2013 win over Memphis.
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           The Jimmy V Classic honors legendary coach Jim Valvano and supports the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Now in its 31st year—and 22nd at Madison Square Garden—the event is part of ESPN’s V Week, which raises awareness and funds for cancer research. Since 1993, ESPN has helped generate over $262 million for the V Foundation, with nearly $101 million raised during V Week alone over the past 18 years.
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            Tickets for the men's doubleheader will be available this fall, with early access and premium seating offered to fans who register for the pre-sale at
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    &lt;a href="https://espnevents.com/jimmy-v-classic/ticket-pre-sale-sign-up/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           jimmyvclassic.com
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           2025–26 Season Tickets
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            After posting a 15–1 home record, drawing nine sellout crowds, and achieving the highest attendance since 2016–17, the reigning National Champions are gearing up for another electric season at the O’Dome.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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            for 2025–26 are now available and selling fast—secure your seats while they last!
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      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:13:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-huskies-florida-returns-to-msg-for-jimmy-v-classic-rematch</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Condon to Play for Florida Next Season</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-to-play-for-florida-next-season</link>
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           Alex Condon led the Gators with 7.5 rebounds per game and 49 blocked shots last season.
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           Share:
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           By: Denver Parler
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           , a forward/center set to enter his junior year, announced Tuesday via social media that he will withdraw from NBA Draft consideration and return to the Gators. Notably, Condon was among the select group of players invited to participate in the NBA Combine in Chicago.
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           During his sophomore campaign, Condon recorded seven double-doubles and was honored by the coaches with selection to the All-Southeastern Conference Third-Team. Condon delivered a huge effort in the Gators' victory at the No. 1 ranked Auburn on February 8, tallying 17 points and 10 rebounds. He closed out the regular season with back-to-back massive games: dropping 27 points and 10 rebounds in the win at No. 7 Alabama, and posting 17 points and 15 rebounds in the contest against Ole Miss.
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            Condon secured his place in Gator lore with his championship-winning hustle, making a decisive dive for the loose ball in the final seconds of the national championship game. That key play capped a performance that included 12 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, helping Florida claim the title. All four primary frontcourt players from that championship team are confirmed to be returning to the Gators for the 2025-26 season. They will join the returning backcourt players, Urban Klavžar and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/16986" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
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           , and the seven new additions: AJ Brown, Boogie Fland, CJ Ingram, Xaivian Lee, and Alex Lloyd.
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           2025-26 Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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            Following an exceptional year that included a 15–1 home record, nine sellout crowds, and the highest total attendance since the 2016–2017 season, the defending National Champions are positioned for another exciting year in the O'Dome.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–2026 campaign are currently on sale and selling quickly. Ensure you secure your seats while supplies last!
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      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 18:22:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-to-play-for-florida-next-season</guid>
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      <title>Condon Commits: Gators Star Withdraws from NBA Draft, Returns for Title Defense</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-commits-gators-star-withdraws-from-nba-draft-returns-for-title-defense</link>
      <description />
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           Alex Condon led the Gators with 7.5 rebounds per game and 49 blocked shots last season.
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           Share:
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            Rising junior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           , who plays forward/center for Florida, has shared via social media that he will step away from the NBA Draft process and rejoin the Gators. Condon had been among the select group invited to participate in the NBA Combine held in Chicago.
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           In his second year with the Gators, Alex Condon racked up seven double-doubles and earned third-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from league coaches. His standout performances included a 17-point, 10-rebound showing in Florida’s upset of No. 1 Auburn on Feb. 8, followed by a dominant close to the regular season with 27 points and 10 boards at No. 7 Alabama, and 17 points with 15 rebounds against Ole Miss.
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            Condon cemented his legacy with a game-saving dive for a loose ball in the national championship, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four steals to help secure the title. Florida’s entire starting frontcourt from that championship run will return for the 2025–26 season. In the backcourt, Urban Klavžar and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/16986" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
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            are back, joined by incoming talent AJ Brown, Boogie Fland, CJ Ingram, Xaivian Lee, and Alex Lloyd.
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           2025–26 Season Tickets
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            After a 15–1 home record, nine sellouts, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the reigning National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Season ticket packages
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            for 2025–26 are now available and selling fast—lock in your seats while they last!
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      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 06:41:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/condon-commits-gators-star-withdraws-from-nba-draft-returns-for-title-defense</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Bronx to the Swamp: Boogie Fland Officially Joins Gator Nation</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bronx-to-the-swamp-boogie-fland-officially-joins-gator-nation</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — Just hours after returning from a whirlwind championship celebration in Washington, Florida men’s basketball head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            met with media Thursday morning for his first offseason check-in since the Gators were honored at the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game on April 12.
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            The past six weeks have been packed with high-profile moments—from receiving the Winged Foot Award in New York to tossing a ceremonial pitch at Wrigley Field and visiting the White House, including a meeting with President Trump. But amid the celebrations, Golden and his staff have been focused on reshaping a roster that lost its top three scorers:
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , 
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           Alijah Martin
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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           . They’re also awaiting word on NBA prospect Alex Condon’s decision.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/5/22/mens-basketball-gators-welcome-transfers-fland-brown.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators added a trio of transfer guards
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            , with Boogie Fland officially joining the program this week earlier in the week after submitting his enrollment paperwork. The sophomore point guard from Arkansas—Florida’s first McDonald’s All-American in six years—is expected to pair with Princeton transfer
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           Xaivian Lee
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            to form a potent backcourt duo.
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            Junior center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , who started every game last season,
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           made his return to the team official
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            earlier this week. Junior forward earlier in the week,
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           T
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           homas Haugh
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            who averaged 9.8 points and 6.1 rebounds off the bench, is slated to step into the starting role at the wing spot previously held by Richard.
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           Offseason workouts begin June 9, with a focus on building chemistry and introducing new offensive concepts.
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           Golden also addressed several key topics during his media availability, including:
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           *On the pairing of Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee in Florida’s backcourt:
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           Head coach Todd Golden expressed enthusiasm about the offensive potential of two ball-dominant guards—Boogie Fland, who posted 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 21 games at Arkansas despite injuries, and Xaivian Lee, who averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 36.6% from three at Princeton.
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           “To have two guys that can play so well with the ball in their hands, they make plays for themselves, but also for others really, really well,” Golden said. “They both have great assist rates. They both take care of the ball really well. When you have two point guards that are out there making plays, I think it makes your offense really dynamic. So we're excited.”
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           Golden added that both guards will be heavily involved in initiating the offense, playing out of ball screens and pushing in transition—“weapons that teams are going to have to account for.”
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           *On Alex Condon’s NBA draft status and potential return:
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           Florida forward Alex Condon, who averaged 10.6 points and led the team with 7.5 rebounds last season, remains undecided about his junior year as the NBA draft withdrawal deadline approaches on May 28. At 6-foot-11 and 230 pounds, Condon has been participating in workouts and combine events with professional teams.
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           “We’ve had good conversations with Alex. We’ve been really respectful of his process, and he’s been great in terms of communicating with us,” said head coach Todd Golden. “I’m cautiously optimistic… He’s getting great workouts [with] teams. He’s looked good in different combine events.”
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           Golden added, “I think we’ll find out, my hope is on the 27th, the day before the deadline, and I’m hoping for good news for the Gators. But I love Condo regardless… He obviously was really impactful in us winning the national championship. So we’re grateful for him.”
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           *On the addition of transfer guard AJ Brown:
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            Florida head coach Todd Golden shared his thoughts on AJ Brown, who joins the Gators after averaging 13.2 points per game at Ohio during the 2024–25 season. Brown shot 47% from the field and nearly 39% from three-point range before undergoing shoulder surgery. He is also the older brother of current UF guard
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           Isaiah Brown
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           .
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           “AJ’s a guy that’s kind of flown under the radar a little bit… dealing with the shoulder injury he had surgery on before we signed him,” Golden said. “He’s just really an efficient scorer. A guy that can finish from 2, really shot the ball well from 3 last year.”
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           Golden emphasized Brown’s fit within Florida’s evolving lineup: “As we’re kind of putting the pieces to this puzzle together, [he] will provide a scoring punch for us and a guy that can make shots… Just an efficient, effective scorer, a guy that’s done it for a couple years and a guy that really wanted to be here. As you guys know, that’s really important to me.”
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           *On including outgoing transfers in the White House visit:
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            Florida head coach Todd Golden emphasized the importance of honoring the full championship roster, including
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (now at Kentucky) and
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           Sam Alexis
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            (now at Indiana), during the team’s celebratory trip to Washington.
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           “We wanted them to be part of it. They were part of our team. Both guys gave us great impact in terms of winning the national championship,” Golden said. “We’re not petty. We appreciate everything they’ve done for us… and their teammates wanted them there.”
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           Golden described the moment as a fitting send-off: “It was kind of the cherry on top for that group… for them to be back together one last time, so I thought it was really special.”
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           Acknowledging the evolving nature of college basketball, Golden added, “College is changing. That’s just the bottom line… We were just proud that we could provide that opportunity for them… and they took us up on it.”
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           He closed with a wink to future competition: “I know they had a great time with their former teammates, and we’re still going to try to kick Kentucky’s ass next year, but those guys deserve it.”
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           On the addition of assistant coach Dave Klatsky and staff updates:
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            Florida head coach Todd Golden addressed recent changes to his coaching staff, including the hiring of
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           Dave Klatsky
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            from Division II New York University and
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           the promotion of Jonathan Safir
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           to full-time assistant. Klatsky compiled a 68–16 record and captured two University Athletic Association titles in three seasons at NYU, following prior success at Colgate.
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           “I’ve known Dave for a long time,” Golden said. “I’m sure you guys know the relationship between Coach Hovde — Dave’s sister and Coach Hovde are married — so a little bit of a family affair there. My father and Dave’s father actually went to law school together back in the ’70s at Emory. We’ve known each other for a long time.”
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           Golden praised Klatsky’s coaching pedigree and familiarity with Florida’s system: “He had great success at Colgate with Matt Langel, and obviously just crushed it at NYU… We want to bring in some of our guys that have a good understanding of how we like to operate. He knows our program well… So we feel like it’s going to be a seamless transition that way.”
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           He added, “A guy that had great success as a head coach. I think he will be a very good replacement for Kevin and John.”
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-16588335.webp" length="51570" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 06:45:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bronx-to-the-swamp-boogie-fland-officially-joins-gator-nation</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Firepower: Gators Add Fland &amp; Brown to Backcourt Roster</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-firepower-gators-add-fland-brown-to-backcourt-roster</link>
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           Florida has five newcomers slated for 2025-26 with the addition of Boogie Fland and AJ Brown
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           Share:
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            Florida men’s basketball head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            shared his thoughts Thursday on incoming transfer guards AJ Brown and Boogie Fland.
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           Brown, a 6-foot-4 guard from Orlando, joined the Gators in late April and arrives as a redshirt junior for the 2025–26 season after three years at Ohio. During the 2024–25 campaign, he averaged 13.2 points per game and connected on 38.8% of his shots from beyond the arc. Brown has totaled 731 career points and recorded six games with 20 or more, including a standout 28-point performance in the 2023 MAC Tournament against Ball State.
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           "AJ is a guy that's flown under the radar a little bit as far as bringing him in," Golden said. "He's just a really efficient scorer, a guy that can finish from two, really shot the ball well from three last year – a guy, as we're putting these pieces together, will provide punch for us and a guy that can make shots. I think that's something that we needed with the frontcourt that we play and adding some other new guys to the perimeter, but just an efficient, effective scorer, a guy that's done it for a couple years and a guy that really wanted to be here. As you guys know, that's really important to me."
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           AJ Brown averaged 13.2 points at Ohio last season.
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           AJ Brown, the older brother of Florida guard 
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           Isaiah Brown
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           , joins the Gators with a strong résumé on and off the court. Last season, he shot .471 from the field, .388 from beyond the arc, and .820 at the free throw line, earning Academic All-MAC recognition. As a freshman in 2022–23, Brown averaged 10.3 points and was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team. He received a medical redshirt for the 2023–24 season after appearing in just nine games due to injury. During his high school career at Orlando Christian Prep, Brown captured two FHSAA 2A state titles.
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           Boogie Fland, a Bronx native, arrives at Florida after a standout freshman year at Arkansas, where he averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. He started 18 of 21 games and delivered four 20-point performances, including a season-best 24 points with five made threes in a win over Oakland. Fland also posted a 3.45 assist-to-turnover ratio and recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists against North Carolina A&amp;amp;T.
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           Boogie Fland averaged 13.5 points as a freshman at Arkansas and earned an NBA Combine Invitation.
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           "He's definitely a great NBA prospect and a guy that I anticipate not being on this campus for a long time," Golden said. "If he has a good year next year, I would anticipate him moving on, which is awesome. And my hope is that we can help him get to that goal of his. With him and 
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           Xaivian [Lee]
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            and the guys that we're bringing back, I'm just excited for this group to get here on June 9 and see what we can start putting together."
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           Boogie Fland, a 2024 McDonald's All-American, adds elite pedigree to Florida’s backcourt. He was also selected for the Jordan Brand Classic, the USA Basketball Nike Hoop Summit, and the USA Basketball Men's Junior National Select Team. Named "Mr. New York Basketball" by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York, Fland becomes the first Gator from New York City since Brooklyn’s Erving Walker (2008–11). He attended Archbishop Stepinac High School.
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           Fland and AJ Brown join Florida’s 2025 incoming class alongside transfer guard Xaivian Lee and freshmen Alex Lloyd and CJ Ingram.
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           2025–26 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets
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           After a 15–1 home record, nine sellout crowds, and the highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending national champions are set for another thrilling season in the O’Dome. 
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–26 campaign are available now and selling fast.
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           Secure your seats while supplies last!
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      <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 06:18:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-firepower-gators-add-fland-brown-to-backcourt-roster</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Washington, D.C. with the Gators</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/washington-d-c-with-the-gators</link>
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           By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer
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            WASHINGTON — Stepping up to the microphone Wednesday afternoon, Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            offered a concise yet precise summary of the 2024-25 Florida basketball team to President Donald Trump and the audience—the team having earned the traditional honor of visiting the nation's capital after clinching the national championship.
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           Golden addressed the President, making a powerful comparison: "Mr. President, I view our program's foundation much like that of the United States. We thrive on merit. We expect intense effort, and no matter a player’s personal history or appearance, if they focus on the team's success and secure victories, they will be on the court," Golden stated, highlighting the team's dedication, strong attitude, and loyalty to the University of Florida. "The core reason for our success this year was having an immense pool of collective talent. Our athletes chose to cooperate, sacrificing individual statistical goals for the unit's success, which propelled us to a 36-4 final record—and this official trip to the White House."
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           Following his remarks, Golden handed President Trump a University of Florida basketball jersey embroidered with the number 47. This action spurred loud applause from the crowd of approximately 400 guests gathered in the ornate East Room.
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           In that singular moment, the Gators' miraculous and improbable basketball season was officially validated with the highest possible honor: the presidential stamp of approval.
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           The President described the Gators' 2024-25 season as a monumental achievement, declaring it "One for the history books." He praised the team's grit, noting, "All these close games against great teams, [but] you kept winning and never let up when the odds were against you."
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            Indeed, the team's trip to D.C. was the latest recognition of the impressive accomplishments of the squad, notably its leaders:
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            ,
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           Will Richard
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            , and
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           Alijah Martin
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           . Trump highlighted each player individually for their crucial, heroic moments. Joining the President on stage were dignitaries, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and even Tim Tebow, among others.
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           The President cited:
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           Richard's game-winning layup with five seconds remaining, which capped a 14-point comeback victory against South Carolina. Looking for the player, Trump remarked, "Where are you, Will? Oh. He's a good-looking guy."
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           Clayton's remarkable scoring spree throughout the NCAA Tournament. The President joked, "I hear he's really good … really rich, too." Clayton shook his head, suggesting, "Not yet," as the NBA Draft was still weeks away.
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           Martin's pivotal free throws that secured the lead in the final minute of the national-championship game versus Houston. When asked, "Were you nervous?" Martin simply replied, "No."
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            Additionally, sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            earned a special mention for his 20-point, 11-rebound effort off the bench during the Elite Eight win against Texas Tech.
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           "He has good hair," the President remarked about Haugh’s signature blonde style.
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           After more praise for the team and Coach Golden (with Trump stating, "Oh, I'd like to be his agent."), the President concluded the event with a final message:
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           "All I can say is, 'Go Gators!' We love you in Florida."
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           That sentiment drew a noticeable reaction from the audience.
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           It was an extraordinary day and an unforgettable experience. As he departed, Martin gave a simple review: "Thumbs up."
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           Despite facing several logistical hurdles, the team successfully executed the trip. A chartered flight departed from Gainesville around 7:30 a.m. However, over half of the players had to arrange flights the previous Tuesday evening from various distant locations, including some where they were attending NBA workouts. This ensured they could meet the traveling party for pickup at their downtown hotel mid-morning.
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           Inclement weather forced the cancellation of a planned sightseeing walk on the National Mall. Instead, the Gators proceeded to the U.S. Capitol Building, where Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack guided their tour. She led the group through the lower levels of the building for a short subway trip, during which they encountered fellow Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who has announced his campaign for governor in 2026.
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           "I'm a Florida State Seminole, but congratulations," Donalds told the victorious team. "Enjoy the tour."
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           Walter Clayton Jr., known for his intense rivalry with FSU, immediately countered the greeting:
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           "We rolled you guys this year," Clayton shot back. "That was part of the tour."
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           The tour also featured a brief interaction with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. He paused his work on the "Big, Beautiful Bill" to greet the team, spending a few moments chatting about his time as an LSU student during the era of Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Jackson, before returning to his duties.
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            The team was guided through various historical locations, including the Capitol rotunda. Tourists often stopped and stared in amazement as the Gators walked by—a reaction amplified by the presence of 7-foot-9 center
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           Olivier Rioux
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            “You really start to appreciate the fervor our fans in the D.C. region have for the Gators,” remarked UF Athletic Director
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           . “There’s a shared emotion that unites people across political divides when they see Coach Golden and the players touring the Capitol; they all want to convey how meaningful that championship was.”
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           Following the tour, the squad attended a luncheon co-hosted by Congresswoman Kat Cammack (a Republican) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a Democrat and proud double-degree Gator alumnus).
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           "We are proof that Democrats and Republicans can collaborate, particularly when we share the common tie of the Gators," Wasserman Schultz stated. "I believe we can learn from this Florida basketball team. Your incredible unity, backing each other completely, sticking together, and persevering—those are the amazing qualities that powered you to win this national championship."
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           After a second brief round through the Capitol, the team boarded their bus, complete with a police escort, and headed to the White House. Following standard security screening, the team was met in the entrance hallway by a stunning acoustic performance (featuring a guitar and violin) of "I Won't Back Down."
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           Outside the East Room, the five-piece President's Marine Band provided musical accompaniment, performing "We Are the Champions" and "We Are the Boys from Ol' Florida" as the team arrived for a brief walk-through before the official presidential ceremony.
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           Approximately 90 minutes later, the players formally entered the East Room to the tune of the Gator fight song, followed by the UF alma mater. Moments after their entrance, "Hail to the Chief" began to play.
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           Just as the ceremony concluded, President Trump extended a personal invitation for the team to join him in the Oval Office afterward. He then shared a quick exchange he'd had with Coach Golden earlier that day:
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           "Coach believes he will have another magnificent team next season as well," Trump announced.
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           And Coach Golden certainly does. With that ambitious goal in mind, the team's motto is now unofficially "Make A Gator (White House visit) Again."
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            Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 18:06:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/washington-d-c-with-the-gators</guid>
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      <title>Pro Power: Fred Williams Joins Gators Women’s Basketball Staff</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/pro-power-fred-williams-joins-gators-womens-basketball-staff</link>
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           Fred Williams is set to further his impressive coaching career at the University of Florida, under Kelly Rae Finley.
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gators women’s basketball head coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            has announced the hiring of Fred Williams as an assistant coach. Williams brings decades of experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, most recently serving as associate head coach at Auburn University.
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           “Fred is a phenomenal addition to our staff,” said Finley. “His extensive background in both the WNBA and college basketball, his success in developing players, and his commitment to building winning cultures make him a perfect fit for our program. Our players will greatly benefit from his insights and mentorship.”
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           A native of Los Angeles, Williams has built a coaching career that spans more than 40 years. At Auburn, he played a key role in leading the Tigers to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, focusing on defense and player development.
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           His professional résumé includes head coaching stints in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, Tulsa Shock, and Atlanta Dream—where he guided the Dream to the 2013 WNBA Finals. Williams has worked with numerous All-Stars and Olympians and previously held coaching roles at the University of Southern California, including a two-year run as head coach from 1995 to 1997.
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           Known for his ability to revitalize programs and nurture talent, Williams helped multiple WNBA teams reach the playoffs and build winning cultures. He’s also contributed to NBA organizations such as the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings in scouting and development capacities.
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           A graduate of Boise State University, Williams has earned respect across the basketball community for his strategic acumen and leadership. His career includes 144 WNBA victories and a reputation for excellence in defense and postseason preparation.
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 05:52:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/pro-power-fred-williams-joins-gators-womens-basketball-staff</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Chinyelu Rebounds to Gainesville: Gators Big Man Back for 2025–26 Run</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chinyelu-rebounds-to-gainesville-gators-big-man-back-for-202526-run</link>
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           Alex Condon led the Gators with 7.5 rebounds per game and 49 blocked shots last season.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            —
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , a rising junior center, has announced
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           via his social media accounts
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            that he will step away from the NBA Draft process and return to Florida. Earlier this May, Chinyelu participated in the NBA G League Elite Camp held in Chicago from May 9–11.
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           In his first season with the Gators, Chinyelu posted averages of 6.0 points and 6.6 rebounds, shooting nearly 60% from the field and tallying 34 blocks. His presence played a major role in Florida’s defensive surge and impressive +8.4 rebounding margin during the 2024–25 campaign.
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           Standing 6-foot-10 and hailing from Nigeria, Chinyelu notched four double-doubles, highlighted by a 19-point, 13-rebound performance at LSU. He also pulled down a personal best 15 rebounds in Florida’s dominant win over No. 1 Tennessee. Over the season, he led or shared the team lead in rebounds 12 times, including a team-high nine boards in the Final Four victory against Auburn.
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           During his two appearances at the G League Elite Camp, Chinyelu averaged 5.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
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           2025–26 Florida Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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            After finishing with a dominant 15–1 record at home, drawing nine sellout crowds, and posting the highest attendance since 2016–17, the reigning National Champions are gearing up for another thrilling season in the O’Dome.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–26 campaign are now available and moving fast—lock in your seats before they’re gone!
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      <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2025 07:13:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chinyelu-rebounds-to-gainesville-gators-big-man-back-for-202526-run</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Vegas Lights, Gator Fight: Florida Opens Season Against Arizona in Hall of Fame Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/vegas-lights-gator-fight-florida-opens-season-against-arizona-in-hall-of-fame-clash</link>
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           Thomas Haugh and the Gators will open the 2025-26 campaign with a showdown vs. Arizona in Las Vegas.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida men’s basketball will launch its 2025–26 campaign on Monday, Nov. 3, facing Arizona in the 2025 Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas, as announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Position Sports.
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           Fresh off a national championship, the Gators return to the court in a high-profile neutral-site matchup at T-Mobile Arena, with national coverage across TNT Sports’ platforms. The game is part of a doubleheader that also features BYU vs. Villanova.
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           Florida and Arizona have met four times historically, splitting the series. Their last clash came in December 2012, a narrow 65–64 loss for UF in Tucson, following an overtime win by Florida in Gainesville the previous year. The Gators also appeared in the Hall of Fame Series Charlotte in 2023, falling 73–70 to Virginia while short-handed.
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            Tickets will be available starting Friday, May 30 at 1 p.m. ET via
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           hofseries.com
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            and axs.com. Broadcast details and tip-off times will be announced later.
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           This Las Vegas opener marks Florida’s second confirmed early-season event. The Gators are also set to compete in the Rady Children’s Invitational in San Diego on Nov. 27–28, joining a field that includes Providence, TCU, and Wisconsin.
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           2025-26 Men's Basketball Season Tickets
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           After a dominant 15–1 home stretch, nine sellouts, and the program’s highest attendance since 2016–17, the defending national champs are gearing up for another electric season inside the O’Connell Center.
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           Season ticket packages
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            for the 2025–26 campaign are officially on sale and moving fast. Don’t miss your chance to lock in seats for what promises to be another unforgettable year of Gator basketball.
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           Secure your spot while supplies last!
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      <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2025 05:37:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/vegas-lights-gator-fight-florida-opens-season-against-arizona-in-hall-of-fame-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Brains &amp; Brawn: Gators Smash Academic Records in Spring 2025</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/brains-brawn-gators-smash-academic-records-in-spring-2025</link>
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           The collective 3.42 GPA by UF student-athletes is an all-time high, replacing the 3.39 GPA set in fall of 2024.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida student-athletes delivered a record-setting academic performance this spring, with both individual and team GPAs reaching new heights.
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            For the
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           fourth straight semester
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           , over 400 Gators earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher—435 in fall 2024, 413 in spring 2024, and 401 in fall 2023. Eighteen athletic programs maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better across both the fall 2024 and spring 2025 terms.
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            The overall GPA for Florida’s student-athletes hit an
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           all-time high of
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           3.42
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           , surpassing the previous record of 3.39 set in fall 2024.
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           Beyond academics, The Gators Experience program saw all 21 sports contribute 2,466 hours of community service through 203 volunteer events supporting 43 organizations during the 2024–25 year.
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           Gators Classroom Success: Spring 2025 Highlights
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           Florida student-athletes continued their academic momentum this spring, setting new GPA benchmarks across multiple programs.
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           Record-Setting Team GPAs
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            Five programs set or matched their highest-ever team GPAs:
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            Baseball – 3.26
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            Football – 3.48
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            Gymnastics – 3.73
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            Lacrosse – 3.67
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            Men’s Track &amp;amp; Field – 3.08
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           Top Cumulative GPA Leaders
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            The fall 2024 academic leaders maintained their edge through spring 2025:
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            Men’s Cross Country – 3.51 spring | 3.55 cumulative
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            Women’s Gymnastics – 3.73 spring | 3.72 cumulative
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           Semester Snapshot
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            18 programs earned a 3.0+ GPA for spring 2025
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            18 programs maintained a 3.0+ cumulative GPA
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            Male Student-Athletes – 3.35 term GPA | 3.31 cumulative
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            Female Student-Athletes – 3.51 term GPA | 3.48 cumulative (new record)
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            54 Gators achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA this spring
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      <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2025 05:19:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/brains-brawn-gators-smash-academic-records-in-spring-2025</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Draft Dreams: Five Gators Head to NBA Combine &amp; G League Elite Camp</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/draft-dreams-five-gators-head-to-nba-combine-g-league-elite-camp</link>
      <description />
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           Florida's starting five -- (L-R) Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon, Will Richard, Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr. -- will all have the opportunity to compete in the NBA's pre-draft process.
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           Share:
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           All five starters from Florida’s national championship men’s basketball squad are set to take part in either the NBA Draft Combine or the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago, with events kicking off Friday.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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           , 
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           Alex Condon
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            and 
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           Alijah Martin
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            earned invitations to the
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           NBA Draft Combine
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            , scheduled for May 11–18. Meanwhile,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            will participate in the NBA G League Elite Camp from May 9–11. Standout performers from the
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           NBA G League Elite Camp
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            may be selected to join the NBA Draft Combine.
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           Both events will be held at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The G League Elite Camp features five-on-five competition along with strength and agility assessments. Florida joins Duke and Arkansas as one of only three programs with at least three players invited to the NBA Draft Combine.
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           Clayton, Martin, and Richard wrapped up their collegiate careers this past season. Condon and Chinyelu, both rising juniors, retain the option to return to Florida. The NCAA’s deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft is Wednesday, May 28, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The NBA Draft will take place June 25–26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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           2025-26 Season Tickets
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           Season tickets for 2025-26 are on sale now at 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com/tickets
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           .
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      <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 04:55:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/draft-dreams-five-gators-head-to-nba-combine-g-league-elite-camp</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Golden Era Secured: Florida Locks In Championship Coach Through 2031</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-era-secured-florida-locks-in-championship-coach-through-2031</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Todd Golden became the youngest coach to win a national championship since 1983.
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           Share:
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            Following Florida’s recent men’s basketball national title, the Gators have extended head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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             through March 31, 2031. The six-year deal, announced by athletic director
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-stricklin/487" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Stricklin
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           , is valued at $40.5 million.
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           Golden, now 39, guided Florida to its third national championship just three seasons into his leadership—marking the program’s first title since 2007. He also became the youngest head coach in over 40 years to win a national championship, a distinction last held by Jim Valvano in 1983.
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           “Todd has done an incredible job getting Florida men's basketball back where it belongs,” said Stricklin. “We believed in his vision, his competitive nature and his modern approach to the game back in 2022, and he has validated that belief in a relatively short time and helped create memories of a lifetime for another generation of Gator fans.”
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           Golden expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program, saying, “My family and I are grateful to be a part of Gator Nation and for the opportunity to lead this great program three years ago… I am so appreciative of each and every player and staff member who have been critical to the success we've experienced here.”
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           Florida’s championship run included its sixth Final Four appearance, a fifth SEC Tournament title, and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Gators became the first team to defeat three ranked opponents en route to an SEC Tournament win, and closed the season with 12 consecutive victories—nine of which came against top-25 teams, including eight against top-12 programs.
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           Golden’s current record at Florida stands at 76-33, with a dominant 36-4 finish in the 2024–25 season.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 04:32:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-era-secured-florida-locks-in-championship-coach-through-2031</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Triple Threat: Four Gators Bound for USA Basketball 3X Nationals</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/triple-threat-four-gators-bound-for-usa-basketball-3x-nationals</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Four players from Florida women's basketball 2025-26 roster will compete in the 2025 USA 3X Nationals in Arizona.
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           Share:
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           MESA, Ariz.
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            – From May 2–4, four standout Gators will represent Florida at the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals, held at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. Veterans
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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           return to the roster, joined by fresh faces K'Nisha Godfrey and Jade Weathersby.
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           The tournament tips off Friday, May 2, with opening matchups and continues through Sunday’s medal rounds. Teams will be seeded based on their preliminary performance before entering bracket play on May 4.
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           Played on a half court with a 10-minute game clock and a 12-second shot clock, the format crowns the first team to reach 21 points—or the leader at the buzzer—as the winner.
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           Sixteen women’s teams will compete, split into four pools. Florida joins Pool D alongside Chaos, 3XBA, and Stephen F. Austin, with their first matchup against Stephen F. Austin scheduled for May 2 at 10:30 PM ET.
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           Florida is one of three SEC programs participating, alongside South Carolina and Vanderbilt. Other collegiate teams include Fairfield, James Madison, Oklahoma State, Richmond, South Dakota State, Stephen F. Austin, and TCU. Pro team 3XBA and independent squad Team Phoenix round out the field.
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           The 3X Nationals also serve as a scouting ground for future USA Basketball 3x3 national teams, including the 2025 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and rosters for the 3x3 World Tour, Women’s Series, U23 Nations League, and U23 World Cup.
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            Catch the action live all weekend on X (formerly Twitter) and
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    &lt;a href="https://ses.prsts.de/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fusabasketball/1/0102019682b538e6-1f2c2cfd-7669-4a44-af20-a96285513b5b-000000/zOgjG67kBt1uIx2axCwOdvuFiTrMwMOka3e-HV3xIzM=402" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           YouTube.com/USABasketball
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           .
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           Additional Info:
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            Full list of teams and rosters can be accessed 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://play.fiba3x3.com/events/6b9c6678-8927-4789-892b-92272e6302a0/teams" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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            Schedule of play can be viewed 
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      &lt;a href="https://play.fiba3x3.com/events/6b9c6678-8927-4789-892b-92272e6302a0/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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            Tickets are free and can be reserved 
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      &lt;a href="https://ses.prsts.de/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.tixr.com%2Fgroups%2Fazgrounds%2Fevents%2Fusa-basketball-3x-nationals-139196/1/0102019682b538e6-1f2c2cfd-7669-4a44-af20-a96285513b5b-000000/g2foCy00oNnHBWJUuSu-QnLdjHoCXnk2jnsM9U0OH4Q=402" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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            Event information and overview 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.usab.com/play/national-events/3xnationals" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            here
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           FOLLOW THE GATORS
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2025 04:07:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/triple-threat-four-gators-bound-for-usa-basketball-3x-nationals</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Speed, Swagger, and SEC Pedigree: Gators Land Lee Ingram</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/speed-swagger-and-sec-pedigree-gators-land-lee-ingram</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           On the heels of the 2025 national championship, Florida men's basketball announced a pair of newcomers on Tuesday.
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           Florida Adds a Proven Playmaker to the 2025–26 Backcourt
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            Florida men’s basketball is adding two new faces to its 2025–26 roster, as head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            announced Tuesday: rising senior guard Xaivian Lee and incoming freshman CJ Ingram have officially signed on.
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            Lee, a standout at Princeton, averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists during the 2024–25 season, bringing his career total to 1,154 points.
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           The Toronto native recorded two triple-doubles and ten 20-point performances last season, including a 21-point, 11-assist double-double in a neutral-site win over Rutgers. A two-time unanimous first-team All-Ivy League honoree, Lee also set a Princeton single-season record with 165 assists.
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           "We are elated to welcome Xaivian Lee into our program here at the University of Florida," Golden said. "We strive to identify high-achieving young men who excel in all areas of their lives, and Xaivian is a great example. Xaivian is an electric play-maker that is an equal threat to score or facilitate off the bounce. He does a great job of leading the team, putting his teammates in position to be successful while taking great care of the basketball. While our three senior leaders move on from the perimeter, it was really important to add someone of Xaivian's caliber both as a player and as a person."
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           Xaivian Lee was a two-time unanimous All-Ivy League Selection while at Princeton.
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           Xaivian Lee brings a proven scoring pedigree to Gainesville. The 6-foot-4 guard notched four 30-point games during his collegiate career, including two career-best 33-point performances against Harvard and Dartmouth. After his freshman season, Lee represented Canada at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he averaged 14.1 points per game and helped lead the team to a quarterfinal finish.
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            Joining him in Florida’s 2025 freshman class is CJ Ingram, fresh off his senior campaign at Montverde Academy. A native of Hawthorne, Fla., Ingram earned a spot in the Jordan Brand Classic alongside fellow incoming Gator
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           Alex Lloyd
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            and received honorable mention recognition on the Naismith High School Boys’ All-America Team.
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           CJ Ingram is a top-25 signee and Naismith All-America honorable mention.
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            "CJ is a huge addition for our program," Golden said. "We consistently talk about having guys with great attitudes, work ethics, and most importantly, the desire to be a Gator. Coming from a legacy Gator family, we know how much he cares about wearing the orange and blue.
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            ﻿
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           CJ was a multi-sport star who just this past year, focused solely on basketball, and you can see the great strides he's made already. CJ is a fantastic young man who comes from a great family and will represent our program very well. We are thrilled to welcome him!"
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           CJ Ingram arrives in Gainesville with elite pedigree and high expectations. The 6-foot-6 wing is ranked in the top 25 of the 2025 recruiting class by ESPN, 247Sports, and On3. His athletic roots run deep—his father, Cornelius Ingram, was an All-SEC tight end and national champion with Florida football from 2004–08, and also suited up for 19 basketball games during his freshman year.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b1050a8d.webp" length="192488" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:39:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/speed-swagger-and-sec-pedigree-gators-land-lee-ingram</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>New Faces, Familiar Fire: Gators Reshape Championship Staff</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-faces-familiar-fire-gators-reshape-championship-staff</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Dave Klatsky led NYU to the Division III national championship game this season.
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           Share:
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           Klatsky Joins, Safir Steps Up—Florida’s Bench Gets Even Stronger
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            The Florida men's basketball program is making key additions to its coaching staff, as announced by head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            on Tuesday.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jonathan-safir/1898" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jonathan Safir
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           , who has served as UF’s director of basketball strategy and analytics since 2022, has been elevated to an assistant coach position. Joining him is Dave Klatsky, who comes to Gainesville after leading New York University’s program for the past three seasons.
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           Safir (pronounced like the gem, “sapphire”) played a pivotal role in Florida’s championship run, contributing to roster construction and shaping the team’s data-driven approach. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., he graduated from Vassar College in 2015.
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            “I am excited to announce the promotion of
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           Jonathan Safir
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            to the position of assistant coach,” Golden said. “Jonathan deserves a lot of credit for his work in many different areas of our program that ultimately led to our national championship victory a few weeks ago. He will continue helping me with the various roster management responsibilities he has had, and will take on a bigger role on-court moving forward. I am grateful to have him and Ali remain with us in Gainesville!”
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           Jonathan Safir cuts a piece of the net following the Gators' national championship victory. (Photo: Spencer Gnauck)
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           Florida men’s basketball is reshaping its coaching staff following a championship season, with head coach Todd Golden announcing two key moves on Tuesday. Jonathan Safir, who has served as UF’s director of basketball strategy and analytics since 2022, has been promoted to assistant coach. Joining the staff is Dave Klatsky, who arrives in Gainesville after guiding NYU to the Division III national title game and posting a 68–16 record over three seasons.
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           “I am excited to announce the promotion of Jonathan Safir to the position of assistant coach,” Golden said. “Jonathan deserves a lot of credit for his work in many different areas of our program that ultimately led to our national championship victory a few weeks ago… I am grateful to have him and Ali remain with us in Gainesville!”
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           Safir, a Buffalo native and 2015 Vassar graduate, played a central role in Florida’s roster construction and analytics strategy during its title run.
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           Klatsky, a 2001 graduate of Penn and native of Holmdel, N.J., brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached at Colgate (2011–22) and Stevens Institute of Technology (2007–11).
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           “I am thrilled to add Dave to our staff as an assistant coach here in Gainesville,” Golden said. “Dave is a high achiever and a proven winner… He has a great analytical sense for the game and is a great teacher on the floor. We are excited to welcome Dave, his wife Abby, and their three boys to the Swamp!”
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           Safir and Klatsky will step into roles previously held by Kevin Hovde and John Andrzejek, who accepted head coaching positions at Columbia and Campbell, respectively.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:16:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/new-faces-familiar-fire-gators-reshape-championship-staff</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Crowned &amp; Clutch: Florida’s Historic Hoops Season in Review</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crowned-clutch-floridas-historic-hoops-season-in-review</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators basketball coach (and national champ) Todd Golden addresses the crowd of 56,000 during the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game halftime celebration.
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           Share:
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           From Tip-Off to Trophy—The Gators’ Road to Glory
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After weeks of celebration following Florida’s thrilling and improbable run to the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball title, the program shifted gears Wednesday with its first official offseason update.
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            Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            —Florida’s leading rebounder and fourth in scoring—announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft evaluation process while preserving the option to return to college play. The move aligned with what head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            had already hinted at during his media availability Saturday, following the team’s high-energy tribute in front of roughly 56,000 fans at the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Spring Game in The Swamp.
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            There’s buzz around sophomore forward Alex Condon, with mock drafts projecting the 6-foot-11, 230-pound standout as a potential first-round pick. But his departure isn’t set in stone—much like the evolving 2025–26 roster, which is already undergoing changes following the exits of guards
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           ,
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           Alijah Martin
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            and 
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           Will Richard
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           . The trio were Florida’s top scorers and arguably the most dynamic backcourt in the country.
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           Clayton, named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after averaging 22.3 points and sinking 20 three-pointers, teamed with Martin and Richard to deliver nearly half of the team’s scoring, over half its assists, and a majority of its steals. Each arrived via transfer, each brought something unique, and together they became legends in Gator basketball history.
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           Richard, a Belmont transfer, was the first to commit to Todd Golden—betting on a coach fresh from San Francisco. Clayton followed from Iona, known for his elite shot-making and offensive leadership. Martin, whose defensive prowess helped Florida Atlantic reach the Final Four, rounded out the trio and elevated the roster. As Gators, they started 219 of 224 games, scored 3,223 points, and powered Florida to 36 wins and its first national title since the Billy Donovan-led back-to-backs of 2006–07.
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           Now they’re gone—but they’ve set a new benchmark for what Golden’s teams can be.
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           “The sustaining is difficult because of the expectation,” Golden said. “We’ve proven we can do it. It’s very difficult to do. But now… yeah, there’s pressure. There’s going to be a lot more pressure. As I said when I got the job, the pressure of being at Florida is a privilege. It’s better to do it here than a lot of other places.”
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           Whether Condon returns remains to be seen. Both Clayton and Richard tested the NBA waters last year, received feedback, and came back stronger. Condon posted 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds during the regular season, though his postseason was mixed—especially against physically dominant opponents. Still, his championship-clinching dive for the loose ball in the 65–63 win over Houston is etched in Gator lore. Condon is just one piece of the puzzle.
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           “We had some really productive player meetings,” Golden said. “I feel really good about where we are.”
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            Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            emerged as a key contributor, especially when filling in for Condon. He averaged 13.6 points and 3.5 assists over six games (five starts) and improved his shooting across the board—from 45.7% to 79.5% at the line and up 8% from deep. With versatility to play both forward spots, Haugh is poised to take on a larger role.
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            If returning bigs
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (6.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg),
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           Micah Handlogten
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             (2.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), and
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           Sam Alexis
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            (4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) stay in the fold—along with
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           Viktor Mikic
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            and 7-foot-9 walk-on
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           Olivier Rioux
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           —the Gators could field one of the most imposing frontcourts in the country. Especially if Condon and Haugh are back. The transfer portal remains a wildcard.
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            In the backcourt, it’s
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           's
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            moment. Again.
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           Forward 
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            Thomas Haugh
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            (left) and guard
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            Denzel Aberdeen
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            (center) celebrate the win over Houston.
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           Denzel Aberdeen’s rise has been steady and earned. Once a little-used freshman at the end of the bench, he stayed committed to the program and embraced the development process. Though he could’ve transferred, he stuck it out—and it paid off. Promised 20 minutes off the bench last season, he delivered with 19.8 per game. When injuries sidelined Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin, Aberdeen stepped into the starting lineup for five games, averaging 14.4 points and knocking down 12 threes—all in wins. Florida went 24–0 when Aberdeen hit at least one three-pointer. As a senior, he’ll get the first shot at PG1, even as the Gators look to the portal to reinforce the backcourt.
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            Also returning is junior
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (3.2 ppg), a late-summer addition from Slovenia who shot 34% from deep overall and an impressive 46% in SEC play. His role is expected to expand. Sophomore
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           Isaiah Brown
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            (6-4, 195), a high-upside athlete who appeared in eight games, is projected to compete for rotation minutes. Meanwhile, point guard
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           Kajus Kublickas
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            will transfer after logging 25 minutes across six games in his sophomore season.
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           Two incoming freshmen guards will join the mix: CJ Ingram, son of former UF football standout Cornelius Ingram, and Alex Lloyd. Ingram, long and explosively athletic, surged up recruiting boards during the 2024 summer circuit and is expected to make an immediate defensive impact.
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           There are still gaps to fill—both on the roster and coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kevin Hovde is headed to Columbia, and defensive coordinator John Andrezjek to Campbell. Those announcements are pending, but roster additions are expected soon via the portal, aided by a $1 million NIL contribution from super-donor Gary Condron.
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           All of this is unfolding in the afterglow of a championship season.
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           “We’re still waiting for that moment of it sinking in completely,” Golden said. “I think the last month and a half have been a whirlwind. It has felt like we’ve never really been able to take a breath during the process, then the final horn sounds against Houston and it’s just over all of the sudden. There’s elation, jubilation, there’s exhaustion, there’s a million different feelings going on. The best way I can describe it is there are moments where it sinks in for a second and it’s pretty unbelievable, but big picture-wise, I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. The fact that we went 36–4 and won the SEC Tournament and won the national championship. It’s been a good couple months for Gator basketball.”
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:55:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crowned-clutch-floridas-historic-hoops-season-in-review</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Champions, Records, and Rising Stars: Orange &amp; Blue Game Delivers Gator Fireworks</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/champions-records-and-rising-stars-orange-blue-game-delivers-gator-fireworks</link>
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           The Gators celebrated their national championship on Saturday with fans at the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game.
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           Share:
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           From Trophy Cheers to Lagway’s Leap—Gator Nation Had It All
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — The 2025 edition of the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game may go down as one of the most memorable in University of Florida history—and not because of the action on
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           Steve Spurrier
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             Field.
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           The spotlight belonged to halftime.
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           During a special 30-minute intermission, the Florida men's basketball team—fresh off its 2025 NCAA National Championship—was celebrated in front of a roaring crowd of 56,563 fans. The turnout marked the largest attendance for a UF spring game since 2009, and the energy never dipped.
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            Each player’s introduction was met with escalating cheers, culminating in the arrival of senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, who stepped out of the tunnel holding the NCAA Championship Trophy.
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           Clayton Jr. closed the ceremony with a heartfelt message at midfield.
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           “I gotta stand up to say this — I'm a Florida boy, through and through, and we're family,” Clayton Jr. said. “Gator boys stay hot, and it's gonna continue."﻿﻿
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           The Gators men's basketball team celebrates its national championship on Saturday afternoon during the annual Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game. (Photo: 
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           Victoria Riccobono
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           /UAA Communications)
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           When Florida basketball captured national titles in 2006 and 2007, the celebrations took place inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. But with only 10,133 seats, many Gator fans had to watch the festivities from the stadium screens at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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           This time, the celebration moved directly to The Swamp, giving thousands more the chance to cheer in person—just as they had all season long.
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            Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            helped unveil the 2025 national championship banner, which will soon hang in the rafters of the O’Dome. Wearing the championship net around his neck, Golden addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude.
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           “We’re incredibly grateful to bring a national championship back to Florida, where it belongs,” Golden said.
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            Before Golden’s remarks, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward presented a ceremonial key to the city to Golden and the entire team, with Voice of the Gators
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            leading the moment.
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           “You will always have a home, right here, in the capital of the Gator Nation,” Ward said.
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           UF Athletic Director
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-stricklin/487" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Stricklin
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            followed, thanking fans, boosters, players, and staff, while spotlighting unforgettable tournament moments—including sophomore forward
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ’s game-clinching grab in the title game, which drew thunderous applause.
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           As the celebration continued, Kelley spoke with several players who shared their appreciation for Gator Nation.
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            Junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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           , who gave up his medical redshirt to help the team chase the championship, called it “the best decision of [his] life.”
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            And sophomore guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , who scored Florida’s final point on a clutch free throw with 19 seconds left, couldn’t resist a lighthearted jab at himself.
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           “My fault for missing that first free throw,” Aberdeen joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
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           Back to the Field
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            After Team Blue’s 38–32 win over Team Orange, Florida football head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/billy-napier/2046" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Billy Napier
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            reflected on the day’s energy, calling the basketball tribute the “icing on the cake.”
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           “I thought it was an awesome idea by the athletic department to combine the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game with a celebration of the national championship,” Napier said.
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           While the halftime spotlight belonged to the Gators’ basketball team, the action on the field didn’t disappoint—several UF spring-game records were shattered, adding even more excitement to an already historic day in The Swamp.
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           Ja'Kobi Jackson
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            rushed for three touchdowns on Saturday. (Photo: 
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           Bryce Mitchell
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           /UAA Communications)
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            Graduate quarterback
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/harrison-bailey/17677" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Harrison Bailey
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            made his mark in The Swamp, throwing for 361 yards and breaking
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           Chris Leak
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           ’s 2004 spring game record of 335. The moment was especially meaningful for Bailey, whose first college start took place on the same field back in 2020 while playing for Tennessee.
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            “A real experience considering I grew up a Florida fan, watching Tebow and
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           Chris Rainey
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Demps and all those boys play,” Bailey said Saturday. “But it was pretty unreal, you know, running out the stadium, being able to compete and play against some of my teammates, with some of my teammates, it was an unreal experience, something I’ve dreamed up since I was a little kid.”
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Redshirt senior running back
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/ja-kobi-jackson/17597" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ja'Kobi Jackson
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            also etched his name into the record books, rushing for 198 yards—including a 90-yard touchdown, the longest run in Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game history.
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           “The O-line did a great job today,” Jackson said. “There wasn’t much I had to do except run good and run straight.”
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            Freshman wide receiver
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/dallas-wilson/17669" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dallas Wilson
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            turned heads as well, hauling in a spring-game record 10 receptions and matching Trevon Grimes’ 195-yard receiving mark from 2019. His performance earned praise from both Coach Billy Napier and Bailey, who said he knew Wilson was “set for a monster day.”
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           DJ Lagway
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            on the field Saturday. (Photo: 
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           Victoria Riccobono
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
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            While quarterbacks Harrison Bailey (Team Orange) and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/aidan-warner/17643" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Aidan Warner
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Team Blue) handled most of the reps during Saturday’s Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game, it was sophomore
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/dj-lagway/17606" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           DJ Lagway
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            who took the game’s opening snap—handing off to Ja’Kobi Jackson for Team Blue.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lagway saw limited action, logging five snaps—all hand-offs—as he continues to recover from shoulder and lower-body injuries. Still, head coach Billy Napier expressed confidence in Lagway’s progress.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           “DJ’s doing great,” Napier said. “He’ll start throwing here in a couple weeks. The lower-body stuff is good, and I think he’s been able to do that and I think we’re working on just kind of getting him in position for the next step.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           “When we start OTAs [organized team activities] in June, he’ll be 100%.”
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Apr 2025 20:14:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/champions-records-and-rising-stars-orange-blue-game-delivers-gator-fireworks</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string" />
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gator Nation Gears Up: Championship Celebration Set to Rock Gainesville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-nation-gears-up-championship-celebration-set-to-rock-gainesville</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The national champion Florida men's basketball team will celebrate with Gator Nation on April 12 at the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game.
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           Share:
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           Honoring a Florida Legend Under the Lights of the Swamp
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — This Saturday, Gator Nation will unite to honor the Florida men's basketball team’s national championship during a special 30-minute halftime celebration at the Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game, held at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Admission is free.
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            The football game kicks off at 1 p.m., with the championship festivities scheduled to begin around 2 p.m. Fans can look forward to hearing from Coach
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            and select players in conversation with Voice of the Gators
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , along with a highlight reel showcasing the team’s unforgettable title run.
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           Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and general parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in non-reserved campus lots, including Lots 114 and the Stephen C. O’Connell Center garage. (Scroll down for full gate and parking details.)
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           The day kicks off with Gatorland Fan Fest at 10 a.m. on the North Lawn of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fans can snap a photo with the championship trophy and pick up a commemorative poster, also available at select concourse locations.
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            Championship merchandise will be available at the UF Bookstore,
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    &lt;a href="https://shop.floridagators.com/c-8?_s=bm-uf_mbb_ncaa_champs_featurepage&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_term=mbb_ncaa_champs_featurepage" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           online Gator SportShop
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           , a pop-up stand at Gate 9, and online at the Gator SportShop.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida Gators Athletics extends its appreciation to Publix, State Farm, and UF Health for their support of Saturday’s celebration.
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            The event will be broadcast live on the
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5688&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD
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           , with video coverage available for streaming at a later date.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Season tickets for the 2025–26 season are now available at
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com/tickets
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           .
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/3/26/football-gators-announce-2025-orange-blue-game-initiatives.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game Initiatives
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
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           Stadium Entry &amp;amp; Seating
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            Gates at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will open at
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           11:30 a.m.
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            for general fan entry. Fans can enter through Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 15, and 18. General admission seating will be available in the west and east stands, along with the lower north and south end zones.
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            begins at
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           11 a.m.
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            and is reserved for premium season ticket holders. To access premium tickets, fans can log into their account via the
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           Florida Gators App
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            or visit
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           .
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           Parking &amp;amp; Traffic Info
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            General parking will be available on a
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           first-come, first-served basis
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            in all non-reserved campus lots, including
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           Lot 114
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            and the
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           Stephen C. O’Connell Center garage
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            Please note:
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           parking on grass or sidewalks is prohibited
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           , and vehicles parked in these areas may be subject to towing.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0155b3ce.webp" length="159776" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:56:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-nation-gears-up-championship-celebration-set-to-rock-gainesville</guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chompions Return: Gators Bask in Glory at Electrifying Homecoming</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chompions-return-gators-bask-in-glory-at-electrifying-homecoming</link>
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           NCAA Tournament MOP Walter Clayton Jr. at the bandshell celebration Tuesday.
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           Share:
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           From Court Kings to Campus Legends
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – As the Florida Gators made their way home Tuesday morning from San Antonio, Head Coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            settled into the front row of the charter flight—middle seat—with his wife Megan beside him on the aisle and son Jacob at the window. On his laptop: footage from Monday night’s NCAA Tournament championship, where the Gators staged a thrilling comeback from a double-digit second-half deficit to edge Houston 65–63. The win marked Golden’s first national title and Florida’s first since the legendary back-to-back triumphs of 2006–07.
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           The replay wasn’t about analysis—it was about savoring the moment.
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           Celebrations had already begun hours earlier in a packed banquet hall at the Riverwalk team hotel, where players, staff, and loved ones gathered deep into the night.
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           “I got about a three-and-a-half hour nap, like 4:30 to 8,” Golden said. “Feel great.” Probably never better.
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           The team landed back in Gainesville around 2:20 p.m. While waiting for his luggage, Golden was asked if other coaches had reached out. He mentioned kind messages from Alabama’s Nate Oats and Missouri’s Dennis Gates, though he hadn’t yet had time to dig through his inbox. To illustrate, he held up his phone: 668 unread messages. And counting.
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           One message he did read came from longtime supporter Gary Condron, who had followed the team from the SEC Tournament in Nashville to NCAA stops in Raleigh, San Francisco, and San Antonio.
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           “I've been a Gator since 1973 and a booster 40+ years. This has been my greatest Gator memory ever! You are so special.”
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           Sophomore forward 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (right) and 
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            Alex Condon
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            hoist the hardware.
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           The celebration was just getting started. After touching down at Gainesville airport, the team bus headed straight to campus for a spirited welcome-home rally at the Flavett Field bandshell. There, it was announced that a larger celebration was being planned to coincide with Saturday’s Orange &amp;amp; Blue spring football game—a reveal that drew loud cheers from the mostly student crowd.
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           They cheered everything. That’s what Gator Nation does when honoring a “championship.”
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           “This team won 36 games,” Golden told the crowd. “That's one of the best teams in the history of college basketball standing right there.”
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            Florida Gators Men’s Basketball
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            @
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           GatorsMBK-
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            Follow
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           no words.&amp;#55358;&amp;#56697;
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            Florida Gators Men’s Basketball
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            @
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            The crowd of several thousand erupted when senior point guard and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            . declared, “Them Gator Boys are hot!” The energy soared even higher as
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           Alex Condon
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           and teammates danced to “Won’t Back Down,” the anthem that defined the Gators’ gritty 2024–25 season. That grit was on full display the night before.
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           Florida’s path to the title wasn’t easy. Facing a Houston squad that had won 18 straight and 31 of its last 32, the Gators were up against the nation’s top-ranked defense. The Cougars dictated tempo early, using aggressive ball screens and hard hedges to disrupt Clayton’s rhythm and shut down Florida’s transition game.
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            Houston turned it into a halfcourt slugfest—exactly the kind of battle they thrive in. But Florida didn’t flinch. They matched Houston’s physicality and, in the second half, outplayed them at their own game. Down by 12 with under 16 minutes remaining, the Gators locked in defensively, holding the Cougars scoreless for nine straight possessions. They clawed back, tying the game six times before
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           Alijah Martin
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            sank two clutch free throws with 46.5 seconds left to give Florida a 64–63 lead. Then came two unforgettable moments.
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            First,
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           Will Richard
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            stripped Houston’s Emanuel Sharp as he drove the lane. The ball ricocheted off Sharp and out of bounds.
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            hit one of two free throws, extending the lead to two with 19.7 seconds remaining.
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           After a Houston timeout, LJ Cryer was smothered on the right wing and kicked the ball to Sharp at the top of the key. Sharp had a clean look for a three—but Clayton, who had been deep in the lane, launched himself toward Sharp with such speed that it rattled him. Sharp hesitated, tried to dribble, and was whistled for a violation.
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           "Walter Clayton made a defensive play!" UF associated head coach
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            said. "Can you believe it?"
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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           (1) makes his championship-winning defensive play forcing Houston's Emanuel Sharp (21) into a turnover in the final seconds.
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           As the final seconds ticked away, UF forward Alex Condon pounced on the loose ball—sealing the win and igniting a celebration that crowned the Gators national champions. Can you believe it?
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           “Unbelievable focus,” said Alijah Martin, proudly wearing his national championship cap alongside teammates. “Last few minutes of the game, we had to dig in and get some stops to be champs. And now the hat fits.” Like a crown.
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           When the team returned to campus, they were welcomed like royalty—deservedly so. And with a few days to recharge, they’ll be ready to do it all again for Saturday’s Orange &amp;amp; Blue festivities.
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at 
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:38:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chompions-return-gators-bask-in-glory-at-electrifying-homecoming</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton Jr. Locks In: Defense Wins Florida the Title</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-jr-locks-in-defense-wins-florida-the-title</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr. stands at the top of a ladder -- and on top of the college basketball world -- after the Gators won the national championship Monday night over Houston. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           From Court Kings to Campus Legends
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           SAN ANTONIO
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            — As the final seconds ticked away in Florida’s 65–63 national championship win over Houston,
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            was locked in on Emanuel Sharp. Their connection went beyond scouting reports—they both hail from Florida, with Clayton from Polk County and Sharp from neighboring Hillsborough.
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           In those closing moments, Clayton’s focus on Sharp was sharper than ever.
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           "We watched film on Sharp — 42% 3-point shooter and he shoots some tough ones,'' Clayton said from the celebratory Florida locker room. "I've known him since high school. He's always been a great shooter."
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           With Florida clinging to a two-point lead and 19.7 seconds left, Houston advanced the ball past midcourt. L.J. Cryer passed to Milos Uzan on the right wing, but Florida’s defense held firm. Uzan returned the ball to Cryer, while Sharp sprinted from the low post to the perimeter. Clayton shadowed him the entire way.
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           For a brief moment, Clayton sagged toward the paint, aware of the threat posed by 6-foot-8 forward J’Wan Roberts.
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           "I tried to attack Roberts a little bit so they didn't get that over-the-top lob,'' he explained. "Then I seen it was the last second and tried to run at [Sharp]."
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           And he did—exploding toward Sharp with incredible speed.
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            Sharp caught Cryer’s pass with just over five seconds remaining, squared up, and rose for a potential game-winning three. But Clayton’s rapid closeout forced hesitation. Sharp aborted the shot mid-air and dropped the ball. Unable to recover it without traveling, the ball bounced away as time dwindled.
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           Alex Condon
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            dove onto it just before the buzzer.
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           Continue watching the video on X
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           Florida’s championship win was remarkable not only for its dramatic conclusion but also for the shift in narrative surrounding Walter Clayton Jr.—who drew just as much attention for his defense as his scoring.
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           "They were guarding Walt pretty hard,'' said teammate
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           Will Richard
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           , who led the team with 18 points. "I feel like he still made plays to help the team win."
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           After scoring 34 points in Florida’s semifinal win over Auburn, Clayton Jr. was held scoreless for the first 25 minutes of the title game. His first points came via free throws in the second half, followed by a layup-and-one with 7:54 remaining that tied the game at 48–48 after Florida had trailed 42–30.
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           He later added another layup and free throw to even the score at 51, and his lone three-pointer of the night tied the game again at 60 with just over three minutes left. Clayton finished with 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. Instead of dominating the scoreboard, he contributed seven assists, five rebounds, and delivered the game’s defining defensive play.
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           "He played great defense,'' said Alex Condon. "Credit to Walt. He's the main reason we won this national championship."
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           Alijah Martin
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           , who has admired Clayton Jr.’s versatility all season, wasn’t surprised by his performance.
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           "His defense is overlooked,'' Martin said. "I mean, that guy is an unbelievable athlete. He showed the nation that he can guard."
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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            found open space hard to find against Houston's defense on Monday night. (Photo: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           Throughout Florida’s NCAA Tournament run, Walter Clayton Jr. made headlines for his offensive firepower, averaging 22.3 points across six games. But in the championship matchup, it was his defense that stole the spotlight. The Gators held Houston to just 34.8% shooting and 6-of-25 from beyond the arc. Emanuel Sharp, a key threat, went 1-for-7 from three and was unable to get a shot off in the game’s most critical moment.
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           In what would be his final game with Florida, assistant coach and defensive coordinator
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           John Andrzejek
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           —soon to be introduced as Campbell University’s head coach—commended Clayton’s basketball intelligence and team-first mentality.
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           "He should be a lottery pick. He is an unbelievable offensive player. He's grown so much on D. He's a great defender for us,'' Andrzejek said.
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           "I'm just privileged to have coached him, I really am. I love that guy. He's not just an NBA player, he is a very good NBA player."
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           Clayton Jr. closed out his college career as a national champion and the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. His story kept building until the final buzzer.
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           What a career. What a season. What a finish.
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           "It's an amazing feeling anytime you can call yourself a champion,'' Clayton said. "When that buzzer sounded, I was kind of in shock. I didn't know 19 seconds could run off that fast. I will never forget that moment.
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           "Florida is back where it belongs."
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           And the Gators have their No. 1 to thank for it.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:27:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-jr-locks-in-defense-wins-florida-the-title</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida vs. Houston: A Championship Clash to Remember</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-houston-a-championship-clash-to-remember</link>
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           National champion Florida on the post-game podium after Monday night's win.
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           From Court Kings to Campus Legends
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           SAN ANTONIO – Heading into Monday night’s NCAA Tournament championship, much of the spotlight was on how the Florida Gators would handle the aggressive, top-tier defense of the second-ranked Houston Cougars.
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           But in a twist of expectations, it was Florida’s own defensive effort that turned the tide.
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           The Gators mounted a dramatic second-half comeback, erasing a 12-point deficit to edge out Houston 65–63 in a nail-biting national title game that kept over 66,000 fans at the Alamodome on edge. With the clock winding down, third-ranked Florida sealed a stunning victory—marking their third national championship and their first since the back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
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            This triumph came in just the third year under Head Coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , who has revitalized the program’s national standing once shaped by Hall-of-Famer Billy Donovan. Golden also made history as the youngest coach to win a national title since Jim Valvano led North Carolina State in 1983. As the original article notes, “Golden's Gators showed time and again during this remarkable 2024-25 season they were never out of a game; and that they could play – and win – any kind of game.”
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           Todd Golden
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           ,
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            39, is the youngest coach to win a national championship in 42 years.
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           Florida’s performance stood out even when matched against a defense widely regarded as one of the most formidable in recent college basketball history.
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            ﻿
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           "We've gotten a lot of credit for our offense because we've been so explosive all year," Golden said. "But that's what makes this team special. We can win in different ways and we showed that again tonight."
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           With just 46.5 seconds left on the clock, UF graduate guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            sank two clutch free throws, giving Florida its first lead since the early minutes of the game. In the final moments, Houston had two opportunities to reclaim the advantage, but Florida’s defense held firm. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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           and sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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           each forced a turnover, denying the Cougars any chance to attempt a game-winning shot.
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           "I'm just going through those last two possessions," said Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, reflecting on the end of his team’s 18-game win streak. "Incomprehensible, in that situation, we couldn't get a shot."
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           Florida made sure they didn’t.
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           UF guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) was held to 11 points, but they all came in the second half when the Gators made their comeback.
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            Despite being the focus of Houston’s defensive strategy, senior point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           . was held to 11 points on three field goals. In his stead, Will Richard led Florida with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Alex Condon contributed 12 points, seven boards, and four steals. The Gators (36–4) closed out the season with a 12-game win streak, including two comeback victories at the Final Four against top-seeded teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 4. One of those comebacks came Saturday night, when Florida overcame a nine-point second-half deficit to defeat SEC regular-season champion Auburn.
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           This marked Florida’s fifth double-digit comeback win of the season and the third-largest rally in NCAA championship game history. The Gators held the lead for just 63 seconds.
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           "It just goes back to how connected we are as a team," said Richard, who kept Florida competitive in the first half by sinking four three-pointers. "I feel like we don't have any quit. I feel like as long as there's time on the clock, if we take it possession by possession … I just like our resiliency and how we fight through adversity throughout the whole game [takes over]."
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           That level of resilience was essential.
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           Houston entered the game with a reputation for elite defense, allowing just 58.5 points per game and excelling at forcing turnovers. Prior to Monday, the Cougars held opponents to 38.2% shooting overall and 30.3% from beyond the arc. Their dramatic comeback against Duke on Saturday only amplified the narrative. Against Florida, Houston held the Gators to 39.6% shooting and just six three-pointers on 24 attempts.
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           Florida responded with defensive intensity of its own, limiting Houston to 34.8% shooting overall and just 31% in the second half. The Gators forced seven turnovers after halftime and held the Cougars scoreless from the field for nine straight possessions during their rally. In the final 3:24, Florida forced five turnovers—including three in the last 91 seconds—while Houston managed just one point.
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           "It just goes back to what we've done all season," Martin said. "We never blinked."
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           Clayton, who had averaged 24.6 points and nearly 48% shooting from three over the first five tournament games, was held scoreless in the first half, missing all four of his attempts. He did record five assists.
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           "My motto, 'We all can go,' " said Clayton, who earned the title of Most Outstanding Player. "I understand that if it ain't my night somebody is going to pick me up."
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           With the score knotted at 21 late in the first half, Houston surged ahead with an 8-0 run, fueled by three-pointers from LJ Cryer (19 points, 6 rebounds) and Mylik Wilson (9 points). Florida responded with a 7-2 burst to close the half, capped by Will Richard’s fourth three-pointer in the final minute, sending the Gators into halftime trailing 31–28.
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           Not a bad position, considering Walter Clayton Jr. had yet to score and Florida had committed nine turnovers.
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           "I was definitely concerned," Golden said. "They were dictating tempo."
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           That concern deepened early in the second half when Houston, already up by four, added another eight unanswered points to stretch their lead to 42–30 with 16:23 remaining. At that point, Clayton had gone more than 16 minutes—spanning both halves—without even attempting a shot.
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           According to ESPN’s win probability meter, Houston held a 93.9% chance of victory.
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            "Our defense was so good the first half," said Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, whose team also gained momentum from two technical fouls—one assessed to the Florida bench and another to center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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           . "Of course, a big part of our [plan] was Clayton. He is elite."
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            Houston extended its lead to 11 at 45–34 with under 14 minutes to play. That’s when Florida began its rally, sparked by a jumper from backup guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (7 points). Alijah Martin’s lone three-pointer trimmed the deficit to six, and sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) delivered a pivotal sequence—blocking a shot, sprinting in transition, and completing a three-point play off a pass from Richard to bring the score to 45–42 with 12 minutes left.
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           As the game got longer, the buckets got harder for 
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           LJ Cryer 
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           (4) and the Cougars. 
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           As the game neared the under-eight timeout, Walter Clayton Jr. found an opening and drove in for a layup—his first score of the night—and converted the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 48 with 7:57 remaining. Over the next four minutes, Houston managed to stay ahead, but Florida kept applying pressure, matching the score five times. One of those came from Clayton’s only three-pointer of the game, which leveled things again with 3:11 left.
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           "We were starting to wear them down," said Thomas Haugh. "You could just tell."
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           With 2:05 on the clock, Houston forward Joseph Tugler made one of two free throws, nudging the Cougars ahead 63–62.
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           They wouldn’t score again.
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           After a series of missed opportunities from both teams, Alijah Martin was fouled with 46.5 seconds left and Florida trailing by one. He calmly sank both free throws, giving UF its first lead since the early 8–6 advantage.
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            ﻿
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           Following a timeout, Houston’s Emanual Sharp (8 points, 1-for-7 from three) attempted to break through Florida’s defense from the top of the key. Will Richard stepped in to help, swiped at the ball, and deflected it off Sharp’s leg and out of bounds. Florida regained possession with 26.5 seconds to play.
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           Senior Will Richard (5) is pumped after forcing Houston guard 
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           Emanuel Sharp
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            into a turnover with 26 seconds to play. 
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           Following Florida’s inbound play, Denzel Aberdeen received the ball near midcourt and was fouled with 19.7 seconds remaining. He missed the first free throw but converted the second, giving the Gators a two-point lead. Florida called a timeout, while Houston prepared for a final push.
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           "In the end, you've got to get a shot," said Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson.
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           During Florida’s timeout, the coaching staff debated whether to foul one of Houston’s weaker free-throw shooters to prevent a potential game-winning three-point attempt. Ultimately, Head Coach Todd Golden opted against it.
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           "There's a good chance he doesn't make two, but if he does we're going to have the ball, tie game, shot clock off. We've got a chance to win it," explained Florida assistant and defensive coordinator John Andrzejek. "But you know, Coach believed in our defense. He gave us a shot with 19 seconds left to play D and get one stop."
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           Emanual Sharp, a 41.5% shooter from beyond the arc, took center stage once again. With time running out, he received a pass from LJ Cryer at the top of the key, drove left, and rose for a jumper with about five seconds remaining. Walter Clayton Jr. timed his defensive challenge perfectly, forcing Sharp to lose control of the ball mid-air. Unable to recover it without committing a travel, Sharp tried to shield the ball and wait for help—but Alex Condon charged in, dove for the loose ball, and secured possession as the final buzzer sounded.
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           "It's all really just a blur," Condon said afterward.
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            ﻿
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           Moments later, Florida’s bench erupted, with players and coaches flooding the court in celebration.
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           As the final buzzer sounded, orange and blue confetti rained down, followed by the trophy presentation and the ceremonial net-cutting.
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           Head Coach Todd Golden stood proudly at the podium, a piece of net draped around his neck. Houston had entered the game undefeated in contests where they held opponents below 70 points—33 wins, no losses. That streak ended here.
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           Florida, against the odds, claimed the 2025 NCAA Championship.
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           "Our players, they've been the difference all year long. Been incredibly consistent, with a great work ethic," Golden said. "We have an incredibly talented group – one of the most talented groups in America – but I think what has separated us all season is how our guys have played together and for each other all year. Because of that we can call ourselves national champions for the rest of our lives."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:03:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-houston-a-championship-clash-to-remember</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Victory Lap: Florida’s Championship Rally Set for Tuesday</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/victory-lap-floridas-championship-rally-set-for-tuesday</link>
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           National Champions
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    &lt;a href="https://shop.floridagators.com/c-8?_s=bm-uf_mbb_ncaa_champs_homepage&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_term=mbb_ncaa_champs_homepage" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Shop Gear
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Tickets
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           Share:
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           SAN ANTONIO, Texas — After clinching the national championship, the Florida Gators men's basketball team is set to return to Gainesville on Tuesday for a celebratory rally with students and fans. The event will take place at approximately 1:30 p.m. at Flavet Field on the University of Florida campus.
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           Supporters are invited to join the 2025 NCAA champions for the welcome-home celebration on Tuesday, April 8. The rally will begin around 1:30 p.m. at Flavet Field, located off Woodlawn Drive between Stadium Road and Museum Road. Due to ongoing construction, attendees should enter from the north side near Stadium Road.
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            Admission is free. The team will be introduced at the bandshell, with remarks from head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            and other speakers.
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           Parking will be available in Garage 114.
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           Who:
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            2025 National Champion Florida Gators men's basketball team
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           What:
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            Welcome-home rally for Florida men's basketball
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           When:
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            Tuesday, April 8, approximately 1:30 p.m.
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           Where:
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            Flavet Field on the UF cam
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            ﻿
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      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 22:09:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/victory-lap-floridas-championship-rally-set-for-tuesday</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Third Time’s the Charm: Florida Clinches NCAA Crown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/third-times-the-charm-florida-clinches-ncaa-crown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Will Richard scored a team-high 18 points on Monday night. (Photo: Spencer Gnauck/For UAA Communications)
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/feature/2025-mbb-national-champs" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           National Champions
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    &lt;a href="https://shop.floridagators.com/c-8?_s=bm-uf_mbb_ncaa_champs_homepage&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_term=mbb_ncaa_champs_homepage" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Tickets
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/feature/2025-mbb-national-champs" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           National Champions
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           Shop Gear
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-season-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025-26 Season Tickets
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           Share:
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           Game Recap
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           SAN ANTONIO
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            — In a dramatic finish at the Alamodome, the Florida Gators rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat Houston, 65–63, and capture the national championship in front of a packed, Houston-leaning crowd.
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            "We did what we did all year,'' said Gators head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            in a postgame interview with CBS. "This team never quits. We clearly have the best team in America. I'm super fortunate to be with this group right here."
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           Golden, age 39, became the youngest coach to win a national title since Jim Valvano led N.C. State to a historic upset over Houston in 1983. He’s also the youngest to do so since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, when Billy Donovan guided Florida to its first championship in 2006.
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            Florida seized its first lead since early in the game when
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            sank two free throws with 46.5 seconds remaining, putting the Gators ahead 64–63.
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            added another free throw with 19.7 seconds left to extend the margin.
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            In the final moments, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp attempted to create a game-winning shot but was unable to release the ball before landing. Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            recovered the loose ball as time expired, triggering a celebration as the Gators clinched their third national title—their first since back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2007.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            didn’t score until midway through the second half, but the Gators delivered a balanced team effort.
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           Will Richard
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            led the scoring with 18 points, Condon added 12, and Clayton Jr. finished with 11. His first field goal came on a driving layup with 7:54 left, followed by a free throw to complete a three-point play and tie the game at 48.
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            Houston built its largest lead of the tournament at 42–30 following an 8–0 run sparked by
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           Milos Uzan
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            , L.J. Cryer, and
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           J’Wan Roberts
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           . Despite trailing for nearly the entire game—Florida led for just 1:03—the Gators clawed back.
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           At halftime, Houston held a 31–28 edge, having led by as many as eight. Richard’s hot hand kept Florida competitive, scoring 14 first-half points and hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Clayton Jr., meanwhile, went scoreless in the first half but contributed five assists.
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           A packed house of 11,355 turned out for the Gators' watch party at the O'dome. (Photo: Jordan Perez)
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           The Bigger Picture
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           In their sixth Final Four appearance, the Florida Gators secured their third national title by defeating Houston. The program now holds a 3–1 record in NCAA championship games, with previous victories in 2006 and 2007, and a loss to Michigan State in 2000. Monday’s win marked a return to championship glory for Florida after nearly two decades.
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           Standout Performers
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           Houston focused heavily on containing Walter Clayton Jr., and for much of the game, they succeeded—holding him scoreless through the first half. But after the break, Clayton Jr. delivered when it mattered most, injecting energy into Florida’s offense just when they needed it. His second-half surge helped shift momentum, ultimately earning him the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
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           F
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          lorida and Houston struggled from beyond the arc, combining for just 12 makes on 49 attempts. Will Richard’s efficiency stood out—his 4-for-7 shooting from deep played a crucial role in keeping the Gators within striking distance during the opening half.
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           Looking Ahead
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           Florida (36–4) heads back to Gainesville on Tuesday afternoon as the newly crowned national champions. A remarkable team, a remarkable run—this season will be remembered.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:37:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/third-times-the-charm-florida-clinches-ncaa-crown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>2025 National Champions</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/2025-national-champions</link>
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           FINAL
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           MERCH MADE FOR
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           champions
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           CHAMPIONSHIP
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           FINAL
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           TOURNEY
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           RECAP
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           CHAMPIONSHIP
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           journey
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           SHINING
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           MOMENTS
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           CHAMPIONSHIP
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           2025-26 SEASON TICKETS
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           on sale now
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      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:17:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/2025-national-champions</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Chomp for the Crown: Gators One Win from Glory in National Showdown vs. Houston</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chomp-for-the-crown-gators-one-win-from-glory-in-national-showdown-vs-houston</link>
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           The Gators face Houston for the national championship on Monday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Photo: Spencer Gnauck/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           Champions Reset: Florida Reloads with Ruthless Intent
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           SAN ANTONIO
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           —
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            With the Florida-Houston title clash set late Saturday, media outlets have been working to contextualize this high-stakes showdown.
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           Both teams enter as No. 1 seeds, each boasting a 35-4 record. Momentum is on their side: Florida has claimed victory in 17 of its last 18 contests, while Houston rides an 18-game winning streak.
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           [
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           Read colleague
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           Chris Harry
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           '
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           s comprehensive "Pregame Stuff" preview by
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           clicking here
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           ]
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            Historically, these programs have crossed paths only twice—the most recent meeting was in 1973, well before the Alamodome, host of tonight’s March Madness finale, was built. That matchup predates the legendary Phi Slama Jama era, which culminated in Houston’s heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to
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           Jim Valvano
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           's N.C. State Wolfpack in the 1983 NCAA Tournament.
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            For many longtime Gators supporters, the most iconic Florida-Houston encounter occurred in 1969. That game, played at Florida Field, saw the underdog Gators stun Playboy magazine’s No. 1-ranked Cougars—a moment that catapulted quarterback
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           John Reaves
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            and receiver
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           Carlos Alvarez
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            into UF lore.
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            The national championship matchup brings a compelling contrast in leadership: 39-year-old
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           Todd Golden
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            of Florida and 69-year-old
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           Kelvin Sampson
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            of Houston. Golden, in just his third year at the helm, has guided the Gators to the brink of their first NCAA title since 2007. Sampson, meanwhile, is a seasoned veteran in his 36th year as a head coach and could become the oldest to claim a national championship if the Cougars win.
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           "I saw Tubby [Smith] and Rick Barnes, Tom Izzo, Pop [Gregg Popovich], a bunch of the older coaches,'' Sampson said Sunday. "They all kind of had similar messages to me. Win one for the old guys, something like that. We were all young at the same time coming up."
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           Golden represents a new wave of coaching that leans heavily on analytics and data-driven strategy. While he praised Sampson’s legacy, he emphasized that the outcome will ultimately hinge on execution and the teams’ contrasting styles.
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           Houston enters with the nation’s top-ranked defense, a potential obstacle for Florida’s high-powered offense, which ranks third nationally in scoring.
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           "Yeah, it's funny, analytically, us and Houston, on KenPom, our efficiency margin is within point one of each other over a hundred possessions," Golden said. "We're an elite offensive team, a top-10 defensive team. They're a top-10 offensive team and an elite defensive team. Hopefully, we can get the game up and down a little bit.
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           "I think there's going to be some issues for us out there. If we don't kind of troubleshoot well, we'll be in trouble. We're a pretty elite offensive team. We'll lean into that and allow our guys to go out there to make some plays and see what happens."
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           Beyond the tactical battle, crowd dynamics at the Alamodome are expected to play a role. With the University of Houston located less than 200 miles away, the Cougars are likely to enjoy a strong home-state presence.
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           Florida, however, is no stranger to hostile environments. Last month, they overcame a heavily pro-Tennessee crowd in Nashville to win the SEC Tournament championship.
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           "I probably took for granted what that environment would be like,'' Golden said. "We walked in there, and it was 80% Tennessee fans. I was like, 'Man, we got a road game to try to win the SEC title.' It's just part of what you have to get through to win a national championship."
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           Golden also noted that Tennessee’s physical, defense-first approach makes them the closest comparison to Houston among Florida’s recent opponents. The Gators managed to win two out of three matchups against the Vols this season.
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           Read colleague Chris Harry's comprehensive "Pregame Stuff" preview by clicking here
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           The Gators hope to celebrate one more victory this season on Monday night against Houston. (Photo: Maddie Washburn)
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            The stage is set for a major contest, and the Florida team's outstanding performance in their latest victory has been a significant topic of discussion.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , who scored 34 points in the Saturday night win over Auburn, watched the opposing team's narrow victory against Duke. His takeaway was clear.
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           "They're good at what they do, and they're all on a string defensively," Clayton said. "They try to force you to do the things that they want you to do, and they play so hard."
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           The Florida team's own intensity is a key factor in their bid for the program's first national championship since the consecutive wins in 2006 and 2007.The opportunity facing Head Coach Golden tonight is monumental. A victory would make him the youngest head coach to win the title since Valvano's victory 42 years ago against the same opponent.
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           That moment predates Golden's birth, but the historical echo is not lost on the opposing fans. Now, Florida aims to create a new, painful memory for them.
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           "It's a huge challenge for us,'' Golden said. "But for us to continue to put ourselves on the map and continue to get Florida basketball where we want it to be, [Monday] night is a great opportunity. We got 40 minutes for one chance to win a national championship, continue to put ourselves in that conversation."
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            The nationally televised game coverage on a major network features the broadcast crew of
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           Ian Eagle
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            (play-by-play),
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           Grant Hill
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            and
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           Bill Raftery
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            (analysis), and
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           Tracy Wolfson
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            (reporting). The regional sports network broadcast from Learfield features
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           Sean Kelley
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            (play-by-play),
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           Lee Humphrey
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            (analysis), and
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           Steve Egan
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            (producer/host) courtside at the Alamodome.
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            For local station listings,
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           click here
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           .
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            Follow the publication's senior writers,
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            Chris Harry
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            (
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           @GatorsChris
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           )
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            and 
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           Scott Carter
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            (
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           @GatorsScott
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           )
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           ,
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            for real-time commentary on the social media platform X throughout the event.
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            The publication will offer full post-game analysis late Monday night and follow-up content on Tuesday.
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           Gator Nation Shows Up Big for Championship Night
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           As Florida gears up for its shot at a national title, a wave of Gator pride is sweeping into the Alamodome.
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           This marks the University of Florida’s first chance to claim a national championship in either men’s basketball or football since the football team’s victory over Oklahoma in the 2009 BCS National Championship in Miami. The men’s basketball program last hoisted the trophy during its historic back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2007
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           .
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           A lineup of notable Gators is expected to be in attendance, including UF football head coach
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            Billy Napier
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           , softball coach
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            Tim Walton
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           , soccer coach
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            Samantha Bohon
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           , and men’s tennis coach
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            Adam Steinberg
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           .
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            Former basketball standouts
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           Al Horford
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            and
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           Walter Hodge
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            —key contributors to those championship teams—are also planning to be courtside. Joining them are
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           Bradley Beal
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            ,
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           Jason Williams, Udonis Haslem, Alex Fudge, Jack Berry, Jonathan Mitchell,
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            and
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           Brett Swanson.
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            The Gator spirit extends beyond basketball. Heisman Trophy winner
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           Danny Wuerffel
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            (1996), wide receiver
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           Chris Doering
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           , and former defensive lineman Thad Bullard—known to WWE fans as Titus O’Neil—will also be in the building as Florida takes on Houston.
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           Al Horford
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-70c1997a.webp" length="277874" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:52:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/chomp-for-the-crown-gators-one-win-from-glory-in-national-showdown-vs-houston</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Clayton vs. the Cougar Blitz: Florida’s Floor General Preps for Screen Storm</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-vs-the-cougar-blitz-floridas-floor-general-preps-for-screen-storm</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Walter Clayton Jr. surveys the Auburn defense Saturday on his way to a career-high 34 points and berth in the national championship game Monday night.
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           Share:
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           SAN ANTONIO
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            – Walter Clayton’s journey from standout to potentially one of the all-time greats at the University of Florida took an unexpected turn at a Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen in Lakeland, Florida.
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            That’s where Clayton chose to meet
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           Kevin Hovde
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           , UF’s assistant coach, during a summer visit in Polk County. Just 45 minutes from Clayton’s hometown of Lake Wales, the casual lunch spot became the setting for a pivotal moment. Hovde opened his laptop and walked Clayton through several offensive sets used by the New York Knicks to maximize the talents of NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson.
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           “Cheddar’s,” Hovde said. “Can you believe it?”
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           That conversation would later fuel a breakout performance—Clayton’s career-best 34-point explosion against Auburn in the Final Four—propelling the Gators (35-4) into the NCAA championship matchup against Houston (35-4).
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           “He showed me some stuff and we talked about some things he wanted to do with the offense,” Clayton said.
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           The focus: integrating Clayton’s elite scoring instincts more fluidly into his role as point guard.
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           UF assistant coach and offensive coordinator 
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            Kevin Hovde
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            (right)
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           Walter Clayton was no stranger to the point guard role. He excelled at the position during his time at Lake Wales and Bartow High Schools in Central Florida, and later carried significant ball-handling duties across two seasons at Iona. There, he earned 2023 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors after leading the Gaels to both a league championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, before transferring to the University of Florida.
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            Roughly six weeks after Clayton’s arrival in Gainesville, the Gators added another transfer:
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           Zyon Pullin
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            from California-Riverside. Pullin went on to earn first-team All-Southeastern Conference recognition in his lone season, ranking among the nation’s best in assist-to-turnover ratio. Clayton, meanwhile, became the team’s leading scorer, forming a dynamic backcourt duo.
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            The turning point came last summer. In a series of meetings,
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           Kevin Hovde
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           , Florida’s offensive coordinator, connected with former Gators head coach Billy Donovan, now with the Chicago Bulls. Donovan noted parallels between Clayton’s style and that of Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks guard known for his scoring-first approach. He encouraged the staff to study Brunson’s film and adapt elements of his game for Clayton.
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           Hovde then asked Clayton to select a few of the actions he liked best, and they began tailoring the offense around them.
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           "The way Brunson plays, a lot of teams try to deny him because he's so good at getting into the paint and playing off two feet," Clayton said Sunday. "He's a point guard, but he's scoring a lot. He's getting off the ball – fire actions – and getting it right back with dribble handoffs. We watched a lot of film of ways he was scoring and getting open off dribble penetration. I liked that."
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           That adjustment has paid off. Clayton’s evolution has energized both his teammates and Gator Nation, but the ultimate test looms: a clash with Houston, the nation’s top defensive unit, in Monday night’s championship game.
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            "Think Tennessee, but better," said UF defensive coordinator
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           John Andrzejek
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            , referencing the Volunteers’ No. 3-ranked defense.
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           "A lot better."
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           The Cougars, winners of 31 of their last 32 contests, allow an NCAA-best 58.5 points per game and have limited all but four opponents to under 70 points in regulation. Their defensive scheme mirrors Tennessee’s aggressive style—blitzing ball screens and trapping ball-handlers—but executed with even greater efficiency, forcing turnovers on 21% of possessions.
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           Florida, averaging 85.3 points this season, thrives on ball-screen actions designed to free Clayton for shots or drives. The approach mirrors, in a simplified way, how the Knicks utilize Brunson. Clayton has delivered in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 24.6 points on 50% shooting, including 48.7% from three (39 attempts) and 90.4% from the free-throw line (42 attempts).
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            "Walt is going to get the most attention on the scout," said assistant coach and director of player development
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           Taurean Green
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           , who previously worked with Donovan at the Bulls and studied the Knicks closely. "New York does a great job of getting Brunson off the ball and getting him back on the ball. I think it's a great comparison. Similar size and as far as being crafty and being able to get his shot off. In that way, Walt has been elite."
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           Generational, in fact.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) to the bucket for a lay-in against Auburn. 
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           Florida’s remarkable postseason surge — highlighted by MVP honors  during their SEC Tournament  championship run — is about to collide with one of the toughest defensive units in college basketball: the Houston Cougars.
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           "Incredibly physical. They consistently put two on the ball and will try to make it a football game and a war on the glass for every rebound, every loose ball, every hustle play and winning play," said
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           Jonathan Safir
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           , UF’s director of basketball strategy and analytics. "They are going to try to force the ball out of Walt's hands and make other people be decision-makers."
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           Assistant coach Kevin Hovde  added:
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           "They're very committed to what they do. They play man, but they're going to trap the ball in any ball-screen situation or in the low-post. They'll put two on the ball and rotate over and make you make plays."
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           That defensive approach mirrors what Tennessee  employed this season. The Gators went 2–1 against the Volunteers: a dominant 30-point home win on Jan. 7 when UT was ranked No. 1, a 20-point loss in Knoxville on Feb. 1 where Florida managed just 44 points (their second-lowest in the shot-clock era) and Walter Clayton  played through an ankle injury, and finally, an 86–77 victory in the SEC Tournament  title game on March 16 in Nashville.
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           For context, Houston  recently eliminated Tennessee, 69–50, in the Midwest Region final  at Indianapolis, holding the Vols to just 15 first-half points.
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           Across three matchups with Tennessee, Clayton averaged 13.0 points, shot 31.7% from the field, and went 7-for-26 (26.9%) from beyond the arc. The Volunteers made him the focal point of their scouting report, forcing others to step up. While the strategy limited his efficiency, Florida still came out on top twice.
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           "I wouldn't say Tennessee took me out of my game, [but] they forced tough shots," Clayton said. "Both are great teams and it should be a great one [Monday]."
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           To overcome Houston, Clayton will need strong support from backcourt partners
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           Alijah Martin
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             and
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           Will Richard
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           , along with contributions from the rotating frontcourt group tasked with creating space, moving constantly, and resetting the offense when needed.
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           "We can't just run away and roll to the basket," junior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           explained. "We actually have to go help him."
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           It will take every ounce of effort — and perhaps a few lessons drawn from those summer film sessions at Cheddar’s  — for the Gators to solve the Cougars’ defensive puzzle.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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             at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e9aabfc2.webp" length="100842" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 01:54:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-vs-the-cougar-blitz-floridas-floor-general-preps-for-screen-storm</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Martin’s Moments: High-Flying Dunks Ignite Gators’ Final Four Surge</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/martins-moments-high-flying-dunks-ignite-gators-final-four-surge</link>
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           Alijah Martin exits the court Saturday night after his first win in a Final Four. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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            SAN ANTONIO — No matter the outcome of Monday night’s national championship clash between the Florida Gators and Houston, one thing is certain:
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           Alijah Martin
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            has already secured his place in the annual “One Shining Moment” montage that caps the NCAA Tournament.
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           And he’ll appear more than once.
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           In a span of less than five minutes during the second half of Florida’s 79–73 victory over Auburn, Martin brought the crowd of more than 68,000 at the Alamodome to its feet with two thunderous dunks. Beyond the highlight reels, those plays injected energy into the Gators’ comeback win at the Final Four.
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           Florida had trailed by as many as nine points (49–40) before storming back with an 11–0 run to grab a 51–49 lead. Auburn briefly regained control, but after the game was tied at 57, Tahaad Pettiford threw a pass behind Johni Broome. Martin pounced on the loose ball, sprinted the length of the court, and soared from the foul line for a dunk that gave Florida a 59–57 advantage with 9:54 left.
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           That was only the beginning.
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            Following a
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           Thomas Haugh
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              layup that put UF ahead 64–63 with 6:31 remaining, Martin delivered what many are calling his signature play of the tournament—and perhaps the dunk of March Madness.
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            As Auburn tried to reset,
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            knocked the ball loose from Pettiford. Martin scooped it up, shifted gears, and accelerated down the court.
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            "Anytime in transition, his eyes light up," said teammate
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           . "He wants to take off from far."
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           With Pettiford chasing from behind and Chad Baker-Mazara, Auburn’s 6-foot-7 forward, closing in from the side, Martin launched himself skyward. The 6-foot-2 guard cocked his right arm back and threw down a ferocious dunk over both defenders, a moment that will be remembered as one of the defining highlights of Florida’s postseason run.
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           Alijah Martin
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            slams the ball over two Auburn players in Florida's Final Four victory over the Tigers on Saturday night. (Photo: Spencer Gnauck/UAA Communications)
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           In 2025, the play was instantly labeled a viral moment across social media.
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           As the sequence unfolded, Alijah Martin prepared for contact when Chad Baker-Mazara closed in, leaping to contest the shot.
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           "I see him kind of creeping over," Martin said. "I didn't know if he was going to jump or not, but even if he was, I was going to put it in the rim."
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           Martin followed through in emphatic fashion—slamming the dunk, crashing to the floor, spinning as he got back up, while the crowd erupted. The play gave the Gators a 66–63 lead with 5:27 left, and they never trailed again.
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            "It gave us a lot of energy," said
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           Will Richard
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           , whose stunned reaction to the dunk was captured by photographers. "When you see one of your teammates get a dunk like that, that completely changes momentum."
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           "That's what he does," added Denzel Aberdeen. "He's a high-flyer."
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           For Martin, though, the dunks were secondary to the bigger picture—his first Final Four win. Two years earlier, he reached the same stage with Florida Atlantic, only to fall in the semifinals.
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           Now, with 105 career wins over the past three seasons (including nine in the NCAA Tournament), Martin has been vocal during Florida’s run in San Antonio about wanting a different outcome this time.
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           "We didn't get the job done at FAU," he said Saturday in Florida’s celebratory locker room. "We still haven't gotten the job done. We've got one more to go. It's different when you get bounced in the first game in the Final Four. This could be special if we get the job done here."
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           His teammates, meanwhile, teased him for finally delivering a dunk through heavy traffic on the sport’s biggest stage.
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            "We've been waiting for it all year," said
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , who poured in a game-high 34 points.
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           Martin finished with 17 points and three rebounds, but his defining play came at the perfect moment.
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           "I was sitting right under the rim watching it," Richard said. "It was kind of crazy because we always talk about it: He hasn't got a body the whole year. And he gets it in the Final Four."
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           Though those were his final points of the night, the timing made them unforgettable. Afterward, Martin fielded wave after wave of questions from reporters, happily reliving the moment.
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           "It's a blessing to be back here," Martin said. "A lot of players get to experience it one time, but doing it twice is really special."
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6f462eb7.webp" length="115830" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 09:52:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/martins-moments-high-flying-dunks-ignite-gators-final-four-surge</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Lights, Crowd, Action: National Title Watch Party at the O’Connell Center</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/lights-crowd-action-national-title-watch-party-at-the-oconnell-center</link>
      <description />
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           Cheer the Gators from their home arena at Monday's NCAA Championship Watch Party. O'Connell Center gates open at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida is welcoming all UF students and Gator fans to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Monday evening for a watch party as the men’s basketball team competes in the NCAA Championship game against Houston.
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            The title
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           game tips off at
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           8:50 p.m. (ET)
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            from the
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            Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and fans in Gainesville can enjoy the action together inside Exactech Arena free of charge.
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            Entry will be available through
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           O’Connell Center gates 1 and 3
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            , beginning at
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           7 p.m.
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           , and will remain open until the arena reaches capacity. Please note that no one will be admitted after the start of the second half, and seating will be general admission only.
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           The arena floor will be stag
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           ed as if for a regular home game. Concession stands will be open, in-game contests will take place, and performances will feature the Dazzlers and the UF cheerleaders.
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           For safety, all guests will be required to pass through metal detectors upon arrival at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1e83cd81.webp" length="218202" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 09:38:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/lights-crowd-action-national-title-watch-party-at-the-oconnell-center</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Showdown in San Antonio: Gators and Cougars Collide for the National Title</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/showdown-in-san-antonio-gators-and-cougars-collide-for-the-national-title</link>
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           Share:
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           (1) Florida vs. (1) Houston 
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           * 
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           What: 
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           2025
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           NCAA Tournament Championship Game 
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           * When:
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            Monday, 8:50 p.m. (ET)
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           * Where:
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            Alamodome / San Antonio
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           * 
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           Records:
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            Florida (35-4) / Houston (35-4)
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           * TV:
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            CBS (
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           Ian Eagle
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           , 
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           Bill Raftery
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           ,
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            Grant Hill 
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           and
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            Tracy Wolfson
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           )
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           * Radio:
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            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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           Stations list
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            (with 
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           Sean Kelley
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           ,
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           Lee Humphrey
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            and 
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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           * 
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           Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           The Alamodome, which had 68,000 for Saturday's semifinal, is on the permanent Final Four rotation.
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           SETUP: The stage is set in San Antonio as Florida, the No. 1 seed from the West Region, takes on Houston, the No. 1 seed from the Midwest, in Monday night’s NCAA championship game. The third-ranked Gators earned their spot by rallying from a nine-point second-half deficit to defeat No. 2 Auburn, 79–73, in Saturday’s first semifinal. The Cougars, champions of both the Big 12 regular season and tournament, pulled off an even more dramatic comeback later that night—erasing a nine-point hole with just 1:31 left to stun top-ranked Duke, 70–67.
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           For UF, this marks the program’s fourth appearance in a national title game and its first since capturing back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007. UH, meanwhile, returns to the final for the first time since consecutive trips in 1983 and 1984, when they fell to North Carolina State and Georgetown.
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           SERIES: Houston holds a 2–0 advantage in the all-time series. The Cougars edged the Gators 61–60 in Gainesville’s Alligator Alley on Dec. 7, 1970, and followed with a 97–73 home win at the Summitt on Dec. 8, 1973.
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           ETC: Combined, the two programs have made 14 Final Four appearances—six for Florida and eight for Houston.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           UF guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and Gators coach 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who is now 5-2 in three NCAA tournaments.
          &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Florida Gators are just one victory away from matching the program’s single-season wins record, set by the 2013–14 squad that finished 36–3 with a 30-game winning streak before falling to Connecticut in the national semifinal. This year’s team has strung together 11 straight wins and 17 of its last 18, with the only setback in that stretch being an 88–83 loss at Georgia on Feb. 25.
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           Against Auburn in the Final Four, Florida overcame a sluggish first half in which they trailed by eight. After the break, the Gators flipped the script—shooting 50% from the field and bringing a level of physicality that had been missing early. Defensively, they limited the Tigers to just 8-for-24 shooting in the second half, including only five makes inside the arc, after conceding 13 such baskets before halftime. Florida outscored Auburn 41–27 in the period to secure the win. Still, as they prepare for Houston, the margin for error shrinks. Falling behind by eight against the Cougars’ elite defense and relentless rebounding would be far more punishing.
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , now 75–33 in three seasons at UF, is aiming to become just the seventh coach in NCAA history to capture a national championship before turning 40.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            At the center of Florida’s postseason surge is
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who has been nothing short of spectacular. Through five NCAA Tournament games, he’s averaging 24.6 points while shooting 50% overall, 48.7% from three (19-for-39), and 90.4% at the free-throw line (38-for-42). Stretching back eight games, including the SEC Tournament where he earned MVP honors, Clayton’s averages remain elite: 23.1 points, 49.1% shooting, 49.2% from deep, and 88% from the stripe. His brilliance has carried the Gators, but Houston’s defensive schemes will focus on forcing the ball out of his hands.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            added to his NCAA Tournament résumé with his ninth career win in the event. After reaching the Final Four with Florida Atlantic in 2023, he’s now added five more victories in his graduate-transfer season at UF. His two highlight-reel dunks in the second half against Auburn were among the defining moments of the game, as he finished with 17 points, three rebounds, and a +10 plus/minus.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The third member of Florida’s senior guard trio,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , had a quieter outing with seven points and six rebounds. Still, his three-point play early in the second half—when the Gators trailed by nine—ignited an 11–0 run that shifted momentum. Backup guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            contributed two points in 15 minutes, though turnovers limited his impact as Florida tightened its rotation.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Inside, Florida’s four-man frontcourt rotation received a stern halftime message from Golden and associate head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/1896" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlin Hartman
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            after a lackluster opening 20 minutes. The group responded.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            anchored the defense with nine rebounds, the most in the game.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , despite scoring just one point on 0-for-5 shooting with three turnovers, improved defensively after halftime.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, while 7-foot-1
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            provided valuable minutes off the bench.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Cougars
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-428d2b65.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Houston guard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            LJ Cryer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Houston Cougars opened the season with some early stumbles, dropping three of their first seven contests. Those defeats came against Auburn at Houston’s NBA arena, and in overtime matchups with Alabama and San Diego State during a Thanksgiving tournament in Las Vegas. After that stretch, Houston went on a tear, losing only once more—a home overtime setback to Texas Tech on Feb. 1. Since then, the Cougars have rattled off 18 straight victories, the longest active streak in the nation, powered by a defense unlike anything the Florida Gators have faced, even in the grind of the SEC.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelvin Sampson
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , now in his 11th season at UH, has rebuilt the program after earlier career setbacks tied to NCAA violations and academic issues that ended his tenures at Oklahoma and Indiana. At 69 years old, Sampson is aiming to become the oldest coach to ever capture a national championship. Over his 36-year career, which began with stops at Montana Tech and Washington State, he has amassed 798 wins, including a 298–83 record with the Cougars.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Statistically, Houston’s defense is elite. They rank third nationally in effective field-goal percentage allowed (44.8%), fifth in two-point defense (44.3%), 17th in three-point defense (30.3%), and fifth in blocked shots (15.7%).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           On offense, the Cougars shoot 48% inside the arc, but their real strength lies on the glass. They rank 10th in offensive rebounding (37%), which often creates second-chance looks and open threes. From deep, they are the No. 1 team in the country, converting at a blistering 39.9%. Their style is deliberate—they play at one of the slowest tempos in Division I (slower than all but five teams) and rarely turn the ball over (14.2% turnover rate, 20th nationally). That efficiency ensures they almost always generate a quality shot or a second opportunity.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Only four opponents managed to score 70 or more points in regulation against Houston this season. Most recently, they held Duke, the nation’s top-rated offense, to just 39.6% shooting overall, including 38.9% inside the arc.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers of Note
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/BCO.2b0fd93a-4615-40de-9ee2-0147557a4941.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           NC State coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jim Valvano
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (left) and guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dereck Whittenburg
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (center) celebrate the Wolfpack's buzzer-beating defeat of Houston in the 1983 NCAA championship game. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            :00
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — The iconic moment in the
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            1983 NCAA championship game
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             when
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            North Carolina State’s Lorenzo Charles
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             grabbed
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dereck Whittenberg’s
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             missed shot and dunked it at the buzzer, sealing a 54–52 upset over top-ranked
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Houston
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            1
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — The number of games
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Houston
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             has lost since early December. The Cougars have won 31 of their last 32 contests.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            8
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — Comebacks by
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             this season after trailing by at least nine points, including Saturday’s win over
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Auburn
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             . Other rallies came against
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            South Florida (13)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Wake Forest (9)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Virginia (9)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arkansas (9)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            South Carolina (14)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Auburn (10)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             , and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Texas Tech (10)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             in the
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Elite Eight
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            702
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — Career points scored by
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Walter Clayton Jr.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             at Florida, setting a new program record by surpassing the 676 points scored by
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Andy Owens
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             in the 1969–70 season. Of Clayton’s total, 123 points (also a UF record) have come in the
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            NCAA Tournament
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , accounting for 17.7% of his season scoring.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2000
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — The year
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             first appeared in a national championship game. On April 3 at the
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Hoosier Dome
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             in Indianapolis, the Gators fell 89–76 to
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            Michigan State
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             , the No. 1 seed and second-ranked team in the nation. The
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            Spartans
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             , led by
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            Morris Peterson
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             (21 points) and tournament MVP
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            Mateen Cleaves
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             (18 points, 4 assists), claimed their first NCAA crown since the
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            Magic Johnson
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            Udonis Haslem
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            , who posted a career-high 27 points.
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           Bottom Line
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           Come what may, what a season. 
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           Email 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 09:25:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/showdown-in-san-antonio-gators-and-cougars-collide-for-the-national-title</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clash of Titans: Gators Brace for Houston’s Defensive Gauntlet</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clash-of-titans-gators-brace-for-houstons-defensive-gauntlet</link>
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           Gators head coach Todd Golden is pushing his team to be ready for a physical challenge on Monday night in the national championship game against Houston. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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            SAN ANTONIO — Late Saturday night,
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           Alex Condon
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            sat on a locker room stool, his body marked with red patches after a grueling matchup against Auburn big man Johni Broome.
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           Back at the team hotel, Condon’s recovery plan was simple: ice packs on nearly every sore spot.
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           "I'm banged up. I'm really sore," he admitted. 
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           "The most physical game I've had all season, I believe. The referees let a lot of stuff go."
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           The Gators had just secured a 79–73 win over Auburn in the Final Four, advancing to Monday night’s national championship game. Later, Condon tuned in to the Houston-Duke matchup and, like many, was stunned by the Cougars’ furious rally from 14 points down with just over eight minutes left.
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            Early Sunday at the Alamodome, teammate
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            summed it up best:
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           "It's March Madness," Chinyelu said. "I guess that's the reason it's called that."
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           The Cougars embodied that chaos. Condon watched them overwhelm the Blue Devils, disrupt in-bounds plays, and dominate the boards. A thunderous putback dunk by Joseph Tugler cut Duke’s lead to one, and Houston closed with six points in the final 33 seconds to steal a 70–67 victory.
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           For Florida, it was a clear warning of the battle ahead.
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           "It just shows their team is willing to fight for all 40 minutes," Condon said. "Rebounding is all an effort thing. I feel like Houston controlled the glass down the stretch. If we take that away from them and make sure we use our height, our length, and make any plays in the rebound margins, we're going to be good.
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           "We've got to be prepared and be willing to fight for 40 minutes."
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           Alex Condon
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            found baskets difficult to come by in Saturday's physical matchup against Auburn. (Photos: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communication)
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           By Sunday, Condon looked more refreshed, determined to improve on his one-point, four-rebound, five-foul outing against Auburn. But he knows the challenge won’t get easier.
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           Houston (35–4), riding an 18-game winning streak, entered the Final Four as the nation’s top-ranked team in defensive efficiency. Against Duke, they proved why—holding the Blue Devils to just one made field goal over the final 9:59.
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           The Gators (35–4) recognize they’ll need the same toughness and edge they showed in their win over Auburn. They’ve been battered, but not broken. And Houston’s relentless style is the ultimate reminder of what it will take.
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            "You've got to turn your dog up," said guard
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           Alijah Martin
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           . "You've got to do whatever it takes to win. If it takes a bloody nose, a bloody lip, so be it. It won't matter. We know who we're going up against, and I've got all the confidence in the world, and everybody is locked in."
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           Gators center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            celebrates and his teammates celebrate Saturday night's Final Four victory over Auburn.
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            UF head coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            expressed confidence on Sunday in his team’s ability to go toe-to-toe with the Houston Cougars. He noted that Houston’s defensive style resembles that of Tennessee, a team the Cougars defeated in the Elite Eight.
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           Florida’s own history against the Volunteers this season was a rollercoaster: a dominant win at home when Tennessee was ranked No. 1, a lopsided loss in Knoxville, and finally, an 86–77 victory in the SEC Tournament championship game. The comparison is clear, but so is the difference—Houston is still standing, while Tennessee is not.
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           "They're the best defensive team in America," Golden said. "They have just a great identity as a program of just being both physically and mentally tough. That's something we've tried to pride ourselves on this year."
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           Against Duke, Houston showcased that toughness, winning the rebounding battle 42–31 and outscoring the Blue Devils 19–12 in second-chance points. J’Wan Roberts, the Cougars’ 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward, pulled down 12 boards, while Joseph Tugler added eight rebounds and four blocks.
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            Florida, meanwhile, has its own depth in the paint.
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           Condon
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            ,
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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           Thomas Haugh
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            , and
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           Micah Handlogten
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            give the Gators a strong rotation inside. After being pushed around early by Auburn, Florida responded in the second half, outrebounding the Tigers 39–30 and riding a spectacular 34-point performance from
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           Golden emphasized that the same level of grit will be required against Houston.
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           "You look at a guy like Tugler, Roberts. They have incredible length, athleticism, and physicality inside the paint," Golden said.
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           "They wear you down, make it really hard on you. [The] big-picture goal is going to be to make them take tough twos, fight like hell to get the rebound.
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           "Every rebound we get is going to feel like we won the game, I feel like."
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           Chinyelu
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            echoed that sentiment. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center, who grabbed key rebounds in the Auburn win, described his mindset heading into the championship.
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           "You are just going out there to play and look at it like, 'This is war. You either kill or be killed.' So, you just have to take that mindset," he said. "You just have to go out there and pour out your heart."
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           For Florida, that mentality may be the difference between falling short and returning home as national champions.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 03:40:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clash-of-titans-gators-brace-for-houstons-defensive-gauntlet</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Billy Donovan Joins Basketball Immortals: Gators Legend Inducted into 2025 Hall of Fame</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/billy-donovan-joins-basketball-immortals-gators-legend-inducted-into-2025-hall-of-fame</link>
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           Billy Donovan led the Gators to four Final Four appearances, and his 467 wins are second-most all-time by an SEC coach.
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           On Saturday, Billy Donovan—who led Florida men’s basketball for nearly two decades—was officially named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Donovan’s tenure from 1996 to 2015 included two national championships, four Final Four appearances, six Southeastern Conference regular season titles, four SEC Tournament crowns, and a total of 467 wins.
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           The timing couldn’t be more fitting: Florida is back in the Final Four for the first time since Donovan guided the team there in 2014.
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           During his 19 seasons in Gainesville, Donovan propelled the Gators to five No. 1 national rankings, 16 consecutive 20-win seasons, and 17 straight postseason appearances. His 467 victories as an SEC head coach rank second only to Adolph Rupp, with only Rupp and Joe B. Hall claiming more SEC titles.
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            Florida’s transformation began on March 27, 1996, when athletic director
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           Jeremy Foley
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            hired Donovan—a rising star who would elevate the program to elite status. What once seemed out of reach became routine under his leadership.
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           On February 28, 2015, Donovan joined Bob Knight as one of only two coaches to reach 500 Division I wins before turning 50. In 2007, Florida became the first team in 15 years to win back-to-back NCAA titles, joining an exclusive group of just seven programs to do so.
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           Donovan’s winning legacy spans multiple roles and institutions:
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            At Providence College, he led the Friars to their best season ever and a Final Four berth in 1987.
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            As a New York Knick, he competed among NBA greats.
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            At Kentucky, he served as an assistant during the Wildcats’ 1993 Final Four run.
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            At Marshall, he revitalized a struggling program, winning over 60% of his games in just two seasons.
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           Then came Gainesville, where Donovan sparked a basketball renaissance.
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           Florida set a school record with 17 straight postseason appearances from 1997 to 2014, including 14 NCAA Tournament bids and six Elite Eight finishes between 2006 and 2014. The Gators also posted 16 straight 20-win seasons from 1998 to 2014.
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           The program’s first-ever national championship game appearance came in 2000, followed by title wins in 2006 and 2007. Donovan’s 35 NCAA Tournament victories remain the most by any SEC coach, and his 467 total wins trail only Rupp in league history.
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           Before Donovan’s arrival, Florida had just one SEC championship in 77 seasons. He added six more (2000, 2001, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014). Only Florida and Kentucky have won back-to-back SEC titles in the past 35 years, and Florida’s run of three outright titles in four seasons (2011, 2013, 2014) was unmatched since Kentucky’s stretch from 1995 to 1998.
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           Since leaving Florida in 2015, Donovan has continued his coaching journey in the NBA. He won 400 games over five seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and is approaching that milestone again in his fifth season with the Chicago Bulls.
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           2025 Hall of Fame Class
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           Carmelo Anthony
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           Dwight Howard
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           Billy Donovan
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           Sue Bird
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           Maya Moore
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      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 16:28:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/billy-donovan-joins-basketball-immortals-gators-legend-inducted-into-2025-hall-of-fame</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Final Four Frenzy: Gators vs. Tigers Clash in San Antonio Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-frenzy-gators-vs-tigers-clash-in-san-antonio-showdown</link>
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           The Gators and Auburn meet on Saturday night in the Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           SAN ANTONIO
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           — High Stakes, Familiar Foes, Same Goal
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           Tonight at the Alamodome, Florida aims to replicate its success from 56 days ago at Auburn’s Neville Arena—another victory over the Tigers. A win would send the Gators to face either Houston or Duke on Monday night, with a shot at securing their third national title.
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            Back on February 8, Florida toppled then-top-ranked Auburn 90–81, led by All-American guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            ., who delivered 19 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. That win ended Auburn’s 14-game streak, even with
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           Chris Harry
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           "Pregame Stuff" preview
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            The upcoming rematch has dominated press conferences this week, with UF head coach
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            and Auburn’s Bruce Pearl both weighing in.
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           "Good thing is we only have to beat them one more time," Golden said Friday. "Our teams know each other really well at this point. We are going to show these guys [his players] what we call our keys in personnel probably three more times before the ball goes in the air. I would venture to guess [they] could tell you, player by player, right now the tendencies that each of these Auburn players have, what they like to run, whether it is out of bounds, half-court, on the sidelines."
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           This clash between Southeastern Conference powerhouses underscores the strength of the league’s regular season—Florida and Auburn are the final 14 SEC teams still alive in the NCAA Tournament.
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            is two wins away from bringing the third national championship in school history home. (Photo: 
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           Florida returns to the Final Four for the first time in over a decade—its sixth appearance in program history. Auburn, meanwhile, is making just its second trip, the first being in 2019 when it fell to eventual champion Virginia in the national semifinals.
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           Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl, who brought Todd Golden onto his staff in 2014 as director of basketball operations, knows Florida’s system well—and the feeling is mutual.
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           With Florida entering as a slight favorite in Las Vegas, Pearl has leaned into the underdog narrative.
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           "I don't want to say this is our one shining moment, because we've had a couple, but this is rare," Pearl said. "We are still going to play that [underdog] card. We still have two more opportunities hopefully to prove that we're a great basketball team."
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           Florida’s hopes ride on the shoulders of Walter Clayton Jr., while Auburn counters with SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound senior is a dominant force, capable of taking over games. Despite sustaining an elbow injury during the Elite 8 win over Michigan State, Broome confirmed he’s ready for the rematch.
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           "That's why there's always the next game,'' Broome said.
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           Broome enters the matchup averaging 18.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. He’s supported by a trio of double-digit scorers—Denver Jones (10.9), Miles Kelly (11.4), and Chad Baker-Mazara (12.2)—with Tahaad Pettiford contributing 11.9 points and 3.0 assists off the bench.
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           In their regular-season meeting, Florida overwhelmed Auburn’s defense, shooting 57.1% in the first half and taking a 48–38 lead into the break.
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           Clayton played the full 40 minutes in that game, going 6-for-11 from the field and 4-for-8 from beyond the arc—an outing that cemented Florida’s status as a legitimate Final Four contender. The Gators have since won 10 straight and 16 of their last 17.
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           "Honestly, he just got the ultimate green light and was just shooting from anywhere,'' said Auburn’s Jones. "You didn't know when he was going to shoot it. So, I just feel like a lot of the actions, I'm just trying to make him put it on the floor instead of just giving him open shots. When he's feeling comfortable, we just need to make him feel uncomfortable."
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            Florida’s roster runs deep—this isn’t a solo act. Walter Clayton Jr. is supported in the backcourt by Alijah Martin,
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           Will Richard
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            and 
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            . Up front, the Gators boast a strong rotation with
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            anchoring the center position, alongside
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           Thomas Haugh
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           , 
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           Alex Condon
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            and 
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           Micah Handlogten
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           .
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           Their path to the Final Four included dramatic comeback victories over Connecticut and Texas Tech. Head coach Todd Golden hopes Saturday’s performance won’t require similar late-game heroics.
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           Still, he knows the team must deliver one of its finest outings of the season—much like their earlier win over Auburn.
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           "Both teams have probably changed quite a bit since Feb. 8,'' Golden said. "But I do think our first game gives us some confidence."
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            CBS will carry the game with
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           Ian Eagle
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            handling play-by-play,
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           Grant Hill
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            and
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           Bill
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           Raftery
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            offering analysis, and
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           Tracy Wolfson
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            reporting from the sidelines. The Gators Sports Network from Learfield will also be live from the Alamodome, featuring
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           Sean Kelley
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            (play-by-play),
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           Lee Humphrey
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            (analysis), and
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           Steve Egan
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            (producer/host).
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            For GSN stations,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/11/_radio_affiliates_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           click here
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           .
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           For live commentary and updates, follow FloridaGators.com  senior writers  
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            (
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    &lt;a href="https://x.com/GatorsChris" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           @GatorsChris
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           ) and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-carter/62" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Carter
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            (
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    &lt;a href="https://x.com/GatorsScott" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           @GatorsScott
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           )  on X (formerly Twitter). Full post-game coverage will be available late Saturday night on FloridaGators.com, with additional content rolling out Sunday.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 16:22:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-frenzy-gators-vs-tigers-clash-in-san-antonio-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Roar into the Championship: Clayton and Martin Lead Final Four Comeback Over Auburn</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-roar-into-the-championship-clayton-and-martin-lead-final-four-comeback-over-auburn</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Alijah Martin dunks over two Auburn players in the second half on Saturday night at the Alamodome. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           Gators Advance to Championship After Final Four Thriller
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           SAN ANTONIO — Florida is now one win away from a national title after edging out Auburn 79–73 in Saturday’s Final Four matchup at the sold-out Alamodome. The victory marks the Gators’ fifth straight in the NCAA Tournament, putting them within reach of the championship.
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            Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            led the charge with a game-high 34 points, shooting 11-of-18 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range. His performance continued what’s been described as a “magical NCAA Tournament,” with 20 of his points coming in the second half.
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            ﻿
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            added 17 points, while sophomore
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           Thomas Haugh
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            contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, helping Florida extend its overall win streak to 11 games.
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            After trailing 49–40 early in the second half, Florida responded with an 11–0 run to take the lead. Auburn stayed competitive behind SEC Player of the Year
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           Johni Broome
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            (15 points, seven rebounds) and
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           Chad Baker-Mazara
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            (18 points, 4-of-7 from deep).
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            With the score tied at 57 midway through the second half, Martin made a key steal and delivered a go-ahead dunk that energized the crowd. He followed it up with another dunk over two defenders, giving Florida a 66–63 lead with 5:27 remaining. Auburn closed the gap twice in the final minutes, but Florida held firm to secure a spot in the national championship game under head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           , now in his third season.
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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            hits a fade-away 3-pointer in the second half. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           What It Means
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           Florida has reached the national championship game for the fourth time in program history, following its sixth overall appearance in the Final Four. The Gators hold a 2–1 record in title games, having fallen to Michigan State in 2000 before clinching back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
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           In the Spotlight
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           Walter Clayton Jr. is now part of elite NCAA Tournament history. His 34-point performance against Auburn, combined with 30 points in the Elite Eight win over Texas Tech, makes him “the first player since Bird in 1979 to go for 30 or more points in the Elite Eight and Final Four.”
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           Staggering Statistic
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            Clayton’s 34 points set a new Florida record for scoring in a Final Four game, surpassing
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           Udonis Haslem
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            ’s 27-point effort in the 2000 title matchup against Michigan State. With 702 points this season, Clayton broke the program’s single-season scoring record—previously held by
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           Andy Owens
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            (676 points in 1969–70). He also set a new school record for points in a single NCAA Tournament, now at 123, eclipsing
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           Joakim Noah
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           ’s 97 from 2006.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (35–4) will face the winner of Houston vs. Duke in Monday night’s national championship game.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 13:04:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-roar-into-the-championship-clayton-and-martin-lead-final-four-comeback-over-auburn</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Mr. Do-It-All: Clayton’s Heroics Lift Florida in Final Four Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mr-do-it-all-claytons-heroics-lift-florida-in-final-four-thriller</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Walter Clayton Jr. (1) rains in one of his trademark circus 3-point shots, this one over 6-foot-7 forward Chad Baker-Mazzara, during the Gators' second-half comeback Saturday night.
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           Share:
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            SAN ANTONIO – At halftime of Saturday night’s NCAA Tournament semifinal against Auburn, the Florida Gators found themselves down by eight and being outmuscled in the paint. Head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            and associate head coach
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           Carlin Hartman
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           , who oversees the frontcourt, didn’t hold back in their criticism of the team’s lack of toughness.
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           The message was blunt: Bow up or bow out.
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            Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            was the first to step out of the locker room, but instead of heading straight to the court, he paused and waited for each of Florida’s big men to come through. Once they gathered, he pulled them into a huddle. Hartman had already delivered the tough-love approach; Clayton chose encouragement.
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           "I told 'em I loved 'em and that they'd been doing a great job for us all year," Clayton said. "I saw some looks in their faces and said, 'Don't be nervous. We're good, we're gonna get this.' That was pretty much it."
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           What Clayton didn’t emphasize was his own second-half heroics. He poured in 20 of his career-high 34 points after the break, hitting clutch shots down the stretch to fuel Florida’s rally from nine points down. The Gators ultimately secured a 79–73 win over Auburn, advancing to their first NCAA championship game since 2007, when they capped off back-to-back national titles under Billy Donovan.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           . (1) hit five of his eight 3-point attempts, including three in the second half.
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           The third-ranked Florida Gators (35–4) are set to battle the second-ranked Houston Cougars (35–4) for the national championship on Monday night. Houston, known for having the nation’s top-rated defense, stunned NCAA Player of the Year Cooper Flagg and No. 1 Duke in Saturday’s late semifinal, erasing a nine-point deficit in the final minutes to pull off a 70–67 win that snapped the Blue Devils’ 15-game winning streak.
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           For Florida, it’s a chance at history.
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           "The heart and toughness, both physically and mentally, these guys showed was incredible," said head coach Todd Golden, who has revitalized the program in just three seasons since arriving from the University of San Francisco in 2022. "We're alive, man. We're playing for the national championship Monday night."
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           Leading the charge is Walter Clayton Jr. Fresh off a 30-point performance in the West Region final against Texas Tech, the senior guard once again delivered on the big stage. He connected on 11 of 18 shots, went 5-for-8 from three-point range, and was perfect at the free-throw line (7-for-7). In the second half alone, he shot 6-for-9 from the field, 3-for-4 from deep, and 5-for-5 at the stripe, powering Florida to its 11th straight victory and 17th in its last 18 games.
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           Clayton, a 6-foot-3 standout from Lake Wales, Florida, etched his name alongside legends. He became the first player to score at least 30 points in a national semifinal since Carmelo Anthony did it for Syracuse in 2003, and the first to post 30-plus in both a regional final and a national semifinal back-to-back since Larry Bird accomplished the feat with Indiana State in 1979.
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           He’s not just a scorer—Walter Clayton Jr. also knows how to steady his teammates when the pressure mounts.
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           Is there anything this sharp-shooting star can’t do?
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            "He's just special," senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            said.
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           Clayton sealed the win down the stretch, calmly sinking two free throws with 9.6 seconds left to extend the Gators’ lead to six. But his late-game heroics didn’t stop there—he tallied eight more points in the final four-plus minutes, highlighted by one of his signature, off-balance three-pointers that widened the gap against the Southeastern Conference regular-season champion Tigers (32–6).
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           With Florida clinging to a three-point edge and just over 90 seconds remaining, Clayton attacked the Auburn defense, absorbed contact, and converted a layup. He then completed the three-point play at the line, pushing the margin back to six with 1:33 to go. From there, the Gators controlled the finish and closed out the victory.
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           "All things kind of equal, Clayton was the difference," said Tigers coach Bruce Pearl, who saw a similar performance from the UF star in February when he scored 19 points, hit four 3s and dished a career-high nine assists in a 90-81 road upset of then No. 1 Auburn. "He was just flat-out the difference. We couldn't contain him down on that end."
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           Despite holding the lead at halftime, the Gators struggled to contain Auburn’s inside game during the opening 20 minutes. First-team All-American forward Johni Broome, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound anchor, repeatedly established position on the block, overpowering UF defenders on his way to 12 first-half points. Chad Baker-Mazara added eight more, giving the Tigers a strong interior presence before the break.
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           Caption: Auburn’s All-America forward Johni Broome backs down Rueben Chinyelu during Saturday’s semifinal matchup.
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           Auburn All-America forward
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            Johni Broome
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            posts up 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            during Saturday's semifina
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           At halftime, Auburn held a 46–38 advantage, fueled by sheer dominance in the paint. The Tigers piled up 26 points inside and converted 13 of 18 attempts (72.2%) from two-point range.
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           "We did not have an answer for their physicality in the paint," said Todd Golden.
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            ﻿
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            The Gators weren’t executing their defensive plan against Johni Broome, a left-handed force who consistently got to his strong side. Florida’s frontcourt rotation of
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           Alex Condon
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           , 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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           , 
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           Thomas Haugh
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           , and Micah Handlogten combined for just eight points and 10 rebounds, while showing little resistance in the opening half.
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           That’s when associate head coach Carlin Hartman stepped in to deliver his message.
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           All-UF associate head coach
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           Carlin Hartman
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           (center) in the team huddle. 
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           "They know I love them, but the bottom line, this was a win-or-go-home scenario and we were allowing them to dictate the terms," Hartman said. "I went to the bigs and – I cussed a lot – and told each, 'They're challenging your manhood!' It was unacceptable and if we didn't turn it around the game was going to get away from us. We had a choice to make."
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           Rueben Chinyelu, the 6-foot-11, 255-pound center.
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           "I told Rueben he was our biggest, strongest, most athletic guy," Hartman said. "When was it going to show up?"
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           Hartman’s challenge was blunt. Moments later, Walter Clayton Jr. offered a different kind of message.
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           "He gave us a pep talk," said Thomas Haugh.
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           "Our PG stepped in and said he trusted us, that he'd been rolling with us all year," Chinyelu added. "It just showed the love and belief we have for each other. The trust. Boom. Our point guard said, 'Let's go!'"
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           The turnaround didn’t happen instantly. Auburn stretched its lead to 49–40 with 18 minutes left before Florida’s senior core sparked a response.
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            First, Will Richard (7 points, 6 rebounds) converted a traditional three-point play off an offensive rebound. Then Clayton drilled a transition three-pointer. A minute later,
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           Alijah Martin
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            (17 points, 3 rebounds) buried another triple to even the score. On the next possession, Clayton attacked the lane for a layup, capping an 11–0 surge that gave the Gators a 51–49 lead—their first since the opening half.
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           "For us, it starts on the perimeter – Walt, Will and Alijah, our senior leaders – are guys who have been through the fire before," said head coach Todd Golden. "They're great players with really, really high levels of confidence and they just kind of breathe it into the rest of the team."
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           Fifth-year guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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           (15) takes flight for a second-half dunk. 
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           On this night, their breath touched the UF bigs, who collectively played a completely different – far more aggressive – second half. Condon, Chinyelu, Haugh and Handlogten all took turns in limiting Broome, who appeared exhausted late in his 34 minutes, to just one of four from the floor and 1-for-5 from the free-throw line, while helping cordon off the 2-point area. The Tigers made just four of 14 shots (35.7 percent, half of what they shot in the opening period) inside the 3-point line after halftime. Chinyelu finished with a game-high nine rebounds and a game-best plus-13 on-floor score.
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           After Clayton's go-ahead basket, the teams combined for seven lead changes and two ties over the next nine-plus minutes. A drive and lob from Broome to center Dylan Cardwell (9 points, 8 rebounds) ended in a dunk and had the Tigers up 63-62 inside seven minutes to go. At UF's end, Haugh attacked the right side of the lane for a go-ahead layup at 6:29.
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           The Gators never trailed again.
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           A steal and run-out slam by Martin made it a 3-point lead. Barely a minute later, Clayton's 3-pointer off a dribble-handoff from Haugh had UF up by four. The margin was back to three, 71-68, inside two minutes when Clayton converted his "and-1" in traffic, and 50 seconds later Haugh (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks) threw in a reverse layup to go up by eight, 76-68, with 37.9 remaining.
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           Auburn played foul ball from there and Florida helped by missing three of its next four free throws, including two by Haugh (81% on the season) with 12.7 seconds left and the lead down to four. Chinyelu, though, grabbed Haugh's miss and funneled the ball to Clayton, who was fouled and knocked down his two with less than 10 to go to finish off the Tigers and complete an individual Final Four performance for the ages.
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  &lt;a href="https://x.com/CBSSports/status/1908683366515220940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1908683366515220940%7Ctwgr%5Ec31d64521574e275464a26250a7c6d4c3ca09eb6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffloridagators.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F4%2F5%2Fmens-basketball-clayton-does-it-all-in-one-for-the-ages-final-four-performance-april-5-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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           Across eight postseason games—three in the SEC Tournament and five in the NCAA Tournament—Walter Clayton Jr. has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s averaging 23.1 points per game, shooting 49.1% from the field, connecting on 49.2% of his 63 three-point attempts, and converting 88% of his 52 free throws.
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           Simply put: his production is reaching levels the college game hasn’t witnessed since Larry Bird.
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           "I guess you could say I really haven't had time to reflect on what I've been doing," Clayton said. "I've just been focused on winning games with these guys."
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           Reflection can wait. For now, the Gators have one more challenge ahead: the ultimate showdown—college basketball’s most dynamic offensive player going head-to-head with the nation’s most dominant defense. Everything is on the line, and Florida’s do-it-all leader will once again be at the center of it.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at 
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    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           .
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-7014182e.webp" length="144916" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 11:24:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mr-do-it-all-claytons-heroics-lift-florida-in-final-four-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Final Four Faceoff: Gators vs. Tigers in a Saturday Showdown for the Ages</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-faceoff-gators-vs-tigers-in-a-saturday-showdown-for-the-ages</link>
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           Share:
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           Florida vs. Auburn: Final Four Showdown Details
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           * 
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           What:
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            2025 Final Four
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           * 
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           When:
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            Saturday, 6:09 p.m. (ET)
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           * Where:
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           Alamodome / San Antonio, Texas
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           * Records:
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           Florida (34-4) / Auburn (32-5)
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           * TV:
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           CBS (
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           Ian Eagle
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           , 
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           Bill Raftery
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           ,
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            Grant Hill 
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           and
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            Tracy Wolfson
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           )
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           * Radio: 
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           Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
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            (with 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            ,
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           Lee Humphrey
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            and 
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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           *
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           Ticket info
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           * 
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           What:
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            2025 Final Four
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           * 
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           When:
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            Saturday, 6:09 p.m. (ET)
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           * Where:
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            Alamodome / San Antonio, Texas
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           * 
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           Records:
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            Florida (34-4) / Auburn (32-5)
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           * TV:
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            CBS (
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           Ian Eagle
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           , 
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           Bill Raftery
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           ,
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            Grant Hill 
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           and
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            Tracy Wolfson
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           )
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           * Radio:
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            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            (with 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            ,
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           Lee Humphrey
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           and 
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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           *
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           Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown: Florida vs. Auburn — Final Four Clash in San Antonio
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  &lt;a href="https://x.com/ESPNDari/status/1908236281634525684" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Alamodome in San Antonio (capacity 39,500 for basketball) is home to Alamo Bowl, the University of Texas-San Antonio, the UFL San Antonio Brahmas and Dallas Cowboys training camp, among other tenants. 
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           SETUP:
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            Top-seeded Florida (West Region) and Auburn (South Region) will square off in the first national semifinal of the 2025 NCAA Final Four on Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The third-ranked Gators, champions of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, earned their spot by defeating 16-seed Norfolk State and 8-seed Connecticut—winners of the last two national titles—in Raleigh, North Carolina. They then advanced past 4-seed Maryland (ranked No. 11) with an 87–71 win in the Sweet 16, followed by an 84–79 victory over 3-seed Texas Tech (ranked No. 9) in the Elite Eight, both played in San Francisco.
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           Auburn, ranked fourth nationally and SEC regular-season champions, reached the Final Four by beating 16-seed Alabama State and 9-seed Creighton in Lexington, Kentucky. They continued their run with a 78–65 win over 5-seed Michigan (No. 14) in the Sweet 16 and a 70–64 triumph over 2-seed Michigan State (No. 8) in Atlanta.
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           The winner of this matchup will face either No. 1 Duke (35–3) or No. 2 Houston (34–4), who meet in Saturday’s second semifinal, for the national championship on Monday night. This marks the first time since 2008—and only the second time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1986—that all Final Four participants are No. 1 seeds.
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           Florida is making its sixth Final Four appearance and first since 2014, while Auburn returns for the second time, having last reached this stage in 2019. The Gators hold a 3–2 record in national semifinals; the Tigers are 0–1.
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           SERIES HISTORY:
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            Auburn leads the all-time series 92–84, but Florida claimed the regular-season meeting with a memorable 90–81 upset on February 8 at Neville Arena. It was the first time in program history the Gators defeated a No. 1-ranked team on the road. After trailing by 10 early, Florida surged to a halftime lead and pulled away in the second half.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            led the charge with 19 points, including four three-pointers, and a career-best nine assists. Despite missing
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            due to injury, the Gators had four other players score in double figures, including
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , who stepped up with 10 points and clutch second-half threes. The win snapped Auburn’s 27-game home winning streak at “The Jungle.”
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           CONNECTIONS:
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida head coach
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            began his high-major coaching career under Auburn’s
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bruce Pear
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            l, who hired him from Columbia in 2014. Their connection dates back to the 2009 Maccabiah Games in Israel, where Golden played point guard for Pearl’s team alongside
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Steven Pearl
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , now Auburn’s associate head coach. Golden spent two seasons with the Tigers—first as director of basketball operations, then as an assistant—before joining
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kyle Smith
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ’s staff at the University of San Francisco. He later succeeded Smith as head coach and led USF for three seasons before taking the reins at Florida in 2022.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TALE OF THE TAPE
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The GATORS
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Clayton_Walter__250327_1144_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           First-team All-America guard 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (1)
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Todd Golden has officially joined the ranks of Florida coaching legends, becoming the third head coach in program history—alongside
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lon Kruger
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (1994) and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Billy Donovan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (2000, 2006–07, 2014)—to lead the Gators to a Final Four. Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1986, Florida is now one of just seven programs to reach the Final Four under three different head coaches, joining the likes of UConn, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and UCLA.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida’s last win on college basketball’s biggest stage came in the 2007 national championship game against Ohio State. This year’s journey back was anything but smooth. In the Elite Eight against Texas Tech, the Gators surrendered a halftime lead and trailed by nine with under three minutes remaining. Then came a dramatic 18–4 closing run, sparked by two clutch three-pointers from
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            career-high-tying 20 points) and two more from
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (30 points). The comeback was aided by missed front ends of one-and-one free throws by Texas Tech during critical moments.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The win marked Florida’s 10th consecutive victory and 16th in their last 17 games. It also set a program record with 10 wins over top-10 ranked opponents this season—seven of which came in March. Statistically, the Gators rank second nationally in offensive efficiency and 10th in defense. They dominated Maryland on the boards in the Sweet 16 (42–20 overall, 15–7 offensive), though Texas Tech nearly matched them (35–34), capitalizing on second-chance points (23–8). Against Auburn’s elite perimeter defense, Florida will need to lean into its offensive rebounding strength (No. 5 nationally at 39.5%) and replicate its 13-for-33 shooting from deep that fueled their February upset in Neville Arena.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr. has emerged as one of the most dominant players in the NCAA Tournament. Named West Region Most Outstanding Player, he’s averaged 19.8 points across four games, shooting 45.3% from beyond the arc and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            "He's been no worse than the second-best player in the NCAA Tournament and even
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Cooper Flagg
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            fans might throw up their hands on that one."
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh has also stepped up. After a cold start in Raleigh (0-for-7 from deep), he posted 13 points and nine rebounds against Maryland, then delivered a tournament double-double versus Texas Tech with four threes and 11 boards. He’s averaging 13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during the tournament.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           struggled with shooting in the regional final—Martin went 3-for-10 (0-for-4 from three), while Richard shot 2-for-6 (0-for-2 from deep)—but both contributed key free throws in the final 22 seconds. Against Maryland, Martin scored 14 points and hit three triples, while Richard led all scorers with 15 points, shooting 6-of-9 overall and 3-of-6 from long range. Martin now holds an 8–1 career record in NCAA Tournament play, with Final Four appearances for both Florida Atlantic (2023) and Florida (2025).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who played through an ankle injury in the Maryland game, has averaged 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in the tournament. Though he’s faced challenges against physical post players, his effort remains consistent.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has missed some close-range shots but continues to contribute with physical play and rim rolls. Backup center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             made all three of his field goals in 11 minutes against Texas Tech.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            added 12 points against Maryland, including two threes. Notably, Florida is 24–0 when Aberdeen hits a three-pointer—something he’s done in five of their seven postseason wins.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The TIGERS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/The+Tigers.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           First-team All-America forward 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Johni Broome
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (4)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Now in his 11th season at Auburn, head coach Bruce Pearl has compiled a 242–124 record with the program. The Tigers spent much of the season ranked No. 1 or No. 2 nationally before a late stumble—back-to-back regular-season losses at Texas A&amp;amp;M and at home against rival Alabama—knocked them from the top spot. A second-round SEC Tournament exit against Tennessee capped a 1–3 skid heading into March Madness.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           But Auburn quickly regained its footing with a statement win over Michigan State, a perennial postseason threat, to punch its ticket to Pearl’s second Final Four appearance. The Tigers shot 42.6% overall in that game, including a strong 53% inside the arc, which helped offset a rough 7-for-25 performance from three-point range (28%).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Defense has been a hallmark of Auburn’s success all season. Against Michigan State, they held the Spartans to just 34% shooting overall and 30.4% from deep (7-for-23). Nationally, Auburn ranks among the best in several key defensive metrics:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Effective field-goal defense:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             45.8% (7th)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Block rate:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             15.9% (4th)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2-point defense:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             46.6% (25th)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            3-point defense:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             29.6% (8th)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Offensively, the Tigers excel at ball security, with just 4.7% of possessions ending in non-steal turnovers—second-best in the country. They consistently generate quality looks, shooting 55.7% from two-point range and 36.1% from three, though they occasionally settle for low-percentage attempts.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           While not as dominant as Florida on the offensive glass, Auburn still ranks a respectable 48th nationally with a 34.4% offensive rebounding rate. Their only non-SEC loss this season came on December 4 in the ACC/SEC Challenge, a competitive 84–78 defeat at Duke.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers That Tell the Story
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/bryce-brown-kyle-guy-040619-getty-ftr_1m3w69lpp5muhzyw4i3x6c34e.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Virginia guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kyle Guy
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (5) eyes the rim -- while blocking out the noise and antics from Auburn guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bryce Brown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            -- before converting three consecutive free throws with 0.6 seconds to go to give the Cavaliers a 63-62 victory (and the Tigers a bitter and devastating defeat) in the 2019 NCAA semifinals, the only other time the Tigers have played in the Final Four
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           0.6
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The number of seconds left when Virginia’s
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kyle Guy
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            was fouled on a three-point attempt in Auburn’s only previous Final Four appearance. Guy calmly sank all three free throws to give the Cavaliers a 63–62 lead that held. Virginia had trailed by four with under 10 seconds remaining but outscored Auburn 6–1 in the final five seconds, with Guy scoring all six.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           3
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — NCAA Tournament games in which a Florida player has scored 30 or more points.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           KeVaughn Allen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            dropped 35 in the 2017 Sweet 16 win over Wisconsin. Walter Clayton Jr. owns the other two: 33 in the 2024 first-round loss to Colorado and 30 last weekend against Texas Tech.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           4
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — Double-digit comeback wins for Florida this season. The Gators erased deficits of 13 against South Florida, 12 at South Carolina, 10 at Auburn, and 10 versus Texas Tech.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           9
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — Points Walter Clayton Jr. needs to break Florida’s single-season scoring record. He currently sits at 668, just behind
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andy Owens
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ’ mark of 676 set during the 1969–70 campaign.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2014
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The last time Florida reached the Final Four. That team lost a buzzer-beater to UConn in December 2013, then rattled off 30 straight wins, swept the SEC regular season and tournament, and entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. Their run ended with a 63–53 loss to UConn in the national semifinals in Arlington, Texas.
            &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ﻿
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           BOTTOM LINE
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           This Florida squad has already carved out its place in program history. But the opportunity for something greater—true legend status—is still very much in play.
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           Email 
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           Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:53:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-faceoff-gators-vs-tigers-in-a-saturday-showdown-for-the-ages</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Brains, Baskets, and Big Moments: Bennett Andersen’s Elite 90 Triumph</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/brains-baskets-and-big-moments-bennett-andersens-elite-90-triumph</link>
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           Bennett Andersen graduated with a 3.98 GPA in industrial and systems engineering.
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           Share:
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            Florida graduate guard
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           Bennett Andersen
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            was honored on Friday as the recipient of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Elite 90 award, presented following the team’s open practice at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
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           Andersen, who completed his undergraduate degree in 2024 with a 3.98 GPA in Industrial and Systems Engineering, is now pursuing a Master of Science in Management. Before joining the roster as a walk-on in 2023, where he scored his first career point in his debut, he contributed to the program for three years as a team manager.
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           The Tampa, Fla., native has delivered a pair of highlight moments during the 2025 postseason. In the SEC Tournament semifinal against Alabama, his driving layup secured Florida the tournament’s all-time scoring record in a 104-82 victory. He later added another basket in the Sweet 16 matchup with Maryland, converting on an offensive rebound.
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           Andersen becomes the fourth Gator student-athlete across all sports to claim the Elite 90 distinction, joining Alex McMurtry (gymnastics) and Josie Kuhlman (women’s tennis) in 2017, along with Emily Lortz (lacrosse) in 2024.
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            This season, Andersen was also recognized as part of the
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           2025 Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Community Service Team
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           . Beyond the court, he co-founded and serves on the executive committee of the Gainesville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering beds for children and families in need.
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           The Elite 90 award highlights student-athletes who combine athletic excellence with top-tier academic achievement. It is presented to the competitor with the highest cumulative GPA at the championship finals site for each of the NCAA’s 90 national events.
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           To qualify, student-athletes must be at least sophomores academically and have competed for their school for a minimum of two years. In the event of a tie, the total number of credits completed determines the winner.
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            For more details on Elite 90 honorees, visit
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           www.ncaa.org/elite90
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           .
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:13:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/brains-baskets-and-big-moments-bennett-andersens-elite-90-triumph</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Final Four Files: Gators Thrive Under the Spotlight as Golden Turns Up the Pressure in San Antonio</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-files-gators-thrive-under-the-spotlight-as-golden-turns-up-the-pressure-in-san-antonio</link>
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           The Gators men's basketball team has been loose and confident during its stay in San Antonio in preparation for Saturday night's game against SEC rival Auburn. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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           SAN ANTONIO, Texas — For the Florida Gators, reaching the Final Four is the realization of a childhood dream. After capturing the Southeastern Conference Tournament crown and winning four straight NCAA Tournament games, they now stand just two victories away from a national title.
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           Despite the heightened stakes since arriving Wednesday afternoon, the team has shown no signs of stress.
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           On Friday, the Gators welcomed another wave of media during their open locker room session, followed by a public practice at the Alamodome in front of thousands of fans. The atmosphere was electric, but the players remained loose and upbeat as they prepared for Saturday night’s semifinal clash with Auburn.
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            "I definitely enjoy it,'' said senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            "You know, not many people get this opportunity."
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            Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            throws a football during a Final Four team outing on Thursday night. (Photo:
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           During Thursday’s open locker room session,
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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           spent much of his time immersed in EA Sports’ NCAA Football 24, drawing attention as he played a Florida vs. Miami matchup on a large screen. Chants of “
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           DJ Lagway
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           ” echoed through the room while reporters mingled nearby. On Friday, Clayton stepped into a breakout room for interviews, but the relaxed atmosphere in the locker room continued—with video games and laughter still in full swing.
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           Players exchanged jokes and banter between media questions, appearing just as fascinated by the media frenzy as the journalists were by them.
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            "This is amazing," said 7-foot-9 redshirt freshman
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           Olivier Rioux
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           , who hasn’t seen game action this season but drew a steady stream of visitors to his locker. "I have watched the Final Four and now I'm here."
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           MODEL GATORS
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           Assistant co
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            ach
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           Kevin Hovde
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            is set to begin a new journey as head coach at Columbia following the Final Four. As he wraps up three seasons on
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           Todd Golden
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           ’s staff,
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            Hovde remains grateful for the lessons learned at Florida—especially those tied to building successful teams.
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            In preparing for his next role, Hovde connected with several figures from Florida’s basketball legacy, including former head coach
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           Billy Donovan
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            and past assistants
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           Donnie Jones
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            and
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           Dusty May
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           . Across those conversations, one theme consistently emerged: Florida is a uniquely rewarding place to coach.
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           Gators assistant coach 
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            Kevin Hovde
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            sees many similarities in attitude of the players on Florida's roster to that of former UF Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback 
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           Tim Tebow
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           . (Photo: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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            Assistant coach
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           Kevin Hovde
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            shared what he’s learned about Florida’s basketball culture through conversations with past coaches and his own experience on
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           Todd Golden
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            "The common theme was it's a place where you try to bring in guys with great attitudes that work really, really hard,'' Hov de said.
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           "And that's, I think, what they had back in the back-to-back national championship teams. Obviously, they were extremely talented, but they had great dudes on the team."
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            Golden and his staff have followed that blueprint, assembling a roster that blends overlooked transfers like
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            , and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            with emerging young talent such as
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            , and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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           .
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            "When we got to Florida, I can remember talking to Todd and talking about just trying to bring in guys that were incredible attitudes, like
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           Tim Tebow
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            , for example,'' Hovde said.
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           "This is the kind of place that you can attract those guys who are talented enough. And if you can do that – obviously you have to evaluate the basketball part – the sky's the limit. Every one of these guys has a great attitude and work really, really hard. They're so appreciative of being at Florida, and that's what makes us great, that pride and unselfishness."
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           PRESSURE POINT
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Golden_Todd__250402_6990_MaddieWashburn.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Todd Golden
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            stepping on Florida's team plane in San Antonio. (Photo: 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Maddie Washburn
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           )
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            On Friday,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           reflected on the moment in 2022 when his agent informed him that Florida was interested in a conversation. It was a role he immediately knew he wanted.
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            At the time, Golden was coming off a strong season at the University of San Francisco and had other coaching opportunities ahead. But after speaking with Florida’s senior leadership the morning after his initial call with athletic director
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-stricklin/487" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Stricklin
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , he felt confident that Gainesville was the right move—and didn’t hesitate to make his interest clear.
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           "I would love to be your coach,'' Golden told Stricklin. "I don't want to miss out on some other opportunities that I have. If you feel the same way, let's do this thing."
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           By the next day, the deal was done. Now, three years later, Golden has guided the Gators back to the Final Four for the first time since 2014.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida athletic director
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-stricklin/487" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Stricklin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            shared his enthusiasm for head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ’s impact on the program during a Friday interview with Florida Victorious.
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           "Excited that Todd is a Gator and the job he's done,'' Stricklin said. "I think from a timeline standpoint, he's exceeded what anyone would expect, to come in and in his third year to take the Gators to the Final Four."
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Golden’s swift ascent has energized the program, marking a major milestone in just his third season at the helm.
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           FINAL SHOT?
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            On Friday,
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and Tyrese Samuel Martin sat down for an interview just outside the locker room with
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Daymeon Fishback
          &#xD;
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            of the SEC Network. Fishback, a former Auburn standout and captain of the Tigers’ 1999 SEC regular-season championship squad, posed a buzzer-beater scenario to the Florida duo.
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           If Saturday night’s Final Four clash with Auburn comes down to one final possession, who gets the ball?
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           "Him,'' Martin said, gesturing toward Clayton"
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           "I'd say myself,'' Clayton replied with a grin.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           ALBERT'S WAKEUP CALL
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            This year’s Final Four is a far cry from the quieter tournaments of decades past.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            College basketball’s marquee event now mirrors the energy of the Super Bowl, with thousands of fans pouring into San Antonio for three high-stakes games and a packed entertainment lineup—including performances by
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pitbull, T-Pain, Jelly Roll,
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Stapleton
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            at the March Madness Music Festival.
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           Behind the scenes, Florida’s support staff is working nonstop to keep operations smooth. From managing ticket distribution and coordinating with donors and boosters to executing precise travel plans for players and coaches, the off-court hustle is just as intense as the action on the hardwood.
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/013_Albert__250321_0521_MaddieWashburn.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators mascot Albert has been in high demand at the Final Four. (Photo: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Maddie Washburn
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Among the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities during Final Four weekend, one started bright and early Friday morning for
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/nicole-jones/2890" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Nicole Jones
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Florida’s senior associate athletics director for marketing, fan engagement, and branding. At 5:30 a.m., Jones and a colleague escorted Albert, the Gators’ beloved mascot, to Fan Fest for a segment filmed by the Today Show and other national media outlets.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The scale of the Final Four has expanded dramatically since Florida’s first appearance 31 years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina—so much so that today’s version feels like an entirely different spectacle.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           on late-game execution:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Hopefully on Saturday, we don't have to have those types of conversations down the stretch. Hopefully it's more about, 'we got to finish this game the right way, let's play to win and to not lose.'"
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Golden was reflecting on his message to the team during the closing minutes of their tight win over Texas Tech, where near-perfect execution was required to advance.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on family and purpose:
           &#xD;
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           "I have always wanted to make pops proud. Everything I do is for him and my family. It's all for my family, my pops, my mom and everything she's been through, my siblings. So, just being able to come out here and represent my family and represent Africa and represent the organization, it's a big moment for me."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chinyelu spoke from the heart about honoring his late father and representing his roots in Nigeria.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Final Four perspective:
           &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "I'd say I had more fun at the first one with FAU, just because it was new. I didn't know what to expect. This one was more like staying focused and trying to get the job done. I'm still trying to balance having fun, but it's kind of hard when you haven't won a national championship and you want to do that."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Martin compared his current mindset to his first Final Four appearance two years ago, highlighting the shift from wide-eyed excitement to locked-in determination.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           GATOR CELEBS
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           Florida’s return to the Final Four for the first time in over a decade is drawing a crowd of familiar faces to the Alamodome on Saturday night.
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            Gators football head coach
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           Billy Napier
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           , currently stepping away from spring camp, will be in attendance with his family. The team’s annual Orange &amp;amp; Blue Game is set for April 12 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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            Several former Florida basketball stars are also making the trip, including
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           Dan Cross
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            —who started on UF’s first Final Four squad in 1994—alongside
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           Walter Hodge
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           , a key contributor to the Gators’ national championship runs in 2006 and 2007.
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            Former wide receiver
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           Chris Doering
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           , a regular presence at the O’Connell Center during the season, is expected to join the celebration as well.
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           Dan Cross
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           FREE THROWS
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           Alijah Martin
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            has played in San Antonio before—his first appearance came on February 12, 2021, when Florida Atlantic faced off against the University of Texas-San Antonio at the Convocation Center. That night, Martin scored 11 points
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           in front of less than 400 fans
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            Gators assistant coaches
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           Carlin Hartman
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            and
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           Jonathan Safir
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            , both originally from western New York,
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           prompted a story
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            back home as their Final Four journey sparked coverage from Buffalo’s NBC affiliate.
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            Meanwhile, Florida sophomores Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon have become unexpected media favorites in San Antonio,
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           considering their low profile signings
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           .
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            Adding a musical note to the weekend, UF volleyball standout
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           AC Fitzpatrick
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           —an Ocala native—will represent Florida in the singing of the National Anthem. The NCAA has invited one student-athlete from each Final Four school to participate in the performance.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d9171624.webp" length="167196" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:41:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-files-gators-thrive-under-the-spotlight-as-golden-turns-up-the-pressure-in-san-antonio</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>From Underrated to Unforgettable: Walter Clayton Jr. Shines Brightest on Final Four Stage</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/from-underrated-to-unforgettable-walter-clayton-jr-shines-brightest-on-final-four-stage</link>
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           UF guard Walter Clayton Jr. in his breakout podium during Friday's interview session.
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           Share:
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           SAN ANTONIO —
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            The conversation happened over dinner at Mark's, a well-known steakhouse in downtown Gainesville. Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and his wife, Megan, were dining with longtime Gator basketball supporters John and Terry Frost, who had driven in from Polk County. During the meal, Frost brought up a player from his hometown.
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           "I told Todd he needed to look into this kid from Bartow, that I had heard from his high-school coach he probably was going into the transfer portal after the season," said Frost, whose name is honored on the UF practice court. "I'm sure Todd thought, 'Yeah OK, here's this booster from Bartow who thinks he's a scout,' but I know what I'd seen with my own eyes."
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            It wasn’t the first time Frost had advocated for
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            Three years earlier, he’d made a similar recommendation to then-head coach Mike White.
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           At the time, Clayton wasn’t considered a top-tier college basketball prospect—at least not by conventional recruiting standards.
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           John Frost
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           [
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           Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           's "
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           Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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           Let’s pause before assuming Mike White missed something others didn’t—because nearly every major coach in Florida shared the same view of Walter Clayton Jr. Leonard Hamilton (Florida State), Jim Larranaga (Miami), Johnny Dawkins (UCF), Brian Gregory (USF), and Dusty May (Florida Atlantic) all passed on the Bartow High standout, despite his back-to-back Class 6A state titles in 2020 and 2021.
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           The consensus? Clayton wasn’t cut out for high-major basketball.
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           "I just remember thinking, 'If this guy can't play high-major basketball, who can?' " said John Frost.
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           Only Jacksonville, Florida Gulf Coast, and Stetson extended offers. Clayton chose Iona, entered the transfer portal two years later—just as Frost had predicted—and caught the attention of Florida’s Todd Golden.
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           During that dinner at Mark’s steakhouse, Golden—less than a year into his move from the University of San Francisco—pulled up Clayton’s advanced stats on KenPom.com  and was stunned.
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           His reaction? “Wait … what?” The Synergy tape backed it up.
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           Fast forward two years, and fans across the country are echoing that same disbelief—along with plenty of “wow” moments—as Clayton lights up the NCAA Tournament. He now leads the Gators (34–4) into Saturday’s Final Four showdown against Auburn (32–5) at the Alamodome.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) on the attack against Maryland in the Sweet 16.
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           How did so many programs miss on Walter Clayton Jr.? And for that matter—how did they miss on Johni Broome, too?
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           Broome, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward from Plant City, wrapped up his high school career at Tampa Catholic without a single offer from in-state programs. He landed at Morehead State, posted standout numbers as a freshman, and later transferred to Auburn. Now, he’s the 2025 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and a first-team All-American.
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           Sound familiar?
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            ﻿
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           "He probably plays with a chip on his shoulder," Broome said of Clayton this week. "I do the same thing."
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           Despite growing up just 40 miles apart—Clayton in Lake Wales and Broome in Plant City—both players were passed over by top programs across Florida and the Southeast. Today, they’re not only first-team All-Americans, but also finalists for National Player of the Year.
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           What are the odds?
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           "Very, very, very small," Clayton said.
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           Two-time state champion point guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr. 
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           of Bartow.
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           Walter Clayton Jr., now the first first-team All-American in University of Florida basketball history and one of the brightest stars remaining in the Final Four, spent this week answering questions about his under-the-radar recruitment. His standout prep career began at Lake Wales High and concluded at Bartow High, yet interest from top basketball programs was surprisingly limited.
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           The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted recruiting cycles for many athletes, but in Clayton’s case, his reputation as a four-star football recruit—specifically as a safety—may have played a bigger role. With offers from elite football programs, many basketball coaches assumed he’d choose the gridiron over the hardwood.
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           Still, that doesn’t fully explain the lack of attention from college basketball programs.
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           "Maybe they didn't think I had enough skill at the time," Clayton said.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.’s journey took a pivotal turn when a tryout video landed on the radar of one of Rick Pitino’s assistants at Iona. The Hall-of-Fame coach was intrigued enough to make contact.
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           "Walt was a football player," Pitino said Friday at the Final Four, where he accepted the 2025 NCAA Coach of the Year Award—an honor he shared with Auburn’s Bruce Pearl. "What I liked about Walt, he won championships. And I wanted a winner at Iona. He was a winner. Even though he was a football player, I liked the way he passed the ball and what he was doing."
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           Clayton’s freshman year at Iona saw him start just four games, averaging 7.3 points. That season ended with a loss to Florida in the NIT, where Clayton posted eight points and four steals.
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           The following year, he broke out—earning Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors while leading Iona to a conference title and NCAA Tournament berth. He averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and led the nation in free-throw percentage at 95.3%.
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           At that point, Clayton was already considering a move via the transfer portal.
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           Fast forward two years, and he’s now one of college basketball’s brightest stars. Florida head coach Todd Golden embraced Clayton’s potential, repositioning him as a scoring point guard and giving him full creative freedom.
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           Including the green light to shoot whenever he feels the moment is right.
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           If 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            can see the basket, it's a good shot. Sometimes, he doesn't even need to do that.
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            ﻿
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           Florida head coach Todd Golden reflected on Walter Clayton Jr.’s evolution this season, crediting the team’s system for unlocking his full potential.
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           "He's always been able to make plays out of the ball screen and, obviously, been able to score at an elite level, but I think it was us providing that opportunity for him to play the lead guard and obviously surrounding him with guards that fit to lift up all the good parts of his game," Golden said. "It's the jump we expected him to make by having that opportunity. We had a lot of belief in him coming into this year and, obviously, he's rewarded us for that belief."
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            Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            echoed that sentiment:
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           "It's been great seeing him show everybody what we already knew."
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           Clayton’s clutch instincts were on full display last week when he nailed a dramatic fall-away three-pointer to give Florida the lead against Texas Tech in the final minute. After the game, he received a text from a former Iona teammate.
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           "They said Coach P thought it was a bad shot," Clayton laughed.
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           But Clayton’s been hitting those all season—including four dagger threes in Florida’s upset win over then-No. 1 Auburn on February 8. He finished that game with 19 points and a career-best nine assists. Auburn’s Johni Broome countered with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, but Florida’s defense held him to 8-for-19 shooting.
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           Advantage Clayton—at least in that matchup.
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           "He played great. He made every shot that we didn't defend correctly," said Auburn associate head coach Steven Pearl.
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           "Anytime we went under a ball screen or under a [dribble-handoff] or didn't go over the top of a player, he banged a shot. We had a couple of execution flaws on the defensive end and he made us pay for every single one of them."
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           Similar praise has come from SEC coaches and those at Connecticut and Texas Tech, who watched Clayton deliver crunch-time heroics with deep, off-balance threes.
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           Across seven postseason games—including three SEC Tournament wins and four NCAA Tournament victories, five of which came against ranked opponents—Clayton has averaged 21.6 points, shooting 46.7% from the field, 47.4% from three-point range (on 57 attempts), and 88.9% from the free-throw line (on 45 attempts).
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            has been one of the coolest dudes in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
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           Walter Clayton Jr. is just nine points away from breaking the University of Florida’s single-season scoring record, currently sitting at 668 points.
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            ﻿
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           Safe to say—he was absolutely built for high-major basketball.
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           Credit goes to John Frost for the early scouting tip. Perhaps it’s time to schedule another dinner?
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           "Coming from the west coast, Todd wouldn't have known Walter Clayton from Adam's house cat," Frost said. "I guess nobody else did, either."
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           Now? Everyone knows his name.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at 
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    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-2addb15e.webp" length="32452" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:14:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/from-underrated-to-unforgettable-walter-clayton-jr-shines-brightest-on-final-four-stage</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida’s Rising Star: McGill Named to WBIT Elite Team</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/floridas-rising-star-mcgill-named-to-wbit-elite-team</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida's Liv McGill was named to the 2025 WBIT All-Tournament Team after posting a combined 69 points across four games.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/documents/2025/4/3/McGill_WBIT_Stats.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           McGill's 2025 WBIT Stats
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           Share:
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           INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.
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            — Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            has earned a spot on the 2025 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) All-Tournament Team following a standout postseason showing. Although the Gators’ journey concluded in the semifinals, McGill’s performance throughout the tournament distinguished her as a rising freshman talent.
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           Across four WBIT games, McGill averaged 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per contest. Her back-to-back 22-point outings against UNLV and Texas Tech were instrumental in propelling Florida into the semifinal round.
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           Defensively, McGill added 3.5 steals per game to her stat line, underscoring her impact on both ends of the court. She capped her tournament run with an 18-point, nine-rebound effort against Minnesota in the semifinals.
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            Despite Florida’s loss to the eventual WBIT champions, McGill’s contributions earned high praise. “Liv was instrumental in our success throughout the WBIT,” said Florida head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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           . “Her leadership, play making, and intensity as a freshman set the tone for our team, and this honor is well-deserved.”
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           The full list of 2025 WBIT All-Tournament honorees includes:
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            Tori McKinney, Minnesota
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            Amaya Battle, Minnesota
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            Jailyn Banks, Belmont
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            Maddie Webber, Villanova
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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            , Florida
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-7a4881d8.webp" length="75206" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:01:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/floridas-rising-star-mcgill-named-to-wbit-elite-team</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Final Four Fever: Everything Gator Nation Needs to Know in San Antonio</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-fever-everything-gator-nation-needs-to-know-in-san-antonio</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators are in the Final Four for the sixth time in program history.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida vs. (1) Auburn
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Event:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date/Time:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Saturday, April 5 at 6:09 p.m. (ET)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Location:
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             Alamodome
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.alamodome.com/?utm_source=ncaatickets&amp;amp;utm_medium=MBBvenueinfo&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBBmoreinfolinks" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Venue Info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            )
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             / San Antonio
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.finalfoursanantonio.com/?utm_source=ncaatickets&amp;amp;utm_medium=MBBsanantonioinfo&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBBmoreinfolinks" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            City Info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            )
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Records:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Florida (34-4) vs. Auburn (31-5)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Television:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             CBS with Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, and Tracy Wolfson
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD (
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ) with
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             , Lee Humphrey, and Steve Egan /
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Listen Live
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             on the Varsity Network app
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Important Information Before You Go
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Visit
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/feature/2025-mbb-tournament-central" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025 Men's Basketball Tournament Central
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             for the latest Final Four updates
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/marchmadnesstickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             :
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Florida sections 106–111)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             /
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://onlocationexp.com/ncaa/mens-final-four-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            NCAA Ticket Packages, Hotel Packages &amp;amp; Premium Experiences
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Doors open at 3:00 p.m. (CT)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="/"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alamodome Parking &amp;amp; Tailgating
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.alamodome.com/plan-your-visit/facility-rules-security" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alamodome Cashless Facility
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/maps" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Parking, Transportation &amp;amp; Event Maps
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.alamodome.com/plan-your-visit/clear-bag-policy?utm_source=ncaatickets&amp;amp;utm_medium=MBBbagpolicy&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBBmoreinfolinks" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alamodome Clear Bag Policy
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://publications.learfield.com/collections/ncaa/products/2025-ncaa-mens-final-four-program" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four Program
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/mens-final-four-app" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Download the Official NCAA Men’s Final Four App
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Game 2:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             8:49 p.m. (CT) – (1) Houston vs. (1) Duke
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           2025 MEN'S FINAL FOUR FAN EVENTS IN SAN ANTONIO (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/events" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            full details
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Open Practice
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Alamodome/@29.4203786,-98.4857925,17z/data=!3m1!5s0x865cf604bb4e7a79:0x8209e154b95f6e1e!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x865cf601f5768cdd:0x9319cd72d9d343a5!2s900+E+Market+St,+San+Antonio,+TX+78205!3b1!8m2!3d29.4203786!4d-98.4832176!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3h2lrn!3m5!1s0x865c58abaa9dd097:0xfa0cb52bd2a4c708!8m2!3d29.4169834!4d-98.4788143!16zL20vMDM5MGY4?entry=ttu&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Friday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. (CT) / Alamodome
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free admission /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/reeses-final-four-friday#overview" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Event Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Victorious Final Four Celebration
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Friday, April 4 / 8:00 p.m. – Midnight (CT
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Be Kind &amp;amp; Rewind (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/7M1BfNAMe1S9EK4L7" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           115 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Get tickets here:
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://t.co/dUZFr1ATx5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            https://t.co/dUZFr1ATx5
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Victorious members: up to 2 free tickets; non-members: $25
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/wDUJm" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Support
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             the Florida Victorious March Madness Pledge Per Challenge
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Final Four River Rally
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Saturday, April 5 / 11:00 a.m. – Noon (CT) /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kc1ZqXQ57Ju31tec7" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rivercenter Lagoon at River Walk
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Featuring the Gators pep band, cheerleaders, The Dazzlers, and Albert on barges along the River Walk
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/riverrally" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Event Information
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Nation Headquarters
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Saturday, April 5 / 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://cafe.hardrock.com/san-antonio/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Hard Rock Café
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (111 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Hosted by Gator Boosters and the UF Alumni Association, located near the team hotel leads into Gator Walk
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Final Four Gator Walk
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Saturday, April 5 / Approx. 3:00 p.m. (CT)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/satvw-the-westin-riverwalk-san-antonio/overview/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Westin Riverwalk
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/satvw-the-westin-riverwalk-san-antonio/overview/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           San Antonio
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/mRsAaLU6f6LeqtRo9" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           March Madness Music Festival
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Friday, April 4 – Sunday, April 6 /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/PcbJw5t6ye3zQbnM8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tower Park at Hemisfair
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free event with live performances by Pitbull, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and more
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/march-madness-music-festival" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Event Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Men’s Final Four Fan Fest
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Friday, April 4 – Monday, April 7 /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Henry+B.+Gonz%C3%A1lez+Convention+Center/@29.4203786,-98.4857925,17z/data=!3m1!5s0x865c58aa01766e23:0x664d9fb49b011f9a!4m6!3m5!1s0x865c58aa06483c27:0x9adbeeaa9ace85f0!8m2!3d29.4204074!4d-98.4836727!16zL20vMDlubjdz?entry=ttu&amp;amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Henry B. González Convention Center
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/fan-fest#overview" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tickets ($10) &amp;amp; Event Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Men’s Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Friday, April 4 – Monday, April 7 /
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Civic Park
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           Event Information
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           National Championship Gator Walk (If Advance)
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           Monday, April 7 / Approx. 6:30 p.m. (CT)
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           The Westin Riverwalk
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            ,
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           San Antonio
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           420 W Market St
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           San Antonio
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           TX 78205
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           )
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           Championship River Parade (If Advance)
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            Monday, April 7 (Postgame) /
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           Arneson River Theatre
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            (River Walk)
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           Event Details
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           Final Four Merchandise
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           Official 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament gear
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:05:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-fever-everything-gator-nation-needs-to-know-in-san-antonio</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clash of the SEC Titans: Golden’s Gators vs. Pearl’s Tigers on the Final Four Stage</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clash-of-the-sec-titans-goldens-gators-vs-pearls-tigers-on-the-final-four-stage</link>
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           Gators head coach Todd Golden and Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl greet each other earlier this season when the Gators visited Auburn. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            SAN ANTONIO, Texas — One of the most compelling storylines leading into Saturday night’s Final Four matchup between Florida and Auburn is the connection between Gators head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and Auburn’s Bruce Pearl.
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           For those who may have missed the buildup, Pearl gave Golden his first opportunity at Auburn in 2014, hiring him as director of basketball operations before promoting him to assistant coach the following year—a move that helped launch Golden’s coaching career.
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           Now, more than ten years later, the two will face each other on college basketball’s grandest stage.
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           "It's a little surreal, to be honest, to be able to be here at the Final Four,'' Golden said Thursday. "But playing on Saturday against one of your biggest and best mentors is not exactly something you expect when the season starts. When the ball goes up on Saturday, it's going to be pretty cutthroat. Until then, there will be a lot of love shown."
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           Roughly an hour after Golden’s comments, Auburn associate head coach Steven Pearl—Bruce’s son—smiled when asked about Golden inside Auburn’s locker room. While the spotlight is on Bruce Pearl and Golden, the story actually traces back to Steven and Golden, who became friends while competing overseas.
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           Golden, a former Saint Mary’s guard, and Steven, who played for his father during Bruce’s tenure at Tennessee, were teammates in the Maccabi World Union, described on its official website as the world’s largest Jewish sports and educational organization.
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           Steven Pearl
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           , left, with his father 
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           Bruce Pearl
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            during a recent Auburn game. (Photo: 
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           Jake Crandall
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           / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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           Steven Pearl recalled first playing alongside Todd Golden in 2006, and again in 2009 when Golden served as co-captain of the USA Open Team—coached by Bruce Pearl—that captured gold at the Maccabi Games, often referred to as the "Jewish Olympics."
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           When asked Thursday to give a scouting report on Golden as a player, Steven didn’t hesitate.
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           "Send him right, and don't let him shoot,'' Pearl said. "Make him activate his dribble going to his right hand, and don't give him any clean looks. Todd was obviously a great shooter back in his day. That's where our friendship kind of developed. He was a great player in his own right and, similar to how he coaches, just works his ass off."
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           By the time Golden joined Bruce Pearl’s staff at Auburn, Steven was working as an assistant strength coach for the Tigers. Since then, the two have built both careers and a lasting friendship, even standing in each other’s weddings. Their bond remains strong—they FaceTimed on Sunday after Auburn’s win over Michigan State secured the program’s second Final Four appearance.
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           Steven Pearl said it was clear from the start that Golden was destined for success in coaching.
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           "From the second that he got onto our campus, just his mindset and the way his brain works, and how analytically focused he is, you could just tell that he's obsessed with basketball. He's obsessed with certain in-game situations. He's obsessed with roster development and building,'' Steve Pearl said. "Those small intricacies, those small details, are what make him so good. It's no mystery or surprise that he was able to do it so quickly.
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           "At San Francisco, in a league where Gonzaga and Saint Mary's are just the kings, and he was able to make that program relevant in that league, which may be even more impressive than doing it at Florida, honestly, because Florida is a great basketball job."
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           Golden shares the same admiration. A decade after leaving Auburn to become an assistant at San Francisco, both men are now realizing the dream they once talked about.
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           "It's incredible,'' Golden said. "It's what life is all about."
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           This marks Golden’s first Final Four appearance, while it is Steven Pearl’s second. He was part of Auburn’s staff in 2019 when the Tigers fell to eventual national champion Virginia in the semifinals.
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           Steven explained that once you’ve reached the Final Four, it stays with you until you return. Now that he’s back, Saturday night at the Alamodome will bring a unique twist—facing one of his closest friends across the court.
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           "A friend, yes, but an enemy on that night.
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            ﻿
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           "The week of is kind of weird because while we'll still be friends, at the end of the day, we still want to win this game,'' Pearl said. "It makes it a little different."
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:50:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clash-of-the-sec-titans-goldens-gators-vs-pearls-tigers-on-the-final-four-stage</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Back to His Roots: Zyon Pullin’s Powerful Reminder to Never Forget Where You Came From</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/back-to-his-roots-zyon-pullins-powerful-reminder-to-never-forget-where-you-came-from</link>
      <description />
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           Alijah Martin (15) surrounded by his Florida teammates during a CBS promo shoot Thursday at the Final Four.
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           Share:
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           SAN ANTONIO – The Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex was still buzzing with energy. Just a day earlier, Florida had captured the Southeastern Conference Tournament title—the program’s first championship in 11 years. While the players enjoyed a day off, the coaching staff and support team were already immersed in preparations for the upcoming NCAA Tournament trip to Raleigh, N.C.
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            Amid the busy atmosphere, Corey Reynolds, UF’s head manager, was handling tournament logistics when his phone rang. On the other end was fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            with a special request. It wasn’t about shoes, gear, or even an extra workout. What Martin wanted required more thought and more effort.
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           Despite an already packed to-do list, Reynolds didn’t hesitate. "I didn't think twice about it," he said.
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            Within hours, Reynolds had assembled a collage featuring Florida’s players and coaches, highlighting moments from their earlier days when they were far from the spotlight. Martin during his time at Florida Atlantic.
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           Will Richard
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            at Belmont.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            at his prep school in Pennsylvania.
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            at Orlando Dr. Phillips High. Head Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            at his desk in San Francisco. Associate head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/1896" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlin Hartman
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            on the sidelines at Rice. Assistant
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           Kevin Hovde
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            as a walk-on in his oversized Richmond jersey. And many more.
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           Across the top of the image, a powerful message was displayed: "NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM."
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           As the NCAA opener approached, Alijah Martin shared the image with the Gators through the team’s group text, adding the words, "Stay humble, stay hungry."
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           The responses from teammates came quickly:
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            This is incredible. Great work.
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            Real s—t
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            LFG
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            Ridiculous
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            &amp;#55358;&amp;#56599;
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            So dope!
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            Let's work
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            Members only
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           One game at a time, let's get it
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           What began as Martin’s personal reminder soon became a unifying message for the entire squad, evolving into a rallying cry over the past three weeks.
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           "Sometimes, you can experience so much success, and so many people tell you how good you are, that you can forget the grind. It can change your character," Martin said. "But if you can always remember to stay grounded, stay humble and remain that same guy, you can continue to have success."
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           From where they started to where they stand now, the growth is undeniable.
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           On Thursday, the Gators (34-4)—winners of 10 straight and 16 of their last 17—arrived at the Alamodome, the stage for this weekend’s 2025 Final Four. They will face Southeastern Conference rival Auburn (32-5) in Saturday night’s semifinal, with the victor advancing to Monday’s national championship game.
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            ﻿
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           The theme of staying true to their roots and embracing an underdog spirit has been present since the team first came together last summer. The word "misfits" was even used to describe the group, reflecting the unconventional paths taken by players and coaches alike.
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            Golden, once a walk-on point guard at Saint Mary’s, guided a coaching staff filled with assistants who had spent years moving from job to job without yet earning the chance to lead a program. On the court, the dynamic guard trio of
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , Richard, and Martin had all been overlooked in their home states during recruiting. Meanwhile, sophomores
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            were absent from the top-150 rankings of their signing class. Preseason predictions didn’t expect much either—polls slotted Florida only sixth in the Southeastern Conference, with no one forecasting the remarkable run that followed.
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           That’s why receiving a nostalgic visual reminder—delivered right to their phones—was the perfect motivator heading into the tournament.
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            "I know what it meant to us coaches, especially to me and Korey," said
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           Jordan Talley
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            , assistant director of player development, also speaking for Associate Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/korey-mccray/1895" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Korey McCray
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           , both of whom began their careers in the junior-college ranks. "We took the road less traveled. We're all dogs. We were all hungry."
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           The timing of the message couldn’t have been better, sparking reflection and memories just when the team needed it most.
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            Junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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           , a 7-foot-1 product of the Charlotte area, didn’t receive a single scholarship offer from schools in his home state. He chose Marshall, where he went on to earn 2023 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year honors. When he entered the transfer portal, interest poured in from dozens of programs—including nearly every school in the SEC.
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           "I came here because of the coaches, especially Coach Hartman," Handlogten said. "He told me he was going to coach me harder than I'd ever been coached in my life. That's exactly what I wanted to hear, exactly what I needed."
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           It was Coach Carlin Hartman who reinforced the team’s underdog identity during an emotional, unscripted talk at practice on Jan. 16, just two days after Florida’s home loss to Missouri. He reminded both players and staff that they had strayed from the mindset that fueled 15 wins in their first 16 games—and that it was time to reclaim it. His passionate words left the group captivated.
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           Associate Head Coach 
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           Carlin Hartman
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           Since that turning point, Florida has compiled a 19-2 record, highlighted by nine victories over Top 25 opponents. Five of those came against teams ranked in the top 10, and the run also featured the program’s first-ever road win against a No. 1-ranked opponent.
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           That top-ranked team, fittingly, was Auburn.
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           "A lot of variables go into coaching. There's a lot of mentorship and relationship stuff, then there's some of it that … can you strike a nerve? Can you touch someone?" Hartman said. "We are a team that needs to remember who we are, where we came from and how we got here."
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           It was only appropriate that Alijah Martin delivered the most recent spark (or “strike,” as Hartman described it). At Florida Atlantic, Martin had been a key figure in the Owls’ unforgettable Cinderella journey to the Final Four. Now, in his graduate season with the Gators, his leadership, defensive presence, and steady voice have been indispensable. Florida would not be in this position without him.
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           On Saturday night, Martin will make history as the first player ever to start in two Final Fours with two different programs.
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            ﻿
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           But on Thursday, his enjoyment came from something simpler—watching the wide-eyed reactions of his teammates, phones in hand, as they stepped into the massive 65,000-seat Alamodome to prepare for the biggest stage in college basketball.
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  &lt;a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1907820325313593798/photo/1" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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           Alijah Martin remembered the awe he felt stepping onto the stage for the first time two years ago in Houston. This week, though, he chose not to share those memories, wanting his teammates to experience the moment for themselves.
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           As it turned out, Martin found himself just as amazed this time around.
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           Reflecting on his own journey reminded him how far he had come—and now he was able to bring the Gators along with him.
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           "I'm having the same feelings, actually, but now I can watch my guys smile like little kids in a candy factory," Martin said. "They're lives have changed forever and they really don't know it yet."
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           Email senior writer
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ce09b6a3.webp" length="91202" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:36:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/back-to-his-roots-zyon-pullins-powerful-reminder-to-never-forget-where-you-came-from</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ce09b6a3.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ce09b6a3.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gator Tales Unleashed: Clayton, Martin &amp; Richard Talk Hoops, Hustle, and Heart</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-tales-unleashed-clayton-martin-richard-talk-hoops-hustle-and-heart</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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           Episode 48: Gator Tales with Sean Kelley, Presented by UF Health. 
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            As the Gators gear up for their Final Four clash with Auburn,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            sits down with men's basketball seniors
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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           , 
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           Alijah Martin
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            and 
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           Will Richard
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            for a timely and energizing conversation.
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           Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:53:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-tales-unleashed-clayton-martin-richard-talk-hoops-hustle-and-heart</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Double Trouble: Hovde and Andrzejek Power Florida’s Final Four Push</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/double-trouble-hovde-and-andrzejek-power-floridas-final-four-push</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The phrase “March Madness” couldn’t be more appropriate for Florida assistant coaches
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           John Andrzejek
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            and
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           Kevin Hovde
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           , who were greeted by the lively sounds of a Mariachi band when the Gators arrived in town late Wednesday afternoon.
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           Florida’s path to the Final Four has featured four wins, a regional trip across the country—and two major coaching announcements along the way.
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           On March 20, Campbell University revealed that 32-year-old Andrzejek would take over as its new head coach. Just four days later, Columbia University named 36-year-old Hovde as its next head coach.
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           Now, as Andrzejek (defensive coordinator) and Hovde (offensive coordinator) enter their final week with the Gators, both are pouring in extra hours. While preparing for their next chapters, they remain fully committed to the present, determined to help Florida finish their story with a national championship.
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           Gators assistant 
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           Kevin Hovde
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           Todd Golden
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           have worked together for nine seasons at three different schools. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           "I'll be fine,'' Kevin Hovde said when asked about juggling responsibilities and staying focused. "The reality is, I feel very fortunate and happy to be in this position. It's all great things. And, you know, we just want to make sure that we give everything we have to finish out this season with the Gators. What we're doing here is pretty special."
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           For John Andrzejek, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind. During Florida’s NCAA Tournament opening weekend in Raleigh, N.C.—where the Gators defeated Norfolk State and defending champion Connecticut—he was also managing his introduction as Campbell University’s new head coach. Located in Buies Creek, N.C., just south of Raleigh, Campbell sent a media crew to capture content and film an introductory video the day before Florida’s first-round game. Andrzejek balanced those duties while preparing for what became a 26-point win over Norfolk State.
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           As congratulatory texts and calls flooded in by the hundreds, Andrzejek had to put his phone aside.
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           "It's been crazy,'' he admitted. "When that stuff was going on, that was sort of the height of the discombobulation. It's definitely two full-time jobs, but I've really tried to stay locked in with the Gators and make sure we're doing everything we can to guard these teams as well as possible."
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            The journey has been unforgettable for both assistants. Last week, they joined head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            in returning to familiar ground in San Francisco, where Florida defeated Maryland and Texas Tech to secure its first Final Four berth in 11 years. Practices were held at the University of San Francisco, where Golden had spent three seasons as head coach before taking over the Gators in 2022.
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           Hovde worked alongside Golden for five years at USF, while back in 2016-17, Golden served as associate head coach under Kyle Smith, Hovde was an assistant, and Andrzejek handled director of basketball operations duties.
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            Golden expressed pride in seeing both assistants earn their first head coaching opportunities. He also announced that
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           Jonathan Safir
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           , Florida’s director of basketball strategy and analytics, would be promoted to assistant coach to help fill the gap. Still, Golden emphasized the lasting impact Hovde and Andrzejek have had on the program.
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           "Kevin obviously deserves a lot of credit for the success our program's had. He's been with us since day one here at Florida,'' Golden said. "He's been a big part of who we recruit and just how we build out our program on a day-to-day basis and has coordinated our offense. A guy that I think is going to become a great head coach.
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           "And then for John, really the same. He came here later and has done a really good job of building out the foundation of our defense and holding us to a higher standard on that side of the ball. Tireless worker, does a great job of raising the bar in terms of just basically the amount of time and effort he puts into our program. We're going to miss those guys a lot."
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           The results speak for themselves. Florida’s offense is averaging 85.5 points per game, ranking second nationally in offensive efficiency, following a program-record 85.7 points per game last season under Hovde’s guidance. On the defensive side, Andrzejek has overseen a dramatic improvement, with the Gators climbing from 94th nationally a year ago to 10th this season.
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           "I'll admit, there were some rough days in the preseason,'' Andrzejek said. "It was not always sunshine and flowers and Kumbaya. We definitely made it a priority as a program to coach them harder on the defensive end, hold them more accountable, and just ask them to devote more energy to that side of the ball."
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           Florida's defense made significant strides the past two seasons under 
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           John Andrzejek
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           , left, who revamped the intensity with the blessing of head coach 
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           Todd Golden
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           . (Photo: 
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           /UAA Communications)
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            John Andrzejek joined Florida after Todd Golden’s first season, following four years as an assistant at Washington State under Kyle Smith, who later accepted the head coaching role at Stanford. Since then, Golden, Kevin Hovde, Andrzejek, and fellow assistant
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            have leaned on many of the same philosophies they once applied while working with Smith at Columbia. With the addition of modern tools, advanced analytics, and evolving strategies, Florida’s staff has earned the label of playing "nerd ball."
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           They don’t shy away from the nickname—in fact, they embrace it.
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           "It's great,'' Hovde said. "I mean, it all started back when we were all at Columbia together. We used advanced analytics and across every part of our program. Most programs are using it to an extent now, but I do think we were on the forefront of it."
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           Andrzejek echoed the sentiment. "It's definitely a big part of our success,'' he said. "We try to leverage data as much as possible to inform our decision making, whether that's in the guys we recruit, the playing style that we play on both sides of the ball, some of the scouting decisions that we make, but it's only a piece of the puzzle. There's an old-school coaching component of it too, that is certainly really important."
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           Hovde now steps into the head coaching role at Columbia, succeeding Jim Engles, who had replaced Smith in 2016 but struggled to find the same level of success. For Andrzejek, Columbia also holds personal significance—it’s where he earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and first crossed paths with Golden and Hovde.
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           Hovde intends to carry forward many of the lessons learned under Golden.
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           "How to run an organization, I think that's where Todd's incredible," Hovde said. "He really operates like he's a CEO. He's a great delegator, just great at kind of having his fingerprints all over the program, but also allowing the staff to do their jobs. The second piece, I would say, is our experience here. I think it really helped me become even more confident in our program and our system and that it can work anywhere."
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           That system has propelled Florida all the way to the Final Four, just two wins away from proving that "nerd ball" can capture a national championship.
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           "It's been the time of my life," Andrzejek said. "I mean, it's been awesome to kind of build the program up from a program that was coming off an NIT appearance, to now we're in the Final Four, and we got as good a chance of anybody to go all the way and cut them down."
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:42:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/double-trouble-hovde-and-andrzejek-power-floridas-final-four-push</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>From Walk-On to Full Ride: Andersen’s Gator Grind Pays Off</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/from-walk-on-to-full-ride-andersens-gator-grind-pays-off</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Fifth-year grad student Bennett Andersen hoists the mock check awarded him Tuesday by Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – During Tuesday’s practice, the Florida Gators men’s basketball team entered the gym to find unfamiliar faces and cameras waiting. Head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            called the team to center court, setting the stage for a moment that would go far beyond Final Four hype.
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            Brandon Landry, founder of
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           Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
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           , shared his journey with the team. A former walk-on at LSU, Landry recalled, “The last guy coming in the game, whether up by 30 or down by 30,” before launching his hospitality venture in 2003. Today, Walk-On’s boasts 80 locations across 16 states, including three in Florida.
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           “We like to celebrate the heart of a walk-on,” Landry told the Gators. “We like to find stories, and you guys have been inspirational.”
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            The spotlight quickly turned to fifth-year guard
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           Bennett Andersen
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           , who spent three seasons as a team manager before earning walk-on status under Golden in 2023.
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           Brandon Landry
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           In recent postseason play, Andersen made three late-game appearances that electrified the bench. In the SEC Tournament semifinals, he drove past Alabama’s Labaron Philon for a layup that sent teammates into a frenzy. During the “Sweet 16” win over Maryland, he grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a putback with just over a minute remaining, once again igniting celebration.
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           Brandon Landry shared that he'd heard fifth-year graduate student Bennett Andersen—who holds a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering—has a fondness for cheeseburgers. As a result, Andersen now has an open invitation to enjoy one on the house at any Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux location.
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           “And one other thing,” Landry added. “You're gettin' a scholarship.”
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           Soon after, Andersen—now affectionately nicknamed “Bennie Buckets”—was all smiles as he posed with a $10,000 ceremonial check, surrounded by teammates celebrating the moment.
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            Already holding an Industrial &amp;amp; Systems Engineering degree and currently pursuing a master’s in management from the College of Business, Andersen was visibly moved. It’s been a whirlwind stretch for the Tampa native, whose postgame interview with WRUF during the Elite Eight in San Francisco recently went viral. That moment led to a
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           T-shirt endorsement deal for both Andersen and reporter Talia Baia
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           The scholarship announcement for Bennett Andersen came together quickly, thanks to coordinated efforts from Ben Chase, UF’s director of NIL strategy, the University Athletic Association’s compliance team, and the crew at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
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           “It means a lot,” said Andersen, whose parents received an early morning call from Chase encouraging them to arrive in Gainesville by 2 p.m. for a special ceremony. “The last few days have been pretty overwhelming. I'm not used to this kind of attention, so I'm a little ready for it to all end, to be honest, but I'm so grateful to everyone. It's all amazing.”
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           And just to top it off?
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           “We're in the Final Four,” he said. “It's all a dream come true.”
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:11:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/from-walk-on-to-full-ride-andersens-gator-grind-pays-off</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton’s Climb: From Lake Wales to Wooden Top 5 Glory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/claytons-climb-from-lake-wales-to-wooden-top-5-glory</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Walter Clayton Jr. has averaged 22.3 points per game in this year's NCAA Tournament.
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           Share:
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            Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            of Florida men's basketball has been named to the John R. Wooden Award All-America Team and received Top 5 honors, as announced by the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
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           Hailing from Lake Wales, Florida, Clayton has delivered one of the most impressive individual campaigns in program history, helping guide the Gators to their sixth Final Four appearance.
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           During NCAA Tournament play, Clayton has posted an average of 22.3 points per game and was named NCAA Tournament West Region Most Outstanding Player. His clutch performance included scoring eight points in the final three minutes against Texas Tech, fueling Florida’s decisive 18-4 run to secure a Final Four spot.
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           The Gators are set to face Auburn on Saturday at 6:09 p.m. EDT in San Antonio, Texas. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
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           John R. Wooden Award Men's All-America Team
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           Johni Broome, Aubur
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           n
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            ,
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           Florida
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           L.J. Cryer, Houston
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           Kam Jones, Marquette
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           John Tonje, Wisconsin
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           John R. Wooden Award Top 5
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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           ,
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           Florida
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           Cooper Flagg, Duke
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Braden Smith, Purdue
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:15:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/claytons-climb-from-lake-wales-to-wooden-top-5-glory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Grit to the End: Gators Bow Out in WBIT Semifinals</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-to-the-end-gators-bow-out-in-wbit-semifinals</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators run in the WBIT came to a close in the semifinals against Minnesota. Florida will now return to Gainesville with a 19-18 record for the 2024-25 season.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/university-of-minnesota/boxscore/27298" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Box Score
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/documents/2025/3/31/Final_Gamebook_vs._UM.PDF" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Final Gamebook
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/watch/on-demand/interviews?Archive=24653&amp;amp;type=Archive" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pos
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            ﻿
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           t Game Press Conference
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/university-of-minnesota/boxscore/27298" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Box Score
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/documents/2025/3/31/Final_Gamebook_vs._UM.PDF" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Final Gamebook
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/watch/on-demand/interviews?Archive=24653&amp;amp;type=Archive" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Pos
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            ﻿
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           t Game Press Conference
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           Share:
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           INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Florida’s postseason run came to an end Monday night with a 66–52 loss to Minnesota in the WBIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This marked the Gators’ first semifinal appearance since 2013 and their deepest push in WBIT history.
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           The game opened with a competitive first half, featuring multiple lead changes. Florida briefly regained control in the second quarter, but Minnesota responded with a decisive 12–0 run to take a double-digit lead into halftime. Despite cutting the deficit to eight in the second half, Florida couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s defense.
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            Freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            once again led the Gators in scoring, posting 18 points against her hometown team. It was her 33rd double-digit performance of the season and her 20th time leading the team in scoring. With the season’s conclusion, McGill now holds the program record for most points scored by a freshman in a single season—611 total—surpassing Quientella Bonner’s long-standing mark of 489 set in 1977.
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; Flo
          &#xD;
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           rida’s 2025 Postseason Highlights
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            First-ever WBIT semifinal appearance
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            First postseason semifinal since 2013
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            5–2 record in postseason play
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            3–2 all-time in WBIT competition
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            First winning season since 2022–23
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            Coach Kelly Rae Finley earned her first postseason quarterfinal win
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; Game Breakdown
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           First Quarter
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            McGill opened scoring with a three-pointer in the first 20 seconds
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            Florida forced seven turnovers and converted 15 points from 19 possessions
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            Reynolds led defensively with three rebounds
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            McGill scored seven points on 3-of-7 shooting
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            Minnesota led 16–15 at the end of the quarter
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           Second Quarter
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            Florida regained the lead with a 9–2 run
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            McGill led all scorers with 11 points
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            Minnesota responded with a 12–0 run to close the half
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            Halftime score: Minnesota 37, Florida 29
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           Third Quarter
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            Reynolds led Florida with five points
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            Florida outrebounded Minnesota 9–7
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            Five Gators contributed at least two points
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            Florida trailed 52–40 heading into the fourth
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           Fourth Quarter
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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            scored six points early in the quarter
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            Kyle led on the boards with three rebounds
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            Gassett recorded Florida’s only steal
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            Florida shot 35.7% from the field and was outscored 14–12
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; Notable Stats
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            McGill (18) and Reynolds (11) reached double figures
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            McGill has 14 games with 20+ points this season
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            Florida went 6-for-6 from the free throw line (season-high percentage)
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            Forced 15 turnovers, converting for eight points
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            Bench contributed 10 points
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            McGill led with nine rebounds
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            Kyle finished the season with 16 double-doubles
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            Salgues led in assists with four
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            Florida led for just 4 minutes and 56 seconds
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            52 points marked Florida’s third-lowest scoring game of the season
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            UF is now 2–5 in neutral-site games
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Florida: 
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           19-18, (6-12 SEC)
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           Minnesota: 
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           24-11, (8-10 BIG 10)
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           SERIES RECORD:
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           The series between the Gators and Golden Gophers now stands at 1-0 in favor of Minnesota.
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           Bench Talk
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           Coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/susie-gardner/1918" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Susie Gardner
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            and her overall thoughts:
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           "First of all, we are really proud of our season and the way we finished the season, and our young players that are sitting up here. A lot of credit to Minnesota. They played great defense. Their defense was better than our offense tonight. But I think we set a foundation."
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           Freshman 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            on her takeaways from the season:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Some things I would take away is just be where your feet are, one game at a time. I learned that the games early in the season are just as important at the end of the season. I will not take that for granted again being a freshman. I will know and have experience now under my best, and I will not make that mistake again."
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           Sophomore 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            on her time playing in the WBIT:
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           "It was just a great opportunity just to be playing in this tournament and in March. No matter what it was, no matter the outcome, I'm just happy to be able to compete with my teammates."
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           FLORIDA'S POSTSEASON BREAKDOWN:
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           #GoGators
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e4b03f8a.webp" length="92522" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:40:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-to-the-end-gators-bow-out-in-wbit-semifinals</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e4b03f8a.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e4b03f8a.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators vs. Gophers: One Win from the WBIT Final</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-gophers-one-win-from-the-wbit-final</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators concluded day one of preparations at Hinkle Fieldhouse with high energy as they look to secure a spot in a postseason final for the first time since 2000.
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           Share:
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           INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.
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            — Florida has touched down in Indianapolis for a high-stakes semifinal matchup in the 2025 WBIT. The Gators are set to take on Minnesota at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Monday evening, with tip-off scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPNU.
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           Entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, Florida will face the No. 2-seeded Gophers, with both teams riding three-game win streaks. A victory would secure a spot in the 2025 WBIT Championship game.
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           Matchup Preview: No. 2 Minnesota (23–11) vs. Florida
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            Date: Monday, Mar. 31
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
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            Site: Hinkle Fieldhouse
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            Stream: 
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            ESPNU
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Stats
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           Victory Milestones: What a Florida Win Unlocks
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            Tally Florida's first 20-win season since 2021-22
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            Punch UF's ticket into a postseason final for the first time since 2000
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            Make the Gators 6-1 in post-season play for 2025
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            Mark UF's fourth consecutive win in the WBIT
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            Be the Gators first championship appearance under 
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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            Put Florida's all-time record in the WBIT to 4-1
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Coach’s Corner: Pre-Game Insights
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           Head-to-Head Record:
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           Florida and Minnesota have never faced each other before—this marks the first meeting between the Gators and the Golden Gophers.
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           Gators vs. Gophers: First-Ever Matchup
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           Florida and Minnesota have no prior meetings on record. Monday’s game marks the inaugural showdown between the Gators and the Golden Gophers in program history.
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           Starting Five Forecast: Florida Lineup
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           Florida’s Most Recent Win
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           In their latest outing, Florida secured a 67–64 victory over the Lady Raiders on Thursday night, defending their home court and extending their win streak to three games. The Gators shot 41.1% from the field, converting 23 of 56 attempts, with two players reaching double figures.
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           Liv McGill
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            led all scorers with 22 points, while
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            added 21 and dominated the boards with 12 rebounds. Kyle’s performance marked her 16th double-double of the season.
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           PROJECTED MINNESOTA STARTERS:
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           Scouting Minnesota
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           The Golden Gophers arrive at the WBIT semifinals with a 2024–25 season record of 23–11, including an 8–10 mark in Big Ten conference play.
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           Their most recent outing was a thrilling overtime win against Gonzaga, where Minnesota secured an 82–77 victory on home court to advance to the semifinal round.
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           On the individual front, Battle leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.3 points per game. Three additional players contribute double-digit scoring: Grocholski (13.8), McKinney (10.7), and Hart (10.2). On the boards, Heyer anchors the defense with 8.7 rebounds per game, followed by Hart with 4.9.
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           ABOUT THE WBIT:
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           Event Information
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           Selection Criteria
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           Updated Bracket
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-fe97d4dd.webp" length="152294" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:19:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-gophers-one-win-from-the-wbit-final</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>At the Buzzer: Clayton, Haugh Lift Gators to Final Four in Epic Comeback</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/at-the-buzzer-clayton-haugh-lift-gators-to-final-four-in-epic-comeback</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Thomas Haugh scored 20 points and added 11 rebounds in Saturday night's win over Texas Tech. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           Game Recap
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           SAN FRANCISCO – For much of Saturday night’s Elite Eight matchup against Texas Tech, it looked as though Florida’s run was coming to an end. Instead, the Gators delivered one of the most remarkable late-game rallies in program history.
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           Top-seeded Florida punched its ticket to the Final Four with an 84–79 victory over the No. 3-seed Red Raiders in the West Region final, storming back with an 18–4 surge over the last three minutes. The win marked Florida’s 10th straight and its first Final Four appearance since 2014.
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            Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            sparked the turnaround, drilling consecutive three-pointers to cut a nine-point deficit (75–66) down to 75–72. Haugh finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, connecting on 4-of-6 from beyond the arc on a night when senior guards
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            ,
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           Alijah Martin
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            , and
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           Will Richard
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            struggled to find their rhythm.
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           Clayton, however, came alive when it mattered most. His three-pointer with 1:47 left tied the game, though Texas Tech briefly regained the lead on a basket by Darrion Williams with 1:23 remaining. Clayton answered again, burying another three to give Florida a 78–77 edge with 59 seconds to play. Martin then added two free throws, followed by two more from Clayton, extending the lead to 82–77.
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           That sealed it.
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           Clayton finished with a game-high 30 points, shooting 7-for-14 from the field, 3-for-8 from long range, and 13-for-14 at the free-throw line. Remarkably, he didn’t score until the 8:47 mark of the first half.
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           The dramatic closeout kept Florida’s season alive and set off a celebration at midcourt, as the Gators claimed their 16th win in the last 17 games.
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            "They stayed the course. Never too high, never too low," head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            told TBS. "That's what we did all year, find a way to win these games. They stepped up down the stretch."
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            scored 22 of his 30 points in the second half. (Photo: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           What It Means
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           Florida has secured its sixth trip to the Final Four and its first in more than a decade. Previous Gator squads reached the national semifinals in 1994, 2000, 2006 (when they went on to win the national title), 2007 (another championship season), and 2014.
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           Spotlight Performance
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           Walter Clayton Jr. once again delivered in crunch time, but the impact of Thomas Haugh was just as vital in a game largely controlled by Texas Tech. Haugh scored a team-best 12 points in the opening half, helping Florida take a 40–37 lead into the break. His two late three-pointers in the second half were the spark that ignited the Gators’ comeback.
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           By the Numbers
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           Florida struggled from long range for much of the night, hitting just 5 of its first 20 attempts from beyond the arc. But when it mattered most, Haugh and Clayton caught fire, combining to knock down the team’s final four three-pointers. The Gators closed the game 9-for-24 from distance.
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           What’s Next
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           With a 34–4 record, Florida now advances to the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. The Gators will meet the winner of the matchup between No. 1-seed Auburn (31–5) and No. 2-seed Michigan State (30–6). That game is scheduled for Sunday at 5:05 p.m. ET in Atlanta.
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           Senior writer
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           Scott Carter
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           contributed to this report. For more information, contact senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 21:13:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/at-the-buzzer-clayton-haugh-lift-gators-to-final-four-in-epic-comeback</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton Freezes the Bay: Gators Punch Final Four Ticket</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-freezes-the-bay-gators-punch-final-four-ticket</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           UF senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. rises up for his go-ahead 3-pointer with a minute left against Texas Tech on his way to 30 points and MVP honors in the Gators' 84-79 win in the NCAA West Region title game.
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           Share:
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            SAN FRANCISCO – In the days leading up to Florida’s Elite Eight matchup,
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           . fielded countless comparisons to Steph Curry. It wasn’t surprising—throughout the 2024–25 season, analysts frequently likened the Gators’ standout point guard to Curry, especially as Clayton’s postseason heroics continued to build the case. Playing at Chase Center, the home court of Curry and the Golden State Warriors, only amplified the buzz.
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           Clayton appreciated the praise but kept things in perspective.
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           "That's arguably the greatest point guard in the history of basketball, so I've got a ways to go," Clayton said Saturday night. "I wouldn't compare myself, but just thankful for the recognition."
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           That humility came shortly after Clayton delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight. In one of Florida’s most memorable NCAA Tournament wins, he scored 13 of his game-high 30 points in the final five-plus minutes. The Gators, trailing by nine with under three minutes left, surged past 3-seed Texas Tech with a barrage of clutch plays to secure an 84–79 victory in the West Region final.
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           The win marks Florida’s sixth trip to the Final Four—and its first in over a decade—with the next stop set for San Antonio, Texas.
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            At just 39 years old, Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            has transformed Florida’s men’s basketball program in only three seasons—from a team on the fringe of postseason play to a contender on college basketball’s biggest stage.
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           "It's incredible, absolutely incredible," Golden said after the team secured its 10th consecutive win and 16th in the last 17 games. "It's a direct result of the work our players have done all year and the work my staff has done. They've all, to a man, been incredibly consistent, unselfish and worked their tails off. We don't do this without the collective work of our program."
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           That collective effort was anchored by Walter Clayton Jr., who delivered a standout performance: 7-of-14 shooting, three second-half three-pointers, 13-for-14 from the line, and four assists in 35 minutes of play.
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           Clayton, the only first-team All-American in UF history, hit two critical three-pointers in the final two minutes—one to tie the game and another to take the lead just 30 seconds later. Florida, ranked fourth nationally, closed the game with an 18–4 run over the final 3:32 to defeat Texas Tech. Clayton’s final two free throws with 10.6 seconds remaining sealed the win.
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            "I can't even begin to describe how much of an amazing player he is," said UF sophomore forward
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            "We give him the ball in the clutchest situations and tell him to go cook – and he delivers."
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           Sophomore forward 
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           Thomas Haugh
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           10), here throwing down for two of his 20 points off the bench, saved his best moments (and buckets) for late in the game. 
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            Walter Clayton Jr. wasn’t alone in powering Florida’s dramatic Elite Eight win. Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            delivered a breakout performance off the bench, recording a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Two of his four made three-pointers came during the late-game rally and proved just as crucial as Clayton’s clutch shots.
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           "What just happened, it's wild. I don't even know what to say," said an emotional Haugh after the game. "I just know Walter Clayton is a cold, cold man!"
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           In the first half, Haugh contributed 12 points, two three-pointers, and six rebounds—standing out as one of the few bright spots for Florida while ninth-ranked Texas Tech (28–9) applied relentless pressure. The Red Raiders dominated the paint with physical post play from Darrion Williams (23 points, 5 rebounds) and All-American JT Toppin (20 points, 11 rebounds), while piling up 14 offensive rebounds and 23 second-chance points.
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           With eight minutes remaining, Florida had managed just four field goals in the second half (on 16 attempts) and missed all four of its three-point tries. Texas Tech held a 67–57 lead.
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           "They started wearing us down and putting us in the basket a little bit," said Coach Todd Golden, who chose to stick with single coverage in the post rather than risk giving up open perimeter shots. "I thought giving up 3s at that point would be daggers for us. They were [making] 2s, they weren't 3s."
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           The Gators had their hands full most of the night with Texas Tech's low-post players, especially beefy 
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           Darrion Williams
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            (5), who led the Red Raiders with 23 points.
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           "The reality was, yeah, we were down nine, but you still have to stay the course," said Florida’s fifth-year guard 
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           , who contributed 10 points and seven rebounds. Martin is now headed to his second Final Four with a second program, having previously led Florida Atlantic’s memorable run in 2023. "You don't have a choice. Period. That's what we did."
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           Following a bucket by JT Toppin, Florida responded with a three-pointer from Thomas Haugh on the right wing. Coach Todd Golden immediately called timeout with the Gators trailing 75–69 and 2:47 left on the clock.
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           "The message was we've got to make every winning play down the stretch," Golden said, echoing the urgency of their second-round comeback against defending champion Connecticut in Raleigh. "I didn't feel like we were without hope. I felt like our guys still felt we had a shot, but understood that we didn't have much time. We had to pick it up and make sure we got every block-out and make sure we got every 50-50 ball and, obviously, step up and make big shots."
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           Florida also aimed to extend the game by fouling Toppin, who had a 70.1% free-throw average but just 60% on front ends this season. Unable to reach him on the inbound, they fouled Darrion Williams, an 84% shooter. Williams missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Haugh drilled another three—this time from the left side off a pass from Walter Clayton Jr.—cutting the deficit to 75–72 with 2:24 remaining.
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           "Walt got doubled, but trusted me to make the shot," Haugh said.
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           Florida then successfully fouled Toppin, still in the one-and-one. He missed again—his fifth miss from the line—and the Gators grabbed the rebound. In the halfcourt, Clayton received a pass on a cut, met a wall of defenders, pivoted back to the arc, and launched a go-ahead three over two Texas Tech players. Bang. The Red Raiders bench turned in disbelief.
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            Asked what was going through his mind when he took the shot, Clayton replied:
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           "Nothing," he said. "My mind was blank."
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           As Haugh put it—Clayton is a cold man.
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           Florida grabbed its first lead since the 13-minute mark when Walter Clayton Jr. capped a furious rally, putting the Gators ahead 78–77 with just a minute remaining. The crowd erupted inside Chase Center.
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           "He's a hard cover, just so difficult," said Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland, who just two nights earlier had guided his team to a comeback win over Arkansas in the "Sweet 16." "He can hurt you in so many ways and is just so crafty in his change of pace."
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           On the Red Raiders’ next possession, Darrion Williams missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer. Alijah Martin soared for the rebound, drew a foul with 22.2 seconds left, and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to three.
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            Williams had another chance from deep with 16 seconds to play, but missed again. Florida center
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            secured the rebound, and seconds later Clayton capped his late-game scoring burst—eight points in 96 seconds—by hitting two free throws to push the margin to 82–77 with 10.6 seconds left.
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            Tech guard Chance McMillian cut the deficit to three with a layup at 4.5 seconds, but senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            iced the game with two more free throws. Florida finished an impressive 25-for-27 at the line (92%), compared to Texas Tech’s 7-for-13 (53.8%).
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           The Gators, who had endured heartbreaking Elite Eight exits in the past, closed this one with perfection—four straight made field goals (all from beyond the arc) and six consecutive free throws in the final 22 seconds.
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           As the buzzer sounded, the celebration began: “READY 4 MORE” shirts and hats, confetti falling, trophy lifts, net-cutting, and plenty of tears on the Chase Center floor.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            snips down the championship net during the post-game celebration.
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           Walter Clayton Jr. was recognized as the West Region’s Most Valuable Player after his stellar performance across four NCAA Tournament games. He averaged 19.8 points, connected on nearly 46% of his field goal attempts, went 14-for-31 from three-point range (45.3%), and converted 31 of 35 free throws (88.6%).
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           "There's not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment," Coach Todd Golden said. "He does a great job of controlling his emotions. Most players in that moment, their heart rate would go up, but he has a special talent to stay even-keeled."
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           That composure translated into clutch shot-making—especially fitting on Steph Curry’s home court, where Clayton delivered in the most pressurized moments.
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           "I think that just goes to show the togetherness of the team, the love we have for each other to get through those tough times," Clayton said. "But we stay the course. It's the Gator mentality."
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           Next stop: Texas.
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           For more information, contact senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-4ae5a9d7.webp" length="106266" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 20:48:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-freezes-the-bay-gators-punch-final-four-ticket</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Final Four Fever: Gators and Red Raiders Set for West Region Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-fever-gators-and-red-raiders-set-for-west-region-showdown</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           * 
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           What:
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           NCAA West Region / "Elite Eight" round
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           * When: 
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            Saturday, 6:09 p.m. (ET) 
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           * Where:
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           Chase Center / San Francisco
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           * 
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           Records:
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           Florida (33-4) / Texas Tech (28-8)
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           * TV:
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           TBS/TruTV (
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           Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy
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            and
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           Lauren Shehadi
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           )
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           * Radio:
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           Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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           Stations list
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            (with 
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           Sean Kelley
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           , 
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           Lee Humphrey
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           and
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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           * 
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           Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           UF coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            will try to become the third coach in program history to guide the Gators to the Final Four.
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           Preview: Florida vs. Texas Tech – West Region Title Clash
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           Top-seeded Florida is set to face third-seeded Texas Tech in the NCAA West Region final, with the winner earning a spot in next weekend’s Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. The Gators reached this stage by defeating fourth-seeded Maryland 87-71 in Thursday’s opening “Sweet 16” matchup. Later that night, the Red Raiders pulled off a dramatic comeback against 10-seed Arkansas, erasing a 16-point second-half deficit—and trailing by 13 with five minutes left—to secure an 85-83 overtime win.
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           This marks Florida’s 10th appearance in the “Elite Eight,” their first since 2017. Texas Tech returns to this round for the third time, last appearing in 2019. The Gators are aiming for their sixth Final Four berth, while the Red Raiders are chasing a second—having reached the national championship game in 2019 before falling to Virginia in overtime.
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           Head-to-Head History
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           Florida holds a 2-1 edge in the all-time series. The Gators won 79-76 in Gainesville in 1960 and followed with a 71-69 overtime victory at a neutral site in 1962. The programs didn’t meet again until the 2018 NCAA Tournament, when Texas Tech edged Florida 69-66 in a second-round game played in Dallas.
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           Coaching Milestone Watch
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           Todd Golden
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            entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with an 0-2 record from previous appearances—one each with San Francisco and Florida. He now stands at 3-2 in tournament play and holds a 73-33 overall record (.689) across three seasons. With a win, Golden would join
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           Lon Kruger
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            and
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           Billy Donovan
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            as the only Florida coaches to guide the program to a Final Four.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           Will Richard 
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           (5)
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           Florida enters the Elite Eight riding a nine-game winning streak and having claimed 15 of their last 16 contests. Six of those victories came against teams ranked in the final Associated Press Top 25, with additional wins over Ole Miss—still active in the Sweet 16 as of Friday—and reigning two-time national champion Connecticut.
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            The Gators’ 87-71 win over No. 11 Maryland was especially impressive considering a rocky first half that included 13 turnovers and the temporary loss of forward
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           Alex Condon
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            to an ankle injury. Florida regrouped after halftime, shooting 53% from the field against the nation’s sixth-ranked defense and holding Maryland to 39%. Their 47-point second half was the most scored against the Terrapins all season.
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           Statistically, Florida is among the nation’s elite, ranking second in offensive efficiency and ninth in defensive efficiency. Only Duke shares top-10 status on both ends of the court among remaining tournament teams. The Gators dominated the boards against Maryland, out-rebounding them 42-20—including a 15-7 edge on the offensive glass—leading to a 21-9 advantage in second-chance points. Florida ranks fifth nationally in offensive rebounding, recovering 39% of their missed shots. Defensively, they’re fifth in effective field-goal percentage allowed (45.4%), 15th in two-point defense (46.2%), and fifth in three-point defense (29.3%).
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            ﻿
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           Depth was another key factor, with Florida’s bench outscoring Maryland’s 29-3. Five Gators grabbed at least four rebounds, though ball control remained a concern—six players committed multiple turnovers, and three had three or more.
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            First-team All-America point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            had a quieter night, scoring 13 points in 32 minutes—his lowest output of the postseason. Still, he facilitated an offense that saw five other players reach double figures.
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           Will Richard
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            led the team with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including three triples, and added four rebounds and three assists.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            contributed 14 points, two 3-pointers, and seven rebounds. Off the bench,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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            was sharp, scoring 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting with two 3s in 19 minutes.
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           Condon’s ankle injury—originally sustained on February 11 at Mississippi State—resurfaced at the 12:15 mark of the first half. He missed the remainder of the period but returned after halftime, logging nine minutes and finishing with six points and four rebounds. X-rays were negative, and he’s receiving continuous treatment. His status remains a game-time decision, with effectiveness dependent on pain management.
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            If Condon is unavailable to start, sophomore
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            (9.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg) is expected to step in. Haugh excelled Thursday, posting 13 points, a team-high nine rebounds (including five offensive), four assists, and two steals in 32 minutes. Center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            rebounded from a slow start to deliver 10 points and eight boards, hitting all three of his second-half field goals during a key surge.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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           , meanwhile, was limited by early foul trouble and finished with two points and three rebounds.
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           The RED RAIDERS
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           Texas Tech forward 
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           JT Toppin
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            (15)
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            Texas Tech is in its second year under head coach
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           Grant McCasland
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           , one of the most successful coaches in college basketball over the past four seasons. Before arriving in Lubbock, McCasland led North Texas to an average of over 22 wins per season across six years in the Sun Belt Conference, including one NCAA Tournament appearance. His final two seasons with the Mean Green produced 56 total victories. Since taking over at Tech, McCasland has guided the Red Raiders to 51 wins and back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths as a 6-seed and 3-seed, respectively—averaging 26.8 wins over the last four years.
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           A disciple of Scott Drew’s coaching tree at Baylor, McCasland is known for his offensive philosophy. Texas Tech currently ranks sixth nationally in offensive efficiency according to KenPom, with top-50 metrics in several key categories: 2-point shooting (54.8%), 3-point accuracy (36.7%), effective field-goal percentage (54.9%), and turnover rate (14.3%, 20th nationally). The Red Raiders are disciplined with the ball, posting an 8.7% steal rate on offense and a 5.7% non-steal turnover rate—ranking 10th in the country.
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           In their Sweet 16 matchup against Arkansas, Tech found themselves trailing 61-45 with just over 10 minutes remaining. They responded with a 27-11 run to close regulation and executed efficiently in overtime, hitting five of six shots. Guard Darrion Williams sealed the win with a clutch post-up basket in the final seconds.
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           Texas Tech shares some roster dynamics with Maryland, particularly in terms of limited depth. In their overtime victory against Arkansas, five Red Raiders logged at least 37 minutes, with two players exceeding 44 minutes on the court.
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            A key question heading into the Elite Eight is the status of guard
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           Chance McMillian
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           , one of the nation’s premier long-range shooters with a 43.4% clip from beyond the arc. A San Francisco native, McMillian has been sidelined since March 30 due to an oblique injury sustained during Texas Tech’s Big 12 Tournament win over Baylor. He participated in Thursday’s shoot-around and was initially expected to play against Arkansas but was ultimately held out in a last-minute decision. Despite his absence, the Red Raiders secured their third NCAA Tournament win
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           Over his five-year collegiate career—three seasons at Grand Canyon and two at Texas Tech—McMillian has knocked down 225 three-pointers, underscoring his value as a perimeter th
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           reat.
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           JT Toppin
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            , a transfer from New Mexico, anchors Texas Tech’s frontcourt and serves as their primary offensive weapon. He’s converting an exceptional 70% of his shots inside the arc and has also knocked down 16 three-pointers at a 31% success rate. On the glass, Toppin ranks among the nation’s elite—46th in offensive rebounding percentage (13.8%) and 24th on the defensive end (26%). His performance against Arkansas included 20 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. Toppin currently ranks fifth in the KenPom National Player of the Year standings, trailing only
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           Cooper Flagg
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            (Duke),
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           Johni Broome
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            (Auburn), Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida), and
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           Hunter Dickinson
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            (Kansas).
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           Darrion Williams complements Toppin with a physical style of play, particularly effective in post-up mismatches. Though undersized for a forward, Williams is difficult to contain when backing down defenders. He’s shooting 48% from two-point range, 34% from three, and has converted 90 of 107 free throw attempts. In the second-round win over Drake—one of the top defensive teams in the country—Williams delivered a season-best 28 points and five assists, going 10-for-14 from inside the arc.
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           Elijah Hawkins
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           , Texas Tech’s point guard, played all 45 minutes in Thursday’s overtime win and continues to be a key facilitator—assisting on 32.6% of the team’s made baskets, ranking 44th nationally. He’s also reliable at the line, shooting 84%, and connects on 31.5% of his three-point attempts.
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            Even if Chance McMillian remains unavailable, the Red Raiders still have perimeter scoring options.
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           Christian Anderson
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            stepped up against Arkansas, leading the team with 22 points in 44 minutes while shooting 38.4% from deep.
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           Kerwin Walton
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           , who shoots 39.7% from three, saw limited action and didn’t score in his 10 minutes. However, Kevin Overton, a transfer from Drake, made a strong impact off the bench—scoring 12 points, hitting two three-pointers, and grabbing seven rebounds in 37 minutes of play.
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           By the Numbers: Florida vs. Texas Tech
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           UF point guard 
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           Chris Chiozza
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            leaves the court for the final time as a Gator following Texas Tech's 69-66 defeat of the Gators in the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dallas.
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           • 1
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            — Texas Tech stands alone as the only team to defeat Big 12 champion Houston on its home court this season. The Red Raiders shot 43% and hit 12 three-pointers at Fertitta Center, handing the Cougars an 82-81 overtime loss—widely considered one of the top road wins of the 2024–25 campaign. Houston finished 16-1 at home with an average winning margin of 23.2 points. Tech’s résumé also includes three Quadrant 2 losses: to St. Joseph’s, at Central Florida, and at TCU.
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           • 2
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           — Florida has now recorded two NCAA Tournament games with six players scoring in double figures. The first came in 2007 during a 112-69 rout of Jackson State in Jacksonville, en route to a second consecutive national title. In that game, Corey Brewer led with 21 points, followed by Joakim Noah and Chris Richard (17 each), Marreese Speights (16), Al Horford (15), and Lee Humphrey (12). The Gators shot 59% and set a program record for points in NCAA play.
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           • 49.9
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            — Walter Clayton Jr.’s three-point shooting percentage across six postseason games, going 24-for-49 from deep. His streak of consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer has reached 59. With 201 career threes in just two seasons at Florida, Clayton becomes the 10th player in program history to surpass 200.
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           • 50.2
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           — The combined scoring average of Florida’s senior trio—Clayton, Will Richard, and Alijah Martin—during the postseason.
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           • 2018
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           — The last time Florida and Texas Tech met in the NCAA Tournament. On March 18 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas, the Gators erased an eight-point deficit with under eight minutes remaining to tie the game inside three minutes. Tech’s Keenan Evans hit a clutch three-pointer with 2:31 left for a 69-66 lead. Florida had two chances to tie—attempts by Egor Koulechov and KeVaughn Allen—but both missed, and the Red Raiders held on. That game marked the final appearance for UF point guard Chris Chiozza, the program’s all-time assist leader, who finished with 11 points, three assists, and three steals in 27 minutes despite second-half foul trouble. Tech advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual champion Villanova, 71-59.
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           Bottom Line
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           Florida’s season has been remarkable—and it’s still unfolding.
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           Email 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-99996167.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:41:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/final-four-fever-gators-and-red-raiders-set-for-west-region-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Grit Meets Glory: Gators Claw to the Final Four Threshold</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-meets-glory-gators-claw-to-the-final-four-threshold</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Coach Todd Godlen (left) and the Florida bench hopes to be rejoicing again Saturday night in the Elite Eight like they were during Thursday's win over Maryland in the Sweet 16.
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           Share:
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           SAN FRANCISCO –
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            A Scenic Pause for the Gators.
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           Following a 20-minute police-escorted ride, the Florida Gators’ team bus veered off Geary Boulevard and turned onto Point Lobos Avenue. As it descended the steep incline, the players were greeted by a breathtaking view: rugged California cliffs meeting the vast Pacific Ocean.
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           The dramatic coastal scene immediately drew reactions from the team.
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            "Whoa, bro!" exclaimed
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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           . "That's lit!"
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            Indeed, it was. Moments later, the University of Florida basketball squad stepped off the bus and made their way to the expansive beach near Lands End Lookout.
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           Thomas Haugh
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            quickly removed his slides and jogged solo toward the shoreline, soaking in the view and stepping into the waves.
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           "I love the ocean," Haugh shared.
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           For roughly half an hour, the team engaged in their third “grounding” activity of the trip—a wellness practice incorporated by UF’s strength and conditioning coordinator to counteract the effects of long travel, time zone shifts, and disrupted sleep. These brief excursions, where players connect physically with the earth, are inspired by the concept that direct contact with natural surfaces may help stabilize mood, health, and energy through the Earth’s electrical field.
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           So far, the approach has been effective.
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           "We're undefeated when we ground," UF coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            said.
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            ﻿
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           The mission remains clear for the Gators: keep the momentum alive through Saturday night. Florida, the top seed with a 33-4 record and riding an eight-game winning streak, is set to face third-seeded Texas Tech (28-8) in the NCAA West Region final at Chase Center. On Thursday, UF began the day with a grounding session and capped it by outlasting fourth-seeded Maryland in the “Sweet 16.” Texas Tech followed with a dramatic comeback, erasing a 16-point second-half deficit—and a 13-point gap in the final five minutes—to edge 10-seed Arkansas 85-83 in overtime.
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           Now it’s on to the “Elite Eight,” where Florida is firmly focused on the challenge ahead. Texas Tech, ranked ninth in the final Associated Press poll, enters with the nation’s fifth-ranked offense. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a coveted spot in next week’s Final Four in San Antonio is on the line.
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           [Read senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           ]
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           "Texas Tech is a really good team," senior All-America point guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            said. "They got two great bigs and they can shoot it."
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           UF first-team All-America guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            .
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           (1)
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           Florida appears well-equipped to respond with both depth and resilience. The fourth-ranked Gators ultimately wore down the 10th-ranked Terrapins, whose “Crab Five” starters have logged heavy minutes all season. Texas Tech, similarly, leans heavily on its core rotation. In their overtime win against Arkansas, four Red Raiders played at least 37 minutes, including Christian Peterson (22 points, three 3-pointers) and point guard Elijah Hawkins (4 points, 5 assists, 5 turnovers), who played 44 and 45 minutes, respectively.
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           Tech’s offense runs through standout forwards JT Toppin, a second-team All-America sophomore averaging 18.2 points and 9.3 rebounds, and junior Darrion Williams, who contributes 14.8 points per game. The team is also hoping for the return of fifth-year guard Chance McMillian, a 43% shooter from beyond the arc, who has missed four games due to an oblique injury. Though expected to suit up against Arkansas, McMillian was ultimately sidelined.
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           "We were planning on dressing him out and when we got to the arena, he just came to me and said he couldn't do it," said Tech head coach Grant McCasland.
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           On Florida’s side, sophomore forward 
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           Alex Condon
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           —standing 6-foot-11 and leading the team in rebounds while ranking fourth in scoring—briefly exited the Maryland game after aggravating a right ankle injury that had previously sidelined him for four games. He returned in the second half and played through the pain, albeit not at full capacity.
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            ﻿
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           Condon received additional treatment, spent the night using a Game-Ready ice-compression device, and wore a protective boot throughout Friday—except for a brief beach walk where he submerged the ankle in 55-degree ocean water, noting reduced swelling. He skipped Friday’s team practice.
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           "I feel like I'll be ready to go for [Saturday]," said Condon. His presence, whether starting or coming off the bench, could offer a key advantage against a Tech squad whose tallest regulars are the 6-9 Toppin and 6-6 Williams. "We'll see how it goes, but that's the plan as of right now."
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           Sophomore forward 
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           Alex Condon
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            (21), averaging 10.9 points and team-best 7.7 rebounds, returned from an ankle sprain Thursday to finish with six points and four rebounds.
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           How Alex Condon responds during Saturday morning’s shoot-around will be pivotal—either confirming his readiness or prompting a shift in Florida’s game plan. Before that walkthrough, the team will engage in another grounding session at Bayfront Park, located just across from Chase Center and overlooking the Central Basin of San Francisco Bay.
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           The Gators previously gathered at the same spot Thursday, roughly eight hours before their decisive win over Maryland. Grounding has become a ritual—one that seems to be working. With Texas Tech standing between Florida and a Final Four berth, the stakes couldn’t be clearer.
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            Veteran guard
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           Alijah Martin
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           , who helped Florida Atlantic win an Elite Eight matchup two years ago, plans to share some wisdom with his teammates ahead of tip-off. On Friday, he offered a glimpse of his message.
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           "Stay humble," Martin said. "Treat it like another basketball game, don't get too amped, too rowdy, or so anxious or too inside yourself. Stay level-headed through all of it. It's a long game, a lot will happen, but we'll be ready for it."
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           After Thursday’s Sweet 16 triumph, the team bus returned to the hotel. Head coach Todd Golden rose from his seat, walked to the back, addressed his players, and closed with the familiar “Gators on 3!”—but added a powerful reminder:
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           "Don't let the dream season die!"
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           If all goes according to plan, Florida will be grounding again next week—this time in San Antonio.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-3ac04616.webp" length="153138" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 05:39:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-meets-glory-gators-claw-to-the-final-four-threshold</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Crunch Time Conquerors: Gators Outlast Maryland to Reach Elite Eight</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crunch-time-conquerors-gators-outlast-maryland-to-reach-elite-eight</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Walter Clayton Jr. and the Gators drove past Maryland in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night.
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           SAN FRANCISCO
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            — Once Florida cut down on its mistakes, the Gators took control and closed the door on Maryland Thursday night.
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           After committing 13 turnovers in the first half, Florida settled in after the break and pulled away for an 87-71 win over the Terrapins in the Sweet 16 at Chase Center. The top seed in the West Region, the Gators extended their winning streak to nine games and reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017.
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            Halftime saw Florida clinging to a 40-38 lead, but the second half was a different story. The Gators dominated the glass and limited themselves to just four turnovers. They finished with a 42-20 rebounding edge, led by
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           Thomas Haugh
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            with nine,
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            with eight, and
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           Alijah Martin
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            with seven.
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            "That's who we are. That's our DNA," Gators coach
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           Todd Golden
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            told TBS. "That's part of what makes us so good."
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           The turning point came midway through the second half. After Maryland’s Derik Queen hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 61-54 with just over 11 minutes left, Florida responded with a 13-2 run that effectively sealed the outcome.
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            Depth proved decisive, as six Gators reached double figures and the bench outscored Maryland’s reserves 29-3.
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           Will Richard
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            paced the team with 15 points, followed by Martin with 14, Haugh and
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            with 13 apiece,
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            with 12, and Chinyelu with 10.
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           The 87 points were the most allowed this season by Maryland, which entered the game ranked sixth nationally in defensive efficiency. Florida shot 50% overall (30-for-60) and connected on 11 of 28 from three-point range. Maryland finished at 41% (22-for-54) and just 6-for-19 from deep. Queen led all scorers with 27 points for the Terrapins.
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           Gators sophomore F/C 
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           Alex Condon
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            scored four points in five minutes on the court before leaving with a sprained ankle in the first half. He returned after halftime to finish with six points, four rebounds and two assists. (Photo: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           What it Means
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           Florida has now reached the Elite Eight for the 10th time in program history. The Gators also improved their all-time Sweet 16 record to 10-2, extending their winning streak in this round to nine straight, a run that began back in 1999.
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           In the Spotlight
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           The difference once again came from Florida’s depth. Maryland, whose starters accounted for 81 percent of the team’s minutes this season, couldn’t keep pace with the Gators’ rotation. Walter Clayton Jr. finished just 3-for-9 from the field and 2-for-6 from beyond the arc, but Denzel Aberdeen provided a spark after halftime, connecting on 5 of 7 shots, including 2 of 4 from three-point range.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Turnovers nearly cost Florida early. The Gators have now committed 22 first-half turnovers across their last two games, including 13 against Maryland that led directly to 12 of the Terrapins’ 38 points before the break. Once Florida tightened up its ball security in the second half, the game swung decisively in their favor.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (33-4) advances to Saturday’s West Region final, where they will meet the winner of the Arkansas–Texas Tech matchup. No. 10 seed Arkansas (22-13) and No. 3 seed Texas Tech (27-8) are scheduled to tip off at approximately 10:09 p.m. ET at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
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           Senior writer
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           Scott Carter
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           contributed to this report. Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:57:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crunch-time-conquerors-gators-outlast-maryland-to-reach-elite-eight</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Shell Shocked: Gators Grind Past Maryland to Elite Eight</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/shell-shocked-gators-grind-past-maryland-to-elite-eight</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           UF guard Will Richard (5) finishes a break in first-half action of Thursday night's "Sweet 16" defeat of Maryland at Chase Center.
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           Share:
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           SAN FRANCISCO
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           –
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           Since the start of the postseason, the Florida Gators have taken the floor in Nike warm-up shirts stamped with a simple two-word mantra:
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           "NOTHING EASY," it reads.
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           Lately, they’ve been living up to that phrase a little too literally.
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            The final score may suggest comfort, but Florida’s 87-71 win over fourth-seeded Maryland in Thursday’s NCAA West Region matchup was anything but smooth. The Gators only began to pull away in the last 10 minutes, after a first half filled with turnovers, the temporary loss of sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            to an ankle injury, and the frustration of watching an 11-point lead evaporate into a late deficit.
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           Florida eventually steadied itself with a strong second half—shooting 53%, holding Maryland to 39%, dominating the boards, and leaning on its depth. The Terrapins’ short-handed “Crab Five” rotation couldn’t keep up, and the 87 points were the most allowed all season by a Maryland defense ranked sixth nationally in efficiency.
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            "We were a little casual with the basketball and put ourselves in predicaments that kept the game tight," UF coach
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            said. "Second half, we did a much better job of taking care of it, thought we competed really well defensively and did a great job on the glass all night. With our ability to get shots [without turning it over], we were able to extend the lead."
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            Six Gators scored in double figures, led by senior wing
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           Will Richard's
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            15 points, while graduate guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            added 14 points and seven rebounds. The win marked Florida’s ninth straight (and 15th in its last 16), improving to 33-4 and sending them to Saturday’s “Elite Eight” against third-seeded Texas Tech (28-8), which outlasted Arkansas 88-83 in overtime. The victor will advance to the Final Four in San Antonio.
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            Richard shot 6-for-9 from the field, including three triples, and added three assists. Senior point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            scored 13 points—12 of them before halftime—before his teammates carried the load after the break. Center
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            contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, with most of his production coming in the second half.
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            Florida’s bench was a difference-maker, outscoring Maryland’s reserves 29-3. Forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            delivered 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            chipped in 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including two three-pointers.
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           Even Condon returned to the floor, pushing through soreness to add six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes, nine of those minutes coming after halftime.
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           Junior guard 
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            buries a second-half 3-pointer on his way to 12 points. 
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           "Florida is really good and they're deep," said Maryland coach Kevin Willard, whose starting five—accustomed to heavy minutes all season—ran into Florida’s relentless rotation in the "Sweet 16." "I think their bench was what really wore us down."
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           That was exactly the strategy. Todd Golden and his staff expected their depth and rebounding to wear down the Terrapins (27-9) as the game progressed, and by the second half, that’s what unfolded. Still, Florida made things harder than necessary with 13 first-half turnovers, which allowed Maryland—despite shooting just 42%—to trail only 40-38 at halftime.
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           "We got a little lazy in the first half," said Denzel Aberdeen, recalling how an early 11-point lead (20-9 through 11 minutes) slipped into a three-point deficit (30-27 with five minutes left before the break). "We were kind of being loose with the ball, not really paying attention to the guards coming from behind, tapping the ball out of our hands and stuff like that. But we picked it up the second half. We got together. We talked about it and said in order for us to win the game we have to take care of the ball."
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           Florida responded right out of halftime. Thomas Haugh sank two free throws, Alijah Martin drilled a three-pointer, and the Gators quickly stretched the margin to seven. Maryland briefly countered with consecutive baskets, but Rueben Chinyelu powered inside for three straight scores—two of them dunks—before another Martin three-pointer pushed the lead to 55-44 with 14 minutes remaining.
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           "We were able to keep our poise in the moment," Chinyelu said.
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           Center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            flushes two of his eight second-half points. 
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           Maryland forward Derik Queen kept his team within striking distance, powering his way to 27 points on 8-for-17 shooting and a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. His three-pointer with 11:04 left trimmed the deficit to seven. Florida quickly answered—Denzel Aberdeen drove inside for a jumper, and Alijah Martin followed with a three-point play that stretched the lead back to 12 with 10 minutes to go.
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           Within three minutes, the margin had ballooned to 18.
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           It might have been that wide earlier if not for Florida’s sloppy first-half ball handling. Instead of a manageable eight turnovers, the Gators committed 13, which kept the game closer than it should have been.
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           "We were able to re-calibrate a little bit and the message was simple. We had to keep defending and obviously stay aggressive on the glass, but we had to do a better job of taking care of the ball," Todd Golden said. "We were elite in the second half."
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            ﻿
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           Florida outscored Maryland 47-33 after halftime, dominated the boards with a 42-20 edge (including 15-7 on the offensive glass), and committed only three turnovers while dishing out 11 assists in the final 20 minutes.
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           Thomas Haugh 
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           (10) grabbed five offensive rebounds off the bench and combined with 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) for 19 total rebounds, as the Gators pummeled the Terrapins for a 42-20 overall advantage on the glass.
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            ﻿
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           For Maryland, the defeat followed a turbulent backdrop—head coach Kevin Willard had recently voiced frustration about the program’s resources, alongside reports linking him to the coaching vacancy at Villanova. On this night, though, the shortage of depth was evident on the court. The Terps simply needed more contributors.
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           "We had a lot of defensive lapses, but they were capitalizing off of it," said Derik Queen. "They were making their 3s, their shots. If they didn't make it, they got the offensive rebound and repeated. Just kicked it out for 3s, layups. They just scored."
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           Still, the game wasn’t always that straightforward. Near the 11-minute mark of the second half, Maryland had trimmed the deficit to eight. With the shot clock winding down in Florida’s halfcourt, Alex Condon lost control of the ball and dove to the floor to recover it. From his back, he tried to push the ball toward the rim, hoping to reset the clock.
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            Instead, 7-foot-1 center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            snatched the ball midair and redirected it toward the basket. Though the initial attempt missed, he immediately tipped it back in, restoring a 10-point cushion.
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           "That's just 'Condo' making a great play, doing what he had to do," Alijah Martin said. "It was a back-breaker."
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           It was a pivotal moment—two critical points delivered by a player who had limped off earlier in the game. Nothing came easy for Florida, but that’s exactly the point.
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           If it were easy, everyone would manage it.
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  &lt;a href="https://x.com/LDolengowski/status/1905428120447950987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1905428120447950987%7Ctwgr%5Eb807b054b1132f1d77310bac1f6a85d93dee4b59%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffloridagators.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F27%2Fmens-basketball-uf-wears-down-crab-five-to-reach-elite-8-march-27-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2025-11-01+175510.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           With the victory, Florida matched the third-highest win total in program history and advanced to its 10th Elite Eight, the first since 2017. On Saturday, the Gators will aim for what would be their sixth trip to the Final Four.
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           "It's been an amazing experience, and I'm not necessarily surprised," Todd Golden said. "We knew early we had a really great group of young men that would pull for each other and play the right way. Our team talent has really taken over. I thought that showed tonight in the second half with the way we kind of put our foot on the gas down the stretch."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            @chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-763b98ac.webp" length="162640" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:09:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/shell-shocked-gators-grind-past-maryland-to-elite-eight</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-763b98ac.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Advances to WBIT Final Four</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-advances-to-wbit-final-four</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators concluded day one of preparations at Hinkle Fieldhouse with high energy as they look to secure a spot in a postseason final for the first time since 2000.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — Florida held off a second-half push from Texas Tech to earn a 67–64 victory at the O'Connell Center on Thursday night. The win sends the Gators to the 2025 WBIT Final Four, where they’ll face Minnesota at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
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            Florida shot 41.1% from the field (23-for-56), with standout performances from
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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           . McGill led all scorers with 22 points, while Kyle added 21 points and 12 rebounds—her 16th double-double of the season. Kyle also went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line.
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           Florida’s 2025 Postseason Milestones
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            First-ever WBIT semifinal appearance in program history
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            First postseason semifinal since 2013
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            5–1 record in 2025 postseason play
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            All-time WBIT record improves to 3–1
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            Three-game postseason win streak
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            Secures a winning record for the 2024–25 season
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           Game Breakdown by Quarter
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           Opening Period
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            Florida scored 11 points, with 73% coming from inside the paint
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            Warren delivered back-to-back blocks to stall Texas Tech’s offense
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            The Lady Raiders were held scoreless for the first six minutes
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            McGill led with four points (50% shooting)
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            Reynolds, Kyle, and O'Neal each grabbed three rebounds
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            Florida led 11–6 at the end of the first
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           Second Quarter
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            Gators added 16 points, shooting 40% (6-for-15)
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            A technical foul on Texas Tech led to five Florida points
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            McGill contributed eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kenza-salgues/16861" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kenza Salgues
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             hit both of Florida’s three-pointers (2-for-5)
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            Texas Tech took its first lead at 24–23 (4:25)
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            Florida trailed 31–27 at halftime
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           Third Quarter
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            Texas Tech opened with an 11–4 run, their largest lead at 42–31
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            Florida recorded four steals, a game high
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            Dizeko scored five of Florida’s nine early points
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            Kyle posted seven points in just over two minutes
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            Florida regained the lead at 43–42 (1:51)
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            16 points came from inside the paint
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            Florida outscored Texas Tech 22–14
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           Final Period
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            Four lead changes occurred in the fourth
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            The score stayed within three points for the final seven minutes
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            Kyle led with 10 points; McGill added six
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            Florida grabbed 10 rebounds, with Kyle securing six
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            UF went 11-for-14 from the free throw line (78.6%)
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            Both teams had 10 rebounds in the quarter
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            The period saw 19 personal fouls combined
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           Key Stats and Highlights
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            Coach Finley now holds 75 career wins at Florida
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            Kyle’s 16th double-double: 21 points, 12 rebounds
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            McGill (22) and Kyle (21) were the only double-digit scorers
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            McGill has scored in double figures in 33 of 36 games, including 14 with 20+ points
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            Florida outscored Texas Tech in Q1 (11–6) and Q3 (22–14)
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            32 points came from the paint
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            UF shot 73.9% from the free throw line (17-for-23)
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            Kyle was perfect from the line (9-for-9)
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            Florida forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 17 points
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            Bench contributed 13 points
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            20 points came from fastbreaks
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            Gators made 16 of 28 layup attempts
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            McGill accounted for 44% of Florida’s steals (4 of 9)
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            Six players had 3+ rebounds
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            Florida was out-rebounded 44–37
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            Team totaled 10 assists, with McGill leading at six
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            McGill has led in assists 28 times this season
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 61 of 146 quarters this season
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            UF averaged 1.0 points per possession across 67 possessions
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            Florida led for 26 minutes and 15 seconds
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            The Gators now have 12 home wins this season
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            This marks Florida’s fourth win by five points or fewer this year
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida:
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            19–17 overall, 6–12 in SEC play
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           Texas Tech:
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            19–18 overall, 4–14 in Big 12 competition
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           Head-to-Head History
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           Florida and Texas Tech have now faced off twice in program history, with the Gators holding a 2–0 advantage in the all-time series.
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           Gator Soundbites
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           Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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           reflected on the team’s development over the past year:
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           "I think this team could attest to it, and it's something that we've talked about a little bit. We need to just be more consistent through the summer, and just overall need to be more consistent earlier on. But that comes with experience. Only a year ago, Liv was playing in the State High School tournament in Minnesota, and it's not an excuse, but it takes experience to know what it takes to make it. I think that we've learned what it takes throughout this season and I fully expect us to be playing this weekend next year, just in a different tournament."
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           Freshman
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           Liv McGill
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           shared what fuels her performance:
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           "Family is everything to me so the reason why I play is for my family. It gives me that motivation and that inspiration. I'm very appreciative that my family can come to these games and support me. To look over and my mom and my niece is in the stands, and then Chas in the stands, it reminds me that that's who I'm playing for. And, you know, I just try to be the best I can. The best teammate and to be the best player I can every game."
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           What’s Next for Florida
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           Florida advances to the 2025 WBIT semifinals and will face Minnesota on Monday, March 31 at 5 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
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           Minnesota, the No. 2 seed, earned their spot with an 82–77 overtime win against No. 4 seed Gonzaga. The Gophers were led by Amaya Battle with 35 points and Grace Grocholski with 20.
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            Match Details – WBIT Semifinal
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            Opponent:
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             Minnesota (23–11, 8–10 Big Ten)
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            Date:
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             Monday, March 31
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            Time:
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             5:00 p.m. ET
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            Location:
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             Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
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            Broadcast:
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             ESPNU
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           ABOUT THE WBIT:
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit/eventinfo" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Event Information
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/2024-01/WBIT%20Principles%20and%20Procedures%202024.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Selection Criteria
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/images/2025/03/24/2025%20WBIT%20Bracket%20-%20Second%20Round%20Games%20(Final).pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Updated Bracket
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-4a9e69bb.webp" length="113384" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:02:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-advances-to-wbit-final-four</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-4a9e69bb.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-4a9e69bb.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Golden Gate, Golden Gators: A Homecoming Run in San Francisco</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-gate-golden-gators-a-homecoming-run-in-san-francisco</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Gators coach Todd Golden, surrounded by his 2024-25 team, on a morning outing to the bay.
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           Share:
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           SAN FRANCISCO
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           – A Gator Welcome in the City
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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            On Tuesday afternoon, a trolley bus rolled up to Post Street, where a line of police motorcycles outside the Westin St. Francis Hotel caught the attention of its passengers. When one rider spotted
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
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           ., he immediately called out the All-America guard’s name, sparking an impromptu Florida Gators cheer inside the bus.
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            HERE WE GO, GATORS, HERE WE GO!
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           HERE WE GO, GATORS, HERE WE GO!
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            Not long after, the team’s charter bus moved through downtown with a police escort, breezing past red lights. From his usual front-row seat, UF coach
           &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            took in the scene, reflecting on how much the area had changed.
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           "It actually looks way better now," Golden said of Union Square, once known for its crime issues, as the Royal bus made its way toward Golden Gate Park. "When we were here, we wouldn't even come down this way."
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    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/www.usnews.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Bird's-eye view of the University of San Francisco campus atop Lone Mountain.
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            ﻿
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           Golden’s old circle of friends didn’t spend much time in Union Square. Instead, they gravitated toward North Beach and the Marina District, where his go-to spot was Original Joe’s, a classic Italian restaurant. The Florida coach had hoped to take his team there for dinner earlier in the week, but the restaurant was fully booked on Tuesday night. After the owner of “OJ’s” read a wire story about Golden and the Gators being turned away, a table for 30 was suddenly made available.
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            As Florida strength and conditioning coordinator
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/victor-lopez/1899" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Victor Lopez
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            put it, "Todd was mayor of this place."
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           Not of the entire “City by the Bay,” of course, but Golden’s influence within the University of San Francisco community was clear. That community was eager to welcome back their former coach, now a rising figure in college basketball, as he returned for the NCAA West Region. On Thursday night, the No. 1-seed Gators (32-4) were set to face No. 4-seed Maryland (27-8) in a Sweet 16 matchup at Chase Center.
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           [Read senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
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           s "Pregame Stuff" setup
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/3/26/mens-basketball-ncaa-tournament-1-florida-vs-4-maryland-thursday-7-39-pm.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           ]
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           Golden was just 34 when he was elevated from associate head coach to lead the San Francisco program in 2020 after Kyle Smith departed for Washington State. He inherited a solid roster but had to steer the team through the challenges of Covid and some of the strictest pandemic restrictions in the country. By 2021-22, he had guided the Dons to a 24-10 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years.
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            That success caught the attention of Florida athletic director
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/scott-stricklin/487" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Scott Stricklin
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           , who beat out several other power-conference programs to hire Golden in 2022 after Mike White left for Georgia. Three years later, Golden has collected 72 wins—the most by any Florida coach in his first three seasons—and now returns to a city where he built his reputation.
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           Florida’s first practice this week was held at USF’s Sobrato Center, a 3,005-seat arena perched on Lone Mountain, just below the university’s nearly century-old Spanish Gothic residence hall. Directly across the street sits a townhouse overlooking the gym.
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           Golden once lived there.
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           "It's been amazing," Golden said Thursday of his return. "We're trying to soak it all up the best we can while maintaining our focus, but it's been a great trip so far."
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           Added Walter Clayton Jr.: "It's been good to see Coach Golden back in his stomping grounds."
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           UF coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            during practice Tuesday at USF. 
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            The Florida team entered the Sobrato Center through its recently added museum hall, which features displays honoring the Bill Russell-led national championship teams of 1955 and 1956. Inside the gym, Todd Golden was welcomed by several familiar faces, including UF staff members
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/kevin-hovde/1894" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kevin Hovde
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-andrzejek/1903" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           John Andrzejek
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            ,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jonathan-safir/1898" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jonathan Safir
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           , and Victor Lopez. Collectively, that group, along with Golden, spent 18 seasons working with the San Francisco Dons.
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           Two of those assistants—Hovde, now Florida’s offensive coordinator, and Andrzejek, the defensive coordinator—were both named head coaches just last week, with Hovde taking over at Columbia and Andrzejek at Campbell. Their promotions added new branches to Golden’s growing coaching tree.
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           "I was that first branch," said Chris Gerlufsen, Golden’s successor at USF. "I pinch myself watching these guys."
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           Just two days after San Francisco’s 25-7 season ended with an NIT loss to Loyola-Chicago, Chris Gerlufsen was back in the gym Tuesday, watching practice and smiling as Todd Golden directed his team through a demanding 90-minute session. The workout shifted between on-court drills and film study at the baseline, a hallmark of Golden’s hands-on, floor-to-film style.
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           USF continues to use that same approach, Gerlufsen noted.
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            ﻿
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           He reflected warmly on his lone season working alongside Golden. After arriving at USF from Hawaii, Gerlufsen said he quickly absorbed Golden’s modern, forward-thinking philosophy and coaching methods. At a program rich in basketball tradition but short on recent success, Golden managed to breathe new life into the brand.
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           Chris Gerlufsen
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            ﻿
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           "Obviously, we have great tradition here to begin with, but Todd invigorated the fan base," Chris Gerlufsen said, standing beneath the retired jerseys and championship banners honoring legends like Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, and Bill Cartwright. "He put a different spin on everything, with his analytic approach, and was a little bit younger, so probably related a little different to the fan base. For me, to just have a chance to come in and learn from him for a year, we did some great things together. I wish I had worked for him longer, to be honest with you. To have the chance to just continue what he did here was just special for me. To see him walk back in here is pretty cool."
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           That same evening, Golden treated the Gators to dinner at Original Joe’s, a San Francisco staple that earned high praise from the players.
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            ﻿
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            "I had the chicken parm," guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            said. "Elite."
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           The following morning, after breakfast, the team headed to Chrissy Field, a scenic park along the northern shoreline of the bay with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. The short 30-minute outing was suggested by Victor Lopez, who encouraged the players to enjoy the fresh air and even take off their shoes for some “grounding” in the grass.
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           After lunch, the Gators returned to work with a practice session at Chase Center, focusing on their upcoming matchup against a Maryland squad that has won six of its last seven games (10 of the previous 12). The Terrapins feature one of the strongest starting lineups remaining in the tournament, anchored by freshman center Derik Queen, a projected top-10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Remarkably, all five Maryland starters average at least 12 points per game—something no other team in the nation can claim. Still, few programs in the Sweet 16 can match Florida’s depth across both the frontcourt and backcourt.
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           "They run consistently. They're fresh," Maryland coach Kevin Willard said Thursday. "They're as good a basketball team as I've seen on film all year."
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           During Florida’s closed practice that afternoon, a familiar figure stood quietly on the sideline, arms folded, observing with pride.
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            "That's the Godfather, right there," UF assistant
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/1896" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlin Hartman
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            remarked, gesturing toward Kyle Smith.
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           From left: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-andrzejek/1903" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           John Andrzejek
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           , 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/1896" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlin Hartman
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            , Stanford coach
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           Kyle Smith
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           , 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           , 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/kevin-hovde/1894" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kevin Hovde
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jonathan-safir/1898" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jonathan Safir
          &#xD;
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           , all of whom were once together on Smith's staff at Columbia. Five of them were on Smith's staff at University of San Francisco, which sent Golden to the Gators in 2022.
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           Kyle Smith now leads the program at Stanford, but more than twenty years ago he was working under Randy Bennett at Saint Mary’s when the two recruited Todd Golden out of high school in Phoenix. Later, Smith offered Golden his first coaching role at Columbia, where the staff also included Carlin Hartman, Kevin Hovde, Jonathan Safir, and John Andrzejek. In time, all but Hartman would follow Smith to San Francisco.
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           "They're all really smart, and smart wins," Smith said when asked about the common thread among his former assistants. "After that, they go in a lot of different directions."
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           Different paths indeed, but this week the group found themselves reunited in San Francisco with Golden, just two wins away from reaching the pinnacle of their profession.
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           Who says you can’t come back home?
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           Email senior writer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-4f0f81c9.webp" length="293600" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:35:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-gate-golden-gators-a-homecoming-run-in-san-francisco</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quarterfinal Clash: Gators Host Lady Raiders at the O'Dome</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/quarterfinal-clash-gators-host-lady-raiders-at-the-o-dome</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Kelly Rae Finley has now led the Gators to their second postseason quarterfinals appearance since being named head coach of the program in 2022.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida is set to face Texas Tech in a Thursday night showdown at Exactech Arena. As the No. 3 seed in the 2025 WBIT, the Gators will welcome the Lady Raiders for a quarterfinal matchup tipping off at 6 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on ESPN+.
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            ﻿
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           This marks Florida’s first appearance in a postseason quarterfinal since 2023, when the team traveled to Bowling Green for the WNIT. In that contest, the Gators fell 69–52 to the Falcons, narrowly missing a spot in the semifinals.
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           Texas Tech (19-17, 4-14 Big 12):
          &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
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            Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch:
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/catalog/45cd175c-f9f2-338b-83b9-6d7d64001733/ncaa-women-s-basketball#bucketId=7373" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
             ESPN+
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5670" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=587975" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stats
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/ism/WB24BIT3?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=SCHED&amp;amp;utm_campaign=WBK-SINGLE&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_SCHED_WBK-SINGLE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           What’s at Stake for Florida
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           A win in the WBIT quarterfinals would deliver a series of key milestones for the Gators:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve Florida’s 2025 postseason record to 5–1
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Secure a third straight WBIT victory
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Extend the all-time series lead over Texas Tech to 2–0
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Lock in a winning overall record for the 2024–25 season
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Notch the team’s 12th home win of the year
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Clinch a spot in the WBIT Final Four
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mark Coach Kelly Rae Finley’s first postseason quarterfinal win
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Return Florida to a postseason semifinal for the first time since 2013
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Last semifinal appearance: WNIT in 2013
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Record Coach Finley’s 75th career win at Florida
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Series Snapshot
          &#xD;
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           Florida and Texas Tech have met just once in recorded program history. That game took place in December 2018 during the Big 12/SEC Challenge, where the Gators secured a 72–67 win at home. The result gave Florida a 1–0 edge in the all-time series.
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           ators vs. Lady Raiders: A Brief History
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           The Gators and Lady Raiders share a limited head-to-head record, with only one prior matchup between the SEC and Big 12 programs. Their lone meeting occurred on December 2, 2018, at Exactech Arena, where Florida earned a 72–67 victory. Thursday’s contest marks the first time these teams will face off in seven years.
          &#xD;
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida’s Road to the Quarterfinals
          &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators punched their ticket to the 2025 WBIT quarterfinals with a thrilling 86–84 road win over UNLV on Sunday night. Four Florida players reached double figures, capped by a dramatic buzzer-beating three-pointer from
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kenza-salgues/16861" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kenza Salgues
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            to seal the victory.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill led the scoring effort with 22 points, while Leilani Warren added 21 and hit six of nine from beyond the arc. On the boards,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/17707" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alexia Gassett
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and Ra Shaya
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kyle
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            each pulled down seven rebounds. McGill contributed six rebounds and four steals on defense. Florida edged UNLV 37–35 in total rebounds and finished the game shooting 50% from the field.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           PROJECTED TEXAS TECH STARTERS:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Scouting the Lady Raiders
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Texas Tech enters the third round of the 2025 WBIT with a 19–7 overall record for the season. In Big 12 play, the Lady Raiders picked up four wins—sweeping Houston, and earning victories over BYU and Colorado.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           During the Big 12 Tournament, Texas Tech advanced past Kansas and Utah before narrowly falling to Oklahoma State, 62–59, in the quarterfinals.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Their most recent win came on the road against top-seeded Virginia Tech, where they earned a 69–59 victory to secure a spot in the WBIT quarterfinals. Despite being unseeded in the tournament, Texas Tech has already eliminated both the No. 1 and No. 4 seeds. They now head to Gainesville to face No. 3 seed Florida.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           On the individual stat sheet:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Shavers
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Maupin
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             follows with 13.7 points per game
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Freelon
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             anchors the defense with 4.3 rebounds per game
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sanogo
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Shavers
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             each contribute 3.8 rebounds per game
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           ABOUT THE WBIT:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit/eventinfo" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-women/wbit/eventinfo" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Event Informatio
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/2024-01/WBIT%20Principles%20and%20Procedures%202024.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           n
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Selection Criteri
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/images/2025/03/21/2025%20WBIT%20Bracket%20-%20First%20Round%20Games%20(Final).pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           a
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Updated Bracke
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           t
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%284%29-6fa4d301.webp" length="51098" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:17:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/quarterfinal-clash-gators-host-lady-raiders-at-the-o-dome</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%284%29-6fa4d301.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%284%29-6fa4d301.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gator Clash: Florida Faces Maryland in High-Stakes Sweet 16 Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-clash-florida-faces-maryland-in-high-stakes-sweet-16-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida vs. Maryland – NCAA West Region Showdown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           What:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           NCAA Tournament West Region / "Sweet 16" round
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           When:
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thursday, 7:39 p.m. (ET)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Where:
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chase Center / San Francisco
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Records:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida (32-4) / Maryland (27-8)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * TV:
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           TBS and TruTV
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kevin Harlan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dan Bonner
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stan Van Gundy
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lauren Shehadi
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Radio:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           with 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lee Humphrey
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Steve Egan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) 
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           *
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket info
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Match Preview
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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           Chase Center (capacity 18,064) in San Francisco is home to the NBA Golden State Warriors 
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           SETUP:
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           No. 4 Florida and No. 12 Maryland are set to clash in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region third round. The top-seeded Gators earned their spot with a commanding 95-69 win over 16-seed Norfolk State, followed by a narrow 77-75 victory over 8-seed Connecticut—the reigning two-time national champions—both games held in Raleigh, North Carolina. Maryland, which finished second in the Big Ten regular season, advanced from Seattle after defeating 13-seed Grand Canyon 81-49 and edging 12-seed Colorado State 72-71 with a buzzer-beater on Saturday night. The winner of this matchup will move on to Saturday’s regional final for an “Elite Eight” showdown against either 3-seed Texas Tech (27-8) or 10-seed Arkansas (22-13), who meet in the later West Region game Thursday.
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           SERIES:
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            Florida and Maryland have faced off four times, three of those meetings occurring since 2002, with the series currently tied at 2-2. Their most recent encounter was on December 12, 2021, during the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. In that game,
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           Donta Scott
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            hit an “off-balance, awkward-angle bank shot” with 16 seconds remaining to give the Terrapins a 70-68 lead. Florida’s
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           Tyree Appleby
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            , a fifth-year point guard, missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Appleby tallied all 15 of his points in the second half, sinking five shots from beyond the arc. Graduate guard
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           Phlandrous Fleming
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            contributed a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
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           ETC:
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           Florida holds a 9-2 all-time record in Sweet 16 appearances, including a streak of eight straight wins in this round dating back to 1999.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           UF forward
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            Alex Condon 
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           (21)
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           Florida has returned to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017, when the program made a run to the Elite Eight before falling to SEC rival South Carolina, just one win shy of the Final Four. This year’s squad enters the round riding an eight-game winning streak and has claimed victory in 14 of its last 15 contests. Seven of those eight most recent wins—excluding the opening-round blowout of Norfolk State—were against Quadrant 1 opponents. While the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) may no longer carry the same weight, Florida’s recent stretch has featured elite-level competition, including Sunday’s dramatic win over defending champion UConn. The Gators are currently favored by 6.5 points.
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           In the latest KenPom.com  rankings, Florida slipped from first to second in offensive efficiency and maintained its 11th-place standing on defense. Though the team is often praised for its offensive firepower, their defensive effort against UConn—holding the Huskies to 37.5% shooting and just 8-of-29 from beyond the arc—reinforced their national rankings: fifth in effective field-goal percentage defense (45.5), 17th in 2-point defense (46.2), and fifth in 3-point defense (29.3). That defensive intensity will be tested again against a Maryland offense that excels in those same metrics.
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           Free-throw shooting was a concern in the UConn game, as Florida hit only 64.7% from the line, well below its season average of nearly 72%. The second half was particularly shaky, with the Gators converting just 15 of 27 attempts (55.6%). Fortunately, those missed opportunities didn’t cost them the game.
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           ., the team’s standout point guard and first-team All-American, overcame a tough opening half against UConn’s aggressive ball-screen defense. He responded with a stellar second half, going 4-for-7 from the field, a perfect 3-for-3 from deep—including two clutch late-game shots—and 4-of-5 from the stripe, finishing with a game-high 23 points. Over five postseason games (three in the SEC Tournament and two in the NCAA Tournament), Clayton is averaging 21.6 points while shooting 47.8% overall, 51.1% from three (22-of-43), and 88.0% from the free-throw line (22-of-25).
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           Alijah Martin
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            played a pivotal role in the first half against UConn, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two 3-pointers. He also delivered four critical points in the final moments—highlighted by a put-back dunk off a missed free throw and two pressure-packed free throws with 21.6 seconds left.
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           Will Richard
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           , who had a quiet first half with just two points and no made field goals, came alive after the break. He ended the game with 15 points, including a pair of key threes, along with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Florida’s senior trio is averaging a combined 51.8 points across the five postseason games.
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            All-SEC forward
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           Alex Condon
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            contributed five points against UConn and struggled at the line (3-of-8), but added seven rebounds and four assists. He’ll face another physical challenge against Maryland’s strong frontcourt. Center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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           , known for his toughness, must avoid foul trouble—he picked up three in the first half against UConn and fouled out in the SEC semifinal versus Alabama. His 13.9% offensive rebounding rate ranks 44th nationally.
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            Off the bench,
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (9.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg) was efficient inside, going 5-of-6 on 2-point attempts in Raleigh, though he missed all seven of his 3-point tries. He also grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out seven assists. Backup center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (2.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg) went scoreless against UConn, missing all three of his shots, but pulled down four boards. He posted a minus-4 in the box score—one of only two Gators in the negative. The other was reserve guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (7.9 ppg), who logged three points on three attempts in 14 minutes and finished at minus-1.
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           The Terrapins
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           Maryland center 
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           Derik Queen
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           Maryland’s starting lineup—nicknamed the “Crab Five”—has logged over 81% of the team’s minutes since Big Ten play began, a figure roughly 10% higher than Florida’s starters. Now in his third year at the helm, head coach Kevin Willard has compiled a 65-38 record with the Terrapins, rebounding strongly from last season’s 16-17 finish. In his first year (2022–23), Willard led Maryland to the NCAA Tournament and a first-round win. Prior to joining the program, he spent 12 seasons at Seton Hall, guiding the Pirates to six NCAA appearances between 2016 and 2022, though his record there was 1-6. At Maryland, he’s now 3-1 in tournament play.
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           The Terrapins favor an uptempo style, which could either benefit Florida or pose problems if Maryland—ranked 23rd nationally in 3-point shooting at 37.5%—finds rhythm in transition. Ball security is a strength, with a turnover rate of just 14.3% (19th in the country) and a steal rate of only 6.8% (third nationally). Offensive rebounding is less of a factor for them, recovering just 31% of their missed shots (149th overall).
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           Defensively, Maryland ranks 21st in effective field-goal percentage allowed (46.8%), 15th in 3-point defense (30.2%), and 52nd in 2-point defense (47.6%). They also force turnovers on 20% of opponent possessions (43rd nationally). At the line, the team converts nearly 75% of its free throws.
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           Derik Queen etched his name into Maryland basketball history with a dramatic buzzer-beating bank shot Sunday night—widely considered the program’s most iconic moment since Juan Dixon led the Terrapins to the 2002 national title. That clutch basket propelled Maryland into the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend for the first time since 2016.
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           Queen, a standout from Montverde Academy in Florida, played alongside Duke’s Cooper Flagg last season. While Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Queen is expected to be selected within the top 10, possibly top five. He’s shooting 53% from the field, has attempted just 31 shots from beyond the arc, and is one of two Maryland players averaging over nine rebounds per game. His defensive-rebound percentage ranks 39th nationally. Queen also excels at drawing contact, averaging 5.9 fouls drawn per 40 minutes and converting 75.5% of his 208 free-throw attempts.
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            ﻿
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           Julian Reese, a senior forward, complements Queen in the paint. He leads the team with 103 offensive rebounds, ranking 105th in the country with a 12.1% offensive-rebound rate. Reese rarely ventures outside the key—he’s taken just one three-point shot this season—and is second only to Queen in free-throw attempts with 166.
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           On the perimeter, Ja'Kobi Gillespie stands out as Maryland’s second-leading scorer and a sharpshooter, hitting 40.6% from deep with 84 made threes. He also leads the team in assists (174) and steals (67), making him the most versatile threat on the outside.
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            ﻿
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           Miguel Selton, a transfer from South Florida, tops the team in three-point accuracy at 43.4% on 173 attempts. Virginia Tech transfer Rodney Rice adds another layer of shooting depth, connecting at a solid 37.3% clip from long range.
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           Stat Highlights
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           UF coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            •
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           .687
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            —
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           Todd Golden
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            holds a 72-33 record over three seasons at Florida, giving him a .687 winning percentage—the highest in program history among coaches with at least 100 games.
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            •
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           1
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            — Walter Clayton Jr. is just one three-pointer away from reaching 200 in his Florida career. His current total of 199 ranks second all-time behind
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           Lee Humphrey
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           , who made 226 threes across 136 games from 2005 to 2007. Clayton has reached his mark in only 71 games over two seasons.
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            •
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           5
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            — Florida has now had five consecutive head coaches lead the team to the “Sweet 16” in their first NCAA Tournament appearance with the program. That list includes
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           Norm Sloan
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            in 1987 (later vacated due to NCAA sanctions),
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           Lon Kruger
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            in 1994, Billy Donovan in 1999,
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           Mike White
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            in 2017, and Todd Golden in 2025.
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            •
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           1932
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            — The inaugural meeting between Florida and Maryland took place on February 27, 1932, on a neutral court in South Carolina. Florida won that game 39-24—a score line far less explosive than what’s anticipated in their upcoming matchup.
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            •
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           2,352
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            — The distance in air miles from Gainesville to San Francisco marks the second-longest NCAA Tournament travel in Florida’s history. The longest was in 1999, when the team traveled 2,448 miles to Seattle and defeated Penn and Weber State in the first two rounds. Maryland, meanwhile, transitioned directly from its first- and second-round site in Seattle to San Francisco, potentially giving the Terrapins a time-zone and recovery advantage.
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           Final Takeaway
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           Both squads battled through intense second-round matchups to keep their tournament hopes alive. With momentum on both sides and high stakes in play, fans can expect another thrilling—and likely tense—showdown.
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           Email 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:45:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-clash-florida-faces-maryland-in-high-stakes-sweet-16-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Hovde Heads North: Florida Assistant Takes the Reins at Columbia</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/hovde-heads-north-florida-assistant-takes-the-reins-at-columbia</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Kevin Hovde returns to lead Columbia, where he spent five seasons on staff.
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           Share:
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            Columbia University announced Monday that Florida men's basketball assistant coach
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           Kevin Hovde
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            will take over as the program’s next head coach.
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            Originally from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Hovde (pronounced HUV-dee) joined Florida’s staff in 2022 under head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and has since led the team’s offensive strategy. His connection to Columbia runs deep—he previously spent five seasons there from 2011 to 2016, including four years as an assistant coach.
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           During Hovde’s tenure at Florida, the Gators have delivered their two most prolific scoring seasons ever, averaging 85.6 points per game last season and 85.4 so far this year. The team’s 356 made three-pointers is just one shy of the school record of 357, set during the 2011–12 campaign.
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           “Hov and I have worked together five out of six years I've been a head coach,” Golden said during a recent press conference. “He's just an incredible basketball mind, but an even better person. Again, just incredibly mature, responsible. Always being ahead of the game with what he does. He deserves a lot of credit for how explosive our offense is.”
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            Hovde becomes the second Florida assistant this season to land a head coaching role, following
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-andrzejek/1903" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           John Andrzejek
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            ’s
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           appointment at Campbell
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           .
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           He will remain with the Gators through the NCAA Tournament. Florida is scheduled to play Maryland in San Francisco on Thursday at 7:39 p.m. EDT.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/kevin-hovde/1894" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kevin Hovde
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            Timeline
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:10:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/hovde-heads-north-florida-assistant-takes-the-reins-at-columbia</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators on the Clock: Updated Tip Time Set for WBIT Quarterfinal Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-on-the-clock-updated-tip-time-set-for-wbit-quarterfinal-clash</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators have advanced to the 2025 WBIT quarterfinals and are set to host Texas Tech this Thursday evening. The updated tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET at Exactech Arena.
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           Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+, where Brittany Davis and Kyle Crooks will provide commentary.
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            This marks the first time in program history that Florida has reached the WBIT quarterfinals. It also represents the second occasion under
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            that the Gators have made it to the final eight of a postseason tournament. Their previous deep run came during the 2023 WNIT, where they were edged out by Bowling Green in the quarterfinals. Now, Florida aims to make history once again by clinching a spot in the WBIT semifinals on their home court.
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           TEXAS TECH (19-17, 4-14 BIG 12):
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            Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
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            Time: 6 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Stream: ESPN+
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5659" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Live Stats
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      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/buy?id=NzU5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tickets 
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      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:58:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-on-the-clock-updated-tip-time-set-for-wbit-quarterfinal-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Gut It Out: Florida Ends UConn’s Reign in Sweet 16 Classic</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/title-suggestion-gators-gut-it-out-florida-ends-uconns-reign-in-sweet-16-classic</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           UF forward Thomas Haugh sank two free throws with five seconds remaining to ice top-seeded UF's 77-75 victory over Connecticut.
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           Share:
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           RALEIGH, N.C.
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           —
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             Florida’s March Madness run stayed alive Sunday afternoon with a dramatic close against defending national champion Connecticut.
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           The top-seeded Gators trailed for much of the second half but stormed ahead with a decisive 8-0 burst late in the game, ultimately securing a 77–75 victory.
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            After UConn’s
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           Solo Ball
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              tied the game at 64 with a three-pointer,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            hit a free throw to nudge Florida back in front. Senior All-American
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            followed with two free throws and then buried a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 70–64. Moments later, Condon missed a pair at the line, but
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            grabbed the rebound off the second miss and powered in a dunk to give Florida an eight-point cushion.
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           UConn kept the pressure on with late fouls, but Florida held firm to punch its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.
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           Clayton once again delivered in crunch time, finishing with a game-high 23 points and hitting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. The win marked Florida’s eighth straight and snapped a five-game losing streak against the Huskies.
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            Clayton gave Florida its first lead of the second half with a three-pointer at the 2:54 mark, and
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            added a fastbreak bucket 24 seconds later to make it 64–61. After Ball’s deep three tied it again, Florida responded with the game-clinching run that sent Gator fans at Lenovo Center into celebration mode.
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           Florida shot 46% from the field (23-of-50), while UConn managed 38% (24-of-64). The Gators also outpaced the Huskies from long range, hitting 9-of-19 compared to UConn’s 8-of-29.
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           In addition to Clayton’s 23 points, Martin scored 18 and Richard added 15—13 of which came after halftime.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            scored 23 points for the second consecutive game in the NCAA Tournament in Sunday's victory over UConn. (Photo: 
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           Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           Florida punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017, improving its NCAA Tournament record as a No. 1 seed to 12–1. This marks the program’s 12th appearance in the regional semifinals, including the 1987 run later vacated by the NCAA.
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           Same story, same star — Walter Clayton Jr. UConn’s defensive game plan centered on limiting Clayton’s perimeter looks, and it worked early. He was held to just 2-of-7 shooting and eight points in the first half. But when Florida needed a spark late, Clayton delivered, scoring 13 of his 23 points in the final eight minutes.
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           By the Numbers
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           Florida turned the ball over eight times in the first half, yet UConn failed to capitalize, scoring zero points off those miscues. At halftime, the teams were tied 31–31, with Florida leading 5–0 in points off turnovers. By game’s end, the Gators had outscored the Huskies 10–4 in that category, despite committing 12 turnovers to UConn’s six.
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           Next Matchup
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           Florida (32–4) will face the winner of No. 4-seed Maryland (26–8) vs. No. 12-seed Colorado State (26–9) in the Sweet 16. That game tips off at 7:10 p.m. ET on TBS in Seattle. Maryland advanced by defeating Grand Canyon, while Colorado State pulled off an upset over fifth-seeded Memphis. Florida holds a 2–2 all-time record against Maryland, last meeting in a 70–68 loss on December 12, 2021. The Gators have faced Colorado State once before, falling 68–46 in the 1989 NCAA Tournament.
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           Report contributions by senior writer
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           Scott Carter
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           . For more, contact
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           Chris Harry
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2025 09:39:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/title-suggestion-gators-gut-it-out-florida-ends-uconns-reign-in-sweet-16-classic</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Clutch Gators Crush UConn Dreams in Sweet 16 Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clutch-gators-crush-uconn-dreams-in-sweet-16-thriller</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           UF fifth-year guard Alijah Martin throws down on UConn's Liam McNeeley in Sunday's 77-75 win over the two-time defending NCAA champion Huskies.
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           Share:
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           RALEIGH, N.C. –
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             With under four minutes remaining and trailing by three, Florida huddled during a media timeout facing two-time defending champion Connecticut. The Gators had been behind since the opening basket of the second half, struggling with missed defensive assignments and a slew of missed free throws. Time—and opportunities—were slipping away.
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            Head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            didn’t mince words.
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           "It's now or never, man," Golden told his players. "If we can't find a way to pull back out in front these next few minutes, we're going home."
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            The next voice wasn’t clearly identified—possibly
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , or seniors
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           Alijah Martin
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            or
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           Will Richard
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           —but the sentiment was unanimous.
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           "It's winning time," someone said.
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           And over the next minute-plus, Florida made that declaration a reality.
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            "We just persevered," said sophomore forward
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            . "And we got
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            on our team."
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           Clayton, a first-team All-American, delivered eight of his game-high 23 points in the final two minutes, including two clutch three-pointers that flipped the deficit into an eight-point lead. That surge was enough for top-seeded Florida to seal a 77–75 win in the NCAA West Region’s second round at Lenovo Center, sending the team to its 11th Sweet 16 appearance—and first since 2017.
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           Florida (32–4), riding an eight-game win streak and victorious in 14 of its last 15, will face 4-seed Maryland (27–8) on Thursday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. Maryland advanced with a buzzer-beating 72–71 win over 12-seed Colorado State in Seattle.
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            Alijah Martin, a fifth-year transfer from Florida Atlantic, contributed 18 points, including four during Florida’s decisive closing stretch. Guard
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            added 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals. The Gators shot 46% overall, improving to 54% in the second half—a necessary boost on a day when they struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 22 of 34 attempts. That included a shaky 15-of-27 performance (55.6%) after halftime. Defensively, Florida held UConn to 37.5% shooting and limited them to 8-of-29 from three-point range (27.6%).
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           "We made winning play after winning play down the stretch the last six minutes after about 34 minutes of it not looking like it was going to go our way," said head coach Todd Golden, whose team was down 55–51 with under seven minutes left. "That's the benefit of having three great senior leaders in the back court and some young, hungry front court players that will give their all to compete every play. It wasn't pretty for the majority of the game for us … but our players delivered."
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           Florida responded with a six-point burst to take the lead, only for UConn (24–11) to tie it with a three-pointer. The Gators answered again, this time with a 10–2 run to build an eight-point cushion, then held off a final push of fouls and free throws in the closing seconds.
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           Walter Clayton Jr., who had just 10 points through the first 30 minutes, came alive late. He finished with 23 points, hitting six of 14 shots—five of them from beyond the arc—and going 6-for-7 at the line. Despite five turnovers, Clayton delivered when it counted most.
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           "Credit Clayton," said UConn head coach Dan Hurley. "He made some NBA level 3s off the dribble to beat us. It took that for somebody to put us down in this tournament after winning, obviously, a bunch in a row."
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           That streak spanned 13 games, dating back to the 2023 NCAA Tournament, which began with a win over Iona—where Clayton was the starting point guard. A full-circle moment, indeed.
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           "We stayed the course," Clayton said, acknowledging the pressure that comes with being a No. 1 seed. He noted how UConn’s dynamic offense and relentless rebounding kept Florida on edge. "You may not have been able to tell from the outside, but we came back to the huddle a couple times and told each other, 'We have to get a stop! We have to be better at this and better at that!' There were moments we were getting on each other, but in a good way."
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (10), 
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           Alex Condon
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            (center) and the Gators got quite a challenge on the glass from the battle-tested Huskies. 
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           For nearly 38 minutes, neither team managed to pull ahead by more than six points. UConn guard Hassan Diarra capped the first half with a dramatic 30-foot three-pointer to tie the score at 31. Despite shooting just 32% from the field and 22% from beyond the arc (4-for-18), the Huskies were level with the fourth-ranked Gators heading into the break.
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           At that point, Walter Clayton Jr. had tallied eight points, but his stat line included as many turnovers as made field goals—just two.
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            ﻿
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           "Obviously, they were bothering him with some pressure … making him make some uncharacteristic mistakes, some turnovers that we haven't seen for the majority of the year, not as strong with the ball as he usually plays with," said Florida head coach Todd Golden. "But what makes Walter so special is his ability to stay even keeled regardless of how he's doing, whether it's great or not so great. His ability to continue to lock in and stay the course."
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           Florida coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            coaches up his star point guard. 
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            It wasn’t until deep into the second half that Walter Clayton Jr. began to shift the game’s momentum. UConn center Samson Johnson opened the half with consecutive baskets, and after Florida forward
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           Alex Condon
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            split a pair of free throws, Huskies freshman Liam McNeeley—who led his team with 22 points—converted a traditional three-point play to give UConn a six-point edge with 18 minutes remaining.
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           For the next 15 minutes, Florida found itself playing catch-up. Much like the first half, UConn controlled the tempo, slowing the game down and disrupting Florida’s preferred pace with deliberate possessions, backdoor cuts, and late-shot-clock fouls.
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           "I don't know that we could have managed the game better than we did," said UConn head coach Dan Hurley. "We dragged them into the type of game that we wanted to drag them into. We kind of dragged them into a Big East [Conference], low-possession game. It did not resemble a [Southeastern Conference] game."
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           For much of the contest, Florida didn’t resemble the team that had just finished second in the SEC and dominated its way to a conference tournament title.
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           Then everything changed.
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           "We flipped the script in winning time," said Florida head coach Todd Golden.
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            UConn held a six-point lead on four separate occasions in the second half, the last coming with under nine minutes to play. A pair of free throws from
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            and a three-pointer by Clayton cut the deficit to one. Florida followed with a defensive stop and had a chance to take the lead on the break, but Alijah Martin’s fast-break dunk attempt—possibly launched a bit early—clanged off the back iron. UConn capitalized with a three-pointer from guard Solo Ball, pushing the lead to 55–51.
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           Will Richard responded with a three of his own just before the seven-minute mark. From there, the teams traded baskets, with UConn maintaining slim leads of either one or three points until Florida regrouped in a timeout, trailing 61–58 with 3:41 left.
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           That’s when the Gators locked in.
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           "We just got back to what we do," Richard said. "We have trust in each other. The three senior guards, we have a lot of experience, and we did a great job trying to keep everybody calm throughout those moments."
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           Senior guard 
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           Will Richard
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            (5) fires up his bench (not that it needed it) after his steal and slam as the Gators took control of the game.
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           Alex Condon hit one of two free throws to trim the deficit to two. On the next possession, UConn’s Alex Karaban—who brought 109 career starts and two national championships into the game—missed a driving layup. Walter Clayton Jr. responded with the first of his two late-game three-pointers, giving Florida its first lead since the opening half, 62–61, with 2:50 remaining.
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           "His confidence level never wavers regardless of what's going on," said head coach Todd Golden about Clayton.
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           Moments later, Liam McNeeley was stripped by Will Richard, and Condon quickly launched the ball ahead to a sprinting Richard, who finished with a dunk to extend the lead to 64–61, igniting the Florida bench and fans behind it.
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           UConn’s Solo Ball answered immediately with his second three-pointer to tie the game at 64. On Florida’s next trip down, Condon again went to the line, making the first but missing the second. Alijah Martin tipped the rebound, Thomas Haugh secured it, and quickly dished to Clayton, who drove into the paint, drew contact, and sank both free throws to push the Gators back in front by three.
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           "That's just us wanting to win," Richard said. "To win games like that, you've got to make big plays and we had multiple guys step up. Everybody that was on the court impacted the game."
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           After Karaban missed a potential game-tying three, Clayton came off a dribble handoff from Condon, sized up the defense, and buried a tough fall-away three-pointer to stretch the lead to six with just over a minute left.
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            ﻿
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           "Most people aren't made for that," said Martin. "Walt definitely is."
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) rises up for second late-game 3-pointer that pushed the Gators in front by six. 
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           The next pivotal moment belonged to Alijah Martin—again. After Liam McNeeley’s basket trimmed Florida’s lead to six, Alex Condon missed both free throws with 43.4 seconds left. On the second miss, the Gators crashed the boards, and Martin came up with the rebound. Spotting an open lane, he powered in a two-handed dunk that marked Florida’s sixth consecutive made field goal and extended the lead to eight. Another clutch play from a player who kept delivering.
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           McNeeley answered with a driving layup at the 28-second mark, but Martin responded with two free throws at 21.6. UConn kept applying pressure, drawing fouls and converting at the line with the clock stopped. After McNeeley sank two more free throws with 6.6 seconds remaining, the Huskies were within three, 75–72.
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           Thomas Haugh was fouled on the inbound, walked the length of the court, and calmly knocked down both free throws with 5.9 seconds left, restoring a five-point cushion. McNeeley’s final three-pointer at the buzzer didn’t change the outcome. Florida had finally defeated UConn for the first time since the 1994 NCAA Tournament—ending a five-game losing streak that included a painful Final Four loss that year.
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           The Gators now head west to San Francisco—home of the University of San Francisco, where head coach Todd Golden began his rise. Two more wins would send Florida to its next Final Four.
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           "We all know the reality, if you're going to make a deep run in March, you've got to catch some breaks, and you've got to win some games like this to be able to push through and stay alive," Golden said. "Theoretically, beating a team like UConn, that's used to winning this time of year, in the fashion that we did, should be really good for us moving forward."
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           For more from senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           , reach him at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-365a59ea.webp" length="69210" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2025 09:08:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clutch-gators-crush-uconn-dreams-in-sweet-16-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Buzzer-Beater Magic: Salgues Sends Gators Soaring Over UNLV</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/buzzer-beater-magic-salgues-sends-gators-soaring-over-unlv</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida celebrates their second buzzer beater win of 2025, upsetting the No. 2 seeded UNLV Rebels in the 2025 WBIT.
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           Share:
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            LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Florida Gators pulled off a thrilling 86–84 victory over UNLV, punching their ticket to the 2025 WBIT quarterfinals. Despite trailing the Rebels for more than 33 minutes on Sunday night, the game was decided at the buzzer when
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           Kenza Salgues
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            sank the decisive jumper.
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            Florida delivered its best three-point shooting performance of the season, knocking down 14 triples at a blistering 56% clip.
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           Jeriah Warren
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            was especially sharp from deep, connecting on 6-of-9 attempts to finish with 21 points.
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           Liv McGill
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            paced the offense overall, leading the team with 22 points, while three other Gators also reached double figures.
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            On the defensive side,
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           Alexia Gassett
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            anchored the effort with seven rebounds apiece. McGill added six boards of her own and came up big with four steals. Collectively, the Gators edged UNLV on the glass, 37–35, to seal the hard-fought road win.
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           A GLIMPSE INTO FLORIDA'S S 2025 POSTSEASON:
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           UF now advances to the WBIT quarterfinals for the first time in program history
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           The Gators are 4-1 in postseason play for 2025
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           Florida now boasts a winning record for the 2024-25 season at 18-17
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           UF holds an all-time record at 2-1 in the WBIT
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           HOW IT HAPPENED:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           IN THE FIRST:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida's 17 points were spread across five players
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           12 of UF's 17 points came from inside the paint
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators shot a game high 57.1 percent from the field (8-14)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           McGill led on both ends of the floor with six points and three rebounds
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida outrebounded the Rebels 9-6
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF had four turnovers in less than four minutes to end the quarter
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The score stood at 23-17, favoring UNLV after 10 minutes of play
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           IN THE SECOND:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators posted 22 points and shot 44.4 percent from the field
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dizeko led Florida in scoring with seven points, followed by Reynolds with six
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Reynolds went 2-2 from behind the arch
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF hit three consecutive three-pointers (5:39, 5:14, and 4:45)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/17707" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alexia Gassett
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            led all on the boards, securing five rebounds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Salgues led in ball movement, distributing three assists for the Gators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UNLV went on a 12-0 run to gain their biggest lead of the half at 50-36
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           From 30+ feet out, Warren hit a three ball at the buzzer to put the score at 50-39 going into half
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           IN THE THIRD:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida had its highest scoring period of the game with 25 points
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF shot an impressive 55.6 percent from behind the three-point line (5-9)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators went 9-18 (50%) from the field and 100 percent from the charity stripe (2-2)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Warren posted 12 points—all coming from beyond the arc (4-5 3FG)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           McGill distributed four of UF's five assists
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kyle led Florida in rebounding, securing five of Florida's 11
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           After starting the quarter down by 11, UF got the score within one to end the period (65-64)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           IN THE FOURTH:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida took the lead for the first time since quarter one at 69-67 (8:56)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The game was tied up five times in the final ten minutes of play
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           McGill led in scoring with nine of UF's 22 points
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Salgues and Warren both posted six points in the final quarter
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF saw the free throw line nine times and converted for four
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Five Gators contributed to UF's 10 rebounds
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida trailed by one with less than 10 seconds left on the clock (84-83)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Salgues hit the game-winning bucket with 00:01 left on the clock to put UF ahead at 86-84
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           WORTH NOTING:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF had four players in double figures for scoring
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill (22), Warren (21), Salgues (13), and Reynolds (10)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has hit double figures in 32 of her 35 outings as a Gator
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            13 of those games have been 20+ point performances 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators outscored UNLV in the final two periods of play
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Q3) 25-15, (Q4) 22-19
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida had a season-high made 3FG at 14
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF held UNLV to a season-low three steals
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            30 of Florida's points were tallied in the paint
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In total UF went 8-13 (61.5%) from the charity stripe 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Two Gators shot a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dizeko (2-2) and Salgues (2-2)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida forced 10 turnovers on UNLV to convert for 17 points
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            18 of UF's points were credited to the bench
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators posted 12 points off fastbreaks
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF made 13 of their 23 layup attempts
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill was responsible for 50% of UF's steals, snagging four of the team's eight
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Five Gators brought in four or more rebounds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators out-rebounded the Rebels 37-35
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle and Gassett led Florida on the boards with seven rebounds each
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida distributed a combined 18 assists
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led in distribution with eight
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has now led in assist distribution 27 times this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 60 of 142 quarters played this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida recorded a game total of 73 possessions, converting for 1.18 points per possession
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In total UF only led over the Rebels for two minutes and 32 seconds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           CAREER HIGHS:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEAM RECORDS:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           18-17, (6-12 SEC)
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           UNLV: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           26-8, (16-2 MW)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           SERIES RECORD:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida and UNLV's record now stands at 2-1. UF's win over the Rebels on Sunday night marks their first time defeating UNLV in program history. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           NEXT UP:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida will now advance to the quarterfinals of the WBIT and host Texas Tech on Thursday, Mar. 27. The game will be streamed via ESPN+ and is set to tip at 7 p.m. ET.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEXAS TECH (19-17, 4-14 BIG 12):
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 7 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stream: ESPN+
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5659" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=587975" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live Stats
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-39b11bc8.webp" length="220608" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2025 02:58:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/buzzer-beater-magic-salgues-sends-gators-soaring-over-unlv</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-39b11bc8.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators vs. Giants: Florida Hunts Sweet 16 Glory Against UConn’s Dynasty</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-giants-florida-hunts-sweet-16-glory-against-uconns-dynasty</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           (1) Florida vs. (8) Connecticut
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           What:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            NCAA Tournament / 2nd round
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           When:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Sunday, 12:10 pm (ET)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Where:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Lenovo Center / Raleigh, N.C.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Records:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Florida (31-4) / Connecticut (24-10)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * TV:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            CBS (
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ian Eagle
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bill Raftery, Grant Hill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tracy Wolfson
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Radio:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (with 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lee Humphrey
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Steve Egan
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ) 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket info
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/VDoSj8-556b3e19.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Breakdown
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/025_Huddle_250321_1889_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators have won seven straight and 13 of the last 14.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Matchup Overview
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida, ranked fourth nationally and holding the No. 1 seed in the NCAA West Region, is set to face No. 8 seed Connecticut in the tournament’s second round. The Gators earned their spot with a commanding 95-69 win over Norfolk State on Friday. Meanwhile, the Huskies—winners of the last two national championships—advanced by defeating Oklahoma 67-59. The victor of this clash will move on to the Sweet 16, scheduled for Thursday in San Francisco.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Head-to-Head History
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Connecticut holds a 5-1 advantage in the all-time series, having won five straight matchups since the 2013-14 season. That run began with a buzzer-beating win at Storrs on December 2, 2013 (see
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Napier, Shabazz
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           ), which interrupted Florida’s record-setting 30-game win streak. Later that season, UConn eliminated top-seeded UF with a 63-53 victory in the Final Four held in Arlington, Texas.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Their most recent meeting occurred on December 7, 2022, when the Huskies visited Gainesville and delivered a dominant 75-54 performance. Junior center
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Adama Sanogo
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            contributed 17 points and seven rebounds, while freshman
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Donovan Clingan
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            came off the bench to add 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting, along with eight rebounds and three blocks. Connecticut shot 52% from the field, held Florida to 37%, won the rebounding battle 42-28, and disrupted the Gators’ offensive rhythm, limiting them to just six assists. Florida’s top scorers were
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Fudge
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/riley-kugel/16015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Riley Kugel
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , each with 13 points. That season, UConn went on to finish 31-8 and secure its fifth NCAA championship by defeating San Diego State 76-59 in the final at Houston.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           ETC
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            During a 13-month stretch from December 2, 2013 to January 3, 2015, Connecticut—then led by head coach
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kevin Ollie
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           —defeated Billy Donovan’s Florida squad three times. The final win in that sequence came at the O’Connell Center, where the Huskies edged out a 63-59 victory in the return leg of a home-and-home series.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tale of the Tape
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/045_Haugh_Thomas__250321_3813_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Forward 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (10) with the block Friday night.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida’s First-Round Performance: Fast Start, Defensive Concerns Florida came out blazing against Norfolk State, building a commanding 32-point lead late in the first half. However, a lapse in focus allowed the Spartans to close the period with five consecutive made field goals and four Florida turnovers, resulting in an 11-0 run that shifted the tone heading into halftime. This brief breakdown—despite Florida’s rare status as a team ranked in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency—is likely to be a key area of emphasis for Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and his staff, especially with a high-caliber opponent like UConn up next.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators set a new program benchmark with 53 first-half points in NCAA Tournament play. They finished the game shooting 48.3%, connected on 10 of 32 three-point attempts (31.3%), and dished out 20 assists. Still, defensive lapses were evident, as Norfolk State shot nearly 46% overall and scored 48 points in the paint. In the second half, NSU hit 50% from the field, going just 1-for-6 from beyond the arc but converting 14 of 24 two-point attempts (58.3%).
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            joined an exclusive group, becoming only the eighth head coach to win his NCAA Tournament debut as a No. 1 seed.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Clayton’s Consistency and Tournament History
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , a First-Team All-America selection at point guard, led all scorers with 23 points—16 of which came in the first half, including four made threes. He’s averaging 21.3 points per game in the postseason, shooting 49% from the field and 48.6% from three-point range (17-for-35), while converting 88.8% of his free throws (16-for-18). Clayton has now hit at least one three-pointer in 57 consecutive games.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This upcoming matchup marks Clayton’s second NCAA Tournament appearance against UConn. As a sophomore at Iona—where he earned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors—Clayton faced the Huskies in the first round in Albany, New York. Iona led by two at halftime before UConn surged in the second half to win 87-63. Clayton finished with 15 points, three made threes, and four assists.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Supporting Cast Contributions
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who previously won four NCAA Tournament games with Florida Atlantic, added his fifth with a 17-point outing on 5-of-10 shooting, including two three-pointers.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            struggled from the field (1-for-6, all from three), but contributed with four rebounds and five assists. Together, the trio of Clayton, Martin, and Richard combined for 48 points against Norfolk State, nearly matching their average of 51.7 points per game during Florida’s three-game run to the SEC Tournament title.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Frontcourt Impact
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            added six points and eight boards, while 7-foot-1 reserve
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (2.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg) matched those numbers in just 17 minutes of action.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (9.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg) was perfect on his two-point attempts (4-for-4), missed all five threes, and finished with 13 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Junior guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            scored eight points, grabbed three rebounds, and hit his only three-point attempt. Florida is now 21-0 in games where Aberdeen makes a three.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Huskies
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/McNeeley.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UConn forward
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Liam McNeeley 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
              Now in his seventh year at the helm,
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Dan Hurley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has accomplished a rare feat in college basketball. In his fifth and sixth seasons, he led Connecticut to back-to-back NCAA titles—something only
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Mike Krzyzewski
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (in his 12th season at Duke) and Billy Donovan (in his 11th at Florida) had previously done. The Huskies compiled a 68-11 record across those two championship runs, capturing the 2023 title as a No. 4 seed and following it up with a 2024 championship as a No. 1 seed.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Their recent 67-59 victory over Oklahoma marked UConn’s 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament win, tying the 64-team era record set by Duke from 1991 to 1993. They’ll aim to break that streak against Florida. This season, the Huskies placed third in the Big East with a 14-6 conference record, finishing behind St. John's and Creighton. While they had ranked in KenPom.com’s top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency the past two years, their metrics dipped in 2024–25—particularly on defense.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Offensively, UConn operates at a deliberate pace but remains effective. They rank 28th nationally in effective field-goal percentage, converting 57.3% of their two-point attempts (15th in the country) and 35.1% from beyond the arc (106th). On defense, they’re formidable inside the arc, allowing opponents to shoot just 45.8% on twos (11th nationally), bolstered by the nation’s second-best shot-blocking rate at 17.7%. However, they’ve struggled to defend the perimeter, ranking 256th in three-point defense (34.6%). That vulnerability could present an opportunity for Florida—if they can capitalize on open looks.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Connecticut primarily relies on an eight-player rotation, anchored by a physically dominant backup center in
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tarris Reed Jr
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . The 6-foot-10, 260-pound Michigan transfer contributes 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, offering a strong interior presence off the bench.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Additional depth comes from forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jaylin Stewart
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who averages 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds, and guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Aidan Mahaney
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , a transfer from Saint Mary's, who adds 4.5 points per contest. Both are expected to see meaningful minutes in the rotation.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers of Note
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/ghows-LK-96df7788-8f99-434d-8c84-409db01b04b7-8d4686a9.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF forward 
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           Andrew DeClercq
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            (right) bodies up UConn forward 
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           Donyell Marshall 
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           during their 1994 NCAA East Region semifinal game at Miami. If you know Gator hoops history, you know. If not, see below.
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            0.611
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             — Florida’s win rate in NCAA Tournament second-round games, based on an 11–7 record. That tally includes three straight defeats in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
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            78.9%
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             — Connecticut’s team free-throw percentage, ranking 15th nationally. Four of the Huskies’ five starters are converting at least 82% from the line.
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            1,339
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            — Career points for Alex Karaban, placing him 28th on UConn’s all-time scoring list.
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            1994
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             — The year of the dramatic
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            Donyell Marshall
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             moment in the Sweet 16 at Miami Arena. With the game tied and under three seconds remaining, Marshall—then the Big East Player of the Year and a first-team All-American—missed both free throws. Florida went on to win 69–60 in overtime and defeated Boston College two days later to reach its first-ever Final Four.
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            2,006
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             — Career points for Walter Clayton Jr., one of only five active four-year college players to surpass the 2,000-point milestone.
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            Clayton
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             has scored 1,235 of those points at Florida, with the remainder coming during his two seasons at Iona. He shares this elite distinction with
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            Erik Reynolds II
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             (Saint Joseph’s),
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            Zeke Mayo
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             (South Dakota State/Kansas),
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            Wade Taylor IV
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             (Texas A&amp;amp;M), and
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            Kam Jones
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             (Marquette).
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           Final Takeaway
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           The stakes are rising fast as Florida prepares for one of the headline matchups in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. With Connecticut’s fan base likely to dominate the crowd, the Gators could be facing a road-style atmosphere in what promises to be a high-intensity showdown.
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            ﻿
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           Email 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:31:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-giants-florida-hunts-sweet-16-glory-against-uconns-dynasty</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gator Ambush: Florida Sets Sights on Ending UConn’s March Reign</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-ambush-florida-sets-sights-on-ending-uconns-march-reign</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           UF coach Todd Golden (right), alongside assistant and offensive coordinator Kevin Hovde, will match wits Sunday against Connecticut, which is chasing an unprecedented third straight NCAA championship in the 64-field era.
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           Share:
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           RALEIGH, N.C.
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           –
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            Since taking over at Florida,
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           Todd Golden
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            has been vocal about restoring the program to elite status—back to competing for national titles, just as it did in years past.
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           Connecticut, meanwhile, is the current benchmark.
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           That familiar phrase, "To be the champ, you gotta beat the champ," perfectly captures Florida’s position heading into Sunday’s NCAA West Region second-round matchup at Lenovo Center. The top-seeded Gators (31–4) will face the eighth-seeded Huskies (24–10), winners of the last two national championships.
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           [Read senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           s "Pregame Stuff" setup
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    &lt;a href="http://raleigh,%20n.c.xn--%20%20from%20the%20moment%20he%20took%20the%20university%20of%20florida%20job,%20todd%20golden%20talked%20about%20elevating%20the%20gators'%20basketball%20program%20back%20to%20among%20the%20best%20in%20the%20country-y354l.%20to%20national-championship%20contenders.%20like%20they%20used%20to%20be.%20like%20connecticut%20is%20now.%20%20%20that%20ol'%20saying,%20&amp;quot;to%20be%20the%20champ,%20you%20gotta%20beat%20the%20champ/?%22%20That%27s%20the%20cross%20road%20the%20top-seeded%20Gators%20(31-4)%20find%20themselves%20in%20the%20NCAA%20West%20Region,%20where%20the%20two-time%20reigning%20NCAA-champion%20Huskies%20(24-10)%20await%20in%20Sunday%27s%20second-round%20showdown%20at%20Lenova%20Center.%20%20[Read%20senior%20writer%20Chris%20Harry%27s%20%22Pregame%20Stuff%22%20setup%20here]%20UF,%20winner%20of%20seven%20straight%20and%2013%20of%20the%20previous%2014,%20will%20go%20in%20as%20a%20near%20double-digit%20favorite%20against%20a%20UConn%20program%20that%20Friday%20night%20defeated%20Oklahoma%20to%20win%20its%2013%20consecutive%20NCAA%20game,%20tying%20the%2068-field%20tournament%20mark%20set%20by%20Duke%20over%20a%20three-season%20stretch%20from%201991-93.%20The%20Blue%20Devils%20did%20not%20win%20a%2014th,%20so%20the%20Gators%20stand%20between%20Coach%20Dan%20Hurley%20and%20his%20players%20making%20more%20college%20hoops%20history.%20%20Florida%20coach%20Todd%20Golden,%20meanwhile,%20will%20be%20trying%20to%20win%20a%20second%20straight%20NCAA%20game%20after%20winning%20the%20first%20of%20his%20career%20(like%20most%20everyone%20else%20in%20the%20UF%20locker)%20with%20Friday%20night%27s%2095-69%20defeat%20of%20Norfolk%20State.%20%22Even%20though%20we%20might%20be%20favored,%20I%20think%20a%20lot%20of%20people%20still%20believe%20that%20UConn%20is%20going%20to%20win%20this%20game%20because%20of%20their%20track%20record,%20because%20of%20Coach%20Hurley%20and%20the%20success%20that%20they%27ve%20had,%22%20Golden%20said%20Saturday.%20%22It%27s%20on%20us%20to%20make%20sure%20we%20go%20out%20there%20and%20show%20what%20we%27re%20capable%20of.%20I%20think%20they%27ve%20done%20so%20well,%20they%27ve%20been%20so%20consistent.%20Obviously,%20Coach%20Hurley%20has%20been%20here%20before.%20They%20have%20multiple%20players%20that%20have%20won%20national%20championships%20that%20expect%20to%20win%20this%20time%20of%20year.%20For%20us,%20this%20is%20a%20relatively%20new%20position.%22%20UConn%27s%20championship%20run%20began%20two%20years%20ago%20in%20Albany,%20New%20York,%20where%20the%20Huskies%20dispatched%20of%20Iona,%20led%20by%20sophomore%20guard%20Walter%20Clayton%20Jr.,%20in%20opening-round%20play.%20Crazy%20how%20paths%20converge%20sometimes.%20%20%20%22They%27re%20a%20great%20offensive%20team%20that%20runs%20a%20lot%20of%20things%20to%20try%20to%20confuse%20you,%22%20UF%27s%20first-team%20All%20American%20said.%20%22They%27re%20very%20aggressive%20on%20defense,%20too.%22%20By%20all%20numbers%20and%20advanced%20metrics,%20though,%20this%20Connecticut%20team%20is%20not%20as%20strong%20or%20deep%20as%20the%20one%20Clayton%20last%20faced;%20or%20as%20dominant%20as%20last%20season%27s%20back-to-back%20squad,%20for%20that%20matter.%20%20But%20Clayton%20is%20not%20the%20same%20player%20he%20was%20back%20then,%20either.%20And%20Florida%20is%20not%20the%20same%20team%20that%20same%20%2722-23%20Huskies%20squad%20ran%20roughshod%20over,%2075-54,%20in%20Gainesville%2010%20games%20into%20Hurley%27s%20first%20national-championship%20season.%20%20%22We%20understand%20the%20challenges%20that%20Florida%20presents.%20The%20tape%20does%20not%20lie.%20The%20analytics%20and%20the%20efficiency%20of%20their%20offense%20and%20defense,%20all%20that%20stuff%20does%20not%20lie,%22%20Hurley%20said%20of%20a%20UF%20team%20that%20is%20one%20of%20only%20two%20in%20the%20nation%20(along%20with%20No.%201%20Duke)%20rated%20in%20the%20top%2010%20in%20both%20offense%20(1st)%20and%20defense%20(10th)%20efficiency.%20%22We%20know%20that%20it%27s%20not%20a%20best-of-seven,%20and%20we%27ve%20faced%20the%20same%20type%20of%20pressure%20that%20Todd%20and%20his%20team%20are%20facing%20playing%20these%20games.%20Todd%20knows%20what%20type%20of%20team%20he%27s%20got.%20I%20knew%20what%20type%20of%20team%20I%20had%20the%20last%20couple%20years,%20and%20when%20you%20know%20you%27ve%20got%20a%20squad,%20that%27s%20like%20a%20real%20thing%20when%20you%20get%20to%20these%20round%20of%2032,%20Sweet%2016,%20like,%20you%20know%20you%27ve%20got%20a%20squad.%20I%20can%20relate%20to%20what%20he%27s%20experiencing,%20right%20now.%22%20UConn%20has%20a%20handful%20of%20players%20who%20had%20a%20hand%20in%20one%20or%20both%20titles,%20led%20by%20savvy%20forward%20Alex%20Karaban,%20who%20has%20started%20109%20consecutive%20games.%20The%20circumstances%20for%20Karaban%20and%20his%20teammates%20are%20much%20different%20this%20time%20around.%20The%20Huskies%20finished%20second%20to%20St.%20John%27s%20in%20the%20Big%20East%20Conference,%20with%20six%20league%20losses.%20Back%20in%20November,%20the%20team%20went%20to%20the%20Maui%20Invitational%20and%20lost%20three%20games%20in%20three%20days%20%E2%80%93%20against%20Memphis,%20Colorado%20and%20Dayton%20%E2%80%93%20to%20equal%20its%20most%20defeats%20in%20all%20of%20the%20%2723-24%20season.%20At%20the%20tournament,%20Hurley%20famously%20lost%20his%20composure.%20%22Viral%20moments,%22%20he%20would%20later%20call%20them.%20He%27s%20had%20others%20since,%20and%20they%27ve%20taken%20away%20from%20the%20accomplishments%20of%20his%20team.%20%20The%20Huskies%20were%2010-6%20in%20league%20play%20a%20month%20ago,%20but%20finished%20the%20regular%20season%20with%20four%20wins,%20then%20lost%20to%20Creighton%20in%20the%20conference%20tournament%27s%20second%20round.%20%20The%20Gators,%20of%20course,%20won%20the%20SEC%20Tournament%20in%20resounding%20fashion,%20giving%20this%20second-rounder%20the%20look%20of%20a%20mismatch.%20The%20Huskies,%20with%20their%20winning%20pedigree%20(especially%20in%20March),%20know%20better.%20So%20do%20the%20Gators,%20actually.%20%20%22It%27s%20definitely%20less%20pressure,%20but%20I%20felt%20like%20we%27ve%20been%20the%20underdog%20ever%20since%20we%20came%20back%20from%20Maui,%22%20Karaban%20said.%20%22We%27re%20used%20to%20being%20the%20underdogs%20for%20the%20majority%20of%20the%20season.%20It%27s%20not%20really%20a%20new%20stage%20for%20us%20this%20year.%22%20On%20the%20other%20side,%20the%20Gators%20have%20one%20of%20deepest%20and%20most%20versatile%20teams%20in%20college%20basketball.%20They%20demonstrated%20in%20claiming%2017%20victories%20in%20the%20sawmill%20SEC%20that%20they%20can%20win%20a%20track%20meet%20or%20a%20rock%20fight.%20%20UF%20was%20at%20its%20best%20for%20the%20first%2015%20minutes%20of%20Friday%20night%27s%20opener,%20rushing%20to%20a%2032-point%20lead%20before%20something%20happened.%20Maybe%20the%20Gators%20got%20bored.%20Whatever%20the%20case,%20they%20allowed%20the%20undermanned%20and%20undersized%20Spartans%20to%20scored%2011%20straight%20points%20to%20end%20the%20half,%20shoot%2050%%20in%20the%20second%20period%20and%20got%20out-scored%2048-36%20in%20the%20paint.%20%20The%20result%20still%20was%20a%2026-point%20victory,%20but%20will%20there%20be%20carryover%20in%20UF%27s%20sloppiness?%20And%20could%20it%20survive%20should%20UConn%20come%20with%20carryover%20from%20its%20championship%20run?%20%20%22I%20think%20our%20guys%20do%20a%20good%20job%20of%20raising%20to%20the%20level%20of%20our%20competition,%20making%20sure%20that%20we%20compete%20at%20an%20insanely%20high%20level,%22%20Golden%20said.%20%22They%20understand%20that%20if%20we%20don%27t%20do%20that%20against%20UConn,%20we%27re%20going%20to%20be%20going%20home.%22%20%20Or%20as%20UF%20fifth-guard%20Alijah%20Martin%20put%20it,%20%22We%20have%20our%20hands%20full.%22%20That%27s%20the%20right%20attitude%20to%20do.%20The%20Gators%20also%20believe%20the%20Huskies%20will%20have%20their%20hands%20full,%20too.%20Their%20body%20of%20work%20to%20date%20says%20so.%20%20%22Our%20goal%20was%20to%20try%20to%20build%20something%20similar%20[to%20UConn],%22%20Golden%20said.%20%22I%20feel%20like%20we%20are%20in%20a%20really%20good%20spot%20right.%22%20Email%20senior%20writer%20Chris%20Harry%20at%20chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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           Florida enters the game riding a seven-game win streak and having won 13 of its last 14. UConn, fresh off a win over Oklahoma, extended its NCAA Tournament streak to 13 consecutive victories—matching Duke’s record from 1991–93 in the 68-team format. The Blue Devils didn’t reach 14, so Florida now stands between Dan Hurley’s squad and a chance to make history. No team has won three straight national titles since UCLA’s legendary run from 1964 to 1975.
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           Todd Golden
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           , who earned his first NCAA Tournament win Friday with a 95–69 victory over Norfolk State, is looking to build on that momentum.
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           "Even though we might be favored, I think a lot of people still believe that UConn is going to win this game because of their track record, because of Coach Hurley and the success that they've had," Golden said Saturday. "It's on us to make sure we go out there and show what we're capable of. I think they've done so well, they've been so consistent. Obviously, Coach Hurley has been here before. They have multiple players that have won national championships that expect to win this time of year. For us, this is a relatively new position."
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            UConn’s current championship run began two years ago in Albany, where the Huskies defeated Iona—led at the time by sophomore guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           —in the opening round. Now, Clayton is a first-team All-American for Florida.
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           "They're a great offensive team that runs a lot of things to try to confuse you," Clayton said. "They're very aggressive on defense, too."
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           Statistically and analytically, this year’s UConn squad isn’t as dominant or deep as the one Clayton faced previously, nor as overwhelming as last season’s title-winning team.
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           But Clayton has evolved—and so has Florida. The Gators are no longer the same team that fell 75–54 to UConn in Gainesville during the 2022–23 season, early in Hurley’s first championship campaign.
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           "We understand the challenges that Florida presents. The tape does not lie. The analytics and the efficiency of their offense and defense, all that stuff, does not lie," Hurley said of a Florida team ranked in the top 10 nationally in both offensive (1st) and defensive (10th) efficiency, alongside No. 1 Duke. "We know that it's not a best-of-seven, and we've faced the same type of pressure that Todd and his team are facing playing these games. Todd knows what type of team he's got. I knew what type of team I had the last couple years, and when you know you've got a squad, that's like a real thing when you get to these round of 32, Sweet 16, like, you know you've got a squad. I can relate to what he's experiencing, right now."
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           Huskies coach 
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           Dan Hurley
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           Connecticut enters the matchup with several players who contributed to one or both of its recent national titles, including forward Alex Karaban, who has started 109 straight games. But this season’s journey has looked different.
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           The Huskies finished second in the Big East behind St. John's, dropping six conference games. Their trip to the Maui Invitational in November resulted in three consecutive losses—against Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton—matching their total defeats from the entire 2023–24 season. Head coach Dan Hurley had some heated moments during that stretch, later referring to them as "viral moments." Similar incidents have followed, occasionally overshadowing the team’s achievements.
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           UConn stood at 10–6 in conference play a month ago, closed the regular season with four wins, and then fell to Creighton in the second round of the Big East Tournament.
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           Meanwhile, Florida claimed the SEC Tournament title in dominant fashion, setting up what might appear to be a lopsided second-round clash. But UConn’s postseason pedigree—especially in March—is not lost on either side.
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           "It's definitely less pressure, but I felt like we've been the underdog ever since we came back from Maui," Karaban said. "We're used to being the underdogs for the majority of the season. It's not really a new stage for us this year."
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           Florida counters with one of the most balanced and adaptable rosters in college basketball. The Gators proved their versatility by winning 17 games in the rugged SEC, showing they can thrive in both fast-paced and physical matchups.
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           In Friday’s opening-round win over Norfolk State, Florida raced to a 32-point lead in the first 15 minutes. But the Spartans responded with an 11–0 run to close the half, shot 50% in the second period, and outscored the Gators 48–36 in the paint. Despite the 26-point final margin, questions remain about Florida’s second-half focus—and whether it can withstand a surge from a championship-tested UConn squad.
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           "I think our guys do a good job of raising to the level of our competition, making sure that we compete at an insanely high level," said Florida head coach Todd Golden. "They understand that if we don't do that against UConn, we're going home."
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            UF guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            echoed the sentiment: "We have our hands full."
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           That mindset is mutual. Florida believes UConn will have its own challenges to face.
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           "Our goal was to try to build something similar [to UConn]," Golden said. "I feel like we are in a really good spot right now."
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           For more insights, contact senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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           .
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b40e27a7.webp" length="123108" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 10:08:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-ambush-florida-sets-sights-on-ending-uconns-march-reign</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b40e27a7.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b40e27a7.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Hit the Strip with Quarterfinal Dreams</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-hit-the-strip-with-quarterfinal-dreams</link>
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           The Gators will look to keep their 2024-25 season alive as they take on the No. 2 seeded UNLV Rebels in the second round of the WBIT.
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           Share:
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           LAS VEGAS, Nev
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           . - The Florida Gators are set to continue their postseason journey with a second-round matchup in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), traveling to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Rebels. Florida enters as the No. 3 seed, while UNLV holds the No. 2 spot. Tip-off is scheduled for 
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           Sunday, March 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET
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            inside
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           Cox Pavilion
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           , with live coverage available via ESPN+.
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           Game Details:
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           Opponent: UNLV (26-7 overall, 16-2 in Mountain West)
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           Date: Sunday, Mar. 23
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           Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
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           Venue: Cox Pavilion
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            Stream:
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           ESPN+
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            Radio:
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           ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Live Stats:
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           StatBroadcast
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           A Win for Florida Would:
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            Improve the Gators’ postseason record to 4-1 in 2025
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            Secure their second straight WBIT victory
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            Even the all-time series with UNLV at 1-1
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            Push Florida to a winning season record of 18-17 for 2024–25
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            Mark their fifth road win of the season
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Snapshot
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            The Gators and Rebels have a brief history on the court, with just one prior meeting on record. That game took place in
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           December 2018
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            , when
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           Florida fell in Las Vegas
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            , giving
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           UNLV a 1–0 edge
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            in the all-time series.
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           Gators vs. Lady Raiders: A Brief History
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           Florida and UNLV share a short but memorable history on the hardwood, with just one prior contest between the SEC and Mountain West programs. That game took place on December 21, 2018, at Cox Pavilion, where UNLV edged out the Gators by a single possession, 56–53.
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           This weekend’s WBIT showdown marks their first meeting in seven years, reigniting a rare interconference rivalry.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Momentum Builds with WBIT Opening Win
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           The Gators kicked off their WBIT campaign with a commanding 83–71 victory over Northern Iowa on Thursday night in Gainesville. A strong fourth-quarter surge and balanced scoring helped Florida pull away late.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            led the charge with a career-best 28 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range. Supporting the effort were
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           Alexia Gassett
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            (13 points),
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            (12), and
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           Laila Reynolds
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            (11), each contributing double-digit scoring.
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            Defensively,
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            and Kyle grabbed seven rebounds apiece, helping Florida control the glass with a 40–30 rebounding edge. The Gators also forced 19 turnovers, converting those into 20 points, and outpaced UNI in three of four quarters to seal the win.
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           PROJECTED UNLV STARTERS:
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           Scouting UNLV: Rebels Riding Momentum into Round Two
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           UNLV enters the second round of the WBIT with a strong 26–7 overall record for the 2024–25 season. In Mountain West play, the Rebels tallied 16 wins, with their only conference losses coming against Wyoming and San Diego State. Their tournament run ended in the semifinals, falling 71–59 to San Diego State.
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           Most recently, UNLV secured a 63–46 home victory over Hawaii on Thursday, earning their spot in round two. As the No. 2 seed in the 2025 WBIT, the Rebels host the early rounds at Cox Pavilion.
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           On the individual front, Amarachi leads UNLV in scoring with an average of 14.2 points per game. She’s joined by three teammates in double figures: Jackson (12.5), Alexander (10.8), and Meadow Roland (10.1). On defense, Brown anchors the boards with 5.8 rebounds per game, followed by Meadow with 4.3.
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           ABOUT THE WBIT:
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           Event Informatio
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           n
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           Selection Criteri
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:10:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-hit-the-strip-with-quarterfinal-dreams</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton Ignites, Gators Cruise: Florida Torches Norfolk State in NCAA Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-ignites-gators-cruise-florida-torches-norfolk-state-in-ncaa-opener</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr. takes a shot in the first half of Florida's NCAA Tournament first-round victory over Norfolk State on Friday night in Raleigh, N.C. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            RALEIGH, N.C. — Florida wasted no time making its presence felt in the NCAA Tournament. Just 31 seconds into the game, senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            drilled a deep three-pointer from near midcourt at Lenovo Center, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
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            The fourth-ranked Gators, top seed in the West Region, rolled to a 95–69 victory over No. 16 seed Norfolk State on Friday night. The win marked Florida’s seventh straight and its 25th double-digit victory of the season. It was also the program’s first NCAA Tournament win under head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           "We obviously played so well in the first 15 minutes of the game, but we relaxed a little bit," Golden told TNT postgame. "Still, really happy with the win. We've got to clean it up a little bit to get ready for Sunday. It's very unusual to be a No. 1 seed and not have an NCAA Tournament win under your belt."
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           Clayton continued his hot shooting throughout the opening stretch, including a four-point play that capped a 10–0 run and gave Florida a 13–2 lead less than five minutes in. He scored 13 of his 23 points in the first six minutes as the Gators surged ahead 19–5 and never looked back.
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            Florida’s largest lead of the first half came at 32 points, following two free throws by
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            with 3:15 left before halftime. Norfolk State responded with an 11–0 run to close the half, trimming the deficit to 53–32.
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           Despite that late push, Florida remained in control. The Gators shot 50% from the field (18-of-36) and hit 7-of-19 from three-point range in the first half. Clayton led all scorers with 16 points at the break, while Norfolk State’s defensive adjustments—including a switch from zone to full-court press—failed to slow Florida’s momentum.
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           The Spartans closed the gap to 18 points in the second half, with Jaylani Darden hitting a jumper to make it 72–54 with 9:26 remaining. But Florida maintained its lead and closed out the game comfortably.
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            Four Gators finished in double figures:
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           Alijah Martin
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            scored 17,
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 13, and
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           Alex Condon
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            contributed 12 points along with five rebounds and three assists.
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            Micah Handlogten
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            goes up for a basket in Florida's rout of Norfolk State on Friday night. (Photo: 
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            Maddie Washburn
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           /UAA Communications)
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           What It Signifies
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           Florida’s win boosted its all-time record as a No. 1 seed to 11–1 and improved its first-round NCAA Tournament mark to 17–6, excluding the vacated victories from 1987 and 1988 due to NCAA sanctions. The Gators joined fellow top SEC programs—Auburn (No. 1 seed), Alabama and Tennessee (both No. 2 seeds)—in advancing past the opening round.
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           Spotlight Performance
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           Walter Clayton Jr. gave a national audience a glimpse of why he became the first player in Florida history to earn first-team All-America honors. Fresh off his SEC Tournament MVP recognition, Clayton added another milestone by surpassing 2,000 career points with a drive to the basket early in the second half.
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           Stat to Remember
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           Florida’s 53-point first half set a new program record for NCAA Tournament play. In 66 tournament games, the Gators had never scored 50 or more in the opening half. The previous best was 48 points in a second-round win over Minnesota in 2013.
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           Next Challenge
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           Florida (31–4) awaits the winner of the bracket’s late matchup between No. 8 seed Connecticut (23–10), the reigning two-time national champions, and No. 9 seed Oklahoma (20–13). The Gators have dropped five straight games to UConn, a streak that began in 2013 and includes a loss in the 2014 Final Four. Florida defeated Oklahoma 85–63 earlier this season in a Southeastern Conference matchup at Gainesville on February 18.
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           Senior writer 
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           cott Carter
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            contributed to this report. Email senior writer  
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:32:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-ignites-gators-cruise-florida-torches-norfolk-state-in-ncaa-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Flawed but Fierce: Gators Blitz Norfolk State in Tournament Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/flawed-but-fierce-gators-blitz-norfolk-state-in-tournament-opener</link>
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           Alijah Martin finishes a baseline drive with a nasty second-half dunk in the Gators' 95-69 win Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
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           RALEIGH, N.C. – Postgame chatter largely focused on how Florida, ranked fourth nationally, stumbled to close the first half on Friday night. After building a massive lead, the Gators lost focus and allowed Norfolk State to string together 11 unanswered points. In the second half, Florida’s typically elite defense showed cracks, giving up easy scores in the paint—an unusual sight for a team known for its defensive prowess.
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           Less attention was paid to the explosive start, where Florida surged ahead by 32 points in just over 16 minutes, fueled by sharp execution and hot shooting.
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           That’s the reality for a No. 1 seed in March Madness—high expectations and scrutiny. Despite some frustrating stretches, Florida (31–4) came away with a dominant 95–69 win in the West Region opener at Lenovo Center. The team has now won seven straight and 13 of its last 14 games. Up next: a second-round matchup on Sunday against No. 8 seed Connecticut (24–10), the reigning back-to-back national champions who defeated Oklahoma 67–59 in the late game.
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            Senior point guard and first-team All-American
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            led the way with 23 points, including 16 in the first half and four made threes during Florida’s early scoring blitz. The Gators were up 53–21 with 3:15 left in the half after converting 18 of their first 32 shots, including seven from beyond the arc.
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           Then momentum shifted.
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            "We got a little lazy," said backup guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            following Florida’s first NCAA Tournament win in four years. "It was our first game, so we're going to learn from this and build on it."
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            Clayton, who surpassed 2,000 career points during the game, finished 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-9 from deep, adding five rebounds but also committing four of Florida’s 12 turnovers. Fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            contributed 17 points, while sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 13 points and four assists off the bench. Sophomore
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           Alex Condon
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            chipped in 12 points, and junior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            recorded six points and eight rebounds. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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           , despite a tough shooting night (1-for-6), tallied five assists.
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           Senior guard 
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            Walter Clayton Jr. 
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           (1) drives for a bucket against the Spartans on his way to a game-high 23 points.
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           Midgame Lapse Highlights Florida’s Need for Sharpened Focus
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            After racing out to a massive lead, Florida never saw its advantage dip below 19 points—doing so only twice early in the second half. Still, the final minutes of the first half raised concerns.
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            "We're more worried about process, and our process was not nearly as good after the first 15 minutes of the game," said UF head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           . "Regardless of the final score, we just weren't as sharp as we expect to be, and what we feel like we need to be if we want to make a run in this tournament."
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           During that stretch, Norfolk State connected on five straight field goals while Florida missed its last six shots and committed four turnovers. The sequence frustrated Golden enough that he reportedly broke a grease board in the locker room during halftime.
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           It was mostly smiles for UF coach 
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           Todd Golden
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           , who won his first NCAA Tournament game Friday in his third try.
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           Florida’s dominant first-half performance didn’t fully carry over after the break. Though the Gators won the second half 42–37, Norfolk State—champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference—matched their energy and exposed some defensive gaps. Their speedy four-guard lineup proved more agile than Florida’s taller frontcourt, with Christian Ings (16 points), Jaylani Darden (15 points, 6 rebounds), and reserve Chris Fields Jr. (14 points) consistently attacking the rim. The Spartans outscored Florida 48–36 in the paint.
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           "I told y'all we weren't no 30-point underdog," said Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones.
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           With 8:31 remaining, NSU was converting 73.3% of its two-point attempts (11-of-15), though Florida still held a 21-point lead. The Gators ultimately won by 26—marking their largest NCAA Tournament margin of victory since 2017.
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           "I'm not necessarily concerned moving forward that it's going to be an issue for us," said Florida head coach Todd Golden. His team shot 48% overall and limited NSU to 46%, allowing just two made three-pointers. "We played exceptionally well for the first 15 minutes and kind of exhaled. Norfolk's good. They're quick. They're really hard to keep in front, and I thought our defensive intensity for the first 15 minutes of the game was elite. We did a great job of staying in front, guarding with physicality. Then when we took a little bit of a breath, we actually had some bad turnovers that led to transition run-outs that gave them a little juice, a little confidence."
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           Despite the lapse, Florida players remained confident.
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           "We got a little comfortable," said Thomas Haugh. "It won't happen again."
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           It can’t afford to. With the Gators’ championship aspirations, any repeat could prove costly.
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           Email senior writer  
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-397aa97f.webp" length="93384" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:11:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/flawed-but-fierce-gators-blitz-norfolk-state-in-tournament-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Built for March: Alijah Martin’s Swagger Fuels Florida’s Championship Drive</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/built-for-march-alijah-martins-swagger-fuels-floridas-championship-drive</link>
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           Alijah Martin's four NCAA Tournament wins at FAU are more than the rest of his UF teammates' (and their head coach) have won in the tournament combined.
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           Share:
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            RALEIGH, N.C. — On a scorching summer morning, the Florida basketball squad had just finished a demanding workout that began and ended with rope runs across campus, sandwiched around uphill sprints. As strength and conditioning coach
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           Victor Lopez
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            gathered the team for the usual “Gators on 3!” send-off, the routine was abruptly interrupted.
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            "No, we ain't done!" shouted
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           Alijah Martin
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           .
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           Despite being new to the program, Martin—also the oldest player on the roster—challenged his teammates. He criticized their effort, pace, and overall energy, insisting it wasn’t up to the standard for a team with championship aspirations. He even called out coaches and staff for lacking sideline intensity.
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            ﻿
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           It was a moment of raw honesty from someone with the credentials to back it up.
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            "I can't speak for everybody who was there," said associate head coach
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           Korey McCray
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           . "But I liked it."
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           Eventually, the team embraced Martin’s mindset. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound fifth-year guard quickly established a culture of accountability. His reputation preceded him—Martin was a key figure in Florida Atlantic’s remarkable run to the 2023 Final Four, one of the most memorable Cinderella stories in recent tournament history.
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           Alijah Martin
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           (15) locked in on North Carolina star guard
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            RJ Davis
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           (4) in a game last December.
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           After helping Florida Atlantic return to the NCAA Tournament in 2024, Alijah Martin entered the transfer portal just as Florida was seeking a defensive game-changer—an area where the team had struggled despite a 24-win season.
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           But bringing in Martin meant embracing everything that came with him: intensity, accountability, and a relentless drive to win.
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           "That was just my passion and experience coming out. I know what it takes to win and what everybody has to put into it to win," Martin said Thursday from Lenovo Center, where he was set to take the court Friday night for fourth-ranked and top-seeded Florida (30–4) in its NCAA Tournament opener against No. 16 seed Norfolk State (24–10).
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            "I didn't come here because of the [NIL] money or to get another year of college. I could have got a two-way [contract] in the NBA. I came to Florida to win and solidify my career in college. I said what I said and I hope the guys remembered it."
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           They did.
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           [Read senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           ]
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            "Everyone knew the great player he was, but we saw the greater leader he was that day," said sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , reflecting on Martin’s impact. Martin’s FAU teams had won 60 games over his final two seasons, and he brought that championship mindset with him to Gainesville. "He came in and wasn't scared to take the reigns and bring that winning mentality to us."
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            , who had just wrapped up a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year campaign at Iona, happened to be on his official visit to Florida when he and Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            watched Martin and FAU upset third-seeded Kansas State in the Elite Eight. That win sent the Owls to the Final Four—and set the stage for a future reunion in Gainesville.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/250125_MBKGeorgia_1102_VictoriaRiccobono+%281%29.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Fifth-year grad guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
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           ranks second on the team in scoring (14.5 points per game), fourth in rebounding (4.5 pg), second in assists (2.3) and second in steals (1.6).
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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             While Walter Clayton Jr. was earning second-team All-SEC honors during the 2023–24 season, Alijah Martin was leading Florida Atlantic back to the NCAA Tournament—though the Owls exited in the first round. Just months later, the two guards became teammates in Gainesville.
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            Martin quickly made his presence felt in a locker room that already featured strong personalities in Clayton and fellow senior
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
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           . His assertive leadership style wasn’t met with resistance—it was embraced.
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           "We definitely welcomed it," Clayton said. "You need multiple leaders on the team and we have a team full of them. So for Alijah to come in off the rip and be comfortable holding people accountable by saying something they don't want to hear, yeah, that was a good thing. And it got us to this point."
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           That “point” is Florida earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for just the third time in program history. The team’s defense, which ranked 94th in efficiency last season, surged to No. 10 this year. And the Gators now have a Southeastern Conference Tournament championship trophy sitting in Coach Todd Golden’s office.
          &#xD;
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           Charting the Gators: Rookie 1-seed coaches
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           UF coach 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            will try to join a small group of coaches whose first NCAA Tournament victory came as a No. 1 seed. 
          &#xD;
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&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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           * NCAA began seeding teams in 1979
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            Martin’s track record in the NCAA Tournament stands out, with four victories—significantly more than the combined total of his teammates and head coach. Sophomore center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who logged eight minutes in Washington State’s opening-round win over Drake last season, is the only other UF player with an NCAA win.
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           "It's the biggest stage," Chinyelu said. "It's the games everybody wants to be in. The intensity is very different, but beautiful."
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           Head coach Golden has yet to secure a tournament win, holding an 0-2 record. His final game at San Francisco ended in a first-round loss to Murray State, just before he accepted the UF position. Last season, the Gators fell in a dramatic 102-100 first-round defeat to Colorado, a game where the Buffaloes shot 63 percent from the field and strung together 11 consecutive baskets during one stretch.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Martin’s addition was seen as a response to that need for proven postseason success.
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Team_250320_2024_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida 2024-25 at the NCAA Tournament
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "We had a lot of guys who were talented and competed last year, but one of the things that maybe was not a strength of ours was communication. Calling guys out. Accountability," said UF assistant and director of player development 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/taurean-green/1897" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Taurean Green
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , a guy who knows a little something about winning NCAA games (12-0 with two championship rings his last two seasons as Florida's point guard in '06-07). "Now that we're here, first and foremost, we've got to play defense. Winning in the tournament starts on the defensive end. We've addressed that."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Martin has consistently risen to the occasion when needed most. The standards he established—through both his words and actions—have been reflected across the entire team. Whenever he spoke, the Gators paid attention. His presence is a major factor in why this group now finds itself in such a strong and uncommon position.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Their early efforts last summer fell short of expectations, but a commanding voice emerged and unified the team. That collective response has carried them all the way to where they stand today.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "You really have to get that first one under your belt and use it as momentum, use it as confidence and get the ball rolling in a tournament setting with the quick turn-arounds," Martin said. "That first time, yeah, it felt special. I'm hoping to get that same feeling again." 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Email senior writer 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-1da78358.webp" length="54426" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 06:25:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/built-for-march-alijah-martins-swagger-fuels-floridas-championship-drive</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>From Gator Guard to Camel Charge: John Andrzejek Takes the Helm at Campbell</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/from-gator-guard-to-camel-charge-john-andrzejek-takes-the-helm-at-campbell</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           John Andrzejek (kneeling) was named head coach at Campbell on Thursday.
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida men’s basketball assistant coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-andrzejek/1903" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           John Andrzejek
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has officially been appointed as the new head coach at Campbell University, according to the school’s announcement on Thursday.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Originally from Hamilton, N.Y.,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-andrzejek/1903" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Andrzejek
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has spent the last two seasons on Florida’s staff, where he played a significant role in strengthening the Gators’ defensive performance.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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           This year, under his guidance, Florida’s defensive efficiency jumped from 94th nationally last season to ninth. The team also holds impressive rankings: sixth in effective field goal percentage, eighth in 3-point percentage, and 15th in 2-point percentage.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            "John Andrzejek deserves a lot of credit for our defense," Florida head coach
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            remarked on Sunday after the Gators secured the SEC Tournament championship. "He keeps us honest and makes sure we practice defensively enough every day. Just his intensity has really raised our floor that way."
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Andrzejek will remain with Florida throughout the NCAA Tournament before beginning his new role at Campbell.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-andrzejek/1903" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           John Andrzejek
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            Timeline
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-4d96daca.webp" length="112552" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:07:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/from-gator-guard-to-camel-charge-john-andrzejek-takes-the-helm-at-campbell</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Aim High: Florida Faces Norfolk State in NCAA First-Round Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-high-florida-faces-norfolk-state-in-ncaa-first-round-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           (1) Florida vs.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           (16) Norfolk State
          &#xD;
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           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * What:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            NCAA West Region / First Round
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           When:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Friday, 6:50 p.m. (ET)
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Where:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Lenovo Center / Raleigh, N.C.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Records:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Florida (30-4) / Norfolk State (24-10)
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * TV:
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            TNT (
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ian Eagle
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bill Raftery
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Grant Hill 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tracy Wolfson
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * Radio:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            (with 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lee Humphrey
          &#xD;
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            and 
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           * 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket info
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Projected Starters
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           The Breakdown
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/step-inside-lenovo-center.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Lenovo Center (capacity 20,000), in Raleigh, North Carolina, is home to the NHL Carolina Hurricanes
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Matchup Overview
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fourth-ranked Florida enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the West Region, set to face No. 16 seed Norfolk State in the opening round. The winner will advance to Sunday’s game against either two-time defending champion Connecticut (23-10) or Oklahoma (20-13), who meet in Friday’s late contest scheduled for approximately 9:25 p.m.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida earned its position by finishing second in the Southeastern Conference during the regular season and capturing the league’s tournament crown in Nashville. The Gators defeated No. 21 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama, and No. 6 Tennessee in the final, 86-77, winning all three games by an average margin of 15 points across a demanding 50-hour stretch.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Norfolk State secured its spot by winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament on its home court. The Spartans edged South Carolina State, 66-65, in the championship game after earlier victories over Maryland Eastern Shore and Morgan State.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Head-to-Head History
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida holds a 1-0 advantage in the all-time series, with the only meeting taking place during the 2012 NCAA Tournament. In that second-round matchup at Omaha, Nebraska, the Gators defeated Norfolk State 84-50. That year, Florida entered as a No. 7 seed and opened the tournament with a 71-45 victory over 10-seed Virginia. Norfolk State, a 15-seed, had stunned 2-seed Missouri 86-84—winners of the Big 12 Tournament with 30 victories—in one of the most memorable upsets in NCAA history.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Spartans’ Cinderella run was short-lived, however, as Florida built a commanding 47-19 halftime lead by shooting 53 percent from the field while limiting NSU to 26 percent. Junior guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kenny Boyton
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            paced the Gators with 20 points, supported by 15 from senior point guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Erving Walker
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and a strong all-around performance from freshman
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bradley Beal
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who added 14 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. After briefly trailing 6-4, Florida unleashed a decisive 25-0 run that effectively sealed the outcome.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           ETC
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida holds a 10-1 record in NCAA Tournament play when entering as a No. 1 seed. The only setback came against UConn in the 2014 Final Four at Arlington, Texas. This year marks the program’s third time earning the top seed, joining 2007—when the Gators captured the second of their consecutive national championships—as part of that elite history.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tale of the Tape
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/007A3838.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Forward 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (left)
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s dominant three-game run through the SEC Tournament propelled the team to No. 1 in KenPom.com’s offensive efficiency rankings. Against Tennessee’s highly regarded defense, the Gators exceeded what opponents had been able to produce all season. They remain one of only three programs ranked in the top 10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency (10th), joining Duke (3rd/4th) and Houston (10th/2nd). Auburn (2nd/12th) narrowly missed joining that group.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            enters his third NCAA Tournament appearance (once with San Francisco, twice with UF) still seeking his first victory. Florida also ranks eighth nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (38.1), seventh in effective field-goal defense (45.3%), eighth in 3-point defense (29.6%), and 15th in 2-point defense (45.9).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            First-team All-SEC guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            delivered an MVP performance in the SEC Tournament, now standing third in KenPom’s National Player of the Year race. He averaged 20.6 points, shot nearly 48 percent overall, and hit 50 percent from beyond the arc (13 of 26). Clayton was part of UF’s senior perimeter trio with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , who combined for 51.7 points, 7.7 threes, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game during the tournament. Richard shot 39 percent from deep and was nearly perfect at the free-throw line (15 of 16). Martin struggled from long range in the title game (0-for-5) but was outstanding inside the arc, converting 14 of 16 attempts (87.5%).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Third-team All-SEC forward
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            contributed with his trademark energy, averaging 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. Center
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            stayed consistent with his season averages, making 10 of 13 field goals (77%).
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sophomore forward
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            elevated his play, averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the floor. He also connected on two of three 3-pointers and sank 18 of 22 free throws in just over 23 minutes per game. Guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            provided clutch scoring, including a dramatic 28-foot 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer against Tennessee. He averaged eight points on 45 percent shooting.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Center
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            was a force on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds in 40 minutes while making all four of his shot attempts. His efficiency and passing ability from both the high and low post make him a unique weapon off the bench. Guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , averaging 3.6 points per game, struggled against Tennessee’s physical defense but managed to hit a 3-pointer in each of the other tournament contests.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Spartans
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/convert-46ce3598.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Brian Moore Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (5) 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Norfolk State is led by head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Robert Jones
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , now in his 12th season with a career record of 212-148. His NCAA Tournament résumé includes a 1-2 mark, highlighted by the Spartans’ play-in victory over Appalachian State in 2021 before falling to top-seeded Gonzaga two days later.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This season, NSU faced three high-major opponents, dropping contests at Stanford (by seven), Baylor (by 25), and Tennessee (by 15). The Spartans did secure a notable Quadrant 2 win, defeating James Madison 83-69 at home on November 9.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           In conference play, Norfolk State went 11-3 in the MEAC, finishing in a tie with South Carolina State before claiming the league’s automatic NCAA berth by winning the tournament championship.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Historically, NSU competed at the Division II level until 1999, reaching the Final Four in 1995. Since moving to Division I, the Spartans hold a 2-3 record in NCAA Tournament play.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Numbers of Note
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/crop-32bb242d.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF senior point guard 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Erving Walker
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (11) had 15 points in helping lead the Gators to a 34-point smashing of Norfolk State in the 2012 NCAA Tournament at Omaha, Nebraska.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            3
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — National champions over the last 10 NCAA Tournaments who also captured their conference tournament the week prior: Villanova (2018), Kansas (2022), and UConn (2024).
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            37.6
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — The average margin of defeat for Norfolk State in its three NCAA Tournament losses. The Spartans fell to Florida by 34 in 2012, Gonzaga 98-55 in 2021 (following their play-in win), and Baylor 85-49 in 2022.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            212th
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — Norfolk State’s KenPom ranking when it stunned second-seeded Missouri in 2012. The Spartans remain the lowest-rated team to win an NCAA Tournament game since KenPom began tracking advanced metrics in 2001-02.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            1,206
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — Career points for Will Richard across three seasons at Florida, placing him 39th on the program’s all-time scoring list. He recently passed UF assistant coach and former Gator standout Taurean Green (1,174).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            1,212
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             — Career points for Walter Clayton Jr. in two seasons at Florida, ranking 38th on the all-time list. He sits just eight points behind Dorian Finney-Smith (1,220), the highest-scoring transfer in UF history.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Final Takeaway
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida’s regular season was one for the ages, but true legacies are defined in March. The stage is set, and the journey continues.
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           Email 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9fca896e.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:41:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-high-florida-faces-norfolk-state-in-ncaa-first-round-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Panthers Pounced: Gators Surge into WBIT Second Round</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/panthers-pounced-gators-surge-into-wbit-second-round</link>
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           Jeriah Warren posts a career high 28 points in UF's first round of the WBIT.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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           — The Gators are moving forward in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) after securing an 83–71 victory over Northern Iowa on Thursday night. Florida saw four players score in double figures and used a strong final quarter to pull away from the Panthers. The team now awaits the outcome of the Hawaii vs. UNLV matchup to determine their next opponent.
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           Jeriah Warren
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            led the scoring effort with a career-high 28 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range. Supporting her were
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           Alexia Gassett
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             (13 points),
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            (12), and
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           Laila Reynolds
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           (11).
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            On defense,
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            and Kyle each grabbed seven rebounds, helping Florida dominate the boards with a 40–30 advantage. The Gators also forced 19 turnovers from UNI, converting those into key scoring opportunities.
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           Florida’s 2025 Postseason Highlights
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            Reached the second round of the WBIT for the first time in program history
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            Improved to 3–1 in 2025 postseason play
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            Elevated their overall season record to 17–17
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            Now hold a 1–1 all-time record in WBIT competition
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           Game Breakdown: Florida vs. Northern Iowa
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; First Quarter Highlights
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            ﻿
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            Florida controlled the pace early, holding the lead for
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           8 minutes and 57 seconds
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            of the opening frame. The Gators scored
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           24 points
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            , shooting
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           50% from the field (9-of-18)
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            . They capitalized on transition play with
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           11 fastbreak points
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            and dominated inside with
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           16 points in the paint
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            , converting
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           8-of-9 layup attempts
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            . On the boards,
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           Laila Reynolds
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            led with
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           three rebounds
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            , helping Florida close the quarter ahead
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           24–17
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           .
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; Second Quarter Summary
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            Offensive momentum slowed as Florida was limited to 14 points, shooting a game-low 38.5%. Jeriah Warren led the scoring with seven points, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            grabbed three rebounds. McGill contributed two assists, leading Florida’s ball movement. UNI took its first lead at 32–31 (3:14), and the half ended in a 38–38 tie.
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; Third Quarter Surge
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           Florida opened the second half with a quick seven-point burst in under two minutes. The team shot a game-best 58.8% (10-of-17) and scored 16 of their 23 points in the paint. Warren added nine points, going 4-of-5 from the field and 1-of-2 from deep. Reynolds and McGill each dished out three assists, contributing to a period-high eight team assists. Florida led 61–58 heading into the fourth.
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           &amp;#55357;&amp;#56633; Fourth Quarter Finish
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           The Gators closed strong with 22 points, shooting 44.4% (8-of-18). They added 10 points in the paint and seven second-chance points. Warren led both ends with eight points and four rebounds, while Gassett recorded a career-high four assists. Florida went 4-of-5 from the free throw line (80%), and McGill notched the team’s only steal of the quarter.
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           Key Stats &amp;amp; Milestones
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            UF had four players in double figures for scoring
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            Warren (28), Gassett (13), Kyle (12), and Reynolds (10)
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            Gassett tied her career high in scoring with 13 points
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            McGill has hit double figures in 31 of her 34 outings as a Gator
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            12 of those games have been 20+ point performances 
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            The Gators outscored UNI in three of the and four quarters
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            (Q1) 24-17, (Q3) 23-20, (Q4) 22-13
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            In total UF went 13-15 (86.7%) from the charity stripe 
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            Four Gators shot a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line
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            Warren (4-4), Reynolds (3-3), O'Neal (2-2), and Gassett (1-1)
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            46 of UF's points were tallied inside the paint
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            Florida forced 19 turnovers on UNI to convert for 20 points
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            20 of UF's points were credited to the bench
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            The Gators posted 16 points off fastbreaks and 17 from second chances
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            The Gators out-rebounded the Panthers 40-30
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            Kyle and O'Neal led Florida on the boards with seven rebounds each
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            Florida distributed a combined 20 assists
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            McGill led in distribution with six, followed by Reynolds with five
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            McGill has now led in assist distribution 26 times this season
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 57 of 138 quarters played this season
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            UF secured 19 layups in 27 driving attempts (70%)
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            Florida recorded a game total 76 possessions, converting for 1.09 points per possession
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            In total UF led UNI for 34 minutes and 28 seconds
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Florida’s Momentum Builds with WBIT Opening Win
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            Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            praised the team’s cohesion and highlighted
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           Me'Arah O'Neal's
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           development during high-pressure moments.
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           "Jeriah and Shay had good chemistry offensively and defensively as well, so that was huge. I thought Me'Arah played huge minutes and dominated on both ends of the floor. It's something that she's growing in, and just understanding the gravity of a two-point game with four minutes to go. These minutes are huge minutes, whether it's one possession or 10, that one can make a difference."
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           Finley’s remarks underscore the growing leadership and poise within Florida’s roster as they advance deeper into postseason play.
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida: 
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           17-17, (6-12 SEC)
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           UNI: 
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           17-17, (11-9 MVC)
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           SERIES RECORD:
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           The Gators and the Panthers have now met twice, with UF securing wins in both meetings to put the all-time record at 2-0.
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           Next Up: Gators Await Second-Round Opponent
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           Florida is moving on to round two of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), with their next game scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Gators will face the winner of the upcoming matchup between No. 2 seed UNLV and Hawaii, set to tip off Thursday at 9:30 p.m. ET inside Cox Pavilion.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:04:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/panthers-pounced-gators-surge-into-wbit-second-round</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton’s Clean Sweep: Gator Guard Secures Consensus All-America Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/claytons-clean-sweep-gator-guard-secures-consensus-all-america-honors</link>
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           Consensus first-team All-American Walter Clayton Jr. has helped Florida to eight top-25 wins this season.
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           Share:
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           Florida senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. was named to the first-team All-America squads by both the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) on Wednesday, securing his place as a consensus first-team All-American.
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           The Lake Wales, Fla., native has now collected first-team honors from all four recognized selectors, with these latest awards joining those previously announced by the Associated Press and The Sporting News. Clayton’s standout play has been central to Florida’s success, guiding the program to its fourth 30-win campaign, fifth SEC Tournament title, and third No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed in school history.
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           This achievement makes Clayton the first Gator to ever receive first-team All-America recognition from any outlet, and the first to sweep all four major honors. His performance in the SEC Tournament, where he was named MVP, helped Florida capture its first conference tournament championship since 2014.
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           The Gators will return to action in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round on Friday at 6:50 p.m. against Norfolk State in Raleigh, N.C., with coverage airing on TNT.
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           NABC All-America Teams
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           First Team
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            .
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           , Florida
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           Cooper Flagg, Duke
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           Braden Smith, Purdue
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           Second Team
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           Kam Jones, Marquette
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           Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
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           RJ Luis Jr., St. John's
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           John Tonje, Wisconsin
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           JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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           Third Team
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           L.J. Cryer, Houston
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           Eric Dixon, Villanova
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           PJ Haggerty, Memphis
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           Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
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           USBWA All-America Teams
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           First Team
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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           ,
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           Florida
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           Cooper Flagg, Duke
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Braden Smith, Purdue
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           Second Team
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           PJ Haggerty, Memphis
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           Kam Jones, Marquette
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           Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
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           RJ Luis Jr., St. John's
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           JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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           Third Team
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           L.J. Cryer, Houston
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           Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
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           Eric Dixon, Villanova
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           John Tonje, Wisconsin
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           Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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           Honorable Mention: Donovan Dent, New Mexico; Bennett Stirtz, Drake
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:40:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/claytons-clean-sweep-gator-guard-secures-consensus-all-america-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gator Tales Live: Legends, Laughter, and Locker Room Insight with Kelley, Hump</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-tales-live-legends-laughter-and-locker-room-insight-with-kelley-hump</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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  &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gator-tales-47-lee-humphrey-patric-young/id1036270178?i=1000700021748" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Episode 47 – Gator Tales with
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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           , Presented by UF Health - In the latest episode of Gator Tales, Sean Kelley welcomes Lee Humphrey and Patric Young to the show as the No. 1-seeded Gators prepare for NCAA March Madness.
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           The conversation revisits memorable SEC Tournament titles and NCAA journeys from their playing days in Orange &amp;amp; Blue. The trio also shares thoughts on this year’s Florida squad and what fans can anticipate as the tournament begins.
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           If you’re enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred listening platform.
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           Stay connected with us on social media and send in your questions or comments—we may feature your input in a future episode.
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            Listeners can tune in on
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    &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gator-tales-with-sean-kelley/id1036270178" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Apple Podcasts
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           , 
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           Spotify
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            and 
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           YouTube
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            , and
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           FloridaGators.com
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            . For additional details, visit
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gatortales_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Tales page
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           .
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:36:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-tales-live-legends-laughter-and-locker-room-insight-with-kelley-hump</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Confidence and Chemistry: Florida’s Coaching Duo Sparks Familiar March Magic</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/confidence-and-chemistry-floridas-coaching-duo-sparks-familiar-march-magic</link>
      <description />
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           Todd Golden, now with a SEC Tournament championship and the most wins (70) in three seasons than any coach in UF history, will seek his first victory in the NCAA Tournament.
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            Gainesville, Fla. – Tournament Highlight - With less than a minute remaining and the result already secured, the Florida Gators successfully broke Tennessee’s full-court press on Sunday. Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            drove toward the baseline and delivered a precise alley-oop pass to the rim, where guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            soared for a powerful two-handed dunk that ignited the Florida fans seated behind the bench at Bridgestone Arena.
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            As the team hustled back on defense and the final seconds wound down, Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            turned away from the court, lifted his arms toward the cheering crowd, and celebrated with a spirited Gator chomp. The moment capped Florida’s impressive run through the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Nashville, finishing with an emphatic 86-77 victory over the sixth-ranked Volunteers in the championship matchup.
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            "We loved it," All American point guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            said of his coach’s celebration. "I think everybody who's a Gator loved it."
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            Back in Gainesville, one of the program’s most iconic figures was watching closely.
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           Steve Spurrier
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            once again came away impressed.
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           "Just the way they hustle, the way they play defense and just their attitude. There is no loafing in these guys. They hustle all over the place," Spurrier said this week from his "ambassador" office at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. "Obviously, Todd and his coaches emphasize that. It begins with him and the assistants, then it goes through the older guys, those seniors. Clayton Jr. and Will [Richard] and Alijah [Martin], those guys get after it and play so hard every game."
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           The Gators, ranked fourth nationally and holding the No. 1 seed, are set to face 16th-seeded Norfolk State (24-10) in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region opening round Friday night in Raleigh, North Carolina. Florida enters the matchup with a 30-4 record, riding a six-game winning streak and victories in 12 of their last 13 contests. Across 34 games this season, they’ve dominated opponents with an average margin of plus-16.2. It’s no surprise Spurrier admires this team’s effort.
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           Looking deeper, the similarities stand out:
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            A fast-paced, high-scoring style of play that delivers wins.
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            Talented, dynamic athletes who consistently overpower opponents.
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            A bold, animated coach who radiates confidence and openly talks about chasing championships.
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           Sound familiar?
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           Former UF football coach
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           Steve Spurrier
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           and wife 
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           Jerri 
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           at a basketball game during the season.
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           "Confidence is very important," Spurrier said. "You can sense the way Todd talks that their goal is to win it all. They don't talk too loud about it, but he'll say if we play to our capability and standard, we got a chance. I think he's said that, right?"
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           Indeed, Golden takes it further, often telling his players, "If we do this, this and this, we will win the game."
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           Back in November, as Florida prepared for a holiday tournament in Orlando, Golden described it as the first of four opportunities to capture titles during the 2024-25 season: the ESPN Events Invitational, the SEC regular season, the SEC Tournament, and the NCAA Tournament. The Gators went on to win the Thanksgiving Invitational, finished just behind Auburn in the regular-season standings, and then claimed their second championship with a strong showing in Nashville. Now, they look poised to chase the biggest prize of all.
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            Golden reinforced this mindset on Feb. 8 after Florida’s 90-81 road win over top-ranked Auburn:
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           "Bottom line, after today, we understand there is no ceiling for this group. We talk about it all the time: We're trying to be the best team in the country, trying to be a 1-seed and we're trying to go get a natty."
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            ﻿
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           The Gators have embraced that mentality. From his courtside seat at Bridgestone Arena last weekend, Chris Doering—former All-America wide receiver, UF touchdown record-holder, and current SEC Network analyst—watched with pride as his alma mater displayed the fiery personality of its coach. He’s witnessed this formula succeed before.
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           "Just like we did, as a team, took on the air of Coach Spurrier. We knew how good we were and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy when we took the field," Doering said. "Since I've watched this [basketball] team, even dating back to the pre-conference schedule, you saw how ultra-competitive they were, just fighting and diving for loose balls, contesting shots, crashing the offensive boards. Getting guys to play that way from opening tip to the end of game, coaches are tasked with that. It's not easy. And then you have the fiery way Todd is on the sidelines; hugging guys and pushing them back onto the court when they're diving out of bounds for 50-50 balls … I mean, they're playing the way they're coached."
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           Chris Doering
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           The Gators are carrying themselves with confidence, but the toughest test is still to come. In the unforgiving, single-elimination format of the NCAA Tournament, Florida must navigate the pressure of being a No. 1 seed while managing the flood of praise and lofty expectations from analysts who have labeled them championship favorites.
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           Just a week ago, there was debate about whether Florida had earned that top seed. Victories over No. 21 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama, and No. 6 Tennessee—each essentially on the road and all within a 50-hour stretch—by an average margin of 15 points silenced the doubters.
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           "Yeah, it's changed a lot over the past week. And, yeah, it is a challenge and something this team hasn't had to deal with," Golden said. "The message to the guys [Monday] is that we can't forget why we got [here]. And now that we're starting to get a lot of respect, and different people are selecting us to win the national championship, which is an incredible honor, we can't let that soften us up. We can't let it change who we've been over the course of the season."
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            Florida’s identity has been forged around an underdog mentality. Golden himself was a college walk-on. His assistants have yet to hold head-coaching roles. Seniors Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin weren’t recruited by powerhouse programs in their home states, instead arriving at UF through mid-major opportunities and the transfer portal. Sophomores
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            weren’t ranked among the top 150 prospects in their class. Preseason publications projected the Gators anywhere from sixth to ninth in the SEC.
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           "Overlooked guys with a chip on their shoulder, starting with the coach," Chris Doering observed. He compared the mindset to Steve Spurrier’s own history of proving doubters wrong—whether against LSU, Kentucky, or Georgia. Spurrier’s record speaks for itself: 11-1 against LSU, including a 58-3 rout in Baton Rouge; 12-0 against Kentucky, with blowouts of 73-7 and 65-0; and 11-1 against Georgia, highlighted by some of the most lopsided wins in the rivalry’s history.
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           Golden, who arrived from the University of San Francisco, doesn’t carry personal grudges or decades of Gator lore. What he does bring is conviction in the program he’s built and relentless competitiveness. If he wore a visor, it would have been tossed more than a few times already. That fiery edge is reflected in the players he recruited—athletes chosen for their toughness and drive to prove themselves.
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           First-team All-America guard 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           and his head coach.
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           "He does such a good job of making sure we're confident in what we do every day and the work that we do and understanding we're definitely one of the best teams in the country," Clayton said. "But he also makes us understand we can't get arrogant or too big-headed about it and think we can just show up and win. He does a good job of balancing our confidence and making sure that we still respect the people we're going to play."
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           Florida’s accomplishments this season—marking the second-most wins in program history heading into the NCAA Tournament—have been remarkable. Yet, only one team will ultimately claim the championship. The Gators are not just capable, but widely considered a strong contender. When the games begin, Golden will ensure his team unleashes its trademark orange-and-blue intensity.
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           It’s part of his DNA, and now it’s embedded in theirs.
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           Another title opportunity awaits.
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           "You just got to be honest with yourselves about it. It's in front of us. We're going to try to chop this tournament up a little bit and focus on the first weekend and do everything we can to get out of Raleigh," Golden explained.
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           "We're trying to enjoy it, man. We have a special group, and I don't take that for granted in any way. We have a special staff. And just as amazing as it is, we know it can be over in one day if we don't play well and if we don't take advantage of our opportunities. So we're going to continue to kind of lose ourselves in the moment and focus on getting better before Friday and just letting our preparation do the work for us and see what happens."
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          The mission is clear: more Gator chomps to come.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9398a1ae.webp" length="85210" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:18:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/confidence-and-chemistry-floridas-coaching-duo-sparks-familiar-march-magic</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9398a1ae.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Tips Off WBIT Journey Against Northern Iowa</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-tips-off-wbit-journey-against-northern-iowa</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators women's basketball team returns to the O'Dome after receiving a bid into the 2025 WBIT. This marks the second consecutive year UF has been selected as a participant and a host site for the NCAA run tournament.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla. — The Florida Gators are set to open their 2025 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) campaign at home, welcoming Northern Iowa to the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center (O'Dome) on Thursday evening. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with live streaming available on ESPN+.
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            ﻿
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           Florida enters the tournament as a No. 3 seed, following a strong showing that carried them to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals earlier this month. Their opponent, the Panthers, also reached the quarterfinals in their conference tournament before falling to Belmont, 64–46.
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           The winner of Thursday’s contest will move on to the second round of the WBIT, where they’ll face either UNLV or Hawaii on Sunday afternoon.
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           NORTHERN IOWA (17-16, 11-9 MVC):
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            Date: Thursday, Mar. 20
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            Time: 7:00 p.m.
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            Site: 
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Stream: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/a74e8803-438b-4b60-9c71-cd2b53f96bf6#bucketId=7958" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN+
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Stats: 
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            StatBroadcast
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            Tickets
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           What a Florida Win Would Mean
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           A victory for the Gators in this WBIT opener would mark several key milestones:
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            Secure UF’s first-ever win in the WBIT
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            Improve their 2025 postseason record to 3–1
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            Bring Florida’s all-time WBIT record to 1–1
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            Extend their head-to-head edge over Northern Iowa to 2–0
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            Level their 2024–25 season record at 17–17
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            Notch their 11th home win of the season
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Snapshot: Florida vs. Northern Iowa
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           The Gators and Panthers have faced off just once in program history. That meeting took place in 2012, when UF earned an 80–63 victory over UNI, marking a decisive win in their only recorded matchup to date.
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           Gators vs. Panthers: A Glimpse into the Past
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           Florida and Northern Iowa have met just once in their programs’ histories. That matchup occurred in 2012 during the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout in Las Vegas, where the Gators earned a 17-point win, defeating the Panthers 80–63. The victory came under the direction of Coach Amanda Butler and was played on neutral ground.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Most Recent Matchup
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            On March 8, 2025, the Gators took the court in Greenville, South Carolina, during the SEC postseason tournament. In the quarterfinal round, Florida went head-to-head with a formidable LSU squad, ultimately falling short with a 101–87 final score.
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           Liv McGill
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            led the team with a 16-point performance, while
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           Jeriah Warren
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            added 14 points.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            anchored the rebounding effort, pulling down 11 of the team’s 31 total boards.
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           Despite the loss, Florida’s youthful roster demonstrated significant potential throughout the tournament. The Gators notched consecutive victories over Auburn and sixth-seeded Alabama—making them the only SEC team to secure back-to-back wins en route to the quarterfinals.
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           PROJECTED NORTHERN IOWA STARTERS:
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           Northern Iowa: Scouting the Panthers
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           Northern Iowa enters Thursday’s WBIT matchup with a 17–16 overall record, including 11–9 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Panthers have shown they can compete with top-tier programs, highlighted by an 87–75 win over then-No. 8 Iowa State and a narrow 65–64 loss to Auburn earlier in the season.
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           Offensively, McDermott leads UNI with an average of 18.5 points per game, totaling 609 points across 33 appearances. She’s joined by Laube (12.6 ppg) and Goebel (10.2 ppg) in double-digit scoring. On the glass, Goebel anchors the rebounding effort, averaging 5.8 boards per game and collecting 191 rebounds this season.
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           ABOUT THE WBIT:
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           Event Information
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           Selection Criteria
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           Full Bracket
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:47:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-tips-off-wbit-journey-against-northern-iowa</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton’s Clutch Season: Gator Guard Earns AP First-Team All-America Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/claytons-clutch-season-gator-guard-earns-ap-first-team-all-america-honors</link>
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           Consensus first-team All-American Walter Clayton Jr. has helped Florida to eight top-25 wins this season.
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           Share:
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            Florida senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            continued his standout 2024-25 season by earning Associated Press first-team All-America recognition on Tuesday.
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           Clayton has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in 29 of his 33 games this year, including each of the last 18. Over his recent stretch, he has posted 18 points in nine of the last 12 contests and recorded 11 games with 20 or more points. His impact was especially evident in the SEC Tournament, where he scored 22 points in both the semifinal victory over No. 5 Alabama and the championship win against No. 8 Tennessee.
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           The Lake Wales, Fla., native has totaled 579 points this season, ranking 10th in single-season scoring in program history. He joins Neal Walk as the only Gators to appear multiple times among Florida’s top-10 scoring seasons, having also tallied 633 points last year, the fifth-highest mark ever.
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           Clayton has already been recognized as a first-team All-American by The Sporting News and earned first-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press, USA Today, and SEC coaches. He was named SEC Tournament MVP after leading Florida to its first conference tournament title since 2014, and he remains in contention as a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award.
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           Associated Press All-America Teams
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           First Team
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           *Cooper Flagg, Duke
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Braden Smith, Purdue
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            ,
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           Florida
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           *-unanimous selection
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           Second Team
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           JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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           Kam Jones, Marquette
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           John Tonje, Wisconsin
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           PJ Haggerty, Memphis
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           RJ Luis Jr., St. John's
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           Third Team
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           Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
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           Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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           Eric Dixon, Villanova
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           LJ Cryer, Houston
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           Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
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           All-Time Florida AP All-America Honorees
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      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:39:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/claytons-clutch-season-gator-guard-earns-ap-first-team-all-america-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Triple Threat: Gators’ Clayton, Condon &amp; Martin Shine with NABC Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/copy-of-sunday-statement-gators-dominate-georgia-in-gainesville</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Alijah Martin earned NABC All-District honors, along with Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon.
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           Share:
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            Three members of Florida’s men’s basketball program earned All-District honors in the Southeast region, as announced Tuesday by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            and sophomore forward/center
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           Alex Condon
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            were selected to the first team, while graduate guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            was named to the second team.
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           These individual awards come on the heels of team success, with the Gators reaching 30 wins and claiming the SEC Tournament championship as they prepare for NCAA Tournament play on Saturday.
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           Clayton leads Florida in scoring (17.5 points per game), assists (143), and three-pointers made (97). Condon tops the roster in rebounds (7.9 per game) and blocks (44), while also contributing 11.2 points per contest. Martin, recognized for his defensive ability, averages 14.5 points, adds 75 assists, 69 three-pointers, and has recorded 52 steals.
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           A native of Lake Wales, Fla., Clayton was named SEC Tournament MVP after averaging 20.7 points and hitting 50 percent of his three-point attempts during Florida’s three victories in Nashville. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors from the coaches, Associated Press, and USA Today.
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           Condon, from Perth, Australia, previously collected All-SEC honors with a second-team nod from USA Today and third-team recognition from the coaches. Martin, originally from Summit, Miss., secured a spot on the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year top 10 list in his debut season with Florida.
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            This marks the second consecutive year Florida has had multiple NABC All-District honorees. Clayton and
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           Zyon Pullin
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            were second-team selections in 2024. The three honorees this season represent the program’s largest group since 2006–07, when Corey Brewer,
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           Taurean Green
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           , Al Horford, and Joakim Noah were recognized.
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           The NABC also introduced a new Division I district alignment this year, organizing schools by state rather than conference. The modernized 
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           NABC Division I district alignment
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            features 10 geographic regions, each covering multiple states, with every Division I program placed in its corresponding state district.
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           Southeast District
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           First Team
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            Chad Baker-Mazara, Auburn
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            Johni Broome, Auburn
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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            Florida
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            Alex Condon
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            Florida
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            Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
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            Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
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            Sean Pedulla, Mississippi
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            Jaron Pierre Jr., Jacksonville State
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            Mark Sears, Alabama
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            Adou Thiero, Arkansas
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           Second Team
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            Keyshawn Hall, UCF
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            Chaney Johnson, Auburn
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            Jacari Lane, North Alabama
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            Alijah Martin
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            Florida
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            Cameron Matthews, Mississippi State
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            Robert McCray V, Jacksonville
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            Grant Nelson, Alabama
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            Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
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            Taryn Todd, Arkansas State
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            Jamir Watkins, Florida State
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           Coach of the Year: Bruce Pearl, Auburn
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-7052dda5.webp" length="122360" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:48:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/copy-of-sunday-statement-gators-dominate-georgia-in-gainesville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Tame the Vols: Florida Seals SEC Championship in Nashville Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-tame-the-vols-florida-seals-sec-championship-in-nashville-showdown</link>
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            poured in 22 points as fourth-ranked Florida defeated sixth-ranked Tennessee, 86–77, in the 2025 SEC Tournament championship at Bridgestone Arena. The win marked the program’s first conference tournament crown in 11 years, achieved in front of a heavily pro-Volunteers crowd.
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            Clayton, who led Florida in scoring throughout the tournament and earned MVP honors, connected on seven of 18 shots, including four from beyond the arc, and added five rebounds. Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            contributed 17 points, sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            posted 13 points and nine boards, while sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            came off the bench to deliver 11 points and six rebounds, five of them offensive. Graduate guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            rounded out the balanced attack with 10 points, four rebounds, and a highlight-reel dunk in the closing seconds.
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           Florida shot 42.3 percent against the nation’s third-ranked defense but knocked down nine three-pointers and excelled at the free-throw line — hitting 19 of 22 in the second half (86.4%) and 25 of 28 overall (89.3%). Tennessee trimmed a 12-point deficit to five on three occasions, but the Gators responded with an 11–2 surge to restore a 14-point cushion and ultimately secure the victory.
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           On the glass, Florida dominated 39–25, including a 15–5 edge in offensive rebounds.
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            The Gators led 39–30 at halftime and gradually extended the margin in the second half. Twice they built a 13-point lead, only to see UT guard
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           Jordan Gainey
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           , who finished with a game-high 24 points, spark an 8–0 run that cut the gap to five with under nine minutes left. Clayton answered with a three-pointer to push the lead back to eight, and later another deep shot ignited an 11–2 run capped by a Haugh triple, stretching the advantage to 14 with just over four minutes remaining.
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           Tennessee closed within eight with 1:55 left, but Florida spread the floor, broke the Vols’ press, and capped the night with a lob from Haugh to Martin for a thunderous alley-oop dunk, sealing the championship.
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           UF junior guard 
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (11) surveys Tennessee's
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            Zakai Zeigler 
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           and the Volunteers' defense during Sunday's SEC Tournament championship game. 
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           What It Means
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           Preseason predictions had Florida pegged to finish anywhere between sixth and ninth in the SEC. Instead, the Gators captured their first basketball championship — regular season or tournament — since 2014. They also reached 30 wins for just the second time in program history heading into the NCAA Tournament, where they are virtually assured of a No. 1 seed.
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           In the Spotlight
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           The 2024–25 squad, led by head coach Todd Golden, has carved out a unique place in Florida athletics history.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           On Feb. 1 in Knoxville, Florida managed only 44 points in a 20-point loss — its lowest scoring output of the season. That game now feels like it belongs to a completely different chapter.
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           Up Next
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           Florida (30–4) heads home before gathering for Sunday night’s NCAA Tournament selection show, where they will learn which region will feature them as a No. 1 seed. Tennessee (27–7) is expected to secure a No. 2 seed.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:54:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-tame-the-vols-florida-seals-sec-championship-in-nashville-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Music City Magic: Gators Crowned SEC Champions in Nashville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/music-city-magic-gators-crowned-sec-champions-in-nashville</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           SEC Tournament MVP Walter Clayton Jr. lets the world know he's a champion.
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           Share:
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           NASHVILLE, Tenn.
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            –
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            delayed his turn on the post-game ladder for the traditional net-cutting, choosing first to embrace teammates and pose for photos. Eventually, scissors in hand, he climbed up to claim his keepsake from above the Bridgestone Arena floor.
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           After finishing the ritual, the Florida guard — a first-team All-American and the team’s on-court leader — stepped down and delivered a line that resonated with Gator fans everywhere:
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           "Six more to go," Clayton said.
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           That message points toward the bigger journey ahead, as Florida (30-4), the No. 1 seed in the West Region, prepares to face Norfolk State (24-10) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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           For now, though, Sunday was about celebration. On a confetti-covered court and later during a jubilant flight home, the Gators reveled in their 86–77 win over sixth-ranked Tennessee to capture the SEC Tournament championship. Clayton led the way with 22 points, including four three-pointers and clutch shots down the stretch, while four other teammates also reached double figures. True to the team’s season-long identity, it was another collective effort — a resilient performance in front of a Tennessee-heavy crowd that couldn’t shake Florida’s composure and determination.
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           Coach 
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           Todd Golden
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           and the Gators on the post-game podium.
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            "Just incredibly proud of our program," said UF head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , who became only the second coach in school history—joining Hall of Famer Billy Donovan—to lead the Gators to an SEC Tournament championship. He added, "They've done an incredible job all year just being coachable and unselfish. We knew early on in the year we had really good talent, but the thing that separates us is our unselfishness, our willingness to put the greater good of the program in front of ourselves."
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            That spirit was evident with the trophy at stake. Senior guards
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           Will Richard
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            and
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           Alijah Martin
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            contributed 17 and 10 points, respectively. Sophomore forward/center
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           Alex Condon
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            added 13 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds, five of which came on the offensive glass. Florida dominated the boards, out-rebounding Tennessee 39–25, including a 15–5 edge on the offensive end, and maintained composure against the Volunteers’ trademark physical play and a crowd largely in Tennessee’s favor, just 90 minutes from their campus.
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           Alijah Martin
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            (15) does a pull-up on the rim after a late dunk on the Vols.
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           Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes offered high praise for Florida’s roster depth and frontcourt strength.
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           "I think they've got the best front line in college basketball," Barnes said. "You look at their depth. Not many teams have that. They've used it well. I think those guys really understand what they need to do, how they need to play. They've got experience, but they've got quality depth. They're big, mobile, agile and do their jobs."
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           Despite shooting just 42.6 percent against the SEC’s top-rated defense (third nationally), the Gators attacked inside, drew fouls on key Volunteers players, and earned 28 trips to the free-throw line. They converted 89.3 percent overall, including 19 of 22 in the second half, when Tennessee (27–7) and its energized crowd pushed for a rally. Florida defended effectively (holding UT to 44.9 percent shooting) and matched the Vols’ own strong free-throw performance (21 of 25 after halftime) with enough decisive plays to secure a historic victory.
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           The win gave UF its fifth SEC Tournament championship (2005–07, 2014, and 2025) and marked the program’s first basketball title of any kind since the 2014 squad led by Scottie Wilbekin and Patric Young, which swept the regular season and tournament on its way to the Final Four.
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           This year’s team has its sights set on that same destination. The trajectory under head coach Todd Golden has been remarkable. In his first season, Florida finished 16–17 and exited the SEC Tournament after one game, settling for an NIT berth. Last year, the Gators went 24–12, reached the SEC Tournament final but fell to Auburn, then bowed out in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round. Now, in Golden’s third season, Florida has compiled more wins heading into NCAA play than any team in program history except the 2014 Final Four squad.
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           The senior leaders have been central to that rise.
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            ﻿
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           "What makes it so special is just the journey from me and Coach's first year to what we've been able to do now," said Will Richard, the first player to commit to Golden back in 2022 when he arrived from the University of San Francisco. Sharing the podium with his coach on Sunday, Richard reflected: "It's a testament to all the work we've put in. It's good to see it come to fruition … and we know we've still got a lot more ball to play."
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           Will Richard
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            (5) made three 3s and all eight of his free throws on the way to 17 points.
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           Florida entered the SEC championship determined to begin its next title pursuit with the conference crown secured, though the path included tense stretches along the way.
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            This was the third meeting between the Gators and Tennessee. The first clash came on Jan. 7 in Gainesville, when the Vols arrived unbeaten and ranked No. 1 nationally, only to suffer a 73–43 defeat — the largest loss for a top-ranked
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            Associated Press
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           team since 1968. The rematch on Feb. 1 in Knoxville flipped the script, with Tennessee winning 64–44, handing Florida its second-lowest scoring output in the 38-year shot-clock era.
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           That set the stage for a decisive third matchup, played at a “neutral” site that leaned heavily orange. Florida, riding a streak of six straight wins and 12 victories in its last 13 games, rose to the challenge against Tennessee’s defense, which led the SEC in points allowed (62.3 per game), opponent field-goal percentage (38.0), and opponent three-point percentage (28.0).
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            The Gators broke a 16–16 tie with a 16–4 surge late in the first half to build a 12-point lead. Tennessee trimmed the margin, but junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (9 points) drilled a deep three-pointer at the halftime buzzer to send Florida into the locker room ahead 39–30.
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           Early in the second half, Walter Clayton Jr. connected from long range to spark a 9–3 run, stretching the lead to 13 with 16 minutes remaining. Florida maintained that cushion until the 10-minute mark, when UT guard Jordan Gainey (who finished with a game-high 24 points) single-handedly scored eight straight to cut the deficit to five, igniting the crowd into a frenzy.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) averaged 20.6 points and totaled 13 3-pointers in UF's wins over No. 21 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama and No. 6 Tennessee at the SEC Tournament this weekend. 
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           Will Richard, perfect at the line with an 8-for-8 performance, halted Tennessee’s momentum with a pair of free throws. Still, the Volunteers, led by point guard Zakai Zeigler’s 23 points, eight assists, and three steals, continued to push back, cutting the margin to five on three separate occasions. Each time, Florida responded:
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            Walter Clayton Jr. with a three-pointer
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            Clayton sinking two free throws
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            Clayton hitting another three-pointer
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           With the lead at six, the Gators delivered what they call a “kill” — three straight defensive stops — and capitalized on each possession. Free throws, a three-pointer from Thomas Haugh, and two more from Richard completed an eight-point burst that stretched the advantage to a game-high 14 with four minutes remaining.
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           The final stretch became a battle at the free-throw line until Florida broke Tennessee’s full-court press. Alex Condon fired a pass to Haugh, who lofted an alley-oop that Alijah Martin finished with authority, sealing the win in emphatic fashion.
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            Celebration erupted on the Florida bench, highlighted by Associate Head Coach
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           Carlin Hartman
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            sharing an emotional embrace with junior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           . The moment carried special meaning, as Handlogten had suffered a broken leg on the same floor during the 2024 title game. The two had wept together then, and this time they did so again — as champions.
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           "Ain't done yet!" Martin exclaimed, capturing the team’s mindset moving forward.
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           UF associate head coach
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           Carlin Hartman
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            and center 
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           Micah Handlogten
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            share a championship moment. 
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           Any speculation about Florida possibly slipping from a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament was silenced with this victory. The Gators delivered their response — not through words, but through performance.
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           "Humbly, I don't think we have to say anything," Clayton remarked with a smile afterward.
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           Still, the journey continues, with six more wins needed to reach the ultimate goal.
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           "We're a hungry group and we know the main goal," Richard said. "This is definitely a motivator. Cutting down the nets is a great feeling, but we want to do it at the NCAA Tournament, as well."
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           For further details, contact senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at
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    &lt;a href="mailto:chrish@gators.ufl.edu" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:01:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/music-city-magic-gators-crowned-sec-champions-in-nashville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Top of the Bracket: Gators Claim No. 1 Seed, Face Norfolk State in NCAA Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/top-of-the-bracket-gators-claim-no-1-seed-face-norfolk-state-in-ncaa-opener</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           The Gators topped off a championship Sunday with a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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           Share:
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           After securing the SEC Tournament championship on Sunday, Florida’s men’s basketball team has been awarded a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Gators will open play against Norfolk State on Friday in Raleigh, N.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. at the Lenovo Center, with coverage on TNT.
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            This marks Florida’s 23rd NCAA Tournament appearance and the second under head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , now in his third season. With 30 victories this year, UF has earned a top seed for the third time in program history, previously reaching that milestone in 2007 (national champions) and 2014 (Final Four).
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           Sunday’s win over eighth-ranked Tennessee in the SEC Tournament final gave Florida its eighth victory over a top-25 opponent this season, including five against teams ranked in the top 10.
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           Florida and Norfolk State have met once before, in the second round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament in Omaha, where the Gators claimed an 84–50 win. The winner of Friday’s contest will advance to face either UConn or Oklahoma on Sunday.
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           Ticket Information
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            Season ticket holders for Florida Gators men’s basketball have priority access to request NCAA Tournament tickets within the Florida seating block. Requests can be submitted using the link below, with a deadline of Monday, March 17 at 1 PM. General ticket details are available at
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            NCAATickets.com
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           .
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            Season ticket holders ticket info
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           here
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            :
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2025/2/11/ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-ticket-requests" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            NCAA Tournament Ticket Info for Season Ticket Holders
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:59:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/top-of-the-bracket-gators-claim-no-1-seed-face-norfolk-state-in-ncaa-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Earn No. 3 Seed, Set to Host UNI in WBIT Opener</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-earn-no-3-seed-set-to-host-uni-in-wbit-opener</link>
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           Gators are not done yet for 2025, as they were selected to host Northern Iowa in round one of the WBIT.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla. — For the second straight year, the Florida Gators have secured a spot in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). On Sunday evening, Florida was awarded a No. 3 seed and will host Northern Iowa (17–16, 11–9 MVC) in the opening round. The game is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. ET inside the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center (O'Dome).
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           Florida returns to action after last competing on March 7 in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, where they fell 101–87 to No. 9 LSU. Despite the loss, six Gators scored in double figures, capping a two-game tournament run for the second consecutive season.
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           Northern Iowa enters the WBIT following a 64–46 loss to Belmont in the MVC quarterfinals. In that game, Kayba Loube and Maya McDermott each scored 12 points, leading the Panthers offensively.
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           The 2025 WBIT championship will be held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with semifinal games on March 31 and the title game on April 2. The top 16 seeds host first-round matchups, and ESPN will serve as the broadcast partner for all tournament games.
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           Team Records
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            Florida:
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             15–16 overall, 5–11 SEC
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            Northern Iowa:
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             17–16 overall, 11–9 MVC
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           Series History
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           Florida and Northern Iowa have met just once in program history. That game took place on November 24, 2012, in Las Vegas during the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout, where the Gators earned a 17-point win (80–63). The victory came under Coach Amanda Butler, and remains Florida’s only recorded win over UNI.
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           ABOUT THE WBIT:
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2025-03-16/2025-wbit-bracket-schedule-tv-channels-womens-basketball-tournament" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Event Information
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    &lt;a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2025-03-16/virginia-tech-james-madison-saint-josephs-and-colorado-named-top-seeds-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Full Bracket
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2025 06:02:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-earn-no-3-seed-set-to-host-uni-in-wbit-opener</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Crimson Crushed: Gators Roll Past Alabama into SEC Title Game</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crimson-crushed-gators-roll-past-alabama-into-sec-title-game</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Alijah Martin (15) and the UF bench jump for joy in celebrating the closing seconds of the Gators' win over the Crimson Tide in the SEC semifinals.
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           Share:
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            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            waited his turn for one of the cold tubs in Florida’s locker room on Saturday. After his ice bath, the 7-foot-1 big man was all smiles, carrying more than just the usual postgame relief. His upbeat mood reflected the celebration following fourth-ranked Florida’s commanding 104–82 victory over fifth-ranked Alabama in the SEC Tournament semifinals.
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           One year ago at Bridgestone Arena, Micah Handlogten suffered a devastating compound fracture in the opening minutes of the SEC championship game against Auburn, a moment that derailed a surging Florida team. Taken off the court on a stretcher, the Gators were left shaken, and Auburn went on to win decisively.
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           Fast forward to this season, and Handlogten chose to forgo a medical redshirt midway through the 2024–25 campaign. His motivation was clear — to be part of the victories, the emotions, and even the postgame ice baths.
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           "I don't want to be known as the guy who broke his leg in the SEC championship game," Handlogten said. "I want to be known as one of the guys who helped his team win a SEC championship."
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           Now he and Florida have another opportunity to compete for that title.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            led all scorers with 22 points, hitting six three-pointers and handing out six assists without a turnover. His backcourt teammates
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           Alijah Martin
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            each added 16 points, while center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes. Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            chipped in 11 points off the bench.
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           Florida’s offensive performance was dominant, shooting 52 percent from the field, draining 12 threes, scoring 42 points in the paint, and setting a new record for most points in an SEC Tournament game.
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           Handlogten contributed four points, 10 rebounds, and a blocked shot in 14 minutes, helping the Gators (29–4), winners of five straight and 11 of their last 12, advance to Sunday’s championship matchup against sixth-ranked Tennessee (27–6). The Volunteers reached the final by eliminating regular-season champion Auburn. Florida and Tennessee split their two regular-season meetings, each winning convincingly at home.
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           UF sophomore center 
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (3) rejects Alabama guard
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            Mark Sears
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            during Saturday's semifinal.
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           With another emphatic win on Saturday, Florida left no doubt about its place as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament when the bracket is announced Sunday night. The only remaining question is whether the Gators will be among the top two overall seeds.
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            "It's a great win for our program. I thought our guys did an incredible job just competing for 40 minutes," said head coach
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           Todd Golden
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           , whose team is chasing its first SEC Tournament championship since 2014 and the fifth in program history. "I simply think our depth wore them out in the second half, proved out in the second half."
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           Florida’s defense played a major role. Alabama (25–8), a Final Four team last season, entered the game as the SEC’s highest-rated offense and ranked fourth nationally, averaging 48.5% shooting overall, nearly 60% inside the arc, and 35.1% from three-point range. The Gators, ranked second in the SEC and ninth nationally in defense, held the Crimson Tide to 41.8% shooting, 31.4% from deep, and nine points below their season scoring average of 91.4.
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           After a tightly contested first half where both teams shot above 50%, Florida trailed by one early in the second half. Then came a decisive nine-minute stretch in which the Gators outscored Alabama 32–11, combining sharp execution on offense with relentless defense to seize control. The Tide had no response.
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           "We want to be the hardest-playing, toughest team on the floor," Alabama coach Nate Oats said. "We were not today, particularly in the second half."
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            gets fired up after feeding 
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           Alex Condon
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            (21) for a slam.
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           With under 10 minutes remaining, Florida held a 21-point advantage while Alabama managed just 19 percent shooting in the stretch.
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           "We tried to make them uncomfortable, make them take tough shots," said Will Richard.
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           That plan worked. Alabama’s All-American guard Mark Sears, ranked third in the SEC at 18.7 points per game entering the contest, was limited to nine points on 3-of-10 shooting and missed all four of his three-point attempts. The Crimson Tide also lost forward Grant Nelson — their second-leading scorer and top rebounder — to a knee injury in the first half, forcing them into more perimeter attempts rather than challenging Florida’s size inside.
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           "We played collectively as a team, playing defense, doing what we had to do," added Rueben Chinyelu. "Just making sure all communication was on point. That's what gave us the edge."
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           Fifth-year senior
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           Alijah Martin
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           (15) skies for a slam in the first half.
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            Florida once again showcased its offensive strength in defeating Alabama for the fourth straight time, a streak that stretches back to last season. The Gators were sharp in both halves, shooting 51.4 percent before halftime and following that with 55.9 percent in a 57-point second half. The period ended with a driving basket by walk-on
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           Bennett Andersen
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           , sending the Florida bench into celebration.
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           Walter Clayton Jr. delivered another standout performance, reinforcing his status as the program’s first-ever first-team All-American. He went 7-for-12 from the field, including six of 11 from three-point range, added three rebounds, converted both of his free throws, and guided Florida to its 24th double-digit win of the season — the second in a row during the tournament.
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           "I just hope people understand how gifted and talented he is and how much of a winner he is," said head coach Todd Golden. "The guy has been a starting point guard on a 29-win team and playing an incredible floor game. … Again, playing like the best point guard in America, right now."
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           These guys ... 
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           Florida looks every bit like one of the nation’s top teams right now, with the first of two major championships on the line Sunday.
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           "I can't explain to you how much I want to win it," Walter Clayton Jr. said.
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           That sentiment captures the drive fueling this group.
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           It also underscores why Micah Handlogten returned this season.
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           "It's the best feeling in the world, but it can get so much better," Handlogten said. "We want to keep playing, keep the wheels turning, and we have the team to do it."
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-80b3908f.webp" length="155072" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:33:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/crimson-crushed-gators-roll-past-alabama-into-sec-title-game</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Fires Past Missouri: Gators’ 95-81 SEC Quarterfinal Surge</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-fires-past-missouri-gators-95-81-sec-quarterfinal-surge</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           UF senior guard Will Richard gets fired up on his way to 17 points during the Gators' 95-81 win.
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           Share:
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           NASHVILLE, Tenn.
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            – Two months earlier, Missouri came into Exactech Arena and stunned Florida by knocking down 10 three-pointers, controlling the tempo, and handing the Gators their only home loss of the season.
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           In Friday night’s rematch, the Gators flipped the narrative. Florida seized control from the opening minutes, shot with remarkable efficiency for most of the contest, but occasional lapses in rebounding and ball security allowed Missouri to stay within reach well into the second half. Ultimately, UF responded the way a team chasing a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed should—by finishing strong.
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            The senior guard trio of
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           Alijah Martin
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            , and
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           Will Richard
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            combined for 52 points, including eight makes from beyond the arc, to lead the fourth-ranked and second-seeded Gators to a 95-81 victory over Missouri in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal at Bridgestone Arena. Florida (28-4) extended its streak to four straight wins and 10 of its last 11, earning a spot in Saturday’s semifinal against fifth-ranked and third-seeded Alabama (25-7), which defeated No. 15 Kentucky 99-70 later that evening.
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           The win further strengthened Florida’s case for a No. 1 seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament. Among power-conference programs, only Duke has more victories than the Gators’ 28.
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           "They're a 1-seed in my eyes," Missouri coach Dennis Gates said afterward. "They obviously played like it."
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           Walter Clayton Jr. paced the team with 18 points and six assists, though he also committed five of Florida’s 16 turnovers against Missouri’s aggressive perimeter defense, which led the league in steals during the regular season. Clayton scored 17 in the first half before leg cramps slowed him in the second.
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           "It wasn't as much them as it was us, especially me. I take a lot of blame for that," Clayton said of the turnovers that made a night—when Florida shot 61.8 percent overall, nearly 81 percent inside the arc, and handed out 20 assists—more tense than expected after halftime. "We got sped up a little bit rather than playing fast, which is our pace, but not too fast."
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           Florida coach 
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           Todd Golden
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           (left) advises his point guard, 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , during Friday night's action.
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            Together, they figured things out. Alijah Martin and Will Richard each contributed 17 points, while sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            provided a major spark off the bench with 16 points. Haugh went 10-for-12 from the free-throw line, added seven rebounds, and five assists, showing the kind of impact expected from an SEC Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Missouri’s Caleb Grill, who earned that honor earlier in the week, finished with 11 points and one rebound in Friday’s contest.
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            UF sophomore
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           Alex Condon
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            chipped in nine points, grabbed eight boards, and blocked three shots.
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            "Obviously, a couple areas we weren't at our best," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said after his team was beaten 18-9 on the offensive glass, which led to 20 second-chance points for Missouri. "But we did a lot of great things, as well."
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           Defensively, Florida held firm. Missouri (22-11), bound for the NCAA Tournament, was limited to 44.1 percent shooting overall—four points below its season average—and managed just four made 3-pointers on 16 attempts, five fewer than its usual output. In the earlier meeting on Jan. 14, an 83-82 Missouri win, the Tigers had dropped 11 triples, including six from Grill, with seven coming in the first half as they built a 19-point lead.
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           This time, Florida controlled the opening half. The Gators scored the first 10 points of the game, eight of them from Richard, who knocked down two 3-pointers. UF built a 14-point advantage, saw it cut in half, but pushed back out to a 13-point margin at halftime, leading 50-37 thanks to 7-for-14 shooting from deep despite committing nine turnovers.
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           "We came out and tried to be aggressive," Richard said.
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           Thomas Haugh
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           went 10-for-12 from the free-throw line.
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           Missouri played without forward and leading scorer Mark Mitchell, who was sidelined after suffering an injury in Thursday night’s second-round victory over Mississippi State. Despite the absence, the Tigers kept battling, with 14 of the 15 players who saw action contributing points. Guard Tamar Bates paced the team with 16.
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           Early in the second half, Missouri strung together a 10-2 run to trim the margin to six. After Alijah Martin answered with a layup, the Tigers responded with five more points, knocking down their fourth and fifth consecutive field goals to make it 64-60 with 13 minutes left, stirring unease among Florida fans.
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           Florida held a 70-64 advantage when center Peyton Marshall went to the line for two free throws but missed both. Martin then delivered consecutive baskets, the second an alley-oop slam off a transition assist from Will Richard, stretching the lead back to 10. Missouri cut the deficit to 75-70 with seven minutes remaining, largely by dominating the offensive glass.
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           Alijah Martin
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           (15) gets vertical for an alley-oop dunk during the second half. 
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           The final three minutes belonged to Florida, highlighted by Alex Condon, whose dunk sparked a 10-2 surge in which he scored six points. Thomas Haugh added to the momentum, converting 5-of-6 free throws in the closing minutes to help secure the win.
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           Haugh has now raised his season free-throw percentage to 81.2, with 112 attempts ranking second on the team. This marks a significant improvement from his freshman campaign, when he shot 46.7 percent.
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           "It was an emphasis for me last summer," Haugh said.
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           Looking ahead, Haugh and the Gators know there are other areas that need attention.
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           "Big picture-wise, getting back on the glass, taking care of the ball," Golden said. "It's what we need to do if we want to make a deep run."
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           Email senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d2d93e89.webp" length="108728" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:43:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-fires-past-missouri-gators-95-81-sec-quarterfinal-surge</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Torch Tide: Florida’s 104-82 SEC Semifinal Statement</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-torch-tide-floridas-104-82-sec-semifinal-statement</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            poured in 22 points, leading six Florida players in double figures. The fourth-ranked Gators clamped down defensively in the second half, shutting down Alabama’s explosive offense en route to a commanding 104-82 victory over the fifth-ranked Crimson Tide in Saturday’s SEC Tournament semifinal at Bridgestone Arena.
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            Clayton connected on six shots from beyond the arc and handed out six assists without a turnover. Fellow seniors
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           Alijah Martin
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            and
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           Will Richard
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            each added 16 points. Sophomore center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            notched his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes, while forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            chipped in 11 off the bench. The win secured Florida’s spot in the 2025 SEC championship game.
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           The Gators, winners of five straight and 11 of their last 12, shot 51% overall and hit 12 of 27 from deep (44.4%). On defense, they locked down Alabama’s top-rated offense, holding the Tide to 42% shooting for the game and just 34% in the second half. First-team All-SEC guard Mark Sears was limited to nine points and went without a 3-pointer.
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           From the opening tip, both teams pushed the pace and traded baskets, producing nearly identical first-half numbers. Florida shot 47% with six triples, while Alabama hit 49% with five. Each side made five free throws, and the Gators carried a slim 47-45 lead into halftime.
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            Alabama lost key contributor
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           Grant Nelson
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              to a knee injury in the first half. Early in the second period, the Tide briefly went ahead 48-47, but a Martin 3-pointer sparked an 11-0 Florida run that created the game’s first double-digit margin.
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           Chris Youngblood
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             answered with a 3 to halt the surge, but the Gators quickly responded with another 10-3 spurt to extend the lead to 15. The Tide never got closer than 14 points, as Florida held them to just 19% shooting over the first 10 minutes of the second half and built a 21-point cushion with nine minutes remaining.
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           UF sophomore center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) with a first-half lay-in Saturday.
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            What it Means
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           Florida now has the opportunity to compete for the SEC championship on Sunday, fulfilling the team’s stated objective. With their decisive win over Alabama—a 2024 Final Four squad—the Gators have strengthened their case for a No. 1 seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament. The victory also propelled UF to No. 2 in the overall KenPom.com  rankings and marked their 10th Quadrant 1 triumph.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Every player in Florida’s nine-man rotation contributed at least four points, but special recognition goes to Rueben Chinyelu, who shot 5-for-7 from the field and secured a double-double in just 16 minutes. Backup center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           , standing 7-foot-1, added four points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and recorded a block in 14 minutes off the bench.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida has averaged 102.5 points across its last four victories over Alabama.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (29-4) will meet sixth-ranked Tennessee (27-9) in the 2025 SEC Tournament championship game. The Gators have claimed the title four times in program history (2005, ’06, ’07, and ’14). Tennessee has also won the event four times, most recently in 2022.
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            Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:09:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-torch-tide-floridas-104-82-sec-semifinal-statement</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Thomas Haugh Steps Up: Gators Ready for SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thomas-haugh-steps-up-gators-ready-for-sec-showdown</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Sophomore Thomas Haugh doubles as an ultimate "glue guy" and a selfless standout on the fourth-ranked Florida basketball team.
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           Share:
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            It all begins with the lunch box. At just 8 years old,
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           Thomas Haugh
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            brought the Florida Gators with him to school each day in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. Though his family and friends were devoted Penn State supporters, Haugh isn’t sure why he chose a university so far from home — but he suspects it had something to do with the “cool” team colors.
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           Tim Tebow’s rise sealed the deal for Thomas Haugh’s fandom. Before long, his parents were painting his bedroom in orange and blue.
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           "I loved Tebow," Haugh said. "I just remember the Gators were always a thing for me. Always."
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           It wasn’t simply destiny that brought Haugh to the University of Florida — it was hard work. The tall, athletic Pennsylvania native had to prove himself worthy of wearing the Gators uniform.
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           Predetermined? No. Earned through determination? Absolutely.
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           "Thomas could never get enough of the work," said his mother, Jenn Haugh. "It was all day, every day trying to be the best he could be."
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           Thomas Haugh
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           :
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            Then and now
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           Florida’s role in his journey may have been chance, but for the current fourth-ranked and second-seeded Gators (27–4), preparing to face No. 7 Missouri (22–10) in Friday’s SEC quarterfinal at Bridgestone Arena, Haugh’s presence is invaluable as they aim for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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           Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 215 pounds, the sophomore forward is known for his relentless energy — running the floor, battling for rebounds, and giving maximum effort on every possession. His drive transformed him into the player he envisioned, landing him at the school he once only dreamed about.
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           "It's true. I can actually say I made it to my dream school, and that's wild to me," Haugh said. "Some days I'll think, 'Oh man, I got to go to practice today.' Then I'm like, 'But I'm going to practice for the Florida Gators,' and it's different. I'm just very thankful."
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            [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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            ’s "Pregame Stuff" breakdown
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           here
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           Todd Golden
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            and his staff value Haugh deeply. Assistant coach
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           , who first spotted him at a prep tournament in Pennsylvania, summed it up:
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           "Tommy never lets you down," Hovde said.
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           As a freshman, Haugh earned minutes late in the rotation on a 24-win NCAA Tournament team. In his sophomore season, he has doubled his production, averaging 9.1 points (49% shooting, 35% from three, 81% at the line) and 6.0 rebounds, while ranking among the team’s leaders in assists, steals, and blocks across 24 minutes per game.
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           The numbers tell part of the story, but his hustle, winning plays, and the respect of his teammates go far beyond the stat sheet.
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           Thomas Haugh
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           (10), the sophomore, has nearly doubled his statistics from his freshman season. 
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            "There are so many things you can say about him, but overall, just a great human being first," said first-team All-America point guard
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           "The first thing that comes to mind with Thomas is how hard he plays. I've been saying that since he got here. Last year, he was kind of just running around, didn't know what to do. But he was going 110%, so I was fine with it and I always thought that once he got it down, knowing everything how he has this year, he was going be a great player. And he has been."
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            Missouri’s sixth-year guard Caleb Grill may have earned SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors for 2025, but coaches across the league recognize the spark
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            provides whenever he enters the game.
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           "What a luxury to have a kid come in and play his tail off like that," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser remarked. "How do you say his name?"
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           The pronunciation is “howk.” Though the name has Scottish-Irish roots, Haugh’s identity is firmly tied to his upbringing in southern Pennsylvania.
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           New Oxford, a town of about 18,000 located 10 miles east of Gettysburg, is where Haugh grew up. The nearest major cities are Philadelphia and Baltimore.
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           Thomas is the eldest of three siblings, all of whom inherited athletic talent. His mother played volleyball at Shippensburg University, where she met Ryan Haugh, a linebacker who would later become her husband. Ryan pursued a career in hospitality, while Jenn became an elementary school teacher and the designated driver for countless youth sports events. With three athletic children, there were plenty of them.
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           The Haugh family (from left): siblings 
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           Thomas
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           , 
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           Tanner 
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           RyLee
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           ; parents 
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           Jenn
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           For Thomas, the oldest sibling, sports meant football, basketball, and volleyball. He excelled in each, but what truly stood out was his competitive drive. One middle-school gym class kicking contest even saw him bribe a classmate for a second attempt just to secure the win.
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           "It's the only time he ever got in trouble in school," Jenn said. "Ryan and I were both really competitive too, so it was kind of like, 'Sorry, not sorry.' But Thomas just always wanted to be the best, and if he couldn't be the best he would move on to something else."
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           Haugh had multiple options. He was a capable quarterback and drew recruiting interest in volleyball from Penn State and Ohio State. Ultimately, basketball became his path, aided by a couple of growth spurts. Countless late-night shooting sessions in the driveway and trips to his uncle’s farm — complete with a barn and full basketball court — paid off.
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           The relentless drive was part of his upbringing.
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           "Being in that environment kind of shaped who I am now; that rough, go-do-whatever-you-need-me-to-do kind of kid," Haugh said. "We were all just a bunch of farm-country kids. All really scrappy, probably because no one knew who we were, so when we played other teams, better teams, we had to go out and really battle."
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            Thomas Haugh began as a role player during his freshman year at New Oxford High School before transferring to Perkiomen School, a 150-year-old prep academy in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.
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           The program was competitive, filled with college-level prospects, and Haugh initially struggled to earn a starting spot — something that concerned his parents after sending him away from home. Thomas, however, stayed focused.
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           "He'd say, 'It's a process, Mom,'" Jenn recalled.
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           By his senior season, Haugh was starting alongside forward Ryan Dunn (Virginia), who later became a first-round NBA draft pick, and guard Xavian Lee (Princeton). At that point, recruiting interest came mostly from mid-major programs such as Bucknell, Lehigh, and Colgate. His coach suggested a post-grad year to gain more exposure, but Thomas had other ideas.
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           "Thomas always bets on himself," Ryan said.
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           Haugh at Perkiomen
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           That summer, Haugh’s performance on the Under Armour circuit drew attention from bigger programs, including Maryland, Illinois, and Northwestern, with Virginia Commonwealth also showing interest. While en route to a VCU visit, an AAU contact called with unexpected news:
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           "He said Florida had called and wanted to know if we were interested," Ryan said.
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           The family quickly arranged a visit. Assistant coach Kevin Hovde, who had first seen Haugh play while at Richmond, coordinated the trip. After meeting the UF staff, touring facilities, and hearing the recruiting presentation, Haugh made his decision before even reaching his hotel room.
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           "I want to be a Gator," he told his parents.
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           He canceled a planned visit to Virginia Tech and announced his commitment on June 29, 2022. At the time, Todd Golden had yet to coach a game at Florida, but Haugh trusted the vision.
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           "I liked the analytics stuff they showed. They explained to me the offense and how I would fit into the system," Haugh said. "They had a vision for me. They had a vision for everybody on the team."
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           The staff even compared him to Chandler Parsons, the versatile former Gator and 2011 SEC Player of the Year.
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           Instant Impact
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            Haugh arrived in Gainesville in May 2022, joining the summer A session earlier than most freshmen. He was paired as a roommate with fellow newcomer
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           Alex Condon
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            , a 6-foot-11 forward from Perth, Australia. The two quickly bonded, just as associate head coach
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           Carlin Hartman
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            predicted.
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           "Coach Hartman told us Thomas and Alex would be in each other's weddings," Jenn said.
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           UF associate head coach 
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            Carlin Hartman
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            (left), who tutors the "bigs," and 
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            Thomas Haugh
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           share a moment after a win
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           .
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           For nearly three years, Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon have shared more than just a room — they’ve built a friendship that extends to fishing trips, with Haugh even owning a boat. With Condon’s family living overseas, the Haughs welcomed him as part of their own, bringing him along on visits to Pennsylvania and outings to the Delaware beaches for deep-sea fishing, all while balancing basketball training.
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           The two also sharpened their skills through countless one-on-one battles at the barn court.
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           "We just have a lot in common, with what we like and how we interact, but really with our work ethic," Condon said. "On Day 1, we started playing straight-away one-on-one. We were both just going really hard and figured out pretty quickly that we were both high-energy, hustling players. My respect for him has been sky-high ever since, and he's been playing amazing basketball this year."
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            Some of Thomas Haugh’s standout performances during the 2024–25 season came in a five-game stretch when Florida was missing major contributors — leading scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (ankle), top rebounder Alex Condon (ankle), or defensive specialist
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           Alijah Martin
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            (hip pointer). In that span, Haugh averaged 16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
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           One of his biggest showings occurred on Feb. 11 against No. 22 Mississippi State. After Condon exited just 30 seconds into the game, Haugh nearly recorded the fourth triple-double in program history, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in a crucial road win.
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           Haugh, an avid fisherman, and his dad reeled in a 470-pound shark in 2019.
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           "The more he's on the floor, the more the winning plays show up," Golden said. 
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           Thomas Haugh’s commitment shows up in the gym, often away from the spotlight. His improvement speaks volumes: after shooting just 25.5% from three-point range last season, he has raised that mark to 35% this year, with 27 makes — the most among Florida’s front-court players. At the free-throw line, he jumped from 45.7% last season (near the bottom among rotation players) to 81.0% this year, ranking second on the team in both percentage and attempts.
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           By the end of the 2024–25 regular season, advanced metrics placed Haugh’s overall efficiency — combining offense and defense — among the nation’s elite. He was listed just behind Cooper Flagg (Duke), Johni Broome (Auburn), Joseph Tugler (Houston), Kon Knueppel (Duke), and Kam Jones (Marquette), all of whom are projected All-America selections.
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           Despite not being a starter, Haugh embraces his role.
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           "That's our whole team this year. We have a different person scoring a career high or a new person coming in and doing something special every game," Haugh said. "Everybody steps up. If it's not your night, someone has your back. I just have that attitude going into every game; that it's not about me. It's about the team. I don't care about stats. If we win, we all win. That's what we're all trying to do here, right? And it's fun when we do it."
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           Thomas Haugh
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           (left) and best buddy 
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           Alex Condo
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            n
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            rejoice after upsetting top-ranked Auburn on the road.
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           Florida has enjoyed 27 wins this season, the second-most regular-season victories in the program’s 118-year history. While Thomas Haugh’s parents haven’t been able to attend as many games as they’d like, they can see their son’s happiness from afar — his body language makes it clear.
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           There are also the moments that tug at a parent’s heart.
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           "He told me once, 'Mom, when I say my prayers, I always ask that I don't get hurt, and I don't wake up and find out being a Gator is all a dream,' " Jenn Haugh said. "He's fallen in love with his life at Florida."
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           For Thomas, it’s not a dream — it’s the reality of playing at his dream school.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-2c113a07.webp" length="89812" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:51:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thomas-haugh-steps-up-gators-ready-for-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Golden &amp; Clayton Shine: Gators Duo Named Naismith Semifinalists</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-clayton-shine-gators-duo-named-naismith-semifinalists</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Walter Clayton Jr. and Todd Golden have helped the Gators to a 27-4 regular season record.
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           Share:
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            Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            have been selected as semifinalists for the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year and Player of the Year honors, respectively, according to Friday’s announcement from the Naismith Awards. Both categories have now been narrowed to 10 candidates each.
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           The fourth-ranked Gators enter SEC Tournament play following a 27-4 regular season that featured five victories over top-25 opponents, including two against the nation’s No. 1 team.
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           Florida is one of only three programs nationally ranked in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency. The team also climbed to No. 2 in the national polls earlier this season, its highest position since 2014.
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           Clayton has been the team’s leader in scoring, assists, and 3-point field goals this year. His two-season scoring total already ranks third in program history.
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           Golden and Clayton form one of just five coach-player duos to be recognized as semifinalists in the same year.
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           Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalists
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Dennis Gates, Missouri
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           Todd Golden
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           Florida
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           Tom Izzo, Michigan State
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           Kelvin Sampson, Houston
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      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:40:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-clayton-shine-gators-duo-named-naismith-semifinalists</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Will Richard Earns Lt. Fred Koss Award: A Gator Leader On and Off the Court</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/will-richard-earns-lt-fred-koss-award-a-gator-leader-on-and-off-the-court</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Will Richard has had a productive tenure in Gainesville on and off the court.
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            Proverbs 3:6 states, "In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight." For
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           Will Richard
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           , that guiding principle has shaped his journey and ultimately led him to the Florida Gators basketball program.
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            This verse has influenced Richard’s life choices, and on Monday afternoon, Florida head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            presented him with the Lt. Fred Koss Award. The honor is given to a player who embodies the qualities of a true team leader during his time at Florida. For Richard, leadership and selflessness come naturally, as he consistently puts others first and sets the tone by example.
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           "Will has impacted Florida Basketball in many ways since the first day he arrived on our campus," Golden said. "His passion for being a Gator and for our program has been a huge part of building our fantastic culture both on and off the court. He is a young man who leads by example and exemplifies the ideals of the Lt. Fred Koss Award."
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           Richard’s career has been filled with memorable highlights. He has averaged double figures in scoring across all four seasons, shooting 46.5 percent from the field while collecting five rebounds per game. His career-best performance came against Georgia in February, when he scored 30 points, and he has reached 20 or more points in 14 games as a Gator.
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           Just two weeks ago, after scoring 25 points against Texas A&amp;amp;M, Richard surpassed Gator legends Joakim Noah and Al Horford with his 1,135th career point. Yet for him, the most important part was the team’s victory. "I'd rather score zero and win. I'm here to win!" he said.
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           On the floor, Richard consistently delivers in pivotal moments—whether by drawing a charge, making a steal, or securing a loose ball rebound. On January 22, in a road matchup at South Carolina, he hit the game-winning shot with 4.5 seconds left, capping a comeback from a 14-point deficit in a key SEC victory.
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           Richard’s foundation is his family, led by his parents Helen and Al, along with his sister Sara and brother Al Jr. Their shared faith has been central to their lives.
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            Off the court,
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           Will Richard
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            dedicates time to serving the community. He has volunteered at Fort Clark Middle School and supported the Food for Kids backpack program. This season, he and his teammates raised funds for the Alachua County School system by making three-pointers. Richard prioritizes giving back, telling a group of high school students, "Success isn't random, it is built daily through intentional decisions."
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           Will Richard
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            exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete. He will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and joins 48 other former Gator players over the past 51 years as a recipient of the prestigious Lt. Fred Koss Award.
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8038fa74.webp" length="97490" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:14:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/will-richard-earns-lt-fred-koss-award-a-gator-leader-on-and-off-the-court</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Avenge Tigers: Florida’s 95-81 SEC Quarterfinal Triumph</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-avenge-tigers-floridas-95-81-sec-quarterfinal-triumph</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           What Happened
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           NASHVILLE, Tenn.
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            – Florida’s senior guard trio combined for 52 points as the fourth-ranked Gators secured a 95-81 victory over No. 21 Missouri in Friday night’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal at Bridgestone Arena.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            tallied 18 points—17 of them in the first half—to help Florida build a 13-point advantage at the break, while also adding six assists.
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           Alijah Martin
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            and
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           Will Richard
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            each contributed 17 points. Off the bench, sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            delivered 16 points, hitting 10 of 12 free throws, along with seven rebounds and five assists in 27 minutes. The Gators, winners of four straight and 10 of their last 11, shot nearly 62% overall, connected on 9 of 24 from long range (37.5%), and avenged Missouri’s 83-82 win in Gainesville on Jan. 14—their only home loss of the season.
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           Unlike that earlier matchup, when Missouri raced to a 19-point first-half lead, Florida came out strong this time. The Gators scored the first 10 points of the game, built a 14-point cushion within nine minutes, and carried a 50-37 lead into halftime after shooting 52% in the opening period.
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           Missouri, missing forward and leading scorer Mark Mitchell, continued to fight. Guard Tamar Bates led with 16 points, and the Tigers used an 18-9 advantage on the offensive glass plus Florida’s 16 turnovers to close the gap. Mizzou cut the margin to 64-60 with 13 minutes left, but Florida responded with timely plays, including a 10-2 run that stretched a five-point lead into a 13-point cushion with under four minutes remaining.
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           Walter Clayton Jr. 
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           (1) on the attack in the first half against the Tigers.
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            What it Means
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           Florida moves forward with another Quadrant 1 win—its ninth of the season—strengthening the team’s argument for a No. 1 seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Thomas Haugh delivered another standout performance, clearly outshining Missouri’s Caleb Grill (11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists), who had been named SEC Sixth Man of the Year earlier in the week. Haugh’s 10 successful free throws proved crucial in holding off Missouri’s late surges. Overall, the Gators converted 18 of 23 attempts from the line (78.3%).
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida has now reached the SEC Tournament semifinals for the second consecutive year. Between 2015 and 2023, the program managed that feat only once.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (28-4) will take on the winner of Friday’s late matchup between fifth-ranked Alabama (24-7) and 15th-ranked Kentucky (22-10), seeded third and eighth respectively. The semifinal is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the victor advancing to Sunday’s championship game.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:02:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-avenge-tigers-floridas-95-81-sec-quarterfinal-triumph</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Fueling the Fire: Florida Turns SEC Snubs into Motivation</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/fueling-the-fire-florida-turns-sec-snubs-into-motivation</link>
      <description>Florida Gators channel SEC award snubs into extra drive ahead of the SEC Tournament, with Todd Golden and Walter Clayton Jr. leading the charge in Nashville.</description>
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           UF coach Todd Golden (left) and senior standout Walter Clayton Jr. will lead the Gators to the SEC Tournament in Nashville Friday.
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           Share:
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           Florida (No. 4) vs. Missouri (No. 21)
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           Event:
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            Southeastern Conference Tournament
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           Date &amp;amp; Time:
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            Friday, 7 p.m. ET
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           Venue:
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            Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
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           Team Records:
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            Florida 27-4, Missouri 22-10
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           Broadcast:
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           SEC Network featuring Karl Ravich, Jimmy Dykes, and Molly McGrath
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           Radio Coverage:
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            Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD —
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           Stations list
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            with
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           Sean Kelley
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           , Lee Humphrey, and Steve Egan
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            Ticket Details:
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           Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           Bridgestone Arena (capacity 20,000) in Nashville, Tenn.
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           SETUP
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           The quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament features the 2-seed Florida Gators against the 7-seed Missouri Tigers. Florida enters riding momentum, having won three straight and nine of its last ten, capped by a 90-71 victory over Ole Miss in the regular-season finale. Missouri, meanwhile, snapped a skid of three consecutive losses (and four of five overall) by defeating 10-seed Mississippi State in Thursday’s second-round matchup to earn its place in the quarters.
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           Series Histor
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           y
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           Florida holds an 11-5 advantage in the all-time series, though Missouri halted the Gators’ four-game winning streak earlier this season. On Jan. 14, the Tigers stunned Florida in Gainesville with an 83-82 win — the Gators’ only home defeat of the year. Despite the close final score, Missouri controlled much of the contest, shooting 55% overall, converting 14 of its first 22 attempts, and sinking seven of 14 from beyond the arc to build a 19-point first-half lead. Florida responded after halftime, shooting 55% and limiting Missouri to 33% in the second half, trimming the margin to three points on multiple occasions but never securing the stop needed to complete the comeback. Caleb Grill paced Missouri with 22 points, including six 3-pointers (a perfect 4-for-4 in the opening half), while Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida with 28 points.
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           This marks only the second SEC Tournament meeting between the two programs since Missouri joined the conference in 2012-13. Their lone prior clash came in the 2014 quarterfinals, when Florida — then the regular-season champion — defeated Missouri 72-49 at the Georgia Dome en route to its most recent SEC Tournament title.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           THE GATORS
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           UF guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1)
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           Florida enters the SEC quarterfinals on a roll, having won three straight against KenPom top-30 opponents, including a road upset of seventh-ranked Alabama that secured the Gators the No. 2 seed—their highest since 2017. Nationally, UF is one of only three programs ranked in the top 10 for both offensive (No. 4) and defensive (No. 10) efficiency, joining Duke (No. 2 offense, No. 4 defense) and Houston (No. 10 offense, No. 2 defense). Whether Florida earns a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament may hinge on this matchup—or potentially a semifinal clash with Alabama if both advance. Last season, the Gators made a run from the 6-seed to the championship game, winning three contests in three days before falling to Auburn 86-67.
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           Team Strengths:
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            Florida ranks fourth in effective field-goal percentage, second in two-point shooting (55.2%), and sixth from beyond the arc (35.8%). Their offensive rebounding is elite—second in the SEC and eighth nationally—providing crucial second-chance opportunities. Defensively, UF is third nationally in effective field-goal percentage, 10th against two-point attempts (45.2%), and eighth guarding the perimeter (29.6%). Under coach Todd Golden, the Gators are 67-33 across three seasons, giving him the highest winning percentage (.670) through 100 games in program history, surpassing Mike White (.650).
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            Walter Clayton Jr.:
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             Recently named First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-America by The Sporting News, Clayton ranks No. 7 in KenPom’s National Player of the Year standings—second-best in the SEC behind Auburn’s Johni Broome (No. 2) and just ahead of Alabama’s Mark Sears (No. 8). He’s shooting 54.3% on twos and 36.4% on threes, highlighted by five triples in the win over Ole Miss. Clayton joined Will Richard and Alijah Martin for an emotional “Senior Night” celebration, with the trio combining for more than 5,300 career points. Richard, despite a 2-for-10 showing from deep in his finale, remains at 37.5% from three in SEC play and leads the team at 68.5% on twos. Martin tops starters at 38.4% from long range in conference play.
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            Alex Condon:
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             Earned All-SEC third-team honors after averaging 22 points and 12.5 rebounds in two key wins. The athletic Australian forward has drawn NBA attention, though he’ll need to improve his free-throw shooting (57.1% in SEC play) to complement his strong rebounding—half of which come on the offensive glass.
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            Rueben Chinyelu:
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             The center posted 11 rebounds in the Alabama win and is shooting nearly 60% in SEC competition.
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            Thomas Haugh:
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             Since rejoining the starting lineup, the sophomore forward has contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists across two games, while hitting all of his two-point attempts and three of seven from deep.
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            Micah Handlogten:
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             The 7-1 reserve center, returning from a broken leg suffered in last year’s title game, is rebounding at elite rates—21% defensively and 17.7% offensively—in limited minutes.
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            Denzel Aberdeen:
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             The junior guard averages 8.0 points per game and has a quirky stat line: Florida is 19-0 when he makes a three-pointer, but just 7-4 when he doesn’t.
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            Urban Klavzar:
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             The reserve guard has scored in all 10 games since joining the rotation, hitting a three in eight of them, and is shooting 46.2% from deep in SEC play.
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           THE TIGERS
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           Missouri guard
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            Caleb Grill 
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           (31)
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           Coaching &amp;amp; Record:
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            Now in his third year leading Missouri, Dennis Gates—once a protégé of Leonard Hamilton and a candidate for Florida’s coaching vacancy in 2022—has compiled a 54-44 record. That mark is skewed by last season’s 8-24 campaign, which included 19 losses against SEC opponents. Gates’ debut season was far stronger, with the Tigers finishing 25-10 and advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s second round. In 2025, Missouri opened SEC play with six wins in its first eight games (and eight of its first 11 overall), but stumbled late, dropping six of its final 10, including consecutive defeats to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Kentucky.
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           Offensive &amp;amp; Defensive Profile:
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            Despite the late-season skid, Missouri remains one of the league’s most potent offenses. The Tigers shoot 54.3% on two-point attempts (fifth in the SEC) and 37.9% from three (third), averaging 84.5 points per game—fourth-best in the conference. Their weakness lies on defense: opponents have averaged 94 points in Missouri’s last four losses, fueled by 59% shooting inside the arc. Overall, the Tigers rank 13th in the SEC in effective field-goal defense, 12th against twos (54.2%), and 10th against threes (34.1%).
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            ﻿
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            Mark Mitchell (Forward):
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             Missouri’s top front-court presence, shooting 51% overall. Though his 13 made threes rank only eighth on the team, Mitchell excels at drawing contact, with 208 free-throw attempts—second-most in the SEC.
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            Caleb Grill (Guard):
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             The Iowa State transfer averages 14.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, earning SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors over UF’s Thomas Haugh and Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford. Grill has hit nearly 50% of his shots and 42.3% from deep, with a team-leading 74 threes (eighth-most in the SEC).
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             Shooting 50.9% overall and 39.7% from three, Bates has scored in double figures 21 times. He poured in 29 points in Missouri’s upset of then-No. 1 Kansas in December and tallied a career-high 38 against Florida last season in Columbia.
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             A Tallahassee native from Florida State High, Robinson drives Missouri’s fast-paced offense. He scores at all three levels, maintains a better than 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and is recognized as an all-league defender.
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             Guard Marques Warrick (6.9 ppg), forward Trent Pierce (4.8 ppg), and forward Jacob Crews (5.6 ppg) each provide perimeter shooting depth, with all three surpassing 30 made threes this season.
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           NUMBERS OF NOTE
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           Florida's 2013-14 team, led by SEC Player of the Year 
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           Scottie Wilbekin
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            (center), was the program's last to capture the conference tournament.
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            .476
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             — Florida’s all-time winning percentage in SEC Tournament play, reflecting a 49-54 record.
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             — Total SEC Tournament championships for the Gators (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014).
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            31
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             — Titles claimed by Kentucky, the most in league history. The Wildcats haven’t won since 2018. Alabama ranks second with eight. The tournament originally ran from 1933 to 1952, paused for 27 years, and resumed in 1979.
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            31 points
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             — Scored by sophomore guard Kenyan Weaks in a 68-64 first-round win over Auburn in 1998, the highest single-game total by a Gator in the event. Tre Mann nearly matched it with 30 in a 2021 quarterfinal loss to Tennessee. The overall SEC Tournament single-game scoring record is 42, set by Kentucky’s Melvin Turpin against Georgia in 1984.
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            2014
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             — Florida’s most recent SEC Tournament crown. On March 16 at the Georgia Dome, the top-ranked Gators—fresh off a perfect 18-0 SEC season and a 25-game win streak—built a 15-point second-half lead over No. 25 Kentucky. The Wildcats mounted a furious rally, but Defensive Player of the Year Scottie Wilbekin forced a turnover in the final seconds, sealing a 61-60 victory.
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           Bottom Line:
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            Survive &amp;amp; Advance, Part I.
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           Email 
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:28:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/fueling-the-fire-florida-turns-sec-snubs-into-motivation</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Walter Clayton Jr. Makes Florida History with All-America Honor</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-makes-florida-history-with-all-america-honor</link>
      <description>Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. becomes the first Gator ever named First-Team All-America by The Sporting News, capping a standout season and fueling momentum for the SEC Tournament.</description>
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           Walter Clayton Jr. adds to the Gators' historic season, claiming an honor never before bestowed on a Florida men's basketball player.
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            On Wednesday, The Sporting News announced that
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           . has been selected to its First-Team All-America squad. With this honor, the Florida senior guard becomes the first player in program history to achieve first-team All-American status.
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           Clayton is now the sixth Gator to be recognized on one of the consensus All-America teams (first, second, or third). Previous honorees include Scottie Wilbekin (2014), Al Horford (2007), Joakim Noah (2007), Udonis Haslem (2001), and Neal Walk (1968, 1969).
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           As Florida’s leading scorer for the second consecutive season, Clayton averages 17.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 made three-pointers per game. His play has been pivotal in guiding the Gators to victories over two different No. 1-ranked opponents—making Florida just the fifth men’s college basketball program to accomplish that feat—as well as five total wins against top-25 teams. The Gators finished the regular season 27-4, the second-highest win total in school history, and enter postseason play ranked No. 4 nationally.
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           A native of Lake Wales, Fla., Clayton has recorded 10 games this season with at least four three-pointers. His streak of 53 consecutive games with a made three-pointer is a Florida record. After missing one contest due to injury, he returned to play all 40 minutes in the Gators’ upset of top-ranked Auburn. Since then, across nine games, he has averaged 5.6 assists and 3.1 threes per game, while maintaining a 2.94 assist-to-turnover ratio.
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           Clayton’s accolades extend beyond this latest honor. He has earned All-SEC recognition from the coaches, Associated Press, and USA Today. He is also a top-15 finalist for the John R. Wooden Award and one of five finalists for the Bob Cousy Award.
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           The Sporting News is the first of the recognized consensus selectors to release its All-America team. Other selectors include the Associated Press, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
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           Florida, ranked No. 4, will return to action in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals Friday at 7 p.m. EDT in Nashville.
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           Gators on All-America Teams
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           1st, 2nd or 3rd Team by Consensus Selectors
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           The Sporting News All-America
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           First Team
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           ,
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            Florida
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           Cooper Flagg, Duke
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Braden Smith, Purdue
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           Second Team
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           Eric Dixon, Villanova
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           PJ Haggerty, Memphis
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           Kam Jones, Marquette
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           John Tonje, Wisconsin
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           JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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           Third Team
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           L.J. Cryer, Houston
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           Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
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           Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
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           RJ Luis, St. John's
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           Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:54:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-makes-florida-history-with-all-america-honor</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Surge Past Missouri: Florida’s High-Octane SEC Tournament Victory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-surge-past-missouri-floridas-high-octane-sec-tournament-victory</link>
      <description>Florida Gators clash with Missouri in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. Preview the matchup, series history, key stats, and standout players as both teams fight to advance in Nashville.</description>
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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           – Underdog Mentality Fuels Florida
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           For most of the season, Florida coach Todd Golden and his players have kept their “underdog” identity largely within the locker room. Privately, though, it’s been a theme the team has embraced.7
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           Golden’s own journey reflects that mindset. Once a walk-on at Saint Mary’s, he worked his way into a starting role on an NCAA Tournament team before arriving at Florida from the University of San Francisco as a relatively unknown figure in the Southeast. Similarly, UF’s three leading scorers—
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           , 
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           Alijah Martin
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            and 
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           Will Richard
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            —were overlooked by major programs in their home states and found their way to Gainesville through the mid-major transfer route. Sophomores
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           Alex Condon
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           Thomas Haugh
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            also entered college ball without top-150 recruiting rankings.
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           Preseason expectations weren’t much higher. The 2024-25 Gators were projected to finish anywhere from sixth to ninth in most SEC forecasts.
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           That narrative has served them well, but this week added another layer of motivation.
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           The SEC announced its postseason awards Monday, with Clayton earning a spot on the All-SEC First Team and Condon on the Third Team. Yet questions remain: why wasn’t Martin recognized on the All-Defensive Team? Why wasn’t Haugh considered for Sixth Man of the Year? And why wasn’t Golden included in the Coach of the Year conversation, despite guiding UF to its second-highest regular-season win total in program history?
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           “Some of my guys got snubbed,” Clayton said Wednesday. “I’ve been kind of egging it on a little bit, putting it in their ears.”
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           That sentiment will likely carry into Friday’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal, where the fourth-ranked Gators (27-4), winners of three straight and nine of their last ten, will meet either No. 21 Missouri (21-10) or Mississippi State (21-11) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
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           First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-America guard 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) 
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           Florida’s résumé speaks for itself: 27 wins, a runner-up finish in the SEC just one game shy of first place, one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses, and a leap from 94th nationally in defense last season to a top-10 unit this year. Yet only two players received postseason recognition.
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            Coach Todd Golden voiced his thoughts Wednesday, noting the contributions of Will Richard and Rueben Chinyelu.
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           “I’d put Will in there. I’d put Rueben [Chinyelu] in there for All-Defense,” Golden said, praising the senior guard’s shooting and the sophomore center’s defensive presence. “With Alijah and Will not making any of the all-league teams and then Alijah and Rueben not getting on all-defense, I think those are things that our team will definitely use as motivation going into this weekend. That’s how we feel about it.”
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           Golden also acknowledged Missouri’s Caleb Grill, who earned Sixth Man of the Year honors. Grill had torched Florida earlier in the season with 22 points and seven three-pointers in the Tigers’ upset win in Gainesville—the Gators’ only home loss of the year.
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           While postseason awards are deserved across the board, Golden emphasized the value of using perceived slights as fuel. “It provided some really good motivation for our guys to go to Nashville and make a statement,” he said.
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            “I told our guys, we have the opportunity, if we go and play well, then we’re making the right statement. And if we go there and we don’t play well, we have nothing to talk about. So, our guys are using this trip and this SEC Tournament as an opportunity to continue to play with a chip on our shoulder.”
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            ﻿
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           Meanwhile, Walter Clayton Jr. has no need for added motivation. Just days after being named First-Team All-SEC, the 6-foot-2 guard earned First-Team All-America honors from The Sporting News. Remarkably, Clayton became the first player in Florida basketball history to receive such recognition from any national outlet.
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           Florida basketball has produced plenty of stars over the decades—Vernon Maxwell, Dan Cross, Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Chandler Parsons, Scottie Wilbekin, and even Neal Walk, who averaged more than 24 points and 18 rebounds during the 1968-69 season. Yet none of them ever earned First-Team All-America honors from a national outlet.
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           That changed this week when Walter Clayton Jr. became the first Gator in program history to receive such recognition, courtesy of The Sporting News.
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           Coach Todd Golden reflected on the achievement: “It speaks to two things: Number 1, obviously, Walter’s individual success and how well he’s played all year. He’s done an incredible job leading our team. But also the success of our team. If we weren’t a top three, four team in America, Walt’s not getting that honor.”
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           Clayton, who averages 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, echoed that sentiment. “I’ve been saying all year, a lot of stuff comes from winning,” he said. “This is a product of that, so I’m just thankful.”
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8da4a105.webp" length="65016" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:19:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-surge-past-missouri-floridas-high-octane-sec-tournament-victory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Clayton and Condon Shine with Media All-SEC Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-and-condon-shine-with-media-all-sec-honors</link>
      <description>Florida standouts Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon earn Media All-SEC recognition, adding to the Gators’ momentum heading into the SEC Tournament.</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Walter Clayton Jr. adds to the Gators' historic season, claiming an honor never before bestowed on a Florida men's basketball player.
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           Share:
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            Florida men’s basketball standouts
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , a senior guard, and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           , a sophomore forward/center, have received All-Southeastern Conference recognition from media outlets, adding to the awards they previously earned from league coaches.
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           Clayton was selected to the Associated Press and USA Today First-Team All-SEC, while Condon secured Second-Team honors from USA Today.
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           Together, the duo has been instrumental in guiding the Gators to 27 victories during the regular season. Florida heads into the SEC Tournament ranked No. 4 nationally, highlighted by three wins over top-10 opponents, including two on the road.
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           The Gators return to play Friday at 7 p.m. EDT as the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament in Nashville, where they will face LSU, Mississippi State, or Missouri in the quarterfinals.
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           USA Today All-SEC
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           First Team
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           G Mark Sears, Alabama*
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           G Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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           G 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , Florida
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           F Johni Broome, Auburn*
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           F Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
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           *Unanimous first-team selection.
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           Second Team
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           G Tre Johnson, Texas
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           G Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
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           G Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
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           F 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           , Florida
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           F Amari Williams, Kentucky
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           SEC Postseason Honors
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            Player of the Year:
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             Auburn’s Johni Broome Other players receiving votes: Mark Sears (Alabama)
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            Coach of the Year:
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             Bruce Pearl (Auburn) Additional votes went to Mark Byington (Vanderbilt), Dennis Gates (Missouri), and
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Todd Golden
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             (Florida).
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            Newcomer of the Year:
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             Tre Johnson (Texas) Others considered included Chaz Lanier (Tennessee),
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alijah Martin
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             (Florida), and Amari Williams (Kentucky).
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            Defensive Player of the Year:
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             Johni Broome (Auburn) Other vote-getters: Denver Jones (Auburn), Jahmai Mashack (Tennessee), Cameron Matthews (Mississippi State), and Zakai Zeigler (Tennessee).
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           AP All-SEC
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           First Team
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , Florida
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           Tre Johnson, Texas
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           Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Second Team
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           Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
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           Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&amp;amp;M
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           Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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           Mark Mitchell, Missouri
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           Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
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           Individual honors
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           Player of the year — Johni Broome, Auburn
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           Coach of the year — Bruce Pearl, Auburn
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           Newcomer of the year — Tre Johnson, Texas
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-a4b1820b.webp" length="100876" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:20:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-and-condon-shine-with-media-all-sec-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Clayton and Condon Earn Coaches’ All-SEC Honors for Florida</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-and-condon-earn-coaches-all-sec-honors-for-florida</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon received accolades from SEC coaches on Monday.
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           The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that two Florida players have been selected for All-SEC honors by the league’s coaches.
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           Walter Clayton Jr., Florida’s senior guard from Lake Wales, Fla., leads the team in scoring at 17.2 points per game, while also pacing the Gators with 84 made three-pointers and 129 assists. He reached double figures in every full SEC contest this season and posted four 20-point outings in league play, including back-to-back performances of 22 points at Alabama and 23 against Ole Miss to close the regular season. Clayton also tied his career high with 33 points in the matchup at Kentucky. This marks his second straight year earning All-SEC recognition, after being named to the coaches’ second team in 2023-24.
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           Sophomore forward/center Alex Condon recorded six double-doubles in SEC competition, three of which came in victories over ranked opponents. His highlights included 12 points and 12 rebounds in a win over No. 1 Tennessee, 17 points and 10 rebounds at No. 1 Auburn, and a career-best 27 points with 10 rebounds at No. 7 Alabama. He capped the regular season with 17 points and 15 boards in just 23 minutes against Ole Miss.
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           Earlier in the day, Condon became only the second player in program history to collect three SEC Player of the Week honors in a single season, joining Jalen Hudson (2017-18). He was also recognized as an SEC All-Freshman in 2023-24.
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           Together, Clayton and Condon have helped Florida to a 27-4 overall record and a 14-4 mark in SEC play. The Gators have been ranked inside the national top 10 since December 9. In conference action, Florida led the SEC in scoring margin (+10.78) and finished among the top three in several categories, including scoring defense (71.6), field-goal percentage defense (.414), rebounding margin (+5.2), assists (15.6), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5), offensive rebounds (13.0), defensive rebounds (27.1), offensive rebound percentage (.358), and three-pointers made (10.1).
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           This year’s All-SEC format shifted to three five-man teams, replacing the previous structure of two eight-man squads.
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           Florida, the No. 2 seed, will return to action Friday at 7 p.m. EDT in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Nashville, facing LSU, Mississippi State, or Missouri.
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           2024-25 SEC Men's Basketball Awards
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           First Team
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           Johni Broome, Aubur
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            n
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            ,
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           Florida
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           Mark Sears, Alabama
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           Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&amp;amp;M
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           Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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           Second Team
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           Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
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           Chad Baker-Mazara, Auburn
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           Alex Condon
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           Florida
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           Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt
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           Denver Jones, Auburn
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           All-Freshman Team
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           Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
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            Johni Broome, Auburn
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            Tre Johnson, Texas
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            Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:34:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clayton-and-condon-earn-coaches-all-sec-honors-for-florida</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gator Big Man Makes History: Condon Snags Third SEC Player-of-the-Week</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-big-man-makes-history-condon-snags-third-sec-player-of-the-week</link>
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           Alex Condon slams home two of his 17 points in Florida's regular season finale win vs. Ole Miss.
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            Florida men’s basketball standout and sophomore forward/center
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           Alex Condon
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            has earned his third Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week award of the season, as announced by the SEC on Monday.
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           Condon is now only the second player in Gators history to receive the honor three times in a single season, joining Jalen Hudson’s 2017–18 accomplishment. His week opened with a career-best 27 points, along with 10 rebounds and two blocks, helping Florida secure a road victory at Alabama. That performance made him the first SEC player in the 2000s—and just the fifth player nationwide—to reach those numbers in a top-10 road matchup.
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           Hailing from Perth, Australia, Condon continued his strong play against Ole Miss, posting 17 points and 15 rebounds in just 23 minutes. He became only the third SEC athlete this century to record at least 15 points and 15 boards in 25 minutes or fewer during a conference game (Johni Broome in 2023 vs. Georgia; Glen Davis in 2006 at Florida). Condon pulled down seven rebounds within the opening five minutes and came close to a halftime double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds at the break.
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           Condon’s presence on the glass powered Florida to commanding rebounding advantages in both contests—+15 at Alabama and +12 against Ole Miss. The Gators also controlled the paint versus Ole Miss, connecting on .680 of their two-point attempts while holding the Rebels to .333 inside.
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           This latest award adds to Condon’s earlier weekly honors earned after posting double-doubles in both of Florida’s victories over No. 1-ranked opponents this season.
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           Florida’s next game is set for Friday at 7 p.m. EDT, where the Gators—entering the SEC Tournament in Nashville as the No. 2 seed—will face LSU, Mississippi State, or Missouri in the quarterfinals.
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           Gators with Multiple SEC Player of the Week Honors in a Season
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            2024–25 – 3,
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           Alex Condon
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            2020–21 – 2, Colin Castleton
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      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:43:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-big-man-makes-history-condon-snags-third-sec-player-of-the-week</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Tremendous Trio: Will, Walt &amp; Alijah Shine in Senior Send-Off</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tremendous-trio-will-walt-alijah-shine-in-senior-send-off</link>
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – After leading the Gators to a 17-point victory over Arizona State on Dec. 17 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta,
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            and 
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            were escorted to the postgame interview area. Clayton led all scorers with 25 points, including five 3-pointers, while Richard contributed 16 points and six rebounds.
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           Before entering the media room, the two seniors were handed the box scores to review. Clayton glanced at the stats and immediately noticed something.
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           "Go get Alijah," Clayton told the UF communications director. "He had a double-double."
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           Richard agreed.
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            Sure enough,
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           Alijah Martin
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            had recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Clayton and Richard waited for their fifth-year grad-transfer teammate to join them, and Clayton even had Martin take the center seat at the interview table.
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           Florida's seniors (from left) 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , 
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           Alijah Martin
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            and 
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           Will Richard
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            on the set last week of ESPN's "GameDay" show at the O'Dome.
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            As remarkable as the 2024–25 Florida basketball season has been, this moment was just one of many highlights. From victories over No. 1 teams at home and on the road, to Will Richard’s circus-like, game-winning bank shot at South Carolina,
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           Thomas Haugh's
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            near triple-double off the bench at No. 22 Mississippi State, and Wednesday’s impressive upset of seventh-ranked Alabama, the season has been filled with standout moments. Yet this one carried its own significance.
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            UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and his staff no doubt reflected Saturday night on these kinds of moments—small but meaningful experiences that help shape a team—when their three cornerstone veterans—Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin—were recognized in a likely emotional pregame “Senior Night” celebration before fifth-ranked Florida (26–4, 13–4) faced Ole Miss (21–9, 10–7) in the Southeastern Conference and regular-season finale at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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           [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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           Florida’s signature, team-oriented style of basketball is built on unselfish play, exemplified by Clayton, Martin, and Richard—the team’s first-, second-, and third-leading scorers—who set the standard both on and off the court.
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           "It started last summer," Golden said. "They all came [in] on the right terms. They all came back wanting to raise the profile of our program. When your leaders prepare that way it raises the bar for everybody else to do it. They deserve all the credit for the unselfishness of our team. Our staff did a good job of evaluating guys and bringing in the right pieces. At the end of the day, our message is important, but our guys going out and executing it is everything. They've done the work that way."
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           Grad-transfer guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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           Their journeys to this point were both unique and intertwined, and their legacies at Florida will be closely connected.
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           "I don't think about legacy a lot," Clayton said. "But it's nice to leave an impact wherever you go."
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           Consider that goal accomplished for each of them.
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           "All three have been fantastic," Golden said.
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           First came Will Richard, the Atlanta-area native who became the first player to commit to Golden and his staff after their arrival in March 2022. Richard transferred to Florida following an All-Freshman season at Belmont in the Ohio Valley Conference. The 6-foot-4 wing was the team’s second-leading scorer in 2022–23, a season that ended with a losing record, but he was a dependable spot-up shooter and emerged as a stabilizing presence in the locker room.
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            ﻿
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           Walter Clayton Jr. joined next. A star at Bartow (Fla.) High, he won consecutive state championships but went largely unrecruited by high-major programs, as many coaches assumed he would pursue football. Clayton, a four-star safety prospect, had to step away from basketball after his sophomore year to demonstrate his dedication to the sport. Despite this, no high-major programs offered him a spot. He spent two seasons at Iona under Rick Pitino, earning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors as a sophomore on a league-championship and NCAA Tournament team. Golden then won a recruiting battle to bring Clayton back to Florida, outmaneuvering Pitino, who had left for St. John’s. Clayton was named second-team All-SEC last season and, alongside Richard, helped guide the Gators to 24 wins and their first NCAA Tournament berth in three years.
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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           (1)
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           Martin, from Summit, Miss., joined the group last spring. Like Clayton, he was also a standout high school football player but went largely un-recruited for basketball in his home state and nearby regions, eventually landing at Florida Atlantic. During his final two seasons there, he helped the Owls win 60 games and played a central role in their remarkable run to the 2023 Final Four. Martin added a new dimension to the Florida program—a physical, defensive presence, a vocal leader, and tournament-tested experience—that helped transform the Gators from the nation’s 94th-ranked defense last season into a top-10 unit this year.
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           In short: three players who were lightly regarded out of high school have together accumulated 5,326 collegiate points, including 2,680 at Florida, with 1,303 coming this season alone. Now, they are competing for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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           "We were all underdogs. … We weren't supposed to be here," Martin said. "It just shows you that if you put your head down, you work and put God first, you could be anywhere you want to be."
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           Their goals were aligned from the start. When Martin came on his recruiting visit, he was hosted by Clayton and Richard, who had briefly explored NBA opportunities but chose to return to Florida to finish what they started.
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           "We each had the same goal in mind," Richard said. "All we cared about was winning. That was it."
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            ﻿
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           CHARTING THE GATORS: The seniors’ numbers (before and after)
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            As they approach their last home game of the season, the 2024-25 Gators have already accumulated more regular-season victories than nearly any other team in the 119-year history of UF basketball.
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           As they approach their last home game of the season, the 2024-25 Gators have already accumulated more regular-season victories than nearly any other team in the 119-year history of UF basketball. The only team ahead of them is the 2013-14 squad, which featured the exceptional four-member senior class of Scottie Wilbekin, Patric Young, Casey Prather and Will Yeguete. That group came in together, captured three SEC championships, and set a program record with 120 wins, including a remarkable 30-game winning streak in their final year, concluding their careers at the Final Four.
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           The transfer portal has reshaped college basketball, but no matter how a roster is assembled, building a team and nurturing chemistry remains essential, with the ultimate aim still being a championship. That’s exactly what Richard, Clayton, and Martin are striving for—together.
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           Yet there’s been another defining factor for this season.
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           "The love. We all just love being here and being around each other," Clayton said. "A lot of teams say that, but you've got to show it and I think this team shows it every night. When we've won and somebody maybe didn't have a great game, it's all smiles, with everybody enjoying being around each other and celebrating the team. We enjoy one another's success and love that for each other. It's just been like that all year."
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           The only team ahead of them is the 2013-14 squad, which featured the exceptional four-member senior class of Scottie Wilbekin, Patric Young, Casey Prather and Will Yeguete. That group came in together, captured three SEC championships, and set a program record with 120 wins, including a remarkable 30-game winning streak in their final year, concluding their careers at the Final Four.
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           The transfer portal has reshaped college basketball, but no matter how a roster is assembled, building a team and nurturing chemistry remains essential, with the ultimate aim still being a championship. That’s exactly what Richard, Clayton, and Martin are striving for—together.
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           Yet there’s been another defining factor for this season.
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            ﻿
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           "The love. We all just love being here and being around each other," Clayton said. "A lot of teams say that, but you've got to show it and I think this team shows it every night. When we've won and somebody maybe didn't have a great game, it's all smiles, with everybody enjoying being around each other and celebrating the team. We enjoy one another's success and love that for each other. It's just been like that all year."
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           Will Richard
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            That sense of love and camaraderie has often been reflected in the actions of the Gators’ most veteran and high-profile players. Back in October, when Golden faced the challenge of choosing which player—Richard or Martin—would join Clayton at SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., the decision came down to a coin toss. Martin won and received a congratulatory hug from Richard. Similarly, when Martin and sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            returned from injuries that had kept them out for multiple games, they chose to remain on the bench while teammates who had stepped up stayed in the starting lineup.
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            Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            embraced his role as a reserve, despite being a starter at most Division I programs. And junior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           , standing 7-foot-1, gave up the chance for a medical redshirt late in the season to support an injured frontcourt, sacrificing a year of eligibility for the team’s benefit.
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           Small, behind-the-scenes gestures like these have quietly accumulated over a seven-month campaign.
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           "It flew by so fast," Martin said.
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            Take the Arizona State game in Atlanta nearly three months ago. During one sequence, Martin, on his way to a double-double, stole the ball and converted it into a highlight-reel dunk. The next day, he texted Golden to make sure the film-review session highlighted junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , who had cleared a path for Martin by running between him and the pursuing defender.
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           "It's been our biggest strength," Golden said. "We've been able to assemble a group of guys who are unselfish, but also secure. It's all very unique and I do not take it for granted. It's all about the people and those guys. I'm not naïve enough to think that everybody that comes in here will be that way. But we've leaned into it with this group."
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           And they’ve leaned on their seniors, too. Their ultimate legacy is still being written, but their place in Florida basketball history is already secure.
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           Celebrate them.
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           Check out these archived long-form stories on how UF's three seniors got here:
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           Clayton: 
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           "
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           From Gael Force to Gator
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           "
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            (July 18, 2023)
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           Richard: 
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           "
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           The Skinny on 
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           Will Richard
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           "
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             (March 8, 2024)
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           Martin: 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2024/9/23/mens-basketball-martin-brings-dog-day-mentality-to-uf-defense-sept-23-2024.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           "
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           He got that dog on him
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           "
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           (Sept. 23, 2024) 
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 11:48:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tremendous-trio-will-walt-alijah-shine-in-senior-send-off</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Dominate Ole Miss to Close Regular Season in Style</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-ole-miss-to-close-regular-season-in-style</link>
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – In his final home game for Florida, point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            delivered a memorable "Senior Night" performance, scoring 23 points, including five 3-pointers, while adding five rebounds and eight assists to guide the fifth-ranked Gators to a 90–71 victory over SEC rival Ole Miss in the 2024–25 regular-season finale Saturday at a packed Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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            Following the pregame ceremony honoring Clayton and fellow seniors
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           Alijah Martin
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            and
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           Will Richard
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            , Clayton shot nine of 17 from the field and five of 11 from beyond the arc. Martin contributed 13 points and five rebounds, while Richard added 10 points. Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            recorded his second straight double-double, following up his standout performance in Wednesday’s upset at Alabama with 17 points, six of seven from the floor, 15 rebounds, and three assists.
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           Florida shot 49.2 percent for the game, drained 14 three-pointers, and dominated the boards with a 48–36 rebounding edge. The Gators held Ole Miss to 33.3 percent shooting overall and 33.3 percent from long range (7-of-21).
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           The win marked Florida’s third consecutive victory, their ninth in the last 10 games, and sent the Gators into next week’s SEC Tournament with strong momentum.
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           The first half remained relatively close, as Florida’s nine turnovers offset a 52-percent shooting effort, but UF still led 38–31 at halftime.
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           Ole Miss, paced by 22 points from guard Sean Pedulla, cut the lead to three early in the second half. Clayton responded with two 3-pointers and Richard added another during a 14–0 Gator run that pushed the lead to 17. Florida maintained a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the game, at one point extending it to 22 points.
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           Senior guard 
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           Will Richard
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            (5) rains in a 3-pointer against the Rebels.
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           What it Means
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           With their 27th regular-season victory (the second-most in program history) and 14th conference win (the most since 2017), the Gators appear positioned as a strong candidate for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, likely in the West Region. While conference tournament outcomes could create minor adjustments, UF has firmly established itself as the second-best team in what is arguably the deepest league in college basketball in the last 20 years. The Gators are 8–4 in Quadrant 1 matchups and 19–0 in Quadrant 2–3 games, meaning there are no “bad losses” on the resume.
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           In the Spotlight
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           The three seniors closed out their regular-season careers in style, with Clayton standing out by posting his highest point total in 13 games. His development as an on-ball guard this season has been impressive, including seven games with at least seven assists.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Florida wrapped up the 2024–25 season with a 15–1 home record and an average margin of victory of 23.5 points, including a 16.2-point margin in SEC contests.
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           Up Next
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            ﻿
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           Florida (27–4, 14–4) will enter the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tenn., as the No. 2 seed, earning a double-bye straight into Friday’s quarterfinals. Their opponent will be determined by results from Wednesday and Thursday. This marks the first double-bye for Florida since 2018. Ole Miss (21–10, 10–8) will begin SEC Tournament play in Thursday’s second round and is projected as a potential No. 5 or 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:53:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-ole-miss-to-close-regular-season-in-style</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Senior Night Shine: Clayton &amp; Gators Finish Strong with Rebels Rout</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/senior-night-shine-clayton-gators-finish-strong-with-rebels-rout</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr. plays to the crowd after hitting his fifth 3-pointer of the game during Saturday night's second half on the way to the Gators' defeat of the Rebels.
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The postgame conversation opened with a question aimed at
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           Will Richard
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            about his emotional walk to the bench during the final moments of Saturday’s 90–71 win over Ole Miss—his last appearance on Florida’s home court.
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            "I seen that too,"
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            joked with a smile.
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           Richard quickly corrected him.
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            "He's talking about
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           you
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           !" Richard replied.
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           And he was right. The mix-up was cleared up shortly after.
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           "I didn't shed no tears," Clayton said. "But emotions were high, obviously."
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            ﻿
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            Those emotions matched the intensity of Florida’s performance, particularly after halftime. Clayton, known for his aggressive scoring style, delivered a memorable showing on his “Senior Night,” leading the fifth-ranked Gators alongside his fellow seniors. He posted a game-best 23 points, knocked down five shots from beyond the arc, and added five rebounds and eight assists, helping UF secure its third consecutive victory and its ninth win in the last 10 outings. Fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Richard chipped in 10 points as all three seniors enjoyed a spirited celebration heading into postseason play.
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           Although the night spotlighted the senior trio, they were more than willing to share the moment with their teammates.
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           Senior Night (from left):
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , Coach 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
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            "[The seniors have] been pivotal to my development," said sophomore forward
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           , who followed up his 27-point, 10-rebound outing in the upset over seventh-ranked Alabama by contributing 17 points and 15 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double and seventh of the season. "They played a large role last year, cussing me out [as a freshman] at the right times and not holding back. They're awesome leaders and crucial to this team's success. They're great friends, too. I love these boys."
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           The O'Dome was filled with appreciation Saturday as fans watched a well-rounded effort from a team delivering a season that ranks among the program’s most memorable. UF shot 49.2 percent overall with 19 assists, knocked down 14 three-pointers, held a 48–36 edge on the boards, limited Ole Miss to 33.3 percent shooting, and was behind for only 47 seconds—though it wasn’t until an early second-half surge that the Gators fully took control.
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           "It's exciting times," Condon said. "I think we're playing really good basketball."
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           With the 2024–25 Gators (27–4, 14–4) securing the second-highest regular-season win total in the program’s 118-year history—behind only the 2013–14 team—they also posted their most Southeastern Conference victories in eight seasons. Entering the postseason, they are tied with No. 1 Auburn for the second-most wins among high-major programs, trailing only No. 2 Duke’s 28 victories.
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            "As we just talked about with our players in the locker room, I want them to be very proud of the effort and the success that we've had to this point," UF coach
           &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            said. "But we have a lot of work left to do and a lot of things left to still accomplish."
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           Florida’s postseason run will begin Friday night, as the team’s second-place SEC finish gives them a two-day bye into the conference tournament quarterfinals in Nashville, Tenn. Their performance there may influence their NCAA Tournament seeding the following week.
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           Still, expectations are already high.
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           "They should be a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament," Mississippi coach Chris Beard said.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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           (21) slams two of his 17 points on the way to a second straight double-double.
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           The Gators displayed strong shooting and defense against the Rebels (21–10, 10–8), a team likely to land a No. 5 or 6 NCAA seed and coming off a victory over fourth-ranked Tennessee. UF hit 50 percent in the first half, including seven 3-pointers, while limiting Ole Miss to just under 31 percent, yet led only 38–31 due to nine first-half turnovers.
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           Ole Miss guard Sean Pedulla scored 22 points and opened the second half with a 3-pointer. Condon responded with a layup, but Matthew Murrell drained another 3, cutting Florida’s lead to 40–37.
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           The home team then went on a 14–0 run. Clayton scored the first five points, followed by two free throws from Martin, a low-post basket from Condon, and another bucket from Martin. Rebels coach Chris Beard called a timeout as his team missed five straight shots, but Florida extended its lead immediately after the stoppage when Richard hit a 3-pointer to make it 54–37.
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           After Ole Miss narrowed the gap to 14, Clayton knocked down two transition 3s around a single Ole Miss 2-pointer. He finished nine of 17 from the floor, marking his fifth game this season with at least five 3-pointers. Condon was 6-for-7 overall, including two of three from long range, while also grabbing five offensive rebounds and dishing out three assists.
          &#xD;
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           "We picked it up," Golden said. "And, obviously, Walt had a stretch there where he was unguardable and really kind of took the top off the defense. Once we were able to get out to that run, we felt pretty good about it the rest of the way."
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           With a 22-point lead and three minutes remaining, the only thing left was to celebrate the senior trio: Richard, the Belmont transfer and first portal player to join Golden’s staff in 2022; Clayton, the Bartow (Fla.) High product who went un-recruited by the state’s big schools, played two years at Iona, and returned home to nearly achieve All-America recognition; and Martin, the Florida Atlantic defensive standout and Final Four participant who chose to play his final season in the SEC.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           What a group. What a season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Florida welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to be myself these last two years," Clayton said.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Richard_Will_Fans_250308_4619_BryceMitchell.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           walks off the O'Dome floor for the last time. 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Together, the trio helped Florida achieve more wins than all but one team in program history and posted a 15–1 record at home, with victories coming by an average of 23.5 points. In doing so, they fulfilled exactly what the UF coaches had envisioned when recruiting each of them.
          &#xD;
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           "The history and the coaching staff's desire to win," Richard said when asked why he chose Florida three years ago. "I came here to win, too. Knowing all the great players who came before us, you want to get the program back to that national relevance. It's been great -- the journey -- to get it back there."
          &#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Now comes the most exciting, challenging, and likely most emotional chapter of their season.
          &#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Email senior writer
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           at
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="null" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9141f8a2.webp" length="102490" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:17:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/senior-night-shine-clayton-gators-finish-strong-with-rebels-rout</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9141f8a2.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9141f8a2.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Six in Double Figures, But Florida Falls to No. 9 LSU</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/six-in-double-figures-but-florida-falls-to-no-9-lsu</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators finished their time in Greenville Friday night in the quarterfinals, dropping to No. 9 LSU. Florida will now return home and remain hopeful for a 2025 postseason invite.
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           Share:
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           Greenville, S.C. — Florida’s 2025 SEC Tournament journey came to a close with a 101–87 loss to No. 9 LSU at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Despite a strong showing that included six Gators scoring in double figures, Florida couldn’t overcome the Tigers after playing three games in as many days.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            led the Gators in scoring for the second straight game, finishing with 16 points and six assists.
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            followed with 14 points, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
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           LSU’s Aneesah Morrow proved difficult to contain, posting 36 points. The Tigers also held a 41–31 rebounding edge and shot 50.7% from the field, while Florida connected on 47.6% of its attempts.
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida’s SEC Tournament Highlights
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             Reached the
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            quarterfinals for the second consecutive year
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             Defeated
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            No. 6 seed Alabama
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             in an upset win
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Only SEC team to win
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            back-to-back games
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             to reach the quarters
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             Last remaining team in the bracket that did
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            not receive a bye
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             All-time SEC Tournament record now stands at
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            26–43
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            2–1 in 2025 postseason play
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            5–4 in SEC Tournament games
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             under
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            Coach
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kelly Rae Finley
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            (2022–25)
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           First Quarter
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Scored 16 points, shooting 46.2% (6-of-13)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Went 3-of-5 from the line (60%)
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            Trailed LSU for 9:42 of the period
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Forced three turnovers on 20 possessions
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Warren added four points and two assists
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Outrebounded 13–7
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ended the quarter down 26–16
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Second Quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Held LSU scoreless for the first 2:20
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Closed the gap to 26–21 early in the period
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Shot 38.9% (7-of-18) and went 2-of-2 from the line
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led with six points and three rebounds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bench contributed seven points, with six in the paint
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Warren and Salgues each hit a three-pointer
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Trailed 53–34 at halftime
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Third Quarter
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Opened with an 11–2 run
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Limited LSU to one field goal in the first 3:15
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Scored 11 points off turnovers
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tallied eight assists
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reynolds recorded two blocks
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Scored a game-high 28 points, shooting 60% (9-of-15)
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Went 3-of-3 from three-point range and 7-of-8 from the line
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Fourth Quarter
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ra Shaya Kyle led with six points and five rebounds
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Added 25 points, shooting 47.1%
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bench chipped in nine points, with 10 in the paint
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Five players contributed to five assists
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Shot 7-of-8 from the line, including perfect trips by Dizeko and Kyle
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Grabbed 12 rebounds, their highest of any quarter
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Noteworthy Performances &amp;amp; Stats
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Six Gators in double figures: McGill (16), Warren (14), Gassett (13), Kyle (11), Dizeko (10), Reynolds (10)
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gassett set a career high with 13 points
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle recorded her 15th double-double of the season, 27th of her UF career
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has scored in double digits in 30 of 33 games, including 12 with 20+ points
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Outscored LSU in the third (28–25) and fourth (25–23) quarters
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Scoring breakdown: 51% from two-point range, 28% from three, 22% from the line
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Made 8 three-pointers, held LSU to 5
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free throw shooting: 19-of-23 (82.6%), with McGill (5–5), Dizeko (2–2), Reynolds (2–2) perfect
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Scored 28 points in the paint, 26 from the bench, 10 on fast breaks, 13 on second chances
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Forced 13 LSU turnovers, converting for 15 points
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle led with 11 rebounds, Reynolds had all three blocks
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Totaled 19 assists, led by McGill (6) and Reynolds (4)
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has now led in assists 25 times this season
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida has scored 20+ points in 54 of 134 quarters this season
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Converted 7-of-15 layup attempts (47%)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Finished with 80 possessions, averaging 1.08 points per possession
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Trailed LSU for a total of 39 minutes and 35 seconds
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           CAREER HIGHS:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Reflections from Coach Finley and Senior Leaders
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            shared her thoughts on Florida’s performance against LSU and the team’s postseason outlook:
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           "It is disappointing to lose, but LSU is a very talented, very strong basketball team. I liked our fight, especially in the second half. I wasn't very happy at halftime; I didn't think our initial connection was great—we started out hesitant. Hesitant doesn't look good on us, and we were the team that had nothing to lose and we need to play like that. Overall, this team enjoys playing together and my hope is we get invited to the WBIT."
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            On the team’s growth throughout the season,
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            added:
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "This team went through a lot of changes early in the season and when you think about how long the season is, each run, each team is unique and special to themselves. This team lost 71% of our scoring from last season and we averaged eight points more per game. In our last six games leading up to today we have been in the top-40 for defensive. We have made a lot of progress from January to February and we have talked about that quite a bit."
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Senior
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            reflected on the team’s chemistry and preparation during their SEC Tournament run:
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            "We just spent a lot of time together as a team and with the coaching staff. We went on walks and made real time to enjoy because it goes by fast."
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Senior
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            spoke about her personal growth and the impact of Coach Finley:
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            "I learned a lot. Kelly and the coaching staff changed me—game wise and who I am as a person on and off the court. Mostly I would say, as a person after I leave Florida, I have been instilled with a lot of good. I have been set up well for after and I have loved playing for her."
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           16-17, (6-12 SEC)
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           LSU: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           28-4, (13-4 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series Record: Florida vs. LSU
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The historical matchup between
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           LSU
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            leans in favor of the Tigers, who hold a
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           34–16 edge
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in the all-time series. The Gators have dropped their last
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           five consecutive meetings
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            with LSU, dating back to
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           February 20, 2022
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           What’s Next for the Gators
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida now heads back to Gainesville, awaiting word on a potential bid to the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). The Gators participated in the 2024 WBIT, serving as a host site before exiting in the first round.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%284%29-5b61fc0f.webp" length="77438" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:43:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/six-in-double-figures-but-florida-falls-to-no-9-lsu</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Surge Past Crimson Tide: Back-to-Back SEC Quarterfinal Berths Secured</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-surge-past-crimson-tide-back-to-back-sec-quarterfinal-berths-secured</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Freshman Liv McGill posted a career-high 29-points in UF's second-round matchup. McGill has now reached double figures in the scoring column for 29 of her 32 outings as a Gator.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           GREENVILLE, S.C.
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — In a nail-biting finish at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Florida edged out No. 20 Alabama with a 63-61 victory. Freshman
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            led the charge, dropping 29 points to help the Gators maintain control for most of the contest and withstand a late surge from the Crimson Tide.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            On the glass,
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            anchored Florida’s rebounding effort with nine of the team’s 41 boards. Defensively, the Gators tallied 10 steals and forced 19 turnovers. This win marks Florida’s first triumph over a ranked opponent since their 54-51 victory over No. 14/11 Georgia on February 6, 2022.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s SEC Tournament Triumph
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF holds an all-time record of 26-42 at the SEC Tournament
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators are now 2-0 in postseason play for 2025
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida will advance to the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament and play No. 9 LSU
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF is 5-3 in the SEC Postseason Tournament under Coach 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kelly Rae Finley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             (2022-25)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators are 2-7 all-time when facing Alabama in postseason play
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF has advanced to the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament in back-to-back years (2024, 2025)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida snapped a three-game losing streak against Alabama dating back to Feb. 29, 2024
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Game Breakdown: Florida vs. Alabama
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           First Quarter Highlights
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led UF with six points shooting 2-5 from the field and 1-2 from the charity stripe
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida led over Alabama for a total seven minutes in the first period
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The two teams were tied up for a combined two minutes
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF secured two of their four layup attempts
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Dizeko
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             distributed both of Florida's assists
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eight of UF's first 13 points were tallied inside the paint
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF forced six turnovers on the Crimson Tide
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators out-rebounded Alabama 13-11
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Second Quarter Momentum
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF posted 17 points and shot 40 percent from the field (6-15)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill and Gassett both shot 100 percent from the free throw line
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Warren led in scoring with five points and secured UF's only three pointer of the quarter
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Warren also led Florida in blocks, hitting two
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators led over the Crimson Tide for upwards of nine minutes (9:32)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             led on the boards with three of Florida's 10 rebounds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill distributed three of Florida's four assists
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida held the advantage at 30-26 going into halftime
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Third Quarter Push
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida put up 17 points in the third—eight coming from inside the paint
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led the Gators in scoring with eight points, shooting 3-5 from the field
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill shot a perfect 2-2 from behind the arc to convert for six
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reynolds led on defense with two blocks and three rebounds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF brought in 11 rebounds with three Gators grabbing two or more
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida forced an additional four turnovers on the Crimson Tide
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill snagged two steals and Gassett grabbed one
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators led the contest at 47-43 going into the fourth
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fourth Quarter Finish
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida shot a game best 41.7 percent from the field (5-12)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill posted a game high 11 points going 4-5 from the field and 3-4 from the charity stripe
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            10 of Florida's 16 points were tallied inside the paint
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators forced five turnovers on Alabama to convert for six points
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF was led on the boards by Kyle—grabbing four of UF's seven rebounds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators took 10 trips to the free throw line and secured six buckets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alabama got the score to as close as 62-61 with 16 seconds left on the clock
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reynolds had a game winning block against Sarah Ashlee Barker with one second left of play
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Key Stats &amp;amp; Notes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF had three players in double figures for scoring
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill (29), Kyle (12), and Reynolds (10)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill set a career high in scoring with 29 points
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has hit double figures in 29 of her 32 outings as a Gator
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            12 of those games have been 20+ point performances 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida's last time defeating a ranked opponent was No. 14/11 Georgia in 2022
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            36 of UF's 63 points were tallied inside the paint (57%)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF remains undefeated when holding its opponents to 69 points or less this season (8-0)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida forced 19 turnovers on Alabama to convert for 14 points
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators were out-rebounded by Alabama 46-41
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida distributed a combined 10 assists
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led in distribution with four, followed by Dizeko with three
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has now led in assist distribution for 24 times this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 52 of 130 quarters played this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF secured 11 layups in 23 driving attempts (48%)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Two Gators shot a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Dizeko (2-2) and Gassett (2-2)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida recorded a game total 74 possessions, converting for 0.85 points per possession
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In total UF led over Alabama for 36 minutes and 37 seconds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Bites: Voices from the Victory
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Head Coach
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            reflected on Florida’s resilience and growth following their win over Alabama:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "That last time out playing Alabama, I felt like we had played well, but we ran out of gas at the end. It was after that game where I could tell we felt defeated and as a coach you really want their hard work to pay off, but we talk a lot about—just because you work hard doesn't mean you are going to get what you want. And tonight, was a perfect example, and last night too, of watching a group of young women succeed in their efforts and stay diligent in their preparation to earn what they got."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Freshman
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who posted a career-high 29 points, shared her mindset and support system:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Throughout the game I felt pretty confident. Just talking to my teammates and the coaches before the game, Laila right here, she actually helped me out before the game, just giving me prayer and praying together, that was big for me. During the game, just staying connected and staying poised—that's what I tried to do to keep my teammates calm."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sophomore
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , who
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            sealed the win with a clutch defensive play, spoke about her focus and team-first mentality:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "Nothing was going through my mind besides getting a stop for my team and staying to my keys… I knew I needed to come up for my teammates on the defensive end because I wasn't hitting my free throws. But I knew my teammates had my back either way."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEAM RECORDS:
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           16-16, (6-11 SEC)
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alabama: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           23-8, (10-7 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series Snapshot: Florida vs. Alabama
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The all-time matchup between Florida and Alabama leans in favor of the Crimson Tide, who lead the series 34-31. With their recent 63-61 win, the Gators broke a three-game losing streak that stretched from February 29, 2024 to February 6, 2025.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Looking Ahead: Florida vs. LSU
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Up next, Florida faces the top-10 ranked LSU Tigers in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. LSU enters the contest on a two-game slide, having dropped close games to Alabama (88-85 on Feb. 27, 2025) and Ole Miss (85-77 on Mar. 2, 2025). The Tigers remain undefeated in neutral-site play this season (4-0) and are led offensively by Aneesah Morrow, who averages 18.2 points per game.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Would you like this formatted for a matchup preview graphic, stat carousel, or press kit module? I can tailor it for rapid deployment.
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           No. 9 LSU (27-4, 12-4 SEC):
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            Date: 
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            Fri., Mar. 7
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            Time: 
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            8:30 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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            Bon Secours Wellness Arena
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            Radio:
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5638&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
             
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/44f39daa-7a81-4a37-9b88-b0db82bd041c" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=584182" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-91813f75.webp" length="55978" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:35:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-surge-past-crimson-tide-back-to-back-sec-quarterfinal-berths-secured</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Set to Roar in Senior Night Showdown vs. Ole Miss</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-to-roar-in-senior-night-showdown-vs-olemiss</link>
      <description>The No. 5 Florida Gators gear up for a big Senior Night home finale against Ole Miss Rebels. Highlighting their veteran trio and recent surge, this game is about more than the scoreboard—it’s a celebration of team legacy and shared momentum heading into the postseason.</description>
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           UF coach Todd Golden (left) and senior standout Walter Clayton Jr. will lead the Gators to the SEC Tournament in Nashville Friday.
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           Share:
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           No. 5 Florida vs. Ole Miss
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           * When:
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           Saturday, 6 p.m. (ET)
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           * Where:
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           Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center / Gainesville, Fla.
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           * Records:
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           Florida (26-4, 13-4) / Ole Miss (21-9, 10-7)
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           * TV:
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            SEC Network
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           (John Schriffen
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           and
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           Richard Hendrix)
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           * Radio:
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           Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
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           (with 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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           ,
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           Lee Humphrey
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            and
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           Steve Egan
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           )
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           * 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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  &lt;a href="/"&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Clayton_Walter__250208_0383_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           UF senior point guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1)
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           SETUP
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           Fifth-ranked Florida and Ole Miss will wrap up their regular seasons, each aiming to carry momentum into the Southeastern Conference and NCAA tournaments. The Gators will honor their trio of standout guards—
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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           —during a pregame "Senior Night" ceremony. Florida has won eight of its last nine games, including a 99-94 road victory over seventh-ranked Alabama on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Rebels have claimed back-to-back wins, most recently defeating No. 4 Tennessee, 78-76, in a game that sparked a court-storming in Oxford.
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           Florida has already secured second place in the SEC standings and the No. 2 seed for next week’s tournament in Nashville, but the team is still aiming to strengthen its case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Mississippi, riding a two-game win streak, is tied with Missouri and Texas A&amp;amp;M for fifth place in the league. The Rebels have locked up a first-round SEC bye and appear likely to receive a 6- or 7-seed in the NCAA bracket.
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           Series Histor
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           y
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            Florida leads the all-time series 70-49, though the matchup has been competitive over the past seven years, with the Gators winning five of the last nine meetings. Their most recent clash came on Jan. 10, 2024, in Oxford, where Ole Miss dominated 103-85. The Rebels were up by just four at halftime but erupted for 59 second-half points, shooting an incredible 75 percent. Forward
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           Jaemyn Brakefield
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            scored 28 points and
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           Matthew Murrell
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            added 23, while Ole Miss capitalized on 24 points off turnovers and 21 points in transition, compared to just five for Florida. The Gators shot 41 percent for the game and had 15 shots blocked, including nine by 7-foot-5 center
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           Jamarion Sharp
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           .
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           Extra Notes
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           Florida has enjoyed a seven-game winning streak against Ole Miss at the O’Connell Center, a run that dates back to the 2016 season.
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
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           THE GATORS
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           UF senior guard 
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (5)
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           Florida secured one of the season’s top road victories, even if the metrics took a slight hit on the defensive efficiency front. UF dropped from eighth to 10th in defensive efficiency, despite limiting Alabama to 53.2 percent shooting on 2-pointers (the Crimson Tide had been averaging nearly 60 percent) and allowing just nine 3-pointers (Bama was averaging close to 11 per game). No matter—this was a major win. With the Gators now ranked fourth in offensive efficiency and 10th in defense, Florida joins Duke (2nd and 4th) and Houston (10th and 3rd) as one of only three teams nationally ranked in the top 10 on both ends.
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           UF’s offense continues to shine, while its defense is also performing well, ranking 16th nationally in 2-point percentage defense (45.7) and 8th in 3-point percentage defense (29.5), both better than their corresponding offensive percentages (39th at 55.6 and 101st at 35.2). The Gators dominate the boards, particularly in SEC play, where they rank fourth in defensive rebounding (29.7 percent) and second offensively (35.4 percent). Against Alabama, UF outrebounded the Crimson Tide 50-35 overall, including a 16-10 advantage on the offensive glass, and claimed a 19-10 edge in second-chance points. They also outpaced the nation’s fastest team with a 22-10 advantage in fast-break scoring and turned just two second-half turnovers while converting 12 of 15 free throws in the final 1:29 to preserve a 14-point comeback lead.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The ninth sellout of the season should arrive early to catch the pregame Senior Night tributes for
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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           ,—arguably the nation’s top guard trio. Clayton, breaking an 11-game streak without hitting 20 points, scored 22 with five rebounds and eight assists in Wednesday’s win. Richard, who tallied 55 points in the prior two games, had eight points, four boards, and went 0-for-5 from three, marking his first stretch without a 3-pointer in 53 games, yet remained a steady two-way presence during a standout season. Martin, a Florida Atlantic transfer, contributed 10 points and five rebounds and has been a driving force behind UF’s rise as one of the country’s top defensive teams. Each member of the trio is shooting roughly 36 percent from three, with at least 61 made threes this season—led by Clayton’s 79, maintaining at least one in every game. Combined, they have scored 5,328 career points, including 2,680 as Gators.
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            Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            appears ready to return from an ankle sprain that sidelined him for four games. In his first start since Feb. 11, Condon scored a career-high 27 points on nine of 16 shooting, hit two threes, grabbed 10 rebounds (half offensive), blocked two shots, and posted a plus-12 in his finest performance as a Gator. Center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            added a game-high 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes, four on offense. Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (9.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg) came off the bench for the first time since Condon’s injury, finishing with 12 points and three rebounds in 19 minutes. Backup 7-foot-1 center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            contributed two points, four rebounds, and a steal in 10 minutes, while reserve guards
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (8.2 ppg) and
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            (3.7 ppg) added seven and two points, respectively.
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            Aberdeen sank a key second-half three, his first in four games, and two clutch free throws with 12.4 seconds left to seal the win. Walk-on guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bennett-andersen/16989" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Bennett Andersen
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           , recently named to the SEC Community Service Team, will also be honored during the Senior Night ceremony.
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           The Rebels
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           Ole Miss guard 
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           Sean Padulla
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            (3)
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           Under Chris Beard, Ole Miss has gone 41-21 over the past two seasons. Beard, an accomplished coach with a proven record of success, has also faced significant off-court scrutiny. He led Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game, falling to Virginia, before moving to Texas, where he was dismissed in December 2022 following a domestic violence incident. Ole Miss hired him that offseason, and he guided the Rebels to a 20-12 record last year. This season, they have positioned themselves comfortably in the NCAA field, picking up quality wins on neutral floors against Brigham Young, at Louisville and Alabama, and at home versus Kentucky and Tennessee. Non-conference losses came against Purdue (neutral court) and at Memphis.
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           The Rebels endured two separate three-game SEC losing streaks, with the most recent defeat a 30-point loss at Auburn on Feb. 26, but they have since rebounded with consecutive narrow home victories over Oklahoma and Tennessee.
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           Offensively, Ole Miss ranks first nationally in turnover protection, with only 12.6 percent of possessions ending in turnovers. Their shooting efficiency is middle-of-the-pack, both in the SEC and nationally: 51.5 percent on 2-pointers (162nd) and 34.7 percent from three (128th). Their low turnover rate is crucial because the team struggles to generate extra opportunities on offensive rebounds; with a mostly four-guard lineup, they are last in the conference for offensive rebounding (25.3 percent) and 313th nationally.
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            ﻿
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           Defensively, the Rebels are among the top 30 teams in the nation. They are somewhat limited on the boards but make up for it by being aggressive, disrupting opponents, and forcing turnovers on 12.3 percent of possessions.
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            Point guard
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           Sean Padulla
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            averaged 12.1 points and 3.2 assists over his three seasons at Virginia Tech, where he was among the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top three-point shooters at 35.5 percent. This season, Padulla is shooting 39.9 percent from long range with a team-high 73 made threes and has recorded at least four 3-pointers in seven games, including five against Oklahoma last week on his way to 26 points.
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            Senior guard
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           Jaylen Murray
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            is in his second season with Ole Miss after transferring from Saint Peter’s, where he was part of the 15-seed team that upset Kentucky in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the regional semifinals. Though undersized and limited inside, Murray is shooting 39 percent from three and has the ability to penetrate and find open teammates.
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           Dre Davis, a fifth-year graduate transfer, spent two seasons at Seton Hall and two at Louisville prior. He scored 20 points in the win over Louisville back in November.
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            Guard
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           Davon Barnes
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            (5.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and forward
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           Mikeal Brown-Jones
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            (4.1 ppg) provide additional depth for the Rebels off the bench.
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           NUMBERS OF NOTE
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           UF forward 
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           Dorian Finney-Smith 
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           (10) reacts in frustration as the final horn sounds in Ole Miss's 2015 win at the O'Dome, the last time the Rebels left Gainesville with a victory.
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           *5
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            — Division I players this century to record at least 27 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in a top-10 road victory, a feat Alex Condon accomplished at Alabama. The other four are Johnny Davis (Wisconsin), Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State), Erik Mika (BYU), and Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina). Three of those four went on to be first-round NBA draft picks.
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           *5
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            — Top-25 wins for the Gators this season, marking the second-most in the program over the past decade, behind the six wins of 2017-18. These victories came against No. 1 Tennessee, at No. 1 Auburn, at No. 22 Mississippi State, No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M, and at No. 7 Alabama.
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           *66
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            — Florida’s total wins over the past three seasons under Todd Golden, the most all-time for a Florida coach in his first 100 games. Golden surpassed, in order, Mike White (65), Tommy Bartlett and Sam McAllister (62), and Billy Donovan (58).
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           *1974
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            — The last year the Gators won back-to-back games against AP top-12 teams, as this team did by defeating No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M and No. 7 Alabama. That 1974 squad beat No. 7 Alabama and No. 5 Vanderbilt in consecutive matchups.
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            ﻿
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           *2015
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The last time Ole Miss defeated Florida at the O’Connell Center, on Feb. 12. The Rebels’ guard Stefan Moody sank a logo 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining for a 62-61 win. Florida had one final chance, but Jake Kurtz’s length-of-court pass to Dorian Finney-Smith was knocked away as time expired. That loss came three weeks after Mississippi’s Jarvis Summers hit two free throws with 3.5 seconds left for a 72-71 victory at Oxford and preceded UF’s first losing season in 17 years, which also marked Billy Donovan’s final game before leaving for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.
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           Bottom Line:
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            What an incredible year. Look for the Rowdy Reptiles and adoring O'Dome crowd to give these guys the postseason send-off they deserve.
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           Email 
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-99996167.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:49:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-to-roar-in-senior-night-showdown-vs-olemiss</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gator Grit vs. Tiger Tenacity: Florida Charges into SEC Showdown Friday Night</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-grit-vs-tiger-tenacity-florida-charges-into-sec-showdown-friday-night</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators will look to secure its third consecutive win at the 2025 SEC Tournament. UF has made a run into the postseason tournament in back-to-back years under head coach Kelly Rae Finley.
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           Share:
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           GREENVILLE, S.C
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           .— Florida is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against No. 9 LSU in their third straight SEC Tournament appearance. As the No. 3 seed, LSU enters the quarterfinal round fresh off a double bye. The Gators will kick off the Tigers’ postseason journey with an 8:30 p.m. ET tipoff at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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           Coverage will be provided by Carolyn Peck and Courtney Lyle on SEC Network, while fans can also catch the action via Kyle Crooks and Brittany Davis on ESPN Gainesville radio.
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           No. 9 LSU 
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           (27-4, 12-4 SEC):
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            Date: 
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            Fri., Mar. 7
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            Time: 
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            8:30 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.bonsecoursarena.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bon Secours Wellness Arena
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            Radio:
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5638&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5638&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/44f39daa-7a81-4a37-9b88-b0db82bd041c" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=584182" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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           What’s at Stake with a Florida Victory
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           A win for the Gators on Friday would mark their first triumph over LSU since 2022 and adjust the all-time SEC Tournament series between the two programs to 2-3. It would also improve Florida’s overall SEC Tournament record to 28-44 and extend their 2025 postseason run to 3-0.
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           Additional milestones include:
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            ﻿
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Third neutral-site win of the season
           &#xD;
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            Fifth-ever SEC Tournament quarterfinal victory
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            First quarterfinals win since 1998
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            2024–25 SEC record rising to 8-11
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            All-time SEC record reaching 234-336
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Coach Finley’s 28th SEC win at the helm
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            February 2025 record improving to 6-5
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Snapping a four-game losing streak against LSU
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Fifth SEC postseason win in the last two years
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           TALE OF THE TAPE
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida vs. LSU: Series Snapshot &amp;amp; Historical Context
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators trail LSU in their all-time series, with the Tigers holding a 33-16 advantage. Florida has dropped the last four matchups against LSU, a streak that began on February 20, 2022 and continued through their most recent meeting on January 19, 2024.
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           Historical Matchups
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           Since their first encounter in 1978, Florida and LSU have faced off 49 times. Of those:
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            24 games were hosted in Gainesville
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            22 took place in Baton Rouge
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            3 were held at neutral venues
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           Friday’s contest marks the first neutral-site meeting between the two teams since March 5, 2020, when Florida fell 73-59 in Greenville during postseason play. The Gators’ last win over LSU came on January 23, 2022, with a narrow 73-72 victory at Exactech Arena.
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           This upcoming game will be the second clash between Florida and LSU in the 2024–25 season. Their previous meeting occurred on January 19, 2025 in Gainesville, where Florida was defeated 80-63 by the then-No. 5 ranked Tigers.
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            ﻿
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           Would you like this formatted for a timeline graphic, stat carousel, or client-facing explainer? I can modularize it for quick deployment.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Road to the Quarterfinals
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           The Gators secured a hard-fought 63-61 victory over No. 20 Alabama on Thursday night, advancing to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. Freshman standout 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            led the charge with a career-best 29 points, marking her twelfth 20+ point performance of the season.
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            Florida shot 34.9% from the field (22-of-63) and earned its first win over a ranked opponent since 2022. On the defensive end,
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            contributed nine of the team’s 41 rebounds, while
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            added three blocks, six boards, and a steal to anchor Florida’s defensive effort.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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           Scouting LSU: Tigers Enter Quarterfinals Hungry for Redemption
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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           LSU heads into Friday’s matchup riding a two-game skid, having narrowly lost to Alabama (88-85 on Feb. 27, 2025) and Ole Miss (85-77 on Mar. 2, 2025). Despite the recent setbacks, the Tigers posted 27 regular-season wins in 2024–25, matching a program-best and maintaining a ranked status throughout the year.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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           With Flau'Jae Johnson sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Annesah Morrow has stepped up as LSU’s primary force. Morrow is averaging 18.2 points and 14.0 rebounds per game and currently leads the nation in double-doubles with 26.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-54dadf89.webp" length="139502" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:13:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-grit-vs-tiger-tenacity-florida-charges-into-sec-showdown-friday-night</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-54dadf89.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-54dadf89.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators vs. Rebels: Senior Night Showdown &amp; Stakes in Gainesville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-rebels-senior-night-showdown-stakes-in-gainesville</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators are back in the O'Connell Center one last time on Saturday for the 2024-25 season.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            No. 5 Florida men’s basketball (26-4, 13-4) is set to return to the O’Connell Center this Saturday, where the Gators will face the Ole Miss Rebels (21-9, 10-7) at 6 p.m., presented by
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.floridamilk.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Dairy Farmers
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           What to Know Before Arriving
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             Fans are encouraged to get to the arena
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            early to avoid long lines
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            . Gates 1 and 4 for the general public and Gate 3 for UF students open at 5 p.m.
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_facilities_parking_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men's Basketball Gameday Parking Info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             General admission tickets have sold out, but verified resale options remain available through
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-mens-basketball-vs-university-gainesville-florida-01-18-2025/event/22006101A4BB23B1?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBK-SINGLE&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_MBK-SINGLE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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             Supporters should add
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/9/3/mobile-ticketing.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mobile Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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             and digital parking passes to their digital wallets before heading to the arena to ensure smooth entry.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             All active UF students must enter through Gate 3 with a free, claimed season pass.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/studentpass2425" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here to claim your pass.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Please note that claiming a student pass does not guarantee entry; admission for students is first-come, first-served.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tipoff is set for 6 p.m., with coverage on the SEC Network and radio broadcast through the Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gameday_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Basketball Game Day Guide
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/MBBprogram" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Download the Ole Miss Digital Game Program
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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             Got game day questions?
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_tickets_faq_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ask Albert
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Giveaways &amp;amp; In-Game Activities
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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             The Gators will hold a pregame
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Senior Night ceremony
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             recognizing guards
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alijah Martin
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Walter Clayton Jr.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , and 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Will Richard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Early-arriving UF students can enjoy
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Crumbl cookies
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             (first 250 in line) and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mi Apa
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             coffee (first 300 in line). The first 1,000 students will also
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            receive a Dunking Gator tank top
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Alligator Alley
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             , located in the
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Practice Court between Gates 3 and 4
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , will feature interactive stations, games, and a limited-quantity t-shirt giveaway from Florida Dairy Farmers.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             During
            &#xD;
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            halftime
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , senior Cheerleaders, Dazzlers, mascots, and members of the Gator Basketball Pep Band will be recognized.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket Details
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tickets for the matchup have sold out, but fans may still obtain verified resale seats by
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/3DHqg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           clicking here
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            . Deposits for the 2025-26 season can be placed at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com/tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Student entry
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             begins at 5 p.m. and is through Gate 3 on the southwest side of Exactech Arena. Entry is not guaranteed even with a season pass, as all passes are free for active students and seating is first-come, first-served.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Student capacity will be capped due to the sellout.
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Ticketmaster.com is the
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            only verified resale
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             vendor for the Florida Gators. Fans should avoid unapproved resellers or unverified individuals.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2024/7/30/counterfeit-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here for tips on verifying tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Will Call
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is located at the Exactech Arena Ticket Office just north of Gate 1 near the Tom &amp;amp; Jane Johnson Family Atrium.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Other Events on Campus This Weekend
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Friday, March 7
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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            Women’s Golf
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            Gators Invitational – 8:30 a.m. / Free Admission | Mark Bostick Golf Course
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            5 p.m. | Free Admission | Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
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             6:30 p.m. / Belt bags for first 500 UF students courtesy of
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            American Campus Communities
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            Condron Family Ballpark
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           Saturday, March 8
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             Gators Invitational – 8:30 a.m. / Free Admission | Mark Bostick Golf Course
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            #9 Women’s Lacrosse vs. #15 Loyola
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            Noon / Alumni Weekend: Postgame Autograph Session / Free Admission | Donald R. Dizney Stadium
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             3 p.m. /
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             | Condron Family Ballpark
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           Sunday, March 9
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            Noon | Long sleeve t-shirt giveaway for the first 100 fans / Free Admission | Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
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             1 p.m. / Gators eye black stickers for the first 500 kids (12 &amp;amp; under) /
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            Get Tickets
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             | Condron Family Ballpark
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-240d72b2.webp" length="101908" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 02:41:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-rebels-senior-night-showdown-stakes-in-gainesville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Strike First: Florida Downs Auburn to Advance in SEC Tournament</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-strike-first-florida-downs-auburn-to-advance-in-sec-tournament</link>
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           Ra Shaya Kyle posted double-double No. 14 of the season and her 26th while at UF. Kyle led the Gators on both ends of the floor with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
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           Share:
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           GREENVILLE, S.C.
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            — Florida kicked off its postseason campaign with a 60-50 win over Auburn on Wednesday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Four Gators reached double digits in scoring, with
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            leading the way on both ends of the floor.
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            Kyle delivered 16 points and 11 rebounds, marking her fourteenth double-double of the 2024–25 season.
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           Jeriah Warren
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            added 14 points, while
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           Laila Reynolds
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            anchored the defense with four blocks.
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           Florida started strong defensively, recording six blocks in the opening half. Reynolds led with three, and Kyle pulled down eight rebounds. The Gators held a slight edge on the boards, grabbing 23 to Auburn’s 22 in the first 20 minutes.
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            Kyle paced Florida in first-half scoring with eight points, matching her rebound total. The Gators shot 34.4% from the field (11-of-32) and posted 27 points before halftime, with 20 coming from inside the paint.
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           Liv McGill
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            facilitated ball movement, dishing out six assists by the break.
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           In the second half, Florida found its rhythm, shooting a game-best 41.7% in the third quarter to add 17 points. The contest saw five ties and seven lead changes, but the Gators pulled away with 33 second-half points and a 17-of-19 performance from the free throw line to seal the win in their second meeting with Auburn this season.
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           Following Florida’s SEC Tournament Victory:
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            Florida now holds a 25-42 all-time record in SEC Tournament history
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            The Gators improved to 1-0 in 2025 postseason competition
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            With the win, Florida advances to face No. 20 Alabama in the second round
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             Under Coach
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            Kelly Rae Finley
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             (2022–25), UF is 4-3 in SEC Tournament play
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            The Gators are 5-8 overall against Auburn in SEC postseason matchups
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            Florida has opened SEC postseason play with a win in consecutive years (2024 and 2025)
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            The victory ended a three-game skid against Auburn that began on January 30, 2023
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           Game Recap: Florida vs. Auburn
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           First Quarter Highlights
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            Florida outscored Auburn 19-16 and shot 41.2 percent from the field (7-17)
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            12 of UF's 19 points were secured inside the point
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            The Gators turned in five of their seven driving layup attempts
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            Florida shot a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line
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            Kyle led UF in scoring with six points, followed by Warren with five
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            McGill distributed four assists in the first 10 minutes of play
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            UF held its composure, only turning the ball over twice
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            Florida secured 12 rebounds with Kyle leading on the boards, securing four
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            Gassett followed, bringing in three
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           Second Quarter Momentum
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            UF was held to a game low eight points, shooting 26.7 percent from the field (4-15)
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            Four Gators secured a basket to make up UF's eight points
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            Dizeko, Reynolds, Kyle, and Salgues
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            The Gators did not make any trips to the free throw line (0-0), while Auburn went 3-4
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            UF and Auburn were even on the boards, both securing 11 rebounds
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            Kyle led the under the rim for Florida, recording four rebounds
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            Reynolds stood out on the defensive end, leading all in blocks with three
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            The score stood in favor of Florida at 27-25 going into half
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           Third Quarter Push
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            Kyle led UF in scoring with six points—going 1-1 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line
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            Auburn took its first lead of the game since quarter one at 38-36 (4:08)
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            McGill led the Gators under the rim with three of UF's eight rebounds
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            Florida distributed five assists—McGill led with two
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            The Gators forced five turnovers on the Tigers, converting for five points
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            UF shot a game high 41.7 percent from the field (5-12) and went 7-8 from the line (87.5%)
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           Fourth Quarter Finish
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reynolds and Warren led UF in scoring with four points each
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators shot 27.3 percent from the field (3-11)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida saw the line 11 times to convert for 10 points (90.9)
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF secured 11 rebounds—Kyle led on the boards with three
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida held the lead over Auburn for the entirety of the period
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF's largest lead of the game came in the fourth with a 10-point margin
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            59-49 (00:34), and 60-50 (00:16)
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           Key Stats &amp;amp; Notes
          &#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF had four players in double figures for scoring
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle (16), Warren (14), Reynolds (12), and McGill (11)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has hit double figures in 28 of her 31 outings as a Gator
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            11 of those games have been 20+ point performances 
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            36 of UF's 60 points were tallied inside the paint
           &#xD;
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            The Gators recorded 23 points off second chances
           &#xD;
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            UF made their second most free throws of the 2024-25 season with 21
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Most of the season stands at 25 vs. Florida A&amp;amp;M (11/7/24)
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Florida forced 14 turnovers on Auburn
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators out-rebounded the Tigers by one at 42-41
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle posted her 14th double-double of the season and 26th while at UF
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tallying 16 points and 11 rebounds
           &#xD;
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            Florida distributed a combined 13 assists
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led in assist distribution for her 23rd time as a freshman with eight
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 52 of 126 quarters played this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF secured 12 layups in 23 driving attempts (52%)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            There was a game total seven lead changes
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            With nine blocked shots it marks UF's second most of the season and conference high
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida's most was 11 at FAU (11/4/24)
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Four Gators shot a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle (8-8), Reynolds (4-4), McGill (3-3), and Salgues (2-2)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle shot 100 percent from the free throw line for the 11th time this season
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida recorded a game total 64 possessions, converting for 0.94 points per possession
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In total UF led over Auburn for 32 minutes and 45 seconds
            &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ﻿
            &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Gator Bites: Voices from the Win Over Auburn
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Gator Nation and Defensive Execution
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "First of all, thank you to everybody who tuned in tonight. Think we're going on about 11 o'clock so thank you to Gator Nation and everybody that was able to stay up to watch us play. I was really pleased with our second half defense. I thought that might have been some of our better second half defense all season. The challenge at halftime was, are we going to be able to sustain that and communicate on the other end of the floor, and I thought we did that exceptionally well."
          &#xD;
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            Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Team Chemistry and Growth
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "You know, some people had very good individual performances, but most importantly, we're our best when we play together as a team and you can just see the chemistry together on the court. We have continued to improve all the way to March and as a Coach, that's something that we're very proud of."
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Senior
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Her Mindset and Team Support
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "My teammates trusted me to keep giving me the ball and I trusted them to find me. I would just say my mindset was keep going at them [Auburn] the whole time. And they were giving me confidence, my coaches were giving me confidence. Yeah. Just keep going at them."
          &#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (15-16, 5-11 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Auburn: 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (12-17, 3-13 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Series Snapshot: Florida vs. Auburn
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Auburn leads the all-time series against Florida, 32-25.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           With their recent win, the Gators snapped a three-game losing streak to the Tigers that spanned from January 30, 2023 to March 5, 2025
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Next Challenge: Florida vs. Alabama
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida advances to face No. 20 Alabama in the second round of the SEC Tournament
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            This will be Alabama’s first appearance in 2025 postseason play
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Crimson Tide earned the No. 6 seed and received a first-round bye
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alabama last played on Sunday, March 2, falling 91-84 to No. 21 Oklahoma
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           NEXT UP: No. 20 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://rolltide.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alabama
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (23-7, 10-6 SEC):
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            Date: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Thurs., Mar. 6
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            8:30 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.bonsecoursarena.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bon Secours Wellness Arena
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5638&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
              
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5638&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/4cd75ae1-0081-474e-99fc-de2dc8944751" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=217" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=584182" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            adcast
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0020c1fc.webp" length="72688" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:17:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-strike-first-florida-downs-auburn-to-advance-in-sec-tournament</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0020c1fc.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Set for Crimson Clash: Florida Faces No. 20 Alabama in SEC Round Two</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-for-crimson-clash-florida-faces-no-20-alabama-in-sec-round-two</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators will take on No. 20 Alabama in the second round of the SEC Tournament. This marks UF's second consecutive year advancing to round two of the postseason tournament.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           GREENVILLE, S.C.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           — Florida continues its SEC Tournament run Thursday night with a matchup against No. 20 Alabama. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, with live coverage available on SEC Network.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators advanced to the second round after a 60-50 win over Auburn on Wednesday. Alabama, seeded sixth, enters the tournament fresh, having received a first-round bye.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           No. 20 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://rolltide.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alabama
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (23-7, 10-6 SEC):
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Thurs., Mar. 6
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            8:30 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.bonsecoursarena.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bon Secours Wellness Arena
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            Radio:
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
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           A win over Alabama would mark Florida’s first triumph against the Crimson Tide since 2023 and improve their 2025 postseason record to 2-0. It would also be their second neutral-site win of the 2024–25 campaign and secure a second-round SEC Tournament victory for the second consecutive year. Additional milestones include:
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            SEC record improving to 7-11
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            All-time SEC record reaching 233-336
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            Coach Kelly Rae Finley earning her 27th SEC win at Florida
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            February 2025 record leveling at 5-5
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            Snapping a three-game losing streak against Alabama
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            Fourth SEC postseason win in the past two seasons
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Overview: Florida vs. Alabama
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           Alabama leads the all-time series against Florida with a 34-30 edge. The Gators entered Wednesday’s matchup aiming to snap a three-game skid against the Crimson Tide, a stretch that began on February 29, 2024 and continued through February 6, 2025.
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           Historical Matchups
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           Florida and Alabama have faced off 64 times since their first meeting in 1976. Of those:
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            28 games were played in Gainesville
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            24 took place in Tuscaloosa
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            12 were held at neutral sites, with Florida winning just two of those contests
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            ﻿
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           Wednesday’s game marked the third meeting between the two programs during the 2024–25 season. As part of this year’s SEC schedule, Florida and Alabama were paired for both home and away matchups. Alabama claimed victory in both regular-season meetings: 79-69 on January 2, 2025 and 84-66 on February 6, 2025.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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            The Gators punched their ticket to round two of the SEC Tournament with a 60-50 win over Auburn on Wednesday night. Four Florida players reached double figures in scoring, with
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            leading the way on both ends of the court. Kyle posted 16 points and 11 rebounds, recording her fourteenth double-double of the 2024–25 season while shooting a flawless 8-of-8 from the free throw line.
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           As a team, Florida shot 34.5% from the field (19-of-55) and converted 91% of their free throws (21-of-23). On the boards, the Gators edged Auburn 42-41, with six players collecting at least three rebounds.
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           PROJECTED ALABAMA STARTERS:
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           Alabama’s Most Recent Performance
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           The Crimson Tide head into Greenville following a 91-84 road loss to No. 21 Oklahoma on Sunday, March 2. Zaay Green led the scoring effort with 27 points, while Sarah Ashlee Barker added 20. On the defensive end, Karly Weathers paced Alabama on the boards with 11 rebounds. As a team, the Tide collected 35 rebounds and recorded eight steals.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-428514e9.webp" length="84328" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2025 19:47:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-for-crimson-clash-florida-faces-no-20-alabama-in-sec-round-two</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Andersen Honored: Gators’ Heart &amp; Hustle Meet Community Service</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/andersen-honored-gators-heart-hustle-meet-community-service</link>
      <description />
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           Bennett Andersen (far left) and fellow volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace build, assemble and deliver beds to local children in need.
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           Share:
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            Graduate guard
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           Bennett Andersen
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            of the Florida men's basketball program has earned a spot on the 2025 Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Community Service Team, as announced Wednesday by the SEC.
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           Andersen, who hails from Tampa, Fla., helped launch the Gainesville branch of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and serves on its executive committee. The organization focuses on building, assembling, and delivering beds for children and families who lack them. Since opening in late 2023, the Gainesville chapter has provided more than 100 beds to households in the area.
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           In addition to working on-site during group build days—events that routinely draw about 100 volunteers—Andersen also leads the chapter’s fundraising efforts. His work contributed to raising over $50,000 in 2024, supporting the ongoing construction and delivery of beds across the community.
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           Academically, Andersen completed his Industrial &amp;amp; Systems Engineering degree with Cum Laude honors in Summer 2024. Before joining the active roster in 2023, he spent three seasons serving as a team manager for the Gators.
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           2025 SEC Men's Basketball Community Service Team
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           Houston Mallette, Alabama
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           Lawson Blake, Arkansas
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           Chris Moore, Auburn
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           Bennett Andersen
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            ,
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           Florida
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           Somto Cyril, Georgia
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           Andrew Carr, Kentucky
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           Daimion Collins, LSU
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           Jaemyn Brakefield, Ole Miss
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           Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
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           Caleb Grill, Missouri
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           Jalon Moore, Oklahoma
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           Jacobi Wright, South Carolina
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           Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee
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           Kadin Shedrick, Texas
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           Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&amp;amp;M
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           JaQualon Roberts, Vanderbilt
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           All-Time UF Men's Basketball SEC Community Service Honorees
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6e0241fd.webp" length="155080" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:56:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/andersen-honored-gators-heart-hustle-meet-community-service</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Micah Handlogten’s Power Return: Fueling Florida’s March Madness Push</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/micah-handlogtens-power-return-fueling-floridas-march-madness-push</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
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            – Standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds,
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           Micah Handlogten
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            occasionally found himself outmuscled during his sophomore season at Florida. That campaign marked his first year with the Gators after transferring from Marshall of the Sun Belt Conference. Despite those challenges, Handlogten proved to be one of the nation’s top rebounders, particularly on the offensive glass.
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           Against some of the Southeastern Conference’s most physical opponents — Texas A&amp;amp;M, Tennessee, and South Carolina — he sometimes had difficulty maintaining position, or as coaches put it, “guarding his yard.”
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            Fast forward to 2025, and
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           Micah Handlogten
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            has transformed his frame. Now at 255 pounds, thanks in part to the guidance of UF strength and conditioning coordinator
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/victor-lopez/1899" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Victor Lopez
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           , he has added both size and strength during his time away from the court. His return wasn’t originally part of Florida’s season blueprint, but his presence has been a major boost for the fifth-ranked Gators (25-4, 12-4). That impact will be crucial Wednesday night when they take on seventh-ranked Alabama (23-6, 12-4) in a sold-out SEC showdown at Coleman Coliseum with postseason stakes on the line.
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           [Read senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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            "He's been elite," said fifth-year guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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           . "And his timing coming back? Perfect."
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           Junior center 
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (3) put on 30 pounds during his rehab from the broken leg he suffered last March at the SEC Tournament.
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           In just his fifth appearance since deciding against a medical redshirt, Micah Handlogten found himself battling in the paint against Texas A&amp;amp;M’s 6-foot-8, 250-pound Henry Coleman III. A year earlier, in two matchups with the Aggies, Handlogten had struggled against Coleman along with Soloman Washington and Andersson Garcia, managing only three points and six rebounds across 27 minutes.
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           This time around, the physical matchup looked different. Handlogten carried a five-pound edge over Coleman, 25 pounds over Andersson, and 30 pounds over Washington.
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           During the second half, Coleman received an entry pass on the block, but it was Handlogten who initiated contact. He pressed his chest into Coleman, applied a firm arm bar to the Aggies’ forward, and did it all with visible confidence.
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           "It's good just to come back against that same team, which has a lot of the same players, and actually hold my ground a little bit more," Handlogten said.
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           His impact went beyond simply holding position. In 19 minutes off the bench, Handlogten contributed two points, but more importantly secured eight rebounds — half of them offensive — along with two blocked shots, two assists, a pair of steals, and zero turnovers. Florida’s 89-70 win was highlighted by his plus-19 efficiency rating, the second-best mark of the game despite limited minutes.
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            "He's such a luxury to have back and showed just how much of a winning player someone can be without scoring a lot," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said. "His ability to get his hands on balls on the offensive glass and keep plays alive and create second chances for us … I'm thrilled for us that he's back, but also really happy for him that he's able to go out there and have some really good success and be able to be a part of it with his teammates."
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (3) is averaging 6.2 rebounds in just 16.2 minutes per game in his five games back.
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           Gator fans witnessed Micah Handlogten’s broken leg in the opening minutes of the SEC Tournament title game on March 17, a moment that weighed heavily on the team. The impact lingered not only that day but also in the difficult stretch leading up to Florida’s first-round NCAA Tournament defeat later that week.
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            ﻿
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           What wasn’t visible to the public was the effort Handlogten invested in his recovery — originally expected to prepare him for the 2025-26 season — and the role he played as a supportive teammate during practices. His presence was felt even during games, where he energized the bench with cheers and chants alongside UF players and coaches.
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           Micah Handlogten
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            cheered loudly and passionately for his teammates during his 24 games on the bench.
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            On February 11, injuries to starting forward
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           Alex Condon
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            and reserve
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           Sam Alexis
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            at Mississippi State forced the Gators into some deep reflection. Recognizing the team’s potential, Micah Handlogten made the unselfish choice to abandon his medical-redshirt plan and return to action with a quarter of the season still remaining.
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           Now five games into his comeback, Handlogten appears increasingly at ease and confident with each performance.
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           "Just getting my legs back under me, getting my confidence back, getting back to what I did last year is good for confidence and consistency," he said. "My dad always taught me confidence builds consistency, so just having that mindset going in, just continuing to get more and more confident in myself and allow my teammates to get more confident in me, it's going to grow my game more and more."
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           Gators strength/conditioning coordinator 
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           Victor Lopez
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           Throughout the offseason — and continuing into game days once the schedule began — Micah Handlogten worked closely with Victor Lopez, the strength coach who joined Todd Golden from the University of San Francisco three years ago. Lopez guided the junior center through a variety of training cycles, including max-effort sets, explosive movements, and high-repetition routines rotated in one- to three-week blocks. The payoff was significant: Handlogten added 31 pounds to his frame.
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           "He looks a lot bigger out there, I can tell you that," Golden said. "[His] first game, South Carolina, I remember watching him in a free-throw block-out and was like, 'This guy looks wide,' compared to last year. I know he feels it, too."
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            ﻿
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           His teammates have noticed the difference as well. "He puts up so much more resistance than last year," Alex Condon said — and that added strength is something opponents are now experiencing firsthand.
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           The 230-pound version of 
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           Micah Handlogten
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           (3) in December 2023 against Michigan.
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           Alabama will be tested Wednesday in a matchup that could determine the No. 2 seed for next week’s SEC Tournament and potentially set the stage for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament soon after. The Crimson Tide enter with the nation’s third-ranked offense, built around scoring at the rim and from beyond the arc. In last season’s meetings, Florida surrendered 21 offensive rebounds in an overtime loss at Alabama, but tightened up in later contests, limiting the Tide to 15 and nine offensive boards in victories at Gainesville and during the SEC Tournament.
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           Two of Alabama’s frontcourt anchors, Grant Nelson (6-11, 230 pounds) and Jarin Stevenson (6-11, 215 pounds), were part of those battles as the Tide advanced to their first Final Four in program history. This time, they’ll face a stronger Micah Handlogten, who has averaged 8.5 rebounds in just 16 minutes per game over his last two outings.
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           The challenge is about to intensify — and so are the implications.
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           That’s exactly why Handlogten returned.
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           "We have a special team this year. … I think we really have a shot to go all the way and I got excited about that and I think that played a huge role in [returning] because I want to be out there with my boys," Handlogten said. "They were with me through thick and thin throughout my recovery process. There were hardships, but they helped me through and I see this as a way to help get them to where we want to be."
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d58f744b.webp" length="97102" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:47:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/micah-handlogtens-power-return-fueling-floridas-march-madness-push</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Coach Todd Golden to Join Gator Talk This Thursday</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/coach-todd-golden-to-join-gator-talk-this-thursday</link>
      <description />
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           The UF bench erupts as a Gator teammate makes another big play in the biggest upset Wednesday night at No. 7 Alabama.
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           Share:
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The spring edition of
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           Gator Talk
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            , presented by Dream Finders Homes, wraps up on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. from Miller's Ale House at Celebration Pointe. Florida men’s basketball head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            will join host
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           Jeff Cardozo
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            ahead of the No. 5 Gators’ final SEC regular-season game on Saturday at 6 p.m., when they face
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           Ole Miss
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            on
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           Senior Day
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           .
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           This marks the final Gator Talk episode of the spring semester and the third appearance by Golden on the show.
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           Gator Talk
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            is a weekly, hour-long program highlighting the latest news in Gator Athletics. Fans can listen across all
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/11/_radio_affiliates_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           38 affiliates of the Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD
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            , via the
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2019/7/31/mobile-app" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Gators Mobile App
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            , or through the
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    &lt;a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Varsity Mobile App
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           .
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            The program will air from
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           7 – 8 p.m.
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            ﻿
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           Spring 2025 Gator Talk Schedule
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-5bd5b9c2.webp" length="111712" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:32:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/coach-todd-golden-to-join-gator-talk-this-thursday</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Edge Alabama in Thrilling Buzzer-Beater Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-edge-alabama-in-thrilling-buzzer-beater-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The UF bench erupts as a Gator teammate makes another big play in the biggest upset Wednesday night at No. 7 Alabama.
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           Share:
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           What Happened
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           TUSCALOOSA, Ala
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            . – Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            returned to the starting lineup to record a career-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, while senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            added 22 points and eight assists, as the fifth-ranked Florida Gators defeated seventh-ranked Alabama in a Southeastern Conference top-10 matchup at a packed Coleman Coliseum.
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           Florida, winners of eight of their last nine games, shot 50 percent in the second half to transform a one-point halftime lead into a 14-point cushion with under six minutes remaining. The Gators then had to withstand one of the nation’s most potent offenses, relying on timely baskets and clutch free throws. Alabama cut the lead twice to five points and once to four with 20 seconds left, but five different Gators combined to make 12 of 15 free throws in the final 1:23, helping Florida secure the win despite going the last 3:20 without a field goal.
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           Condon was outstanding in his first start in three games after missing four contests with an ankle injury. The 6-foot-11, 230-pound Australian went 9-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, made seven of nine free throws, and collected five offensive rebounds out of his 10 total. Clayton made 8-of-20 shots, including two second-half threes, added five rebounds, and delivered precise lobs to Condon for dunks.
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            Sophomore
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           Thomas Haugh
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            came off the bench to score 12 points—all in the second half, including two three-pointers—while fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            contributed 10 points and five rebounds.
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            Alabama, which returned three starters from its 2024 Final Four team, was paced by point guard
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           Mark Sears
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           , who scored 30 points.
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            The first half was competitive throughout, with Florida taking as many as a seven-point lead and Alabama as much as four. The Gators carried a 41-40 edge into halftime. Early in the second half, Alabama opened a 52-47 lead, but Clayton hit a three-pointer and senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            followed with a run-out dunk to spark a 13-3 Gators run, including eight straight points at the end, giving Florida a five-point lead. The Tide came within two points, but never regained the lead as Florida scored nine consecutive points to reach their first double-digit margin with under 10 minutes remaining.
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           Florida finished the game shooting 48.6 percent overall, though just 8-of-27 (under 30 percent) from three-point range. The Gators dominated the boards, winning the battle 50-35 overall, including 16-10 on the offensive glass for a 19-10 edge in second-chance points. Alabama, which entered the game averaging a plus-7 margin on the glass, shot 47.2 percent overall and 9-of-25 (36 percent) from three-point range.
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           Florida center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) in action Wednesday night against Alabama.
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           What it Means
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           Florida now boasts the most impressive pair of road wins in college basketball this season: at No. 1 Auburn on Feb. 8 and at No. 7 Alabama on Wednesday, two teams widely regarded as potential No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. With the Gators now 7-4 in Quadrant 1 games according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool and having clinched the No. 2 seed (and double-bye) in next week’s SEC Tournament in Nashville, it’s time for UF to be considered among the nation’s elite. Their 26th regular-season victory ties the 2006-07 team, which won back-to-back national championships, for the second-most in program history. The win also marked Florida’s third consecutive victory over Alabama and its first road win in the series since 2019.
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           In the Spotlight
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            "Condo" was dominant, while Clayton managed the game, overcame eight first-half turnovers, and never let the hostile crowd dictate the pace.
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           Staggering Statistic
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            For the first time in school history, the Gators have defeated two top-10 teams on the road in a single season (Auburn and Alabama). Last season, Florida beat No. 10 Kentucky at Lexington, making Todd Golden the first coach in UF history to notch three victories against top-10 opponents on the road in his first three seasons.
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           Up Next
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            Florida (26-4, 13-4) returns home for its regular-season finale Saturday against Ole Miss (20-9, 9-7), with senior guards Clayton, Richard, and Martin being honored in a pregame "Senior Night" tribute. The Rebels, losers of three of their last four, host No. 4 Tennessee on Wednesday night. Alabama (23-7, 12-5) concludes its season Saturday at rival and top-ranked Auburn.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ef37e1b5.webp" length="92864" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:25:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-edge-alabama-in-thrilling-buzzer-beater-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Shake Up the SEC with Another Statement Road Triumph</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-shake-up-the-sec-with-another-statement-road-triumph</link>
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           The UF bench erupts as a Gator teammate makes another big play in the biggest upset Wednesday night at No. 7 Alabama.
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           Share:
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           TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
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            – Just four nights ago, Texas A&amp;amp;M—a team known for its toughness, defensive intensity, and low-scoring style—visited Gainesville and left with a 19-point defeat. On Wednesday, the Florida Gators traveled to face Alabama, the nation’s highest-scoring and fastest-paced team, and emerged with one of the season’s most impressive road victories.
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           Another statement win for the Gators.
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           Any style. Any venue. Any opponent. With a fully healthy roster, Florida is entering March with serious momentum and is now being recognized as a legitimate national championship contender.
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            "I think we're one of the best teams in America," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said after the fifth-ranked Gators beat seventh-ranked Alabama 99-94 in a top-10 SEC matchup at a sold-out Coleman Coliseum. "To [be] that you have to go on the road and beat good teams."
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            Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , back in the starting lineup, posted a career-high 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            contributed 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists across 36 minutes, directing the offense that shot nearly 49 percent from the floor. Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            came off the bench for the first time in five games, scoring 12 points in the second half, including two three-pointers. Fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            added 10 points and five rebounds, helping Florida secure its first road victory in the series since 2019.
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           Guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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            had a couple eye-popping dunks in the game.
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            The Gators (26-4, 13-4), winners of eight of their last nine games, dominated Alabama (23-7, 12-5) on the glass, out-rebounding the Crimson Tide 50-35, including a 16-10 advantage on the offensive boards that led to 19 second-chance points. Center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            led all players with 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes, four of which came on the offensive end. Although Florida did not make a field goal in the final 3:20, they converted 12 of 15 free throws to close out the game after Alabama attempted to extend the matchup with fouls. Coming off a game eight days earlier where they missed 11 free throws in a close loss at Georgia, the Gators stepped up, finishing 21-for-29 from the line (72.4 percent). They also committed only two turnovers in the second half.
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            ﻿
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           This win marked UF’s second victory over a top-10 opponent on the road this season, joining their 90-81 triumph at No. 1 Auburn on Feb. 8. It was the first time in program history the Gators had two top-10 road wins in the same season. That accomplishment—combined with clinching second place in the SEC, earning the No. 2 seed, and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament—should draw the attention of the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
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           With the Gators matching the second-most regular-season wins in program history, they present a strong case for a No. 1 seed.
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           "We think we've done enough. We think we've been winning games and shown who we are," said senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who ended an 11-game streak without scoring 20 points. "If it happens, it happens. If it don't, it don't. We're going to go into the tournament regardless, with the same mentality, and try to beat whoever is in front of us."
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) made eight of 20 shots, with a pair of 3s, to go with his game-best eight assists.
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           Alex Condon, fully recovered and then some in his third game since a Feb. 11 ankle sprain, made the most of his first start in three weeks. In just over 30 minutes, he went 9-of-16 from the field, including two three-pointers, blocked two shots, and grabbed half of his rebounds on the offensive end. He also converted seven of nine free throws, a notable improvement after going 1-for-5 in Florida’s 89-70 win over No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M just four days earlier.
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           "I got a hundred up two days in a row," Condon said of his practice in the free-throw lab. "Just getting my routine down."
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           The Gators approached the road contest with a smooth, confident, businesslike style. Despite committing eight turnovers in the first half, they remained composed in a hostile environment against a Tide team coming off a buzzer-beating loss at No. 5 Tennessee and preparing to face No. 1 Auburn to close out the regular season. Alabama needed a win badly.
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           "Give Florida a lot of credit for the way they came in and played us tough. They looked like they had more energy than us," Alabama coach Nate Oats said after his third consecutive loss to the Gators. "They obviously destroyed us on the glass, they doubled us in second-chance points, and we gave up 26 fast-break points—about half of their points came on second chances or in transition, so we have to be better. It doesn't matter what your game plan is if you don't get back on defense and can't get a rebound."
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           The first half was tightly contested, but largely even. Florida carried a 41-40 lead into halftime, with Condon setting a physical and assertive tone inside, contributing 12 points and five rebounds.
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            ﻿
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           "The first little section that I played I was just getting my feet back under me, getting used to starting again," said Condon, who struggled at Georgia last week with a 1-for-7 outing and just three rebounds. "Credit to our guys. I think they did a good job of getting me in the right spots tonight."
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           Alex Condon
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           (left) and the Florida defense made All-American guard 
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           Mark Sears
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             (1) work for his 30 points on 24 field-goal attempts. 
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           Alabama, led by point guard and All-America candidate Mark Sears, who scored a game-high 30 points on his "Senior Night," built a five-point lead just four minutes into the second half. Florida responded with a 13-3 run, fueled by three-pointers from Walter Clayton Jr. and Thomas Haugh, along with a classic three-point play from Clayton, giving the Gators a five-point edge with just over 13 minutes remaining.
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           "We talked about it before the game, how they were going to go on runs," Clayton said. "They're a great shooting team, great offensive team. They're going to have their runs, so we had to battle through that adversity and went on a run of our own."
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           The Tide continued to press, forcing Florida to withstand another surge. Alex Condon scored 13 points over a seven-minute stretch, including a couple of alley-oop dunks off pinpoint feeds from Clayton. UF’s lead, which had stretched to 14 with 5:55 left, began to shrink as Alabama’s coach Nate Oats instructed his team to foul to extend the clock.
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           Florida handled most of the free-throw pressure, but the Crimson Tide stayed in the fight. Alabama made six consecutive free throws to cut the lead to five with 1:25 remaining. Condon and Haugh then converted four straight from the line to create a brief cushion. Labaron Philon (19 points) and Jarin Stevenson hit threes around two free throws by Alijah Martin to bring the Tide within four at 94-90 with 20.5 seconds left.
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            Haugh followed with two more free throws at 19.2 seconds, and after an Alabama basket, backup junior
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            sealed the game with a pair of free throws at 12.4 seconds.
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           UF coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           (right) and his team in the post-game (and winning) visitors' locker room.
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           Florida secured two major Quadrant 1 victories in consecutive games against highly ranked opponents, each with a completely different style of play.
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           The common thread in both wins was the Gators’ adaptability.
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           "Obviously, contrasting styles, [but] I think our group does a really good job of being able to execute different game plans," said Todd Golden, praising his collection of composed guards for their ability to penetrate Alabama’s defense, create space, and make smart decisions, resulting in 14 assists. "As coaches, we can do what we can to put our guys in good positions, but at the end of the day it's up to these guys to go out there and make plays. They did a wonderful job of that for 40 minutes tonight."
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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            chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-56f51672.webp" length="123110" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:17:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-shake-up-the-sec-with-another-statement-road-triumph</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-56f51672.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-56f51672.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Ready to Roar: Florida Opens SEC Tournament Against Auburn</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-ready-to-roar-florida-opens-sec-tournament-against-auburn</link>
      <description />
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           The Gators will face Auburn for the second time this year in the opening round of the SEC Tournament. UF will look to defeat the Tigers and snap their current three game losing streak on Wednesday evening inside Bon Secours.
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           Share:
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           GREENVILLE, S.C.— Florida is scheduled to take on Auburn in the fourth matchup of the SEC Tournament’s opening round on Wednesday night. Tip-off is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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           The Gators enter the tournament as the No. 11 seed, while Auburn holds the No. 14 spot. Fans can catch the action live on SEC Network.
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           Auburn 
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           (12-17, 3-13 SEC)
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            Date: Wed., Mar. 5
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            Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
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            Site:
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             Bon 
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            Secours
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             Wellness Arena
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            Radio:
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5638&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
             
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch:
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/04e974c2-486f-4c78-bba1-60b866073051" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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           What a Florida Victory Would Achieve:
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            Mark Florida’s first postseason win over Auburn since 2021
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            Secure the Gators’ first neutral-site victory of the 2024–25 season
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            Extend Florida’s streak of SEC Tournament wins to two consecutive years
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            Improve UF’s conference record to 6-11
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            Update the program’s all-time SEC record to 232-336
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            Give Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 26th SEC win at the helm of the Gators
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            Bring Florida’s February 2025 record to 4-5
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            End a three-game losing streak for UF
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            Register Florida’s third SEC postseason win over the past two seasons
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Overview: Florida vs. Auburn
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           Auburn holds a 32-24 advantage in the all-time series against Florida. The Gators enter this matchup aiming to halt a three-game slide against the Tigers, a stretch that began on January 30, 2023 and extended through January 26, 2025.
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           Historical Matchups Between the Gators and Tigers
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           Florida and Auburn have faced off 56 times since their first meeting in 1978. The rivalry has remained consistent over the years, with 23 games played in Gainesville, another 23 in Auburn, and 10 held at neutral venues.
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            ﻿
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           Wednesday’s game marks Florida’s first SEC Tournament encounter with Auburn since 2021, when the Gators secured a 69-62 win in the opening round. Their most recent meeting came in January 2025, with Florida falling 74-51 on the road in Auburn.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           FLORIDA'S LAST TIME OUT:
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            Florida’s last appearance on the court came Sunday, March 2, in a 72-46 road defeat to No. 1 Texas.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            led the Gators offensively with 12 points, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. She was the only Florida player to reach double figures, as the team was held to a season-low 46 points.
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            On the defensive end, freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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           stood out by grabbing seven rebounds, collecting three steals, and dishing out four assists. Despite the final score, Florida managed to win the battle on the boards, outrebounding the top-ranked Longhorns 40-33.
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           Gator Quick Hits: By the Numbers
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            Florida is ranked No. 6 in the SEC and No. 34 in the NCAA with a 45.8 field goal percentage
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            UF has four players averaging in double digits
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            McGill (16.2) Kyle (14.6), 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             (11.8), and 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.5)
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            McGill and Kyle are in the SEC's top 20 for scoring
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            McGill at No. 12 (16.2), and Kyle at No. 20 (14.7)
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            McGill is the only freshman in the country with a triple-double this season
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            Kyle is No. 26 in the country and No. 3 in the SEC for double-doubles with 13
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            McGill is the No. 1 freshman in the NCAA for assists
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            Total assists (151) and assists per game (5.0)
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            Kyle is No. 6 in the SEC for rebounds per game (8.7)
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            UF is No. 3 in SEC play for defensive rebound percentage (70.0)
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            Florida is undefeated this season when they hold their opponent to 69 points or less
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 52 of 122 quarters played this season
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            Kyle is No. 10 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC with a field goal percentage of 60.4
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            Kyle is No. 5 in the SEC for total rebounds in the 2024-25 season with 261
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads Florida in total blocks with 23 on the season
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            Liv McGill
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             has hit double figures in 27 of her 30 outings at UF
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            UF is currently on a three-game losing streak having played back-to-back-to back top-15 teams
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           PROJECTED AUBURN STARTERS:
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           Auburn Quick Hits: Key Stats and Standouts
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            Auburn ranks No. 3 in the SEC for rebounding defense, totaling 927 boards and averaging 31.9 per game
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            The Tigers sit at No. 7 in the conference for scoring defense, allowing 64.8 points per game
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            Auburn is No. 8 in the SEC for steals, averaging 9.0 per game with a total of 261
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            Aicha Coulibaly Gaston ranks No. 3 in the SEC for scoring, averaging 22.5 points per game
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            Gaston also leads Auburn in rebounding and ranks No. 10 in the SEC, averaging 7.2 boards per game
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            Mar’shaun Bostic is No. 11 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC for total assists, with 173
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            Bostic ranks No. 7 in the SEC for steals, collecting 70 this season
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            Gaston is No. 5 in the SEC for field goal percentage, shooting 55.4%
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            Yuting Deng leads Auburn in three-point shooting, hitting 36.8% from beyond the arc (25-of-68)
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-595447c1.webp" length="127378" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:29:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-ready-to-roar-florida-opens-sec-tournament-against-auburn</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Liv McGill Shines Bright: Gators Freshman Earns SEC All-Freshman Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-shines-bright-gators-freshman-earns-sec-all-freshman-honors</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Freshman Liv McGill was recognized by the league, earning SEC All-Freshmen honors ahead of the 2025 SEC Tournament.
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           Share:
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            BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference revealed its 2025 women’s basketball postseason awards on Tuesday morning, with Florida’s
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           Liv McGill
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            earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
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           McGill received the recognition after an impressive debut season in which she led all freshmen nationally in both assists per game and total assists. Across 30 appearances, she tallied 151 assists, averaging five per contest. She also ranked among the top five freshman scorers in the country, finishing with 486 total points in her first collegiate campaign.
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           The guard averaged 16.2 points per game, reaching double figures in 27 of 30 outings (90%). She recorded 11 games with 20 or more points, including a career-best 28 points at Florida State on Nov. 22, 2024.
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           McGill’s impact was immediate, as she led the Gators in multiple statistical categories during her freshman year: total points (486), points per game (16.2), field goals made (183), assists (151), steals (57), and minutes played (30:32).
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           2024 SEC Women’s Basketball Postseason Awards
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           First Team All-SEC
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           Georgia Amoore – Kentucky
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           Madison Booker – Texas
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           Aneesah Morrow – LSU
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           Raegan Beers – Oklahoma
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           Sarah Ashlee Barker – Alabama
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           Flau’Jae Johnson – LSU
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           Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt
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           Mikaylah Williams – LSU
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           Joyce Edwards – South Carolina
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           Second Team All-SEC
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           Talaysia Cooper – Tennessee
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           Clara Strack – Kentucky
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           Madison Scott – Ole Miss
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           MiLaysia Fulwiley – South Carolina
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           Jerkaila Jordan – Mississippi State
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           DeYona Gaston – Auburn
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           Te-Hina Paopao – South Carolina
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           Payton Verhulst – Oklahoma
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           All-Freshman Team
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           Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt
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           Joyce Edwards – South Carolina
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           Liv McGill
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            – Florida
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           Sira Thienou – Ole Miss
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           Yuting Deng – Auburn
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           Jordan Lee – Texas
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           Trinity Turner – Georgia
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           Mia Woolfolk – Georgia
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           All-Defensive Team
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           Rori Harmon – Texas
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           Clara Strack – Kentucky
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           Talaysia Cooper – Tennessee
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           Sania Feagin – South Carolina
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           Raven Johnson – South Carolina
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           Aneesah Morrow – LSU
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           Individual Honors
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           Scholar-Athlete of the Year
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             – Grace Slaughter – Missouri
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           Player of the Year
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            – Madison Booker – Texas
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           Freshman of the Year
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             – Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt
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           Newcomer of the Year
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            – Georgia Amoore – Kentucky
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           Defensive Player of the Year
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           Sixth-Woman of the Year
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            – MiLaysia Fulwiley – South Carolina
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           Coach of the Year
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            Selections for the All-SEC teams, All-Freshman, All-Defensive, and individual awards were made by the league’s 16 head coaches.
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           Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players, and ties were not broken.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:59:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-shines-bright-gators-freshman-earns-sec-all-freshman-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Top-10 Clash: Florida vs Alabama in SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/top-10-clash-florida-vs-alabama-in-sec-showdown</link>
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           Share:
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           No. 5 Florida vs. No. 7 Alabama
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            Game Time:
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             Wednesday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            Venue:
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             Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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            Team Records:
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             Florida (25-4, 12-4) / Alabama (23-6, 12-4)
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            Television:
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             ESPN2 coverage with
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            Dave Pasch
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             ,
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            Jay Bilas
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             , and
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            Molly McGrath
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            Radio:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / [
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            Stations list
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             ]
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             (featuring
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            Sean Kelley
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             ,
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            Lee Humphrey
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             , and
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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            Tickets:
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             [
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            Ticket info
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            ]
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           Coleman Coliseum (capacity 15,316) in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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            ﻿
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           SETUP:
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           Fifth-ranked Florida and seventh-ranked Alabama are set to meet in one of the marquee matchups of this Southeastern Conference season. The top-10 clash carries major implications for seeding in both the upcoming SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Both teams currently share second place in the league standings, with No. 1 Auburn already securing the regular-season crown. A Florida victory would lock in the No. 2 seed thanks to a head-to-head tiebreaker, while an Alabama win would leave the second seed dependent on Saturday’s results as the regular season concludes. In the race for a coveted NCAA No. 1 seed, Alabama holds an advantage alongside Auburn, Duke, and Houston, though Florida still has a chance to alter the picture. Fourth-ranked Tennessee also remains in the mix. Florida enters having won seven of its last eight games, including an 89-70 triumph over No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M last Saturday. Alabama, meanwhile, is looking to rebound after surrendering a late four-point lead and falling on a 40-foot buzzer-beater at Tennessee — the first of three straight games against top-four opponents, with Florida next and Auburn to close the regular season.
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           SERIES:
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            Alabama leads the all-time series 79-72, but Florida snapped the Tide’s three-game streak last season with two wins in a 10-day span. The teams met three times over 21 days in high-scoring contests. Alabama claimed a 98-93 overtime win at home on Feb. 21, 2024, before Florida answered with a 105-87 rout in Gainesville on March 5. They met again in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Nashville, where Alabama jumped out to an early eight-point lead, but Florida surged to a 15-point halftime advantage behind 50-percent shooting and rolled to a 102-88 victory. Junior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            led the way with 23 points. That win was part of Florida’s run to the SEC title game for the first time since 2014, though the Gators ultimately fell to Auburn in the championship.
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           ETC:
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            This contest marks the fourth time since 2021 that Florida has traveled to face Alabama, compared to just two visits by the Tide to Gainesville during that same five-year stretch.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           Senior guard
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            Will Richard 
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           combined for 55 points in UF's two games last week.
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           The Gators’ 19-point win over Texas A&amp;amp;M may not fully reflect how close the contest was, as the Aggies trailed by only six with under eight minutes remaining before Florida pulled away for another double-digit victory. Despite dropping two spots in the latest Associated Press Top 25 following a midweek loss at Georgia, Florida now has 22 wins by margins of 10 points or more, including nine in SEC play. The team shot 48 percent, hit 14 three-pointers, dished out 21 assists, and held A&amp;amp;M to 39 percent shooting while also winning the rebounding battle against one of the nation’s strongest rebounding squads.
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           Florida remains one of just four programs ranked in the top 10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, joining Duke (2nd and 4th), Auburn (1st and 10th), and Houston (8th and 3rd). The Gators are fifth in effective field-goal defense, sixth in three-point defense (29.2 percent), and 10th in two-point defense (45.4 percent). Alabama, however, will present the toughest test yet for this improved defense, especially on the road. This matchup marks Florida’s third straight Quadrant 1 opportunity; the Gators are 6-4 in such games, while Alabama has 10 Q1 wins. Another chance could come Saturday against Ole Miss.
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            Guard
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           Will Richard
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            has been on a scoring surge, totaling 55 points over the last two games. He posted a career-high 30 in the loss at Georgia and followed with 25 against A&amp;amp;M, shooting 11-for-20 from beyond the arc across both contests. His season three-point percentage has climbed to 37.7 after starting at 26.7 through the first 10 games. Richard has also contributed at least five rebounds in three of his last four outings and multiple assists in two.
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           Alijah Martin
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            added four first-half threes against A&amp;amp;M to help Florida build an 11-point halftime lead. He finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            scored 10 points, including two threes, extending his streak of games with at least one made three to 51. He posted a game-high plus-20 rating, though he has now gone 12 straight games without reaching 20 points — the longest such stretch of his career at both Florida and Iona.
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            Backup guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (8.3 ppg) chipped in six points and three assists but has gone three straight games without a made three-pointer, shooting 2-for-12 over his last two contests. Reserve guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (3.8 ppg) scored four points but saw his streak of seven consecutive games with a three-pointer end.
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            Forward
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           Alex Condon
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            (10.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg) nearly recorded a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds, showing progress in his second game back from an ankle injury. He shot 5-for-6 from the field but just 1-for-5 from the free-throw line, dropping his season percentage to 55.6. Whether he returns to the starting lineup after two games off the bench remains a coaching decision, as
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           Thomas Haugh
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            has excelled in his five consecutive starts, scoring 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting against A&amp;amp;M, including two threes.
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            Center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            , who had posted four straight double-digit scoring games earlier, has combined for just three points and five rebounds over his last two outings. His physical presence will be needed against Alabama’s interior scoring attack. Backup big
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (2.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg) continues to make an impact off the bench, collecting 17 rebounds — 10 offensive — in just 21 minutes across the last two games. Against A&amp;amp;M, he added two blocks, two assists, and two steals.
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            Reserve forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            (4.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg) returned to practice Monday and is nearing a comeback from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for five games.
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           The Crimson Tide
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           Alabama point guard 
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           Mark Sears
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            (1)
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           Nate Oats has once again steered Alabama into national prominence, with the program on track for a fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Oats, who led the Tide to their first Final Four last season, owns a 140-60 record across five years, including 74-32 in SEC competition. He has reached the 25-win mark in three of the past four seasons and is poised to do so again.
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           This year’s Alabama squad features one of the fastest and most efficient offenses in the country, ranking No. 1 in tempo and No. 3 in overall efficiency. The Tide, which slipped one spot in the latest AP poll, lead the SEC in effective field-goal percentage and two-point shooting (57.7%), while ranking third in three-point accuracy (38.3%) and offensive rebounding (35.6%). They have topped 100 points in eight contests, four of them against SEC opponents.
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           On defense, Alabama sits eighth in the league and 37th nationally in efficiency, while ranking near the bottom of the SEC in forcing turnovers. Their demanding non-conference schedule included matchups against Purdue, Illinois, Houston, Rutgers, Oregon, North Carolina, and Creighton — a stretch in which they went 5-2, highlighted by an upset of Houston. That victory has helped solidify their standing as a projected No. 1 seed in most bracket projections.
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            ﻿
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           The Tide’s recent setback came in Knoxville, where Tennessee stunned them with a 40-foot buzzer-beater after Alabama committed a five-second violation under its own basket. That defeat marked their third loss in five games. At home, Alabama is 12-2 this season, with Ole Miss and Auburn handing them their only losses in Tuscaloosa.
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            Forward
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           Clifford Omoruyi
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           , a transfer from Rutgers, provides the primary strength inside. He pulled down 15 rebounds in the victory over Kentucky and currently leads the team in offensive boards.
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            Labaron Philon recently moved into the starting lineup, taking the spot of 6-foot-11, 215-pound forward
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           Jarin Stevenson
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            (5.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg). Stevenson, however, continues to contribute with 20-plus minutes of action in the paint. Sophomore
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           Mouhamed Dioubate
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           (6.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) also plays a steady role in the rotation.
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            As for the McDonald’s All Americans, guard
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           Derrion Reid
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            (7.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and forward
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           Aiden Sherrell
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           (2.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg) serve as supporting pieces off the bench.
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           Numbers of Note
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           Freshman point guard 
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           Andrew Nembhard
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            (2) goes in for a run-out on his way to 21 points in UF's last win at Tuscaloosa six years ago.
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            ﻿
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            1
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             — Florida needs just one more win to reach 26 in the regular season, which would tie the second-highest total in program history. The 2006-07 squad also finished 26-5 before capturing a second consecutive NCAA championship. The all-time record for regular-season victories is 29, set by the 2013-14 team.
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            5
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             — The number of SEC matchups in Florida basketball history, through the 2024 season, where both the Gators and their opponent were ranked in the AP Top 10.
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            5
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             — The count of SEC games during the 2024-25 campaign in which Florida and its opponent were both ranked in the AP Top 10, including Wednesday’s clash in Tuscaloosa.
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            100.0
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             — Florida’s scoring average across three meetings with Alabama last season. Those contests included a 98-93 overtime loss in Tuscaloosa, a 105-87 victory at the O’Dome, and a 102-88 win in the SEC Tournament.
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            2019
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             — The last time Florida earned a win in Tuscaloosa. Freshman point guard
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            Andrew Nembhard
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             went a perfect 9-for-9 from the field for 21 points in a 71-53 rout of the Tide. At the time, Nembhard ranked fifth in the SEC in assists but didn’t record his first until the final two minutes, by which point the Gators had already secured control. Florida shot 54 percent while holding Alabama to its lowest scoring output of the season. Nembhard became the first SEC player in two decades to make at least nine field goals without a miss. Freshman forward
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            Keyontae Johnson
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             added 14 points and a career-best 13 rebounds, while senior guard
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            KeVaughn Allen
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            contributed 13 points, four boards, and three assists.
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           Bottom Line
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           Florida heads into a road showdown against a Final Four program with plenty on the line. March basketball doesn’t get much better.
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           Email
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8a61d7bb.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:56:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/top-10-clash-florida-vs-alabama-in-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Walter Clayton Jr. Shines as Bob Cousy Award Finalist</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-shines-as-bob-cousy-award-finalist</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Walter Clayton Jr. has the Gators among the top fastbreak scoring teams nationally this season.
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           Share:
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            Florida senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            has been recognized as one of the finalists for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Monday.
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           A native of Lake Wales, Fla., Clayton leads the Gators this season with 16.9 points per game, 77 made three-pointers, and 113 assists. His leadership has guided Florida to its third 25-win regular season in program history, with the team holding a spot in the national top 10 for the past three months. Under his direction, UF averages 16.9 fastbreak points per game, ranking among the top three nationally.
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           Clayton’s standout play has earned him multiple honors, including spots on both the Naismith and Wooden Award top-20 lists released in February.
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            Fan participation is encouraged through
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           Fan Voting
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            , which begins Friday, March 7, at
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    &lt;a href="http://hoophallawards.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           hoophallawards.com
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           . The fan vote will count as one ballot in the overall selection process. Later this month, finalists will be reviewed by Bob Cousy, Nancy Lieberman, and the Hall of Fame’s committees, which include coaches, media members, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
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           Past recipients of the Bob Cousy Award include Tristen Newton (Connecticut, 2024), Markquis Nowell (Kansas State, 2023), Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois, 2021), Ja Morant (Murray State, 2019), Jalen Brunson (Villanova, 2018), Trey Burke (Michigan, 2013), Kendall Marshall (North Carolina, 2012), Kemba Walker (Connecticut, 2011), and Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph’s, 2004).
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            For more details on the 2025 Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards, visit
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    &lt;a href="http://hoophallawards.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           hoophallawards.com
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            and follow @hoophallu, #CousyAward, and #LiebermanAward on X and Instagram.
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           Florida will return to action Wednesday against Alabama at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
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           Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Finalists
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            Mark Sears, Alabama
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , Florida
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            Kam Jones, Marquette
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            Braden Smith, Purdue
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            Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-7861ffdb.webp" length="100566" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:22:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-shines-as-bob-cousy-award-finalist</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Battle-Tested: Gators Close Regular Season Against No. 1 Texas</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/battle-tested-gators-close-regular-season-against-no-1-texas</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Ra Shaya Kyle led Florida in scoring, posting 12 points at No. 1 Texas. Kyle has now led UF in scoring a combined 11 times in the 2024-25 season.
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           Share:
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           AUSTIN, Texas — Florida wrapped up its 2025 regular season with a tough road test, falling to No. 1 Texas, 72–46. The Gators battled throughout but were unable to overcome a decisive third quarter in which the Longhorns scored 29 points, creating too steep a gap to close in the final period.
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            Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            paced Florida with 12 points, shooting 4-for-6 from the field (66.6%) and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw line. Freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            anchored the defense, pulling down seven rebounds, collecting three steals, and handing out four assists to contribute across the board.
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           Game Flow
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           First Quarter:
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            Florida held the lead for 5:19 of game time.
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            The Gators converted 0.6 points per possession across 17 trips.
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            They went 4-for-6 on layups, scoring eight points in the paint.
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            McGill and Kyle each scored four points.
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            Both teams grabbed eight rebounds, with contributions from
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             (2),
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            Liv McGill
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             (2),
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            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             (2), and
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            Kenza Salgues
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             (1).
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            Texas led 16–10 at the end of the quarter.
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           Second Quarter:
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            Florida scored just eight points, its lowest period of the game.
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             Jeriah Warren, Reynolds,
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            Eriny Kindred
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            , and O’Neal each added two points.
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            UF dominated the boards, 15–6.
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            McGill led with four rebounds and a steal.
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            Florida forced 12 first-half turnovers but trailed 29–18 at halftime.
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           Third Quarter:
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            McGill scored five points in the first four minutes.
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            Six of Florida’s 13 points came in the paint.
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            The Gators shot 44.4% (4-for-9), their best quarter from the field.
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            They went 5-for-8 at the line.
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            Texas extended its lead to 54–31 entering the fourth.
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           Fourth Quarter:
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            Jeriah Warren
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             hit Florida’s only three-pointer just 15 seconds in.
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            Warren and Kyle each scored four points.
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            The Gators shot 35.7% (5-for-14).
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            Sammie Gassett led with three rebounds.
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            Seven of Florida’s 15 points came from the bench.
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            UF added three assists in the final frame.
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           Key Notes
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            Florida’s 46 points marked its lowest scoring output of the season (previously 51 at Auburn on Jan. 26).
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            The Gators out-rebounded Texas 40–33.
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            McGill led in assists for the 22nd time this season.
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            Kyle was the only double-digit scorer (12).
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            22 of Florida’s points came in the paint; 15 came from the bench.
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            Kyle shot 100% from the line for the 10th time this year.
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            Florida forced 11 turnovers, converting them into nine points.
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            UF committed a season-high 29 fouls, giving Texas its most free throw attempts of the season (29).
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            Florida shot just 1-for-18 from three (.056), its lowest percentage of the year.
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            McGill led in steals (3), accounting for half of the team’s total.
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            Florida finished with 66 possessions, averaging 0.697 points per trip.
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           Team Records
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            Florida:
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             14–16 (5–11 SEC)
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            Texas:
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             29–2 (15–1 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           Florida leads the all-time series, 5–2.
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           Next Up
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           Florida heads to Greenville, S.C., for the 2025 SEC Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Gators, seeded No. 11, will face No. 14 on Wednesday evening. Official dates, times, and broadcast details will be announced soon.
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      &lt;a href="https://www.secsports.com/championships/womens-basketball-championship" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SEC Tournament Page
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      &lt;a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/secsports-prod/upload/2024/12/13/b9f4d997-5b23-49e3-9631-884796073c6c.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SEC Bracket and Format
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             ﻿
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-64f4745b.webp" length="95526" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2025 22:51:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/battle-tested-gators-close-regular-season-against-no-1-texas</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-64f4745b.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Dominates Second Half to Crush Texas A&amp;M</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-dominates-second-half-to-crush-texas-a-m</link>
      <description>Florida men’s basketball surged after halftime to overpower Texas A&amp;M, showcasing sharp shooting, strong defense, and balanced contributions in a decisive SEC victory.</description>
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           Senior guard Will Richard holds his sweet follow-through on one of his six 3-pointers on the way to 25 points in Saturday night's 89-70 defeat of Texas A&amp;amp;M
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The game plan could be summed up in one word: rebounding.
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           Florida’s coaches and players knew Saturday night’s matchup with Texas A&amp;amp;M would be a physical battle fit for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Aggies arrived with a reputation as one of the nation’s toughest defensive and most physical teams, loaded with strong rebounders.
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            By the final buzzer, the third-ranked Gators had edged No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M on the boards, with offensive rebounds and second-chance points nearly even. Scoring, however, was handled by senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            and his teammates, who powered Florida to an 89-70 win before a sold-out crowd at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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            Richard delivered 25 points, six three-pointers, and six rebounds in 31 minutes. Just days after posting a career-high 30 in the loss at Georgia, the 6-foot-4 senior shot 9-for-13 overall and 6-for-9 from deep, leading five Gators in double figures. Still, it was Florida’s collective rebounding effort — a 42-37 advantage overall and a near deadlock in offensive boards and second-chance scoring — that most impressed Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           , who called the performance a "great bounce-back" from the midweek setback in Athens.
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           "Just going toe to toe with those guys for 40 minutes and seeing how physical they are, how much talent they have, how competitive they are, I'm just incredibly proud of the way we played and our ability to kind of get away from them at the end," Golden said after Florida’s seventh win in eight games, which pulled the team even with Alabama for second place in the SEC standings. "But they made it really hard on us in the second half."
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            Florida’s depth proved decisive. Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            scored 17, while fifth-year guard Allijah Martin added 14, including four threes before halftime. Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            , in his second game back from an ankle injury, contributed 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting, nine rebounds, and a pair of highlight dunks late. Senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            chipped in 10 points and posted a game-best plus-20 rating. Junior center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            scored just two points but added eight rebounds (four offensive), two steals, two assists, and two blocks in 20 minutes off the bench.
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           Florida shot 47.8 percent overall (against an Aggies defense that had been holding opponents to 39.9 percent), dished out 21 assists, and knocked down 14 threes at 42.4 percent. The Gators also posted the second-highest scoring total against A&amp;amp;M this season, well above the Aggies’ average of 66.7 points allowed.
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           Sophomore forward
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            Alex Condon
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            (21) was 5-for-6 from the floor with a couple authoritative flushes like this one in the second half.
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           "[Florida is] as good as any team in the country," said Texas A&amp;amp;M coach Buzz Williams, whose team was ranked seventh just two weeks ago but has since dropped four straight in the demanding SEC. Still, the Aggies remain in strong position for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. "Coach [Golden] has done a fabulous job. His staff, the roster construction, style of play … they're going to put stress on you regardless."
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           The Aggies (20-9, 9-7) brought their trademark physical style, jumping out to a 16-10 lead in the opening minutes. Florida answered with toughness of its own, while Will Richard and Allijah Martin provided perimeter scoring to swing momentum.
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           "I think we did a good job in practice. It starts there," said Thomas Haugh, describing how the Gators prepared for A&amp;amp;M’s relentless rebounding. "That's obviously what A&amp;amp;M does. They are a crazy, crazy good offensive rebounding team; best in the nation. So, we worked on rebounding a lot in practice and it showed up in the game. We knew we had to come out with an edge and physicality and stuff like that."
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           Florida carried a 45-34 lead into halftime, with Richard opening the second half by hitting back-to-back threes that quickly stretched the margin to 17.
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           The Aggies clawed back, cutting the deficit to six with under nine minutes left by attacking inside and earning trips to the free-throw line. The atmosphere inside the O’Dome grew tense, but Richard and Alex Condon reignited the energy by attacking A&amp;amp;M’s extended defense, following Golden’s instructions.
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           "Coach emphasized just not slowing down when they went into their press," Richard said. During the game, he passed both Al Horford and Joakim Noah to move into 42nd place on Florida’s all-time scoring list with 1,138 points. "We just did a great job staying aggressive. Condon did a great job making passes and plays, and I just hit open looks. It was good for us to finish a game that way. It was something that we can definitely build on."
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           Fifth-year guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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            (15) hit four 3s in the first half.
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           Will Richard sparked the crowd with a three-pointer, only for A&amp;amp;M guard Wade Taylor IV to answer with one of his own. Richard quickly responded with another triple, and Florida’s next possessions ended with two powerful dunks from Alex Condon that sent the arena into a frenzy and stretched the lead to 11 with just over six minutes left.
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           Taylor trimmed the margin with two free throws, but the Aggies’ defense then allowed Walter Clayton Jr. to step into a deep three from the logo, pushing the lead back to 12. After another A&amp;amp;M free throw, Richard buried his sixth three-pointer to extend the advantage to 14.
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           The Aggies managed to cut the deficit to 10 with three minutes remaining, but Florida closed strong, scoring the final nine points to secure its 21st double-digit win of the season — nine of those coming in SEC play.
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           "You have to bounce back in this league or else you can catch yourself in a two- or three- or four-game losing streak -- and you can be a great team and be in the middle of that," Coach Todd Golden said, reflecting on his team’s resilience and noting A&amp;amp;M’s current struggles. "I think it shows a lot about our maturity, our ability to kind of flush losses, but also learn from the mistakes we made in those games."
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           Florida’s toughness and composure carried the night, rising to the challenge when it mattered most.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b3e1b71d.webp" length="214670" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2025 08:11:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-dominates-second-half-to-crush-texas-a-m</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Aim for Prime-Time Redemption Against Texas A&amp;M</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-aim-for-prime-time-redemption-against-texas-a-m</link>
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           ESPN's "College GameDay" bus outside of the O'Dome Friday in the run-up to Saturday's show and prime-time showdown of ranked teams.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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             – Defensive Focus Defines Gators’ Path. The Florida Gators boast one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses, but it’s their defensive growth that has elevated them into championship contention during the 2024-25 season.
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           That defensive edge faltered briefly on Tuesday in Athens. For about twelve minutes, Georgia capitalized, hitting 15 of their first 20 attempts—including five from beyond the arc—and surged to a 26-point advantage. On the road in the SEC, that kind of gap is nearly impossible to overcome.
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           Florida clawed back, even taking a two-point lead in the final minute, but the Bulldogs executed the decisive plays down the stretch.
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            "Being down 12, 15, 17, that's going to happen in this league," Florida coach
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            said. "But you can't be down twenty-freaking-six. You just can't"
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           One defensive stop could have flipped the outcome into a historic win. Instead, the Gators’ six-game streak ended abruptly—a setback Golden hopes will resonate as they enter March. For a team with championship ambitions, twelve poor minutes cannot define the month or the NCAA Tournament.
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           ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg weighed in:
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           "[Florida] is too good to play the first 10 or 15 minutes the way they did the other [night]. That's not the essence of who they are, and as a coach that had to be frustrating," Greenberg said Friday. "On the other hand, when they're good, man, they are good."
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            Greenberg’s presence in Gainesville underscores the team’s stature.
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           ESPN's popular "College GameDay" show
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            Saturday’s SEC clash between No. 3 Florida (24-4, 11-4) and No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M (20-8, 9-6) as its featured matchup, broadcasting live from Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center from 10 a.m. to noon.
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            [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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          '
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            s "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ESPN revealed last week that the show would return to UF for the first time since 2017. Days later, the Gators dropped their first game since Feb. 1 in Athens. To rebound, they’ll need to impose themselves against the Aggies, a team known for toughness and defense.
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           "They've got to understand that [defense] has to be a constant," Greenberg said after observing Friday’s practice with "GameDay" colleagues Rece Davis and Jay Williams. "You can't spot people and then play from behind in the NCAA Tournament because the pressure changes. These are just games. The NCAA Tournament, if you don't get stops early and [teams] gain confidence and you're a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, you have a whole arena rooting against you and it sucks the life out of you. … I'm sure that's a point of emphasis. They're too good."
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           The message was clear, and practice reflected it. Thursday’s session was intense, physical, and designed to reset the team’s defensive mindset.
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           Led by three seniors, Florida understands the stakes.
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            After scoring 30 points in Tuesday’s loss, senior guard
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            said: "We'll respond real good. It was a wake-up call. Won't happen again."
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           While some may dismiss those twelve minutes in Athens as an anomaly, others point to Missouri’s earlier visit to the O’Dome, where hot shooting built a 19-point halftime lead and handed UF its only home defeat, 83-82.
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           Mistakes can be valuable lessons—so long as they’re corrected before the third week of March.
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           Sophomore forward 
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           Alex Condon
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            (left), who returned after missing two weeks with an ankle sprain, and the Gators need to band together and get back to the 40-minute mentality they (mostly) displayed during a six-game win streak that ended Tuesday night at Georgia. 
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            The Gators were juggling lineup changes once again in Athens. Forward
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            rejoined the rotation after missing four games with an ankle injury. His 21 minutes were spent shaking off two weeks of inactivity, while also sharing the floor with 7-foot-1 center
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            for the first time in nearly a year. Handlogten had previously been working with the scout team before choosing to play instead of redshirting. Chemistry takes time, and both players are still building rhythm through repetitions.
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           Condon managed nine points and three rebounds despite shooting just 1-for-7, and he left the game needing dental work after taking an elbow to the mouth. He’ll wear a mouthpiece for the first time on Saturday—an important adjustment against a Texas A&amp;amp;M squad that leads the nation in offensive rebounding. Florida will need him closer to the form he showed before the injury, when he averaged 11 points and a team-best eight boards.
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           "I think we do a good job of rising to physical challenges," Golden said.
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           For a team eyeing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, this matchup is critical. The same high-stakes scenario will repeat in the final two regular-season contests—at No. 6 Alabama on Wednesday and then at home against Ole Miss—before continuing into the SEC Tournament in Nashville. From there, the margin for error disappears.
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           "It's important to finish the right way," Condon said.
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           Golden remains confident in his group.
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           "We have a really good team," he said. "You've got to be able to deal with some adversity and trust what this team has shown over the last 28 games. I'm still thrilled to be the coach of this team. I think this team has a chance to have a great end of the year, and I'd still feel that way even if we don't win [Saturday]. I think we've done enough to prove to ourselves that we have a chance to play deep into March."
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           And what better way to launch a March run than being featured at the center of college basketball’s spotlight on the first day of the month? Florida wants to prove it belongs there.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2025 15:50:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-aim-for-prime-time-redemption-against-texas-a-m</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Surges Late to Defeat Texas A&amp;M in SEC Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-surges-late-to-defeat-texas-a-m-in-sec-clash</link>
      <description>Florida men’s basketball closed with a dominant run to secure a decisive win over Texas A&amp;M, showcasing resilience, sharp shooting, and toughness in a key SEC matchup.</description>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla
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            . – Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            poured in 25 points, connected on six three-pointers, and added six rebounds to help third-ranked Florida secure an 89-70 win over No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M in Saturday night’s SEC matchup at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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           Richard, who had scored 30 in Tuesday’s loss at Georgia, delivered 17 points in the second half alone, including five threes. Two came right after halftime to extend the lead, and he added more clutch shots late after the Aggies trimmed a 17-point margin down to six with under 10 minutes to play.
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            Florida had five players in double figures. Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            scored 17, while fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            added 14 with four threes. Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , in just his second game back from an ankle injury, contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, highlighted by two emphatic dunks in the closing minutes. Senior point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            chipped in 10 points.
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           Texas A&amp;amp;M opened strong, hitting six of its first 10 shots — including three from beyond the arc despite being the SEC’s lowest-ranked three-point shooting team — to take a 16-10 lead. Florida responded with a 12-3 run fueled by Martin and Haugh, who each knocked down two threes, giving the Gators their first lead at 21-19. They never trailed again and carried an 11-point advantage into halftime.
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           Richard’s back-to-back threes to start the second half pushed the lead to 17, but the Aggies fought back to within six before Richard answered again from deep. Florida closed the game with a nine-point run to seal its 21st double-digit victory of the season. Richard finished 9-for-13 overall and 6-for-9 from long range, while the team shot 48 percent and 42.4 percent from three (14-for-33).
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            The defeat marked Texas A&amp;amp;M’s fourth consecutive loss. Guard
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           Zhuric Phelps
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            led the Aggies with 16 points and five rebounds, while leading scorer
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           Wade Taylor IV
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            was limited to 11 points and just 1-for-7 from three. A&amp;amp;M shot 39 percent overall and managed only three assists.
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           Sophomore forward 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (10) banks in a lob in Saturday's first half.
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            What it Means
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           Florida earned its sixth Quadrant 1 victory according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET). The Gators will have more opportunities in the coming weeks to add to that total, but they capitalized on the opening created earlier Saturday when Alabama suffered a loss. With the win, Florida is now level with Alabama for second place in the SEC standings, holding a one-game lead over Tennessee and a two-game cushion over Missouri and Texas A&amp;amp;M, with two contests remaining in the regular season.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Alex Condon showed signs of returning to form, looking much more like the player who ranked as Florida’s fourth-leading scorer and top rebounder before suffering an injury on Feb. 11. His performance was a clear improvement compared to Tuesday’s outing at Georgia. Against Texas A&amp;amp;M, he connected on five of six attempts from the field, displaying efficiency and energy.
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           Condon will continue putting in extra work at the gym in the days ahead, particularly on free throws. Despite his knack for drawing fouls, he struggled at the line against the Aggies, finishing just 1-for-5 and missing a key front-end attempt in the second half.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida’s 89 points marked the second-highest total surrendered by Texas A&amp;amp;M this season, despite the Aggies entering the game ranked No. 7 nationally in defensive efficiency. The Gators also controlled the rebounding battle with a 42-37 edge and nearly matched A&amp;amp;M on the offensive glass, finishing just one board behind at 15-14 against the nation’s top offensive rebounding team.
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           Florida has now advanced to the SEC Tournament semifinals for the second straight year. From 2015 through 2023, the program managed to reach that stage only once.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (25-4, 12-4) heads to Tuscaloosa on Wednesday night for a pivotal matchup against No. 6 Alabama. The contest carries major implications for both SEC Tournament positioning and NCAA Tournament seeding.
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           The Crimson Tide (23-6, 12-4) are coming off a heartbreaking loss at Tennessee, where they were beaten on a 40-foot buzzer-beater. A Florida victory would elevate the Gators into the No. 2 spot in the SEC standings, securing the second tournament bye and strengthening their case for one of the coveted No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.
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           Elsewhere in the league, Texas A&amp;amp;M (20-9, 9-7) will host top-ranked Auburn in another high-stakes showdown.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2025 09:00:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-surges-late-to-defeat-texas-a-m-in-sec-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Women’s Basketball to End Regular Season Against Top-Ranked Texas</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-to-end-regular-season-against-top-ranked-texas</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Florida's Alexia Gassett currently leads the team in blocks for the 2024-25 season. Gassett has hit a combined 23 her junior year and will look to extend her defensive presence through Sunday's matchup at Texas.
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           AUSTIN, Texas —
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            Florida will close out its 2024–25 regular season with a road matchup against
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           No. 1 Texas
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            . The SEC showdown is scheduled for a
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           2 p.m. ET tipoff at the Moody Center
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            and will be broadcast on
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           SECN
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           .
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           This marks the first meeting between the two programs as conference opponents. The Gators head into the game following a setback against Oklahoma, while the Longhorns aim to stretch their current winning streak to
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            13 straight victories.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           No. 1 Texas 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (28-2, 14-1 SEC)
          &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Sun., Mar. 2
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            Time: 2 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://texaslonghorns.com/facilities/moody-center/70" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Moody Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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            Radio:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5561" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5561" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/c89bc5ae-899b-40d6-8547-0050693b206a" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statmonitr.php?gid=tex" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
          &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Secure the Gators’ first win over a top-five opponent since 2006
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Earn their fifth road win of the season
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve Florida’s SEC record to 6–10
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            Move the program’s all-time SEC mark to 232–335
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            Give Coach Finley her 26th conference win as Florida’s head coach
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            Mark the team’s first victory against a ranked opponent since 2022
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Even Florida’s February 2025 record at 4–4
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series Overview
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida holds the edge in the all-time series against Texas, leading 5–1.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida vs. Texas History
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The two programs have squared off six times in recorded history. Their first me
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           eting came on Jan. 25, 1995, when Florida earned an 82–71 win in Austin. Since then, the Gators and Longhorns have played three times in Gainesville, twice in Austin, and once at a neutral site.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This upcoming matchup marks the first time the teams will meet as SEC opponents following Texas’ entry into the conference for the 2024–25 season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s Last Game Recap
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Gators fell at home to No. 13 Oklahoma, 89–65.
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Scoring Leaders:
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             paced the team with 14 points, marking the 15th time this season she has led Florida in scoring.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ra Shaya Kyle
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             and 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Dizeko
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             followed with 11 points apiece.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Rebounding &amp;amp; Defense: Kyle anchored the defense with eight rebounds and one block, while eight different Gators grabbed at least two boards.
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gator Quick Hits
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida continues to hold notable statistical marks despite recent losses:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Efficiency: Ranked No. 5 in the SEC and No. 27 nationally with a 46.2% field goal percentage.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Balanced Scoring: Four players average double figures — McGill (16.4), Kyle (14.7),
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             (12.0), and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             (10.7).
            &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            SEC Scoring Leaders: McGill sits at No. 12 (16.5 ppg), Kyle at No. 20 (14.7 ppg).
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Three-Point Accuracy:
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             leads the SEC in conference play at 48.4% (30–62) from deep.
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            Freshman Impact: McGill is the only freshman in the nation with a triple-double this season.
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            Double-Doubles: Kyle ranks No. 22 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC with 13 double-doubles.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Playmaking: McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (147) and is No. 4 in the SEC with 5.1 per game.
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            Rebounding: Kyle is No. 5 in the SEC with 9.0 rebounds per game; Florida ranks No. 3 in SEC play for defensive rebound percentage (69.7).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Defensive Benchmark: Florida is undefeated when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Consistency: The Gators have scored 20+ points in 52 of 118 quarters this season.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Efficiency Leaders: Kyle is No. 9 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC with a 60.3% field goal percentage.
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Rebounding Totals: Kyle is No. 38 nationally with 261 total rebounds.
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Shot Blocking:
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/17707" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             leads the team with 23 blocks.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Scoring Reliability: McGill has scored in double figures in 27 of 29 games, including 11 with 20+ points.
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Current Form: Florida is on a two-game losing streak, both against top-15 opponents.
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           PROJECTED TEXAS STARTERS:
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Texas Quick Hits
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Longhorns rank No. 5 in the SEC and No. 10 nationally in scoring offense, averaging 81.4 points per game.
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            They are No. 18 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC in field goal percentage, shooting 47.0% across all games.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Texas sits at No. 12 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC in blocked shots, averaging 5.3 per contest.
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            With an average of 16.6 assists per game, the Longhorns are No. 5 in the SEC and No. 33 in the country in playmaking.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Two starters are scoring in double figures: Madison Booker (16.1 ppg) and Aaliyah Jones (12.3 ppg).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Booker ranks No. 13 in the SEC in scoring for the 2024–25 season.
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Both Jones and Booker are among the SEC’s top 20 rebounders — Jones at No. 11 (7.1 rpg) and Booker at No. 14 (6.6 rpg).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Rori Harmon leads Texas in assists, averaging 6.0 per game, and ranks No. 2 in the SEC with 180 assists in 30 games.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Longhorns are currently on a 12-game winning streak, with their only conference loss coming against South Carolina.
           &#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-e190f19e.webp" length="57148" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:44:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-womens-basketball-to-end-regular-season-against-top-ranked-texas</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-e190f19e.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-e190f19e.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators vs. Texas A&amp;M: College GameDay Spotlight on SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-vs-texas-a-m-college-gameday-spotlight-on-sec-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Wil Richard (5), Walter Clayton Jr. and the Gators feature on ESPN's College GameDay this Saturday.
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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            ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm is set to make its way back to the O’Connell Center on Saturday, March 1. The broadcast will begin at 10 a.m. and lead into the evening showdown between No. 3 Florida men’s basketball (24-4, 11-4 SEC) and No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M (20-8, 9-6 SEC). Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., with the game presented by
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://vystarcu.org/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           VyStar Credit Union
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           .
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Timeline for March 1
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            8:30 a.m
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            . – Doors open for UF students at Gate 3 (see below for student entry details)
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            8:45 a.m.
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             – Doors open for general public at Gate 1
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            10 a.m
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            . – College GameDay live from the O'Connell Center (free admission)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The show will last approximately 2 hours, and the arena will be cleared upon conclusion.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            7:30 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             – Doors open to students and general public for Florida vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            8:30 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             – Tipoff for Florida vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           College GameDay Show Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Admission
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Open to all UF students and the public at no cost. No tickets are required.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Seating
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Sections 07–17 and 109–115 will be available.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Parking
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : First-come, first-served in Lot 25 and Garage 7, adjacent to the arena.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Concessions
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Limited food and beverage options will be offered before and during the event.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Entry
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Standard O’Connell Center security screening and prohibited item rules apply.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           College GameDay Giveaways &amp;amp; Student Prizes
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free Dunkin’ Donuts
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             for the first
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            500 UF students
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             lined up outside Gate 3.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Commemorative College GameDay buttons
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             for the first
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            1,000 attendees.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            A sign-making station
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             sponsored by State Farm, with poster board and markers provided.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Fans may also bring their own signs.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             All signs will be checked; inappropriate ones will be removed.
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Signs with vulgarity, commercial branding (.com, .net, .org), political, or religious messages are not allowed.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Complimentary State Farm
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            rollabanas
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             and net hats (while supplies last).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Half-court shot contest:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             one fan will have the chance to win
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            $19,000.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           College GameDay Student Entry Guidelines
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           To ensure safety and fairness, the University of Florida, the University Athletic Association (UAA), and the University Police Department have established the following:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Students may begin lining up outside Gate 3 on Friday at 9 p.m., following the gymnastics meet.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Camping outside Gate 3 Friday night is permitted as an official university activity. Per University regulations (2.016 – Camping, Fishing &amp;amp; Hunting on Campus Prohibited), camping is otherwise prohibited unless designated as official.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            All tents and campsites must be cleared and the area cleaned four hours before tip-off (by 4:30 p.m.).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The University, UAA, and O’Connell Center are not responsible for unattended belongings.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The first 500 students in line will receive numbered wristbands (maximum two per student).
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            After wristbands are distributed, remaining students will be given ticket stubs with zone numbers (starting at Zone 2).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Following the College GameDay show, students must exit Gate 3 and rejoin the line outside.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            All students must return by 1 p.m. for re-entry.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Students who attend College GameDay and return by 1 p.m. will be admitted first.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Students who do not attend the show will be placed in a separate line, with entry based on availability.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_students_.aspx?utm_source=ufsfmc&amp;amp;utm_medium=email&amp;amp;utm_campaign=EML25_0225_6P_MBK_GAMEDAY-STUD&amp;amp;utm_id=48578&amp;amp;sfmc_id=2955607" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            More Student Ticketing Information
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Know Before You Go – Texas A&amp;amp;M Game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Arrive Early
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             : Avoid Lines, gates open at
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            7:30 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             for both UF students (Gate 3) and the general public gates (Gates 1 &amp;amp; 4).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_facilities_parking_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men's Basketball Gameday Parking Info
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sold Out Game: Only verified resale tickets available via 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-mens-basketball-vs-university-gainesville-florida-01-18-2025/event/22006101A4BB23B1?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBK-SINGLE&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_MBK-SINGLE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/9/3/mobile-ticketing.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Mobile Tickets
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Fans should add tickets and parking passes to their digital wallet before arriving for faster access.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Student Entry: All active UF students must enter through Gate 3 with a free, claimed season pass. 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/studentpass2425" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here to claim your pass
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/studentpass2425" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             Possession of a pass does not guarantee entry; admission is first-come, first-served.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Broadcast Info:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Tipoff at
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            8:30 p.m
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             on
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            SEC Network
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             (TV) and
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             (Radio).
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gameday_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Basketball Game Day Guide
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/MBBprogram" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Texas A&amp;amp;M Digital Game Program
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Got game day questions? 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_tickets_faq_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
          
             Ask Albert
            &#xD;
        &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            !
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Giveaways &amp;amp; Promotions – Texas A&amp;amp;M Game
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exclusive Florida Basketball T-Shirts
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Placed on all lower level seats, courtesy of 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.meldonlaw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Meldon Law
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alligator Alley (Practice Court - Between Gates 3 &amp;amp; 4)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Interactive games, activities, and special giveaways while supplies last before the game.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Texas A&amp;amp;M &amp;amp; Ole Miss (Mar. 8) Games Sold Out:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Fans can place deposits for the 2025-26 season at 
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            FloridaGators.com/tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Student Tickets: Beginning at 7:30 p.m., UF students must enter Exactech Arena via Gate 3 (Southwest side). Entry is first-come, first-served, and capacity will be capped.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Verified Resale Tickets:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Only available through Ticketmaster.com. Avoid unverified resellers. 
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2024/7/30/counterfeit-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here for tips on verifying tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Will Call:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Located at the Exactech Arena Ticket Office (north of Gate 1, near the Tom &amp;amp; Jane Johnson Family Atrium).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           This Weekend on Campus
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Friday, February 2
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men's &amp;amp; Women's Swimming &amp;amp; Diving
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             - Florida Invitational (Prelims: 9 a.m. | Finals 4 p.m.)
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
                  - Free Admission   Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men's Tennis vs. Kentucky
           &#xD;
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            - 5 p.m. | Free Admission | Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
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            Softball
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            - Florida Invitational vs. Samford - 5:30 p.m. | 
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            Get Tickets
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             | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
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            Gymnastics vs. Missouri
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             - 5:45 p.m. | 
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             | Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Baseball vs. Miami
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             - 6:30 p.m. | Free Ariat hats for first 300 UF students | 
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             | Condron Family Ballpark
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           Saturday, March 1
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            Men's &amp;amp; Women's Swimming &amp;amp; Diving - 
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            Florida Invitational (Prelims: 9 a.m. | Finals 4 p.m.)
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           - Free Admission | Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Softball – Florida Invitational vs. Troy (11:30 a.m.) &amp;amp; Western Michigan (2 p.m.)
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           Get Tickets
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            | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
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            Baseball vs. Miami 
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            - 4:30 p.m. | 
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            Get Tickets
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             | Condron Family Ballpark
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           Sunday, March 2
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            Men's Tennis vs. Texas 
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            – Noon | Free Admission | Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
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            Baseball vs. Miami - 
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             1 p.m. | UF Snapback hats for first 1,000 fans and Kids Run the Bases
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           Get Tickets
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            | Condron Family Ballpark
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           Softball- Florida Invitational vs. FAMU 
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           - 2 p.m. | 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2025/1/13/softball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Get Tickets
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            | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c984ba1f.webp" length="97602" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:14:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-vs-texas-a-m-college-gameday-spotlight-on-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c984ba1f.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators vs. Texas A&amp;M: Prime-Time SEC Showdown with Tournament Stakes</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-vs-texas-a-m-prime-time-sec-showdown-with-tournament-stakes</link>
      <description>No. 3 Florida hosts No. 12 Texas A&amp;M in Gainesville with NCAA seeding on the line. ESPN’s College GameDay spotlights this high-stakes SEC battle as the Gators look to rebound and prove their March credentials.</description>
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           Share:
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           No. 5 Florida vs. No. 7 Alabama
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            Game Time:
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             Wednesday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            Venue:
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             Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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            Team Records:
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             Florida (25-4, 12-4) / Alabama (23-6, 12-4)
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            Television:
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             ESPN2 coverage with
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            Dave Pasch
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             ,
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            Jay Bilas
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             , and
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            Molly McGrath
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            Radio:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / [
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
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             ]
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             (featuring
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
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             ,
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            Lee Humphrey
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             , and
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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            Tickets:
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             [
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            Ticket info
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            ]
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           ESPN's "College GameDay" show (sans 
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           Jay Bilas
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           ) will air live from the O'Dome Saturday morning. 
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           SETUP:
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             No. 3 Florida and No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M square off in a Southeastern Conference matchup with major implications for seeding in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments. ESPN’s "College GameDay" will broadcast live from the O’Dome between 10 a.m. and noon.
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           Florida enters the contest after seeing its six-game winning streak end Tuesday in an 88-83 defeat at Georgia. The Gators trailed by 26 points in the first half, mounted a furious rally to take the lead with just over a minute remaining, but ultimately fell in the closing seconds.
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           Texas A&amp;amp;M, meanwhile, dropped its third straight game Wednesday night, falling 86-84 at home to Vanderbilt. It marks the Aggies’ first three-game skid of the season, and they’ll be eager to reverse course.
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           At present, UF sits alone in third place in the SEC standings—one game behind Alabama, one game ahead of Tennessee and Missouri, and two ahead of Texas A&amp;amp;M. With three regular-season games left, the race for one of the four coveted two-day byes in the SEC Tournament is tight. Auburn has essentially locked up the No. 1 seed, Alabama is well-positioned for the 2 or 3 slot, and the remaining spots are still in play among several top-20 programs. Florida, however, controls its path if it can capitalize.
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           SERIES:
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            Florida leads the all-time series 10-9, thanks to snapping a five-game losing streak against the Aggies in their most recent meeting. That skid dated back to 2022, with the losses decided by a combined 10 points.
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           The Gators previously won four straight from 2017-20, but the teams did not meet in 2021 due to Covid. Texas A&amp;amp;M then strung together close victories: by one at College Station and by three in overtime at the SEC Tournament in Tampa in 2022; by three in Gainesville and by two at College Station in 2023; and by one at home in 2024. Six weeks later, the teams met again in the SEC Tournament semifinals at Nashville, where A&amp;amp;M built an 18-point first-half lead before Florida stormed back.
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           Sophomore guard Denzel Aberdeen delivered a career-best 20 points off the bench, hitting 4-of-5 from deep. Florida shot 56 percent overall and connected on eight of 15 three-pointers during a 53-point second half against one of the nation’s toughest defenses. Junior guard Will Richard added 19 points, graduate forward Tyrese Samuel contributed 15 points and six rebounds, and graduate point guard Zyon Pullin chipped in 15 points and five assists. The Gators advanced to the SEC championship game for the first time in a decade, where they fell to Auburn.
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           ETC:
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            Florida has posted dominant home wins this season, defeating Tennessee and Georgia by 30 points each. Yet in road rematches, the Gators lost to Tennessee by 20 and to Georgia by five.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           UF forward 
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           Alex Condon
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            (21) returned to action Tuesday after missing four games with an ankle sprain.
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           What may have been Florida’s roughest 12 minutes of the season lined up with Georgia’s best, and the Gators paid the price. With just under eight minutes left in the first half, UF trailed 39-13, shooting only 25 percent while allowing the Bulldogs to hit 75 percent and forcing just three turnovers. Over the next 27 minutes, Florida flipped the script, outscoring Georgia 67-39 on 46-percent shooting, holding them to 41 percent, and forcing 14 turnovers to grab an 80-78 lead. But the final minute proved decisive, ending the Gators’ six-game win streak.
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           Florida left Athens with nearly identical offensive and defensive numbers to what it started with, making those 12 minutes even harder to swallow. Still, the focus now shifts to wins—especially quality ones. The last three regular-season games (Texas A&amp;amp;M, at Alabama, and Ole Miss) all present potential Quadrant 1 opportunities under the NCAA Evaluation Tool. Florida sits at 5-4 in Q1 contests, a modest tally for a team aiming for a high tournament seed.
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            Guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            , slowed recently by a sore toe, erupted in his Georgia homecoming with a career-high 30 points, five 3-pointers, five rebounds, and three assists. He scored 17 in the first half, keeping Florida within reach. His backcourt partners
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
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            combined for just six points on 2-for-11 shooting in the opening period, though Clayton finished with 18 points, three triples, five assists, and five turnovers. Martin added eight points, two rebounds, and three steals in 32 minutes. With Richard’s performance, all three starting guards have now posted 30-point games this season (Martin vs. Southern Illinois, Clayton at Kentucky).
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            Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            , making his fourth straight start, contributed six points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals but missed all four of his 3-point attempts. Center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            saw his streak of four consecutive double-digit scoring games end, finishing with three points, four rebounds, and fouling out in 15 minutes.
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            Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           , returning from a low-ankle sprain suffered Feb. 11 at Mississippi State, showed some rust around the rim, going 1-for-7 from the floor. He logged 21 minutes, scored nine points, grabbed three rebounds, and drew a game-high six fouls while hitting 7-of-9 free throws.
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            Sophomore center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            added six points, nine rebounds, and two steals in 12 minutes, with six of his boards coming on the offensive end. Backup guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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            struggled, going scoreless in under eight minutes. Reserve guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            played eight minutes and extended his streak of games with a made 3-pointer to seven, hitting 11-of-20 from deep in SEC play. Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-alexis/16985" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sam Alexis
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            (ankle) missed his fifth straight game.
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           The Aggies
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           Texas A&amp;amp;M point guard 
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           Wade Taylor IV
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            (4)
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            Now in his sixth season at Texas A&amp;amp;M,
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           Buzz Williams
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            has steadily built the program into a consistent winner. His record in College Station stands at 117-70, with four consecutive 20-win campaigns and the team tracking toward a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
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           Just a week ago, the Aggies were firmly in the conversation for a possible No. 2 seed in March. That momentum stalled with a three-game slide—losses at Mississippi State, then at home against Tennessee and Vanderbilt. The schedule doesn’t ease up, with a trip to No. 3 Florida followed by a home finale against top-ranked Auburn.
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           A&amp;amp;M is known for its physical style of play, rivaling Tennessee as one of the SEC’s toughest teams. Defensively, they lead the league in scoring defense at 66.7 points per game and rank among the best in several advanced categories: No. 1 in turnover percentage (20.1) and rebounding percentage (26.0), second in two-point defense (47.7 percent), and fourth in overall efficiency.
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           Offensively, the Aggies are less efficient. They sit near the bottom of the SEC in effective field-goal percentage, but they dominate the glass, ranking first in offensive rebounding percentage (38.5) both in the conference and nationally. They are 12th in two-point shooting (48.2 percent) and 14th from three-point range (29.2 percent). Scoring doesn’t come easily, and they rarely rush possessions, preferring a slower, grinding pace.
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           Forward Andersson Garcia continues to be a major factor on the boards, collecting 65 offensive rebounds alongside 99 defensive. He has posted five games with double-digit rebounds this season, highlighted by a 16-board performance against Wake Forest.
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           Forward Solomon Washington gave Florida trouble in last year’s matchup, making his presence felt both on the glass and as a rim protector. His production has dipped during the current losing streak—scoreless against Vanderbilt and just five points total across those games—but earlier this season he strung together five consecutive SEC outings with double-digit scoring.
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            ﻿
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           Junior forward Pharrel Payne, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound transfer from Minnesota, provides a powerful low-post option off the bench. Payne has been highly efficient, shooting 66 percent from the field and recently scoring 23 points on 9-for-13 against Vanderbilt. He has yet to attempt a three-pointer this season, but his rebounding balance is notable, with 69 offensive and 67 defensive boards. Payne also ranks among the nation’s top shot-blockers, sitting 46th overall.
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           Numbers of Note
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           UF guard 
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           KeVaughn Allen
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            (5) launches a 3 over A&amp;amp;M's Jay Jay 
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           Chandler 
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           in the Gators' last home win -- six years ago -- against the Aggies.
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            7
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             — SEC programs currently hold more Quadrant 1 victories than Florida’s five. The Gators’ relatively light non-conference slate (ranked 216th nationally) and the strength of the league schedule contribute to that gap. Auburn leads with 15, followed by Alabama (10), Tennessee (9), Kentucky (9), Mississippi State (7), and both Missouri and Texas A&amp;amp;M with six each.
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            15
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             — Florida’s rank in free-throw shooting within the SEC, converting 69.4 percent. At Georgia, the Gators went just 18-for-29 (62.1 percent), with two misses apiece from Walter Clayton Jr. (83.0 percent), Will Richard (73.1), and Alijah Martin (62.5).
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            16
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             — Texas A&amp;amp;M’s position at the bottom of the SEC in free-throw shooting, hitting 69.3 percent at the line.
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            50
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             — Consecutive games in which Walter Clayton Jr. has made at least one three-pointer. He surpassed the previous program record of 41, set by Michael Frazier II nine years ago, and continues to extend the streak.
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            2019
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             — The last time Florida defeated Texas A&amp;amp;M at the O’Dome. On Jan. 22 of that year, with Billy Kennedy coaching the Aggies and Mike White leading the Gators, UF won 81-72. Guards KeVaughn Allen and Noah Locke combined for 58 points. Allen went 8-for-10 from deep, while Locke added seven triples on his way to a career-high 27 points. Florida trailed by 13 at halftime but shot 59 percent in the second half, including 11-for-15 from three (73.3 percent), to outscore A&amp;amp;M 48-26.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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           Bottom Line
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           With a trip to No. 6 Alabama up next, the importance of this matchup—especially in terms of NCAA seeding—cannot be overstated.
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           Email
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8a61d7bb.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:30:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-vs-texas-a-m-prime-time-sec-showdown-with-tournament-stakes</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8a61d7bb.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Falls to No. 13 Oklahoma in Final Home Game of 2025 Regular Season</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-falls-to-no-13-oklahoma-in-final-home-game-of-2025-regular-season</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Florida celebrates its senior night on Thursday evening with four seniors posting a bucket for UF against No. 13 Oklahoma.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            — Florida wrapped up its 2025 home schedule with a setback against No. 13 Oklahoma, falling 89–65.
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            The Gators had three players reach double figures in scoring, while eight different players collected at least two rebounds.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            paced the offense for the fifteenth time this season, finishing with 14 points.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alexia Dizeko
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            followed closely, each contributing 11 points.
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           Defensively, Kyle led the way with eight rebounds and one block, while 10 other teammates added to the effort on the glass, giving Florida a total of 39 boards. As a team, the Gators shot 31.8 percent from the field, 28 percent from three-point range, and 82.4 percent at the free throw line—with the field goal percentage marking their lowest of the season.
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           How It Happened
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           First Quarter:
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            OU took the initial lead and held the advantage for a combined nine minutes and 32 seconds
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            UF was shooting a game low 18 percent from the field in the first five minutes of play 
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            Florida trailed by as many as 12 (16-4), before taking the lead with under a minute left (19-18)
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            The Gators posted 19 points, shooting 31.6 percent from the field (6-19)
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            Florida cashed in 10 points off Oklahoma's seven turnovers
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            Dizeko led on offense with seven of UF's points
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            Kyle and Gassett led on the boards with three rebounds each
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            The Gators were out rebounded 15-8 by the Sooners
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           Second Quarter:
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/daviane-mindoudi-ongbakahoumb/17197" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Daviane Mindoudi Ongbakahoumb
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             grabbed back-to-back rebounds in her two minutes on court
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            Reynolds led in scoring with four of UF's 13 points
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            The Gators went 4-16 from the field (25%), 2-4 from the three (50%), and 3-5 from the line
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            UF out rebounded the Sooners 14-12
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            Kyle led Florida in rebounds, grabbing four
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            The Sooners held the lead for the entirety of the period
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            UF trailed by 12 to conclude the half (44-32)
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           Third Quarter:
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            Florida recorded 10 points inside the paint—their most of the game
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            Warren led on offense with five points, followed by Dizeko and McGill with four each
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            The Gators recorded a game low six rebounds
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            UF's six rebounds came from six different players—each grabbing one
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            UF forced seven turnovers on the Sooners—three coming from Florida steals
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            Florida ended the period shooting a game high 38.9 percent from the field (7-18)
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           Fourth Quarter:
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            Kyle was the only Gator to see the free throw line and went 4-4 from the line
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            McGill and Kyle led with six points each, tallying a combined 12 of UF's 16
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            Florida went 5-17 from the field to mark their lowest percentage of the half (29.4 %)
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            Five of UF's points were off rebounds
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           Worth Noting:
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            Four seniors scored on Senior Night: Kyle (11), Dizeko (11), Warren (8), and Eriny Kindred (4).
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            Three players reached double figures: McGill (14), Kyle (11), and Warren (11).
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            McGill has scored in double digits in 27 of 29 games, including 11 with 20+ points.
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            Florida scored 24 points in the paint and 14 from the bench.
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            Four Gators were perfect at the line: Kindred (2-for-2), Dizeko (2-for-2), Reynolds (2-for-2), and Me’Arah O’Neal (2-for-2).
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            The team attempted 25 three-pointers, its second-most this season (season-high: 32 vs. Alabama State on Dec. 29, 2024).
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            Florida forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 17 points.
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            The Gators shot a season-low 31.4% from the field and were out-rebounded 52–39.
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            Oklahoma’s 52 rebounds marked its season high.
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            Florida tallied 12 assists, with McGill and Gassett leading at three each.
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            McGill also led in steals with three, half of the team’s total.
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 52 of 118 quarters this season.
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            Florida converted nine of 19 layup attempts and averaged 0.82 points per possession across 79 trips.
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Gator Bites
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            Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            praised her veteran players for their commitment and leadership:
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           "This team loves playing together and it's not the end of our season by any stretch of the imagination. Jeriah and the rest of our seniors have put a lot of time into building this program and as their coach in this day and age of NIL and the transfer portal, they could have made a lot of different choices than to be here at Florida. So, as their coach, I'm proud of them. We just talked about the skills that they've learned on and off the court. Our program is different. We want to win, and we want to win on the court, but we also want to win at life."
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           Finley emphasized that the seniors’ decision to stay and invest in the program reflects their dedication not only to basketball but also to the culture Florida is building.
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           On Facing No. 1 Texas in the Regular Season Finale Looking ahead to the Gators’ final conference matchup
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           Finley
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            highlighted the challenge and excitement of playing the nation’s top-ranked team:
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           "Pretty cool opportunity, a sold-out arena on their home floor for the last game of the season, so you can look at it like, oh my gosh, wow. How did we get the No. 1 team as our last conference match? That's not what competitors do. It's not why you come to Florida. It's not why you play in the SEC. Texas and Oklahoma finished one and two last year in the Big 12 standings; it's why the SEC is the number one conference in women's basketball in the country, arguably the number one conference in the world. So, to me, I think it's a cool opportunity. Nobody else has that opportunity but us."
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida: 
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           (14-15, 5-10 SEC)
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           Oklahoma: 
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           (22-6, 10-5 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           Oklahoma holds the advantage in the all-time series against Florida, leading 2–1.
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           Next Up
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           Florida now turns its attention to the final game of the 2024–25 regular season, a road matchup against No. 1 Texas. The Gators and Longhorns will tip off on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET inside the Moody Center. This contest will serve as Florida’s last regular-season outing before heading into the SEC Tournament.
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           NEXT UP: Texas 
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           (28-2, 14-1 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Mar. 2
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            Time: 2 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://texaslonghorns.com/facilities/moody-center/70" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Moody Center
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            Radio:
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5561" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
             
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/showcase?Live=5561" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/c89bc5ae-899b-40d6-8547-0050693b206a" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2025 02:02:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-falls-to-no-13-oklahoma-in-final-home-game-of-2025-regular-season</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators’ Epic Rally Falls Short in Athens Thriller</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-epic-rally-falls-short-in-athens-thriller</link>
      <description>Florida mounted a stunning comeback from 26 points down, but Georgia’s clutch shooting sealed an 88-83 upset over the No. 3 Gators in Athens.</description>
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           UF guard Alijah Martin (15) gets swarmed in the post during Tuesday night's loss at Athens.
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           Share:
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           ATHENS, Ga. – For the first time in years, Georgia fans rushed the court after a win over Florida. Not only was it rare for the Bulldogs to defeat the Gators, but it had been decades since they toppled a team ranked in the nation’s top three.
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           That streak ended Tuesday night at Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia built what looked like an untouchable lead, surrendered much of it, then delivered clutch plays late to secure an 88-83 upset of the No. 3 Gators — marking the program’s most significant victory in over 20 years.
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           Blue Cain drilled a decisive 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, and the Bulldogs held firm at the free-throw line to clinch the win. It was their first triumph over a top-three opponent since beating No. 3 Georgia Tech back in 2004, a result that could thrust the team back into NCAA Tournament discussions. Ironically, the game nearly became one of Georgia’s worst collapses — and simultaneously one of Florida’s greatest comebacks.
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            "We put ourselves in too big a hole and [that made] us have to play perfect down the stretch," UF coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            said after the Gators’ six-game winning streak ended, damaging their pursuit of a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed. "We almost did it, but fell a little short."
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           That “hole” was massive. Florida (24-4, 11-4) dropped its first game since Feb. 1 at Tennessee after Georgia (17-11, 5-10) opened by hitting 15 of its first 20 shots — a blistering 75 percent — to surge ahead 39-13 with under eight minutes left in the first half. Despite being one of the SEC’s weakest 3-point shooting teams, UGA connected on seven of nine from deep in the period. Sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr. led the charge with 14 of his 21 points before halftime, including three triples.
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           Florida, shooting just 36.4 percent in the opening half, tightened its defense enough to force 10 turnovers and trimmed the deficit to 51-35 at the break.
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            "It was our start. We started off too slow. They shot 68 percent in the first half. You can't let a team do that," said senior guard
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           Will Richard
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           , a Fairburn, Ga., native who scored a career-high 30 points and went 5-for-7 from beyond the arc in his homecoming. "You can't afford to get down by 26 to any team in the country."
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           Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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           (5) scored a career-high 30 points, hitting five 3-pointers along the way.
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           Despite trailing by double digits, Florida clawed back with 45-percent shooting in the second half, knocking down six 3-pointers and capitalizing on turnovers. Georgia still held a 16-point cushion with 15 minutes left, but the Gators trimmed it to nine at the 11-minute mark and seven with just over six minutes remaining. A steal and fast-break layup from Tyrin Lawrence (14 points) pushed the Bulldogs ahead 78-67 with under five minutes to play.
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           .
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            (18 points, 5 assists, 5 turnovers) answered with a driving layup at 3:27. Soon after, sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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           (9 points, 3 rebounds in 21 minutes), returning from an ankle injury, sank two free throws. Clayton followed with a transition 3-pointer, and Condon forced a steal that led to another pair of free throws, cutting the margin to 78-77.
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            On Georgia’s next trip, Silas Demary Jr. missed from deep, and Florida raced the other way. Clayton fed
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           Thomas Haugh
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            for a layup that gave UF its first lead of the night at 1:20, capping a 12-0 surge in just over two minutes.
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            Out of a timeout, Florida forced another turnover, and
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           Alijah Martin
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            split a pair of free throws to make it 80-78 with 1:08 left. That miss proved costly. Blue Cain found space on the wing and buried a 3-pointer to swing momentum back to Georgia.
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           "We needed one more stop and couldn't get it," Golden said.
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           From there, Florida missed its final three shots, while Demary and freshman forward Asa Newell (15 points, 9 rebounds), a projected NBA lottery pick, combined to hit five of eight free throws in the last 35.9 seconds. The win ended Georgia’s 12-game losing streak in the series, which dated back to 2020.
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           Just last month, Florida had beaten Georgia by 30 in Gainesville.
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           "Big win, crazy game," UGA coach Mike said after earning his first victory in seven tries against the program he departed in 2022 to take over the Bulldogs. More importantly, it was a résumé-building triumph to pair with earlier wins over No. 10 St. John’s and No. 17 Kentucky. "Credit to Florida for an incredible comeback. They hit huge shots and took the lead, and our response was phenomenal. Florida's really, really good, but it was a big win for us."
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           Georgia finished 22-for-27 at the line (81.5 percent), while Florida went 18-for-29 (62.1 percent). Those missed opportunities proved decisive in a game where the Gators had to erase a massive deficit — and nearly did.
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           (1) scored 15 of his 18 in the second half, when the Gators picked up the pressure and pace and rallied from 26 down to take a lead that lasted less than a minute.
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           "We were playing the last eight minutes with our hair on fire, taking a couple chances here and there," Golden said of the furious rally. "Georgia was trying to protect the lead. It's usually a reverse situation for us, where we're trying to get to the finish line."
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           As the final buzzer sounded, the scene shifted to a wave of red and black fans flooding the floor — the first time Florida had faced a court-storming opponent since Vanderbilt back in 2007. For the Gators, it was the sting of a comeback that nearly became legendary but ultimately fell short.
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           Now, the focus turns forward. Florida will regroup quickly with another test looming, beginning Saturday night against No. 12 Texas A&amp;amp;M as the calendar flips to March, the sport’s most intense month.
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           "We'll respond real good," Richard said. "It was a wake-up call. Won't happen again."
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            ﻿
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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          New Paragraph
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1357daf3.webp" length="175916" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:39:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-epic-rally-falls-short-in-athens-thriller</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Senior Night Spotlight: Gators Host No. 13 Oklahoma in Home Finale</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/senior-night-spotlight-gators-host-no-13-oklahoma-in-home-finale</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Florida celebrates its senior night on Thursday evening with four seniors posting a bucket for UF against No. 13 Oklahoma.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida will close out its 2024–25 home schedule with a matchup against No. 13 Oklahoma. The SEC game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff at the O’Dome and will be streamed live on SECN+.
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           This meeting marks the first time the Gators and Sooners will face each other as conference opponents. Florida heads into the contest following a loss to Tennessee, while Oklahoma arrives in Gainesville aiming to extend its winning streak to six straight games.
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           Oklahoma 
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           (21-6, 9-5 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Feb. 27
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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            Exactech Arena
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch:
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            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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           What a Florida Win Would Mean
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            Home Success: Secure the Gators’ 11th home win of the season, reinforcing their strength at Exactech Arena.
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            Momentum in February: Mark their fourth victory of the month, a strong finish to regular-season play.
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            SEC Standing: Improve Florida’s conference record to 6–9, showing progress in league competition.
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            Program History: Adjust the Gators’ all-time SEC record to 232–334, continuing to build on the program’s legacy.
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            Coaching Milestone: Give Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 26th SEC win as Florida’s head coach, a notable career benchmark.
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            Ranked Opponent Breakthrough: Deliver Florida’s first win over a ranked team since 2022, a major confidence boost heading into postseason play.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Record
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           The all-time series between Florida and Oklahoma is currently tied at 1–1.
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           Florida vs. Oklahoma History
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           The first meeting came on Dec. 3, 2017, in Norman, Oklahoma, where Florida earned an 80–61 victory.
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           The second matchup went to the Sooners, who defeated the Gators 95–79 at the Jordan Brand Classic in Charlotte, N.C., on Dec. 21, 2022.
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           Thursday’s contest will be the first time the two programs face off as conference rivals since Oklahoma joined the SEC. It will also mark the Sooners’ first-ever appearance in Gainesville.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Last Time Out
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           On Sunday, Feb. 23, Florida fell at home to Tennessee, 86–78. Despite the loss, the Gators held their own on the glass, finishing with a 47–42 rebounding advantage, and shot 46.2% from the field, outpacing the Lady Vols’ 40.7%.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds, recording her 13th double-double of the season. Three other Gators also reached double figures:
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           Liv McGill
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            (17), 
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           Laila Reynolds
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            (17), and 
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           Jeriah Warren
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            (11).
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida ranks No. 4 in the SEC and No. 20 nationally with a 46.8% field goal percentage.
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             Four players average double-digit scoring: McGill (16.5), Kyle (14.7),
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            Warren
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             (12.1), and 
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            Reynolds
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            (10.6).
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            Both McGill and Kyle are among the SEC’s top 20 scorers — McGill at No. 13 (16.5 ppg) and Kyle at No. 18 (14.8 ppg).
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            McGill is the only freshman in the nation with a triple-double this season and has logged 11 games with 20+ points.
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            Kyle ranks No. 23 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC with 12 double-doubles.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (139) and is No. 4 in the SEC with 5.1 assists per game.
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            Kyle is No. 5 in the SEC in rebounding (9.0 rpg).
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            Florida is undefeated when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer.
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 52 of 114 quarters this season.
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            Kyle is No. 8 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC in field goal percentage (61.0).
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            Kyle is also No. 42 in the NCAA in total rebounds (253).
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 23.
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            McGill
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             has scored in double figures in 25 of her 27 games at Florida.
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           PROJECTED OKLAHOMA STARTERS:
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           Oklahoma Quick HitS
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            The Sooners boast the No. 2 scoring offense in the SEC and rank No. 5 nationally, averaging 86.4 points per game.
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            They are No. 15 in the NCAA and No. 2 in the SEC in overall field goal percentage, shooting 47.2%.
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            Defensively, Oklahoma is among the best at creating turnovers, ranking No. 15 nationally and No. 2 in the SEC with 11.9 steals per game.
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            The Sooners excel in ball movement, averaging 21.8 assists per game, which places them No. 1 in both the SEC and the nation.
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            Payton Beers leads the team in scoring at 17.5 points per game, ranking No. 8 in the SEC.
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            Beers also tops the SEC in shooting efficiency, converting 67.3% from the field.
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            Payton Verhulst directs the offense with 3.8 assists per game, ranking No. 8 in the SEC with 103 total assists across 27 games.
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            Oklahoma is currently on a five-game winning streak, with victories over Ole Miss, Auburn, Missouri, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas.
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             ﻿
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%283%29-f109c2e3.webp" length="143100" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:03:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/senior-night-spotlight-gators-host-no-13-oklahoma-in-home-finale</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%283%29-f109c2e3.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%283%29-f109c2e3.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Boost: Alex Condon’s Return Sparks Full-Strength Push</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-boost-alex-condons-return-sparks-full-strength-push</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Forward Alex Condon was UF's top rebounder and fourth-leading scorer when he went down with an ankle injury Feb. 11 at Mississippi State.
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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           ATHENS, Ga.
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            –
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            suited up last Saturday at LSU and joined Florida’s pregame warm-up routine. The sophomore forward wasn’t expected to take the court against the Tigers, but treated the occasion as an additional workout — another move forward in his effort to return to action for the Gators.
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           That appearance came three days ago, and since then he has continued to make progress with more steps toward full readiness.
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           "I'm feeling pretty good," the 6-foot-11, 230-pound Australian and team rebound leader said Monday. "Just taking my time with my recovery, making sure I'm not rushing back."
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            It has now been two weeks since Alex Condon collapsed just 30 seconds into Florida’s Feb. 11 matchup at Mississippi State. The incident echoed the scare involving senior point guard and top scorer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton
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            Jr
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            . at Tennessee only 10 days earlier. In both situations, the Gators avoided major injuries. The same was true for fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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           , who suffered a hip pointer on Feb. 4 against Vanderbilt.
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           Clayton sat out one game, Martin missed two, and Condon — aside from his brief appearance in Starkville — was sidelined for four. Despite those absences, Florida’s roster kept rolling.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            Saturday at LSU
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           Currently ranked No. 3, the Gators (24-3, 11-3) have strung together six consecutive wins, a streak that overlapped with the three starters missing a combined seven contests. They now aim to continue their push toward full strength when they face SEC rival Georgia (16-11, 4-11) Tuesday night at Stegeman Coliseum.
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            [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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            's "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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           Condon practiced at full speed Monday and was listed as “questionable” in the team’s first availability report that evening.
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            "I think he'll play, unless something happens at practice," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said earlier Monday, noting the team’s cautious approach. "He was very close on Saturday. I think he wanted to play. He was chomping at the bit a little bit. But just as we've been able to do with Walt and Alijah, we just don't want to bring him back too early. Obviously, every game for us in the SEC feels like the Super Bowl, but we also want to make sure we're ready for March."
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            During Monday’s session, “Condo” worked alongside front-line rotation players and even shared reps with 7-foot-1
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           Micah Handlogten
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            — a frontcourt pairing not seen in nearly a year. For the Gators, it was a “big” and welcome sight.
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           UF junior center 
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            Micah Handlogten
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            (3) had six rebounds, three on the offensive end, in his third game back Saturday at LSU.
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           The memory of Micah Handlogten’s severe compound fracture during the SEC tournament championship last March 17 came rushing back to Alex Condon when he leapt for an inbound pass and landed awkwardly on the foot of Mississippi State forward RJ Melendez in the opening possession on Feb. 11. Condon immediately went down, clutching his leg in visible pain.
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           "Pretty scary," Condon admitted. "It kind of reminded me of that, with the crowd getting so quiet."
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            ﻿
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           He was carried off the Humphrey Coliseum floor, but medical staff quickly determined there was no structural damage. X-rays later confirmed the encouraging diagnosis.
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            Alex Condon became part of Florida’s growing injury list — one that soon included reserve forward Sam Alexis, also hurt at Mississippi State — and the group demanded extra care in the UF training room.
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           Head coach Todd Golden jokingly described the scene last week as a “MAS*H unit.” In that analogy, head trainer Jon Michelini and graduate intern Tyler Hrubes were cast as “Hawkeye” and “Trapper John.” Alongside student assistant Preston Dill, the trio has earned consistent praise from both coaches and players for their dedication in recent weeks.
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           "Big shout-out to the training stuff, man!" Alijah Martin said.
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           Head trainer
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            Jon Michelini
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           Golden also highlighted the contributions of strength and conditioning coordinator Victor Lopez. He credited the entire health staff for their coordination and commitment to keeping the roster ready.
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           "We've done a great job internally of being on the same page, communicating really well, with those guys with executing what's going on downstairs to get these [players] right," Golden explained. "We're talking everyday where they are. No curve balls. No one caught off guard. We have a good understanding of what's going on and have been able to navigate these injuries pretty well, so far."
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           Despite missing at least one starter in six consecutive games — and two in one of them — Florida has rattled off six straight wins, five of those by double digits.
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           Yeah, that’s impressive.
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           CHARTING THE GATORS 
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           A look at how select Florida players have stepped up during the current six-game winning streak when at least one starter has been missing in each.
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           Much of the credit belongs to the players who have adapted and thrived in expanded responsibilities.  
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            and 
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           Urban Klavzar
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             have all risen to the challenge, delivering crucial minutes and making winning plays under pressure.
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            Equally important was Micah Handlogten’s unselfish choice to bypass a medical redshirt and rejoin the active roster late in the season. Meanwhile, starting center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            has been on a tear, posting four consecutive double-digit scoring outings. His standout performance — 19 points and 13 rebounds in the weekend win at LSU — gave Florida the frontcourt lift it needed.
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           Injured forwards 
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           Alex Condon
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            (center) and 
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           Sam Alexis
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            (right) on the bench during last weekend's home win over Oklahoma.
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           Condon has enjoyed it from his place on the bench, but hopes (and wants) to soon be contributing again to this special season. 
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           "Everybody has stepped up," Condon said. "Micah made a big decision to come back. Tommy's leadership, specifically, has been great. Rueben, as well. It's all been crucial for us."
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           Just like Condon's eventual return (against the Bulldogs Tuesday, perhaps?) will be. 
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-2b8d35c6.webp" length="77564" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:50:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-boost-alex-condons-return-sparks-full-strength-push</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Bulldogs Shock No. 3 Gators in Athens Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bulldogs-shock-no-3-gators-in-athens-showdown</link>
      <description>Georgia stunned No. 3 Florida with an 88-83 victory in Athens, snapping a 12-game skid in the rivalry. Silas Demary Jr. and Asa Newell delivered clutch plays as the Bulldogs celebrated their first win over a top-three opponent in 21 years.</description>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           ATHENS, Ga.
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            – Sophomore guard
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           Silas Demary Jr.
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            poured in 21 points, while freshman forward
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           Asa Newell
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            contributed 15 points along with key rebounds that led to late free throws, helping Georgia withstand a furious rally from third-ranked Florida. Despite briefly surrendering the lead, the Bulldogs delivered clutch plays down the stretch to secure an 88-83 upset in Tuesday night’s SEC matchup at Stegeman Coliseum.
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           For Florida, the loss ended a six-game winning streak and dealt a setback to its pursuit of a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed. For Georgia, the victory marked the program’s first over a top-three opponent in 21 years, celebrated with a student court storm, and snapped a 12-game losing streak in the rivalry dating back to 2020.
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            It was also the first win in seven attempts for Georgia coach
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           Mike White
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            against the program he departed in 2022 to take the Bulldogs’ job.
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            Florida, which hadn’t lost since Feb. 1 at Tennessee, was led by senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            , who scored a career-high 30 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            added 18 points, but no other Gator reached double figures. UF finished at 40.9 percent shooting overall, including just 36.4 percent in the opening half, when Georgia seized control and forced Florida into a night of chasing.
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            The Gators trailed by 26 with just over seven minutes left in the first half but began to chip away. The deficit was cut to 16 at halftime, then to 10 with 11 minutes remaining, and seven inside of six minutes. Georgia still led 78-67 with three minutes left before Florida rattled off 13 straight points, capped by a steal and fast-break layup from sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            that gave UF its first lead at 79-78. Fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            added one of two free throws to extend the margin to two with 1:08 left.
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            That’s when Georgia’s
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           Blue Cain
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            (12 points, 6 rebounds) buried a 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining to swing momentum back to the Bulldogs, sparking a decisive 10-3 closing run.
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           Newell, projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, finished 4-for-9 from the field with eight rebounds and hit free throws at 21.6 and 10.2 seconds to cushion the lead. Demary, who connected on four 3-pointers, sealed the win with two free throws at 5.5 seconds after Clayton had briefly kept Florida alive with three free throws at 6.4 seconds.
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           Ultimately, Georgia’s blistering first-half offense set the tone. Ranked 14th in the SEC in scoring, the Bulldogs shot 68 percent in the opening period, including seven of nine from beyond the arc (77.8 percent), building a 26-point advantage at 39-13 — Florida’s largest deficit of the season.
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           Sophomore 
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           Alex Condon
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            (21), in his first game for the Gators in two weeks, has issues down low against Bulldogs' leaping center 
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           Cyril Somto
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            (6). 
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            What it Means
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           This defeat carried multiple consequences for Florida. Beyond ending their win streak, it hurt their postseason résumé. The matchup counted as a Quadrant 1 opportunity, leaving UF at 5-4 in such games. With seven SEC teams already holding at least six Q1 wins, the Gators’ pursuit of a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed took a significant hit. The loss also tightened the SEC standings, though Florida will remain no worse than third place after Wednesday, still a game ahead of several teams competing for a top-four seed in the conference tournament.
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            In the Spotlight
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           For Georgia coach Mike White, this was his most impactful victory in three seasons with the Bulldogs. His team had already beaten Kentucky twice and knocked off St. John’s earlier this year, but this win carried extra weight. UF became the highest-ranked opponent Georgia has defeated since upsetting No. 3 Georgia Tech 83-80 in overtime back on Jan. 3, 2004. With the Bulldogs hovering near the NCAA bubble, this result was crucial to strengthening their tournament case.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida entered the game ranked No. 8 nationally in defensive efficiency, yet Georgia — one of the SEC’s lowest-rated offenses — shot 68 percent in the first half, starting 15-for-20 from the field. That blistering pace set the tone. Free throws also proved decisive: Georgia converted 22 of 27 (81.5 percent), while Florida managed just 18 of 29 (62.1 percent), leaving valuable points unclaimed.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (24-4, 11-4) returns home Saturday night to face No. 11 Texas A&amp;amp;M (20-7, 9-5). The day will begin with
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           ESPN's "Game Day" program on location
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           ” broadcasting live from Exactech Arena. The Aggies, despite dropping two straight, remain in contention for a strong NCAA seed and host Vanderbilt on Wednesday. Georgia (17-11, 5-10) heads to Texas this weekend for its next challenge.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:01:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bulldogs-shock-no-3-gators-in-athens-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Eye Seventh Straight Win at Georgia Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-eye-seventh-straight-win-at-georgia-showdown</link>
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           Todd Golden (left) and his UF staff.
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           Share:
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           No. 3 Florida at Georgia
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            * 
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            When:
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             Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            * Where:
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             Stegeman Coliseum / Athens, Ga.
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            * 
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            Records:
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             Florida (24-3, 11-3) / Georgia (16-11, 4-10)
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            * TV:
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             SEC Network (
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            Dave Neal 
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            and 
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            Pat Bradley
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            )
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            * Radio:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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            Stations list
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             (with 
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            Sean Kelley
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            , 
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            Lee Humphrey
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             and 
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            Steve Egan
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            ) 
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            * 
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            Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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            ﻿
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           Stegeman Coliseum (capacity 10,523) at the University of Georgia
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           SETUP:
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           Florida, ranked third nationally, heads to Georgia for their second matchup of the season. The Gators enter on a six-game winning streak, though they slipped one spot in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll. Their most recent victory came Saturday night in Baton Rouge, where they rallied past LSU 79-65. That win kept them tied with Alabama for second place in the Southeastern Conference standings, as teams continue battling for seeding and coveted double-byes in next month’s league tournament in Nashville, Tenn.
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           Georgia, meanwhile, has dropped four straight and five of its last six. The Bulldogs most recently fell 82-70 at top-ranked Auburn, a contest where they stayed close for much of the second half before the Tigers pulled away late. UGA is tied with Oklahoma for 13th in the SEC standings and is locked into playing on the expanded opening day of the conference tournament.
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           SERIES:
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           Florida holds a 126-103 edge in the all-time series, including 12 consecutive wins dating back to 2020. The teams met earlier this season on Jan. 25 in Gainesville, where the Gators rolled to an 89-59 victory. Florida shot 68 percent in the first half, drained seven 3-pointers, and built a 51-26 lead at the break. Five players finished in double figures, led by 17 points apiece from Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin, along with 16 from Will Richard, who connected on four shots from beyond the arc. Defensively, UF limited Georgia to 36 percent shooting overall (5-for-21 from deep) and forced 18 turnovers that turned into 29 points.
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           ETC:
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           Few programs get the chance to face the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 teams back-to-back. Congrats, UGA.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           UF center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9)
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           Florida faced a different kind of challenge in Baton Rouge. After building a 14-point lead in the first half, the Gators lost focus on both ends, allowing LSU to storm back with a 22-2 run over the final seven minutes to take a six-point advantage at halftime. The Tigers stretched the margin to eight early in the second half before Florida ramped up its energy and tempo. A 15-2 surge swung the lead back to UF, and though LSU stayed close, the Gators delivered a decisive 14-0 run in the closing minutes to seal an 18-point win. The performance may serve as a reminder about sustaining pace and pressure, especially with March looming.
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            Florida remains ranked No. 4 nationally in offensive efficiency and climbed to seventh in defense after holding LSU to 38.1 percent shooting overall and 29.0 percent from deep. Even without sophomore forward
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           Alex Condo
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           n
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             (10.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg), the Gators dominated the boards with a 48-33 edge, including 19-12 on the offensive glass. Condon, sidelined the last four games with a low-ankle sprain, dressed and warmed up at LSU and could be cleared to play against Georgia.
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           Standout Performances
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            Rueben Chinyelu
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            : The center delivered his best outing as a Gator, scoring a career-high 19 points with 13 rebounds and two blocks. The Washington State transfer has now posted double-digit scoring in four straight games (12.5 ppg), after doing so just four times in the first 23 contests.
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            Thomas Haugh
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            : Starting in place of Condon for the third straight game, Haugh exploded in the second half with 13 of his 16 points, highlighted by four dunks and a 3-pointer. He added 10 rebounds, three assists, and shot 7-for-9 from the floor for his second double-double of the season. Over his three starts, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and shooting 58.3 percent, including 5-for-10 from deep. Notably, Haugh had his breakout game last year in Athens with 17 points and three 3s.
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            Alijah Martin
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            : Back in the starting lineup for the first time in five games, Martin scored 14 points, hit two 3s, and grabbed six rebounds in front of a hometown crowd just 80 miles from Summit, Miss.
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            Walter Clayton Jr
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             : The point guard added 13 points and extended his streak to 49 straight games with at least one 3-pointer. Though he missed six attempts and went without an assist for the first time in four games, he also avoided turnovers.
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            Denzel Aberdeen
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            : The junior guard contributed 11 points off the bench on 5-for-9 shooting, along with two steals.
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            Urban Klavzar
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            : The reserve guard hit a 3-pointer for the sixth consecutive game, a key shot during Florida’s second-half rally. He’s now 10-for-18 from deep in SEC play (55.5 percent).
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            Micah Handlogten
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            : In his third game back, the junior center grabbed six rebounds in 14 minutes, including three offensive boards, helping fuel Florida’s dominance inside.
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           Florida has now recorded at least five double-figure scorers in five straight games — a program record. The Gators have won six in a row despite missing at least one starter in each contest.
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           The Bulldogs
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           Georgia point guard 
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           Silas Demary Jr.
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            (5)
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           Now in year three with Matt McMahon leading the program, LSU is still chasing its first NCAA Tournament berth under his guidance. The Tigers finished 16-16 last season and earned an NIT invitation, but their run ended quickly with a first-round home loss to North Texas. While another NIT appearance is possible this year, expectations remain higher, especially considering the team’s last NCAA trip in 2021 and the dismissal of former coach Will Wade following NCAA violations.
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           The 2024-25 campaign began with promise, as LSU posted an 11-2 record in non-conference play. SEC competition, however, proved difficult, with the Tigers dropping their first three games and 10 of the opening 11 overall. More recently, they’ve shown signs of progress, picking up back-to-back wins, including a road upset of Oklahoma — their first Quad 1 victory in 10 tries this season.
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           Backup guard Dakota Leffew, the team’s third-leading scorer at 9.9 points per game, was injured during the Mississippi State matchup. The Mount St. Mary’s transfer sat out one contest, then returned for the last two but went scoreless across 48 combined minutes. He remains a reliable perimeter option, shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc.
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           Forward RJ Godfrey adds toughness and postseason experience, having come from Clemson where he was part of a squad that nearly reached the Final Four last season. Godfrey, converting 58.1 percent of his shots inside the arc, shares frontcourt minutes with reserve Somtochukwu Cyril (4.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg). Both operate primarily in the paint and have yet to connect from long range, going 0-for-11 combined from deep.
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           Numbers of Note
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            UF forward
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           Devin Robinson
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            tries to knife between a couple Georgia defenders in the team's lone 2015 meeting and the last year a Bulldogs' season ended in the NCAA Tournament. The Gators lost that game, 73-61, ending UF's 24-game SEC winning streak, which was the fourth-longest in league history at the time.
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           * .320 
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            — White's winning percentage in SEC play in his three seasons at Georgia, based on a 16-34 mark.
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           * .580 
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           — White's winning percentage in SEC in seven seasons at Florida, based on a 72-52 mark (with no losing records). 
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           * 24 
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           — Florida's wins to date, which ties for the third-most in a regular season in program history, behind the 29 in 2013-14 and 26 in '06-07.
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           * 68.5 
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           — UF opponent's free-throw percentage in SEC play, which is the lowest in the league. The Gators, however, are shooting just 70.1 percent at the line against the conference, which is 14th. 
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           * 2015 
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           —Georgia's last NCAA Tournament appearance, with the nine-season drought the longest in the conference (two years behind Vanderbilt's last in 2017) and trending toward a 10th consecutive season.
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           UF's postseason resume (specifically, the difference between a No. 1 or No. 2 seed) truly begins to take shape this week.
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           Email 
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:28:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-eye-seventh-straight-win-at-georgia-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Rally Past LSU for Sixth Straight Victory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-rally-past-lsu-for-sixth-straight-victory</link>
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           Forward Alex Condon was UF's top rebounder and fourth-leading scorer when he went down with an ankle injury Feb. 11 at Mississippi State.
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           BATON ROUGE, La.
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            – Florida once again played without its top rebounder, yet still managed to secure its 19th double-digit win of the season — their eighth in SEC play. On a night when the team’s leading scorers fell short of their averages and another key contributor went scoreless, the Gators still found a way to prevail. It wasn’t a smooth ride, but it was classic 2025 Florida basketball: resilient, balanced, and ultimately convincing.
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           "That's who we are," sophomore forward Thomas Haugh said after UF’s 79-65 victory over LSU on Saturday night. "We find ways to get it done."
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           This time, the spark came from sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu, who powered inside for a career-best 19 points (8-for-14 shooting, 3-for-3 at the line), 13 rebounds, and two blocks. He was joined by Haugh, making his third consecutive start in place of Alex Condon (ankle). Haugh delivered 16 points on 7-for-9 shooting, including two 3s, while adding 10 rebounds and three assists. Thirteen of his points came after halftime, highlighted by energy plays and dunks that shifted momentum.
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           The pair’s double-doubles fueled Florida (24-3, 11-3) to a decisive 48-33 rebounding edge, including 19-12 on the offensive glass, which translated into a 17-8 advantage in second-chance points.
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           "We imposed our will on them in the second half," coach Todd Golden said.
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           The Gators needed that push. After blowing a 14-point first-half lead and trailing by eight early in the second, they stormed back with contributions from all eight players who saw the floor. Five different Gators grabbed at least six rebounds, matching the five who scored in double figures — the fifth straight game achieving that feat, setting a program record.
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            Senior Walter Clayton Jr. added 13 points and six boards.
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            Fifth-year Alijah Martin, back in the starting lineup after battling a hip pointer, scored 14 with six rebounds.
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            Junior guard Denzel Aberdeen chipped in 11 off the bench.
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           Florida shot 55.6 percent in the second half, committed a season-low five turnovers, and held LSU to 38.1 percent overall. The defense also limited Cam Carter, the SEC’s No. 3 scorer, to just seven points on 3-for-13 shooting, including 0-for-6 from deep.
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            Thomas Haugh
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            (10) puts in two of his 13 second-half points. 
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           Every Gator on the floor made an impact — including backup center Micah Handlogten (six rebounds), reserve guard Urban Klavzar (five points), and senior guard Will Richard, who went scoreless but contributed five assists and two steals. Their efforts proved critical, especially after LSU, trailing 29-15 with seven minutes left in the first half, erupted with a 22-2 run capped by five 3-pointers from four different players. It felt like a heavy blow, but not a knockout.
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           "They punked us," coach Todd Golden said of the 37-31 halftime deficit. "At halftime we had to re-calibrate and make sure that we got back to defending, rebounding, taking care of the ball and doing the things that don't require talent."
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           Thomas Haugh echoed that sentiment: "We got way too comfortable in the first half. We got that lead and thought it was going to be easy. That's not the SEC. You get settled in [and] that can happen. Coach Golden gave us a nice little pep talk at halftime — I can't really say what he said — but we came out in second half and pretty much controlled it."
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           The turnaround didn’t happen instantly, but momentum shifted soon enough. LSU pushed its lead to 46-38 after a 3-pointer by Curtis Givens III (11 points). Florida responded with six straight points, including two baskets from Rueben Chinyelu, sparking an 18-4 run. Walter Clayton Jr. hit a short jumper to put UF ahead 49-48 just before the 12-minute mark. Klavzar followed with a driving layup off a turnover, and Denzel Aberdeen added a steal and fast-break finish to extend the lead to five.
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           LSU’s Robert Miller III (19 points, 10 rebounds) cut the margin to three with a layup, but Klavzar immediately answered with a 3-pointer at 10:42 — his sixth straight game with a make from deep — to push the lead back to six. Moments later, Haugh soared for a put-back dunk, then drove the lane for another slam, aided by a strong seal from Handlogten, to give Florida an eight-point cushion with 8:56 remaining.
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           Gators guard 
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           Urban Klazar 
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           (7) bombs his 3-pointer during UF's second-half run to take control of the game.
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           Back-to-back LSU baskets trimmed the lead, but Florida quickly responded. A free throw from Micah Handlogten, another dunk from Thomas Haugh, and consecutive three-point plays from Alijah Martin — one traditional and one from beyond the arc following a steal by Will Richard — pushed the Gators back into double digits. From there, they built an 18-point cushion as LSU missed eight of its final 10 attempts.
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           "In the second half, they physically dominated us," Tigers coach Matt McMahon said. "They're just a really good basketball team."
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           By the end of the night, Florida had already matched its regular-season and SEC win totals from last year with nearly a quarter of the schedule still remaining.
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           "We just embraced the moment and kept going," said Rueben Chinyelu, the Washington State transfer, after recording his third double-double of the season in what he called his best game in a Gator uniform. "It's not always going to be sunshine. It's going to be rain sometime. So being able to act in that situation and fight through tough parts of life … you have to stand up and keep walking."
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           And walk they did — to a sixth consecutive victory, each achieved without at least one regular starter in the lineup. Another collective team effort in a season that continues to showcase resilience. As Haugh put it, that’s simply who they are.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:49:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-rally-past-lsu-for-sixth-straight-victory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Grit vs. Glory: Gators Push No. 15 Tennessee to the Brink in Hard-Fought Battle</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-vs-glory-gators-push-no-15-tennessee-to-the-brink-in-hard-fought-battle</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Ra Shaya Kyle led the Gators on both ends of the floor in Sunday's contest against Tennessee. Kyle put up 19 points and secured 10 rebounds to record her thirteenth double-double of the season.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida’s women’s basketball team came up short in a competitive home matchup against No. 15 Tennessee on Sunday, ending with a final score of 86-78. The Gators showed strength on the boards, edging out the Lady Vols in rebounds 47-42, and posted a higher shooting percentage at 46.2% compared to Tennessee’s 40.7%.
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           Florida controlled much of the first half, leading 16-12 after the opening quarter and extending the margin with a 21-16 second quarter. Momentum shifted in the third when Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee’s top scorer, returned to the court and made an impact on both offense and defense. The Lady Vols surged ahead, outscoring Florida 37-20 in that frame—the only quarter where Tennessee outpaced the Gators.
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           Heading into the fourth, Tennessee held a 65-57 lead. Florida narrowed the gap multiple times, bringing the score within four points, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Seven players contributed to Florida’s total, with
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            leading the way at 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to secure her 13th double-double of the season.  
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            (17), 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            (17), and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            (11).
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           How It Unfolded
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           First Quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ra Shaya Kyle won the tip and scored Florida’s opening basket
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            Laila Reynolds led with six points, shooting 3-for-5
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            10 of Florida’s 16 points came from the paint
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            The Gators had 23 possessions in the first 10 minutes
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            Seven different players contributed to Florida’s 15 rebounds
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            Florida held the lead for 4 minutes and 45 seconds
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            The Gators ended the quarter ahead, 16-12
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           Second Quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida added 21 points, with Liv McGill and Jeriah Warren scoring six each
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            14 points came from inside the paint
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The team shot 53.3% from the field (8-of-15) and 66.7% from the line (4-of-6)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tennessee tied the game at 20-20 (7:01) and 22-22 (5:52), but Florida responded both times
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            Florida outrebounded Tennessee 12-7
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators built an 11-point lead (37-26), their largest of the half
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida led 37-28 at halftime
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           Third Quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida shot a game-high 66.7% (10-of-15)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tennessee opened with an 11-4 run
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill led with eight of Florida’s 20 points
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            18 points were scored in the paint
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Warren led the team with three rebounds
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida trailed 65-57 at the end of the quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            This was the only quarter Tennessee outscored Florida (37-20)
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           Fourth Quarter
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle led with nine points, shooting 3-of-6 and 3-of-3 from the line
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            10 points came from the paint; four were off Tennessee turnovers
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            Warren and McGill each dished out two assists
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            Florida outrebounded Tennessee 11-6
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            Kyle led all rebounders with four boards
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            Florida went 6-of-6 from the free throw line
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            Both teams scored 21 points in the final quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
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           Noteworthy Stats
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Four Gators scored in double figures: Kyle (19), Reynolds (17), McGill (17), Warren (11)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has scored in double digits in 26 of 28 games, including 11 with 20+ points
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            Kyle recorded her 13th double-double of the season and 25th at Florida
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            52 of Florida’s points came from the paint (67%)
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            15 points were scored on fast breaks
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tennessee was held to a season-low 12 points in the first quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Salgues and Dizeko hit Florida’s only three-pointers (2-of-17 from deep)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle (7-of-7) and Reynolds (3-of-3) were perfect from the free throw line
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida forced 13 turnovers and converted them into 15 points
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators outrebounded Tennessee 47-42
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            McGill led with five assists and three steals
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            Florida scored 20+ points in three quarters: Q2 (21), Q3 (20), Q4 (21)
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            The team has now scored 20+ in 52 of 114 quarters this season
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida made 22 of 32 layup attempts (69%)
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            The Gators had 83 total possessions, averaging 0.94 points per possession
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida led for a total of 17 minutes and 48 seconds
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           gATOR bITES
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head Coach
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            praised her team’s effort and growth, reflecting on their performance against Tennessee:
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           "I told our team at halftime, thanks for showing everybody else how we practice. It is refreshing as a coach, and we practice really hard every day. That is the effort and intensity that's required if you want to earn an opportunity to win and I thought that we played with that tonight. Unfortunately, we came up short, but there's no doubt that anybody who has watched us play over the course of the season, sees that we are continuing to improve every single time out."
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Looking ahead to the upcoming matchup with Oklahoma,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Finley
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            emphasized the team’s momentum and preparation:
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           "I think this game gave us great momentum. We have had a great last week and a half, but again, like I said last week, it's because of the consistency and preparation that our team has continued to improve. A lot of teams at this point in the year find themselves struggling more than thriving, and I think that this was a good game for us leading up to Oklahoma. We will need all of Gator Nation on Thursday and a huge thank you to everybody that came out tonight, we had a great crowd."
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEAM RECORDS:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (14-14, 5-9 SEC)
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tennessee:
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           (21-6, 8-6 SEC)
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           SERIES RECORD:
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           The all-time series between Florida and Tennessee stands in favor of the Lady Vols at 45-4.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           NEXT UP:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida will remain at home for a Thursday night showdown against Oklahoma. The game will tipoff inside Exactech Arena at 7 p.m. and mark the Gators final home competition of the 2024-25 regular season. Thursday's competition will also honor Florida's seniors with a post-game celebration on center court.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           NEXT UP: Oklahoma 
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           (20-6, 8-5 SEC)
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Thurs., Feb. 27
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5560&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/1965b96e-3097-42fd-a005-c4adc2d84488" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552537" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8baa7478.webp" length="60418" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2025 07:10:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-vs-glory-gators-push-no-15-tennessee-to-the-brink-in-hard-fought-battle</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8baa7478.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>College GameDay Set to Electrify Gainesville on March 1</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/college-gameday-set-to-electrify-gainesville-on-march-1</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Admission is free and no tickets required to attend. Gates open for students at 8:30 and general public at 8:45.
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           ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm will be back in Gainesville on Saturday, March 1, ahead of the No. 2 Florida men’s basketball team’s sold-out matchup against No. 7 Texas A&amp;amp;M, the network announced.
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           Admission to the event is free, with no tickets required. Doors at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center will open at 8:30 a.m. for students (Gate 3) and 8:45 a.m. for the general public (Gate 1). Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Lot 25 and Garage 7 next to the arena. Limited concessions will also be offered.
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           This marks the sixth time Gainesville has hosted the show and the Gators’ 10th appearance in a GameDay-featured contest. With six hostings, Florida joins Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and Kentucky among the top five most frequent GameDay sites.
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           Rece Davis, Andraya Carter, Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams, and Pete Thamel will be on site, with Jay Bilas contributing remotely. Florida has a 7-2 record when GameDay is present, including a 4-1 mark at home.
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            8:30 a.m. – Doors open for UF students at Gate 3
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            8:45 a.m. – Doors open for general public at Gate 1
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            10:00 a.m. – College GameDay live from the O’Connell Center (free admission) Note: The arena will be cleared following the conclusion of the show.
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            7:30 p.m. – Doors reopen for Florida vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
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            8:30 p.m. – Tipoff for Florida vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
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           Entry Procedures
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            Normal 
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            O'Connell Center entry procedures
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             regarding screening and prohibited items will be in effect.
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            All signs will be reviewed and any deemed inappropriate will be confiscated.
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           Florida's ESPN College Gameday Appearances
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      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:14:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/college-gameday-set-to-electrify-gainesville-on-march-1</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Aim to Silence LSU in SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-aim-to-silence-lsu-in-sec-showdown</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           What Happened
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           BATON ROUGE, La
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            . – Sophomores
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            and 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            delivered double-doubles and anchored Florida’s second-half surge, as the second-ranked Gators erased an eight-point deficit to defeat LSU 79-65 in Saturday night’s SEC matchup at Maravich Assembly Center.
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           Chinyelu set a career mark with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks, while Haugh contributed 16 points, 10 boards, and three assists. Their dominance on the glass proved decisive, helping Florida — now winners of six straight — control the boards 48-33 and outscore LSU 17-8 in second-chance opportunities. The Gators also held a 44-24 edge in points in the paint.
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            The scoreline didn’t fully reflect the game’s swings. Florida built a 14-point lead in the first half, only to see LSU storm back with a 22-2 run to take a 37-31 advantage at halftime. Early in the second half, the Tigers pushed the margin to eight before Florida responded. Haugh scored 13 points after the break, fueling the rally with energy plays and timely finishes. Fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            also made a major impact, returning to the starting lineup for the first time in five games. He finished with 14 points and six rebounds, including a stretch of six straight points late that helped secure the win.
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            Senior
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            added 13 points and six rebounds, while junior
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            came off the bench to score 11. Florida shot 55.6 percent in the second half (up from 32.4 in the first) and limited LSU to 38.1 percent overall, including just 29.0 percent from deep (9-for-31).
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            LSU’s big first-half run briefly put Florida on its heels, but the Gators regained control with a 14-3 burst sparked by a Chinyelu floater and Haugh’s transition layup. Backup guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            added a fast-break finish to give Florida a lead it never relinquished.
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            Three minutes later, the margin grew to eight before LSU trimmed it back to four. That’s when Martin drilled a 3-pointer and followed with a traditional three-point play, set up by a steal from
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           Will Richard
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           , to push the lead to double digits. Florida eventually stretched the advantage to 18 with just over two minutes left, as LSU converted only two of its final 10 shots. The Gators outscored the Tigers 48-28 in the second half.
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           Fifth-year senior guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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            (15) returned to the starting lineup Saturday.
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            What it Means
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           Florida has now equaled its win totals from last season — 24 overall and 11 in SEC play. Thanks to Texas A&amp;amp;M’s home loss to Tennessee earlier in the day, the Gators improved their position in the conference standings. They remain tied with Alabama for second place, two games behind Auburn, while holding a 1.5-game edge over Missouri and a two-game cushion on both A&amp;amp;M and Tennessee in the race for a double-bye in next month’s SEC Tournament.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Rueben Chinyelu dominated inside, recording his third double-double of the year. It also marked his fourth straight game in double figures, after reaching that mark just three times in the team’s first 24 contests. His surge has been a timely response to the absence of Alex Condon, who has missed four games with an ankle injury.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida has now produced five double-figure scorers in five consecutive games — a feat never before achieved in program history.
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            Up Next
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           The Gators (24-3, 11-3) head to Athens on Tuesday for a rematch against Georgia (16-11, 4-10), beginning a stretch of four straight Quadrant 1 matchups to close the regular season. The Bulldogs pushed No. 1 Auburn before falling 82-70 on Saturday, their fourth consecutive defeat. LSU (14-13, 3-11) will return home to face No. 6 Tennessee.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:02:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-aim-to-silence-lsu-in-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Set the Stage: No. 15 Tennessee Storms into Exactech Arena for SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-the-stage-no-15-tennessee-storms-into-exactech-arena-for-sec-showdown</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Florida will return to their home court in hopes of securing a ranked victory over the No. 15 Lady Vols. The win would mark UF's first ranked win since 2022.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida is back on home court this Sunday for an afternoon showdown with No. 15 Tennessee. The Southeastern Conference matchup is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET at Exactech Arena. Carolyn Peck and Courtney Lyle are set to provide commentary for the broadcast on SECN.
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           Both teams enter the game riding the momentum of recent SEC victories. Florida secured a dominant 22-point win over Texas A&amp;amp;M, while Tennessee earned a hard-fought 88-80 triumph against No. 18 Alabama. The Gators come into the contest with a two-game winning streak, and the Lady Vols aim to stretch their current run to five.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tennessee 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (20-6, 7-6 SEC)
          &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Thurs., Feb. 23
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 1 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Site: 
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/4/4/exactech-arena-stephen-c-oconnell-center.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exatech
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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             Arena
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5560&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/1af80bf0-e969-4589-8fb1-0caeb63c6a95" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552538" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           A Florida Victory Would:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Secure the Gators’ first win over a ranked opponent since 2022
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mark their 11th home win of the current season
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Become Florida’s second home victory in the month of February
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Improve their Southeastern Conference record to 6-8
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bring Florida’s all-time SEC record to 232-333
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Give Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 26th SEC win at the helm of the program
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TALE OF THE TAPE:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series Snapshot
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tennessee leads the all-time matchup against Florida with a record of 44 wins to 4
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The two programs have faced off 48 times since their first meeting in 1982
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Matchups by location:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            19 games played in Gainesville
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            21 games held in Knoxville
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            8 contests at neutral venues
           &#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Recent History
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Saturday’s game marks Tennessee’s return to Exactech Arena for the first time since February 3, 2022
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            In that 2022 meeting, Florida defeated the Lady Vols 84-59
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            That win was Florida’s first over Tennessee in five years and their most recent victory against a ranked opponent
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators earned a decisive 74-52 road win over Texas A&amp;amp;M on Thursday, Feb. 20
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             led the scoring effort with 18 points, her 14th time topping Florida’s stat sheet
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             led the team in rebounds for the first time this season, collecting nine boards
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ra Shaya Kyle
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             followed closely with eight rebounds
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida held Texas A&amp;amp;M to just 52 points—their lowest offensive output of the season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Quick Hits
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida is ranked No. 4 in the SEC and No. 18 in the NCAA with a 46.8 field goal percentage
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF has four players averaging in double digits
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill (16.5) Kyle (14.7), 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             (12.1), and 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             (10.6)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill and Kyle are in the SEC's top 20 for scoring
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill at No. 13 (16.5), and Kyle at No. 19 (14.7)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida is No. 4 in the SEC through all games for FG% (46.8) and 3-point FG percentage (33.8)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill is the only freshman in the country with a triple-double this season
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has tallied 11 games with 20+ points
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle is No. 23 in the country and No. 3 in the SEC for double-doubles with 12
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill is the No. 1 freshman in the NCAA for total assists (139), and average assists per game (5.1)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle is No. 5 in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.0)
           &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida is undefeated this season when their opponent is held to 69 points or less
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 49 of 110 quarters played this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle is No. 9 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC with a field goal percentage of 61.3
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle is No. 40 in the nation for total rebounds with 243
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/17707" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             leads Florida in total blocks with 23 on the season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             has hit double figures in 25 of her 27 outings at UF 
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           PROJECTED TENNESSEE STARTERS:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Oklahoma Quick HitS
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Lady Vols are No. 2 in the NCAA and No. 1 in the SEC for scoring offense at 89.9 ppg
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UT is No. 10 in the conference through all games with a field goal percentage of 45.0
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tennessee is ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 2 in the SEC for steals per game averaging 11.9
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            With 17.8 offensive rebounds per game the Lady Vols rank No. 2 in the SEC
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Cooper leads Tennessee in scoring, currently averaging 16.9 points per game
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Cooper ranks No. 10 in the SEC for scoring through all games in the 2024-25 season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Whitehorn is among the SEC's top-15 in shooting from the field, holding a 47.2 percent
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Spencer leads the Lady Vols in assist distribution with 5.12 assists per game
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Spencer is No. 5 in the SEC for assist distribution with a combined 133 in 26 outings
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Lady Vols are currently on a three-game win streak, defeating Auburn, Ole Miss, and Alabama in a seven-day span
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UT has defeated three ranked teams this season
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            No. 17/20 Iowa 78-68 (Dec. 7)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            No. 5 UCONN 80-76 (Feb. 6)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            No. 18/19 Alabama (Feb. 20)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tennessee is currently 4-3 on the road and all three of their road losses were against SEC opponents
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-54348f80.webp" length="137590" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:08:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-set-the-stage-no-15-tennessee-storms-into-exactech-arena-for-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-54348f80.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Golden Standard: Florida’s Todd Golden Earns Naismith Watch List Honor</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-standard-floridas-todd-golden-earns-naismith-watch-list-honor</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators have their highest ranking since 2014 in Todd Golden's third season leading the program.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida men’s basketball head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            has been selected for the Naismith College Coach of the Year Watch List, as announced Friday by the Naismith Awards.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators, currently ranked No. 2, hold a 23-3 record in Golden’s third season leading the program. This year has been highlighted by two victories over No. 1-ranked opponents, making Florida just the fifth team in college basketball history to defeat two different top-ranked teams in the same season. Those two wins also equal the program’s total number of victories against No. 1 teams prior to this year.
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           Florida went undefeated in nonconference play at 13-0, marking the second-best start in school history. The team is riding a five-game SEC winning streak, its longest since 2019. Statistically, the Gators lead the conference in fastbreak scoring at 17.1 points per game (fourth nationally) and hold a +17.4 scoring margin (fifth nationally).
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            Golden’s recognition comes alongside several honors for his players.
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           Walter Clayton
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            Jr. has been named to the Naismith Midseason Team, the Wooden Late Midseason Top 20, and the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Midseason Watch List.
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           Alijah Martin
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            earned a spot on the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Midseason Watch List.
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           Alex Condon
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            has twice been named SEC Player of the Week, while
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           Will Richard
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            received Dick Vitale’s National Player of the Week award.
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           Florida’s next game is Saturday at LSU, tipping off at 6 p.m. on SEC Network.
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           Season Tickets
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            Deposits for the 2025-26 Florida men’s basketball season are now available. Fans can secure seats at Exactech Arena with a $100 deposit per seat. Once tickets officially go on sale, deposit holders will be contacted to complete their purchase.
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    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/mbbdeposits2526?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBK-SEASON&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_MBK-SEASON" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Click here
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            to place your deposit today.
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           Returning season ticket holders from 2024-25 do not need to place a deposit, as their seats are reserved and renewal details will be provided.
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           Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List
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            Greg Gard, Wisconsin
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            Dennis Gates, Missouri
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            Todd Golden
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            , Florida
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            Penny Hardaway, Memphis
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            Tom Izzo, Michigan State
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            Pat Kelsey, Louisville
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            Dusty May, Michigan
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            Grant McCasland, Texas Tech
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            Ben McCollum, Drake
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            Matt Painter, Purdue
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            Bruce Pearl, Auburn
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            Rick Pitino, St. John’s
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            Richard Pitino, New Mexico
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            Kelvin Sampson, Houston
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            Jon Scheyer, Duke
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d8f83451.webp" length="141014" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:14:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/golden-standard-floridas-todd-golden-earns-naismith-watch-list-honor</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d8f83451.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Aim for Sixth Straight Win Against LSU</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-aim-for-sixth-straight-win-against-lsu</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Todd Golden (left) and his UF staff.
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           Share:
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           No. 2 Florida vs. LSU
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            Game Time: Saturday, 6 p.m. (ET)
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            Location: Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, La.
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            Team Records: Florida (23-3, 10-3) / LSU (14-12, 3-10)
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            Broadcast: SEC Network with Kevin Fitzgerald and Jon Sundvold
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             Radio Coverage: Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD — full
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
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             available (
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
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            , Lee Humphrey, Steve Egan)
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
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           The Breakdown
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            ﻿
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           Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge (capacity 13,215)
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           SETUP:
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            Florida, ranked No. 2 nationally and riding a five-game winning streak, heads to Baton Rouge for a matchup with LSU. This marks the Gators’ third straight contest against a team near the bottom of the SEC standings. Florida is fresh off an 85-63 rout of Oklahoma on Tuesday, their second consecutive victory by 20 points or more. LSU, after struggling early in conference play, has found momentum with back-to-back wins—first upsetting Oklahoma on the road, then defeating winless South Carolina 81-67. The Gators are aiming to strengthen their case for a top SEC Tournament seed and a possible No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed, while LSU is almost certain to be among the eight teams competing in the expanded Wednesday round of the league tournament in Nashville next month.
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           SERIES:
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            LSU holds a 66-53 advantage in the all-time series, though Florida has claimed three straight and five of the last six meetings. Their most recent clash in Gainesville ended 82-80 in favor of the Gators, despite nearly slipping away. Florida built a 20-point lead with 15 minutes left, but LSU stormed back by shooting 63 percent in the half while Florida endured a cold stretch, missing 10 of 11 attempts and finishing at 34 percent for the period. With 9.9 seconds remaining, UF forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            hit one of two free throws to give Florida a two-point edge. LSU’s Jordan Wright had a chance to tie with a close-range floater but missed.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            led Florida with 21 points, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tyrese-samuel/16024" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tyrese Samuel
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            added 15 points and seven rebounds.
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           ETC:
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            This game renews the coaching battle between Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            and LSU’s
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           Matt McMahon
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            . Both were finalists for the Florida job in March 2022 after
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           Mike White
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           departed for Georgia. At the time, Golden was coaching at San Francisco and McMahon at Murray State. Their teams met in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round in Indianapolis, where Murray edged out San Francisco 92-87 in overtime. The following day, Golden was named Florida’s head coach. Since then, he has gone 3-0 against McMahon.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           UF guard 
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           Urban Klazvar
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            ﻿
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           Florida’s victory on Tuesday, combined with Alabama’s loss at Missouri the following night, created a tie between the Gators and Crimson Tide for second place in the SEC standings. Florida’s next two contests are on the road against teams near the bottom of the conference, while Alabama hosts ranked opponents Kentucky and Mississippi State.
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           One more regular-season win will match Florida’s total of 24 from last year, along with 11 SEC victories—their highest since recording 12 in 2020. Statistically, UF is one of only three programs ranked in the top 10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, joining Duke (2/4) and Houston (7/3). They are also among five teams in the top 20 in both categories, alongside Auburn (1/11) and Iowa State (18/12).
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           Frontcourt injuries have dropped Florida to No. 10 in offensive rebounding (37.7 percent). Against Oklahoma, the Gators played half the game with four guards, which affected rebounding numbers. Defensively, UF ranks third in effective field-goal percentage defense (44.2), fourth in 3-point defense (28.4), and 16th in 2-point defense (45.2). During their five-game winning streak, the Gators have shot 51 percent overall and 42 percent from beyond the arc, averaging 12.6 made 3-pointers per game. Opponents have shot 44.1 percent from the field and just 31 percent from deep during that stretch.
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            Sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            (10.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg) continues to recover from a low-ankle sprain sustained early in last week’s win at Mississippi State. Todd Golden noted that Condon’s status is not ruled out, listing him as either “questionable” or “doubtful.” Backup forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-alexis/16985" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sam Alexis
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            (4.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg), who injured his ankle in the same game, will miss his third straight contest.
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            remains on track for potential first-team All-America recognition. Ranked No. 8 nationally and No. 2 in the SEC, he averages 17.3 points, shoots 37 percent from 3-point range in conference play, and posts 4.6 assists to 2.4 turnovers. Clayton’s streak of consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer has reached 49, a school record. He has hit at least four 3s in three of his last four outings, including 18 points on 4-for-7 shooting from deep against Oklahoma.
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            Fifth-year guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            , who scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds against OU, said he is nearly fully recovered from the hip pointer that sidelined him for two games. With additional treatment, he is expected to return to the starting lineup against LSU, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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            shifts back to his bench role. Despite a rough 1-for-9 shooting night versus OU, Aberdeen averaged 14.4 points, made 12 3-pointers, and committed only four turnovers across his five-game stretch as a starter.
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            Guard
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           Will Richard
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           , after just his second game without a 3-pointer this season, bounced back with three triples, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and two steals against Oklahoma while playing extended minutes at the “4” spot. He is shooting 38.8 percent from long range in SEC play.
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            Sophomore guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (4.4 ppg) posted career highs in points (10) and minutes (23) against OU, hitting two of four from deep. He is now 9-for-14 on 3-pointers in SEC play, giving Florida five guards with distinct skill sets for opponents to prepare against.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            , in his second career start, shot 1-for-5 and missed both 3-point attempts but contributed with effort plays, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, two assists, and four drawn fouls. Center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            has scored in double figures in three straight games, after doing so only four times in the first 23 contests. He is shooting 59.6 percent from the field.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            ,
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           the 7-foot-1 center who opted not to redshirt, played his second game back, recording two points, five rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes while making his only field-goal attempt.
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           The Tigers
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           LSU guard 
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           Cam Carter
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            ﻿
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           Now in their third season under Matt McMahon, LSU is still searching for its first NCAA Tournament appearance with him at the helm. Last year, the Tigers finished with a 16-16 record and earned an NIT bid, but were eliminated in the opening round at home against North Texas. While another NIT berth is possible this season, the program’s ambitions remain higher, especially given its last NCAA showing in 2021 and the subsequent dismissal of Coach Will Wade due to NCAA violations.
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            ﻿
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           The 2024-25 Tigers opened strong with an 11-2 mark in non-conference play but stumbled early in SEC competition, dropping their first three games and 10 of the first 11 overall. Recently, they’ve managed to string together two wins, including a road upset of Oklahoma. That victory marked their first Quad 1 win in 10 attempts this season.
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           Cam Carter has emerged as one of the SEC’s top scorers, ranking third in league play while shooting 42.2 percent overall and 39.0 percent from beyond the arc. The guard, who previously spent two seasons at Kansas State and a year at Mississippi State, has reached 20 points or more in 10 games this season. He’s shown balance in his scoring, with 174 attempts inside the arc and 160 from long range.
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           Point guard Jordan Sears (12.5 ppg, 2.7 apg), who arrived via Tennessee-Martin and Gardner-Webb, has alternated between starting and coming off the bench but remains the team’s second-leading scorer. Sears was a first-team all-state standout at Daytona Beach Mainland High in Florida.
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           Dji Bailey, a transfer from Richmond, is remembered for recording six steals against Florida in last year’s Orange Bowl Classic.
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           Forward Daimion Collins, who saw limited action during his two years at Kentucky, is now a central figure for LSU as their primary size in the starting lineup. Collins is shooting 68.7 percent inside the arc and ranks 50th nationally in block percentage (7.8). He contributed eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the recent win over South Carolina.
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           Backup forward Corey Chest (6.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg), at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, averages under 17 minutes per game but leads the team in rebounding.
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           Freshman wings Vyctorious Miller (59.5 percent from two-point range, 32.5 percent from three) and Curtis Givens III (31.4 and 25.5) are promising young talents LSU hopes to develop as building blocks for the future.
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           Numbers of Note
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           Matt McMahon 
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           (circa Murray State) and 
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           Todd Golden
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            (San Francisco) in 2022.
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            ﻿
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            .489
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             — Matt McMahon’s win rate across three seasons at LSU, reflected in a 45-47 overall record and 14-35 mark in SEC play (.286).
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            .663
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             — Todd Golden’s win rate in his three years at Florida, with a 63-32 overall record and 30-19 in SEC competition (.612).
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            4
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             — Straight games in which Florida has had at least five players score in double figures, the longest streak of its kind in program history.
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            50.8
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             — The share of Florida’s total points this season contributed by seniors Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard. Together, they’ve scored 1,131 of the team’s 2,225 points.
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            2017
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            — The last time Florida won six consecutive SEC games. That team strung together eight straight league victories (plus a ninth against Oklahoma in the Big 12/SEC Challenge), finishing 14-4 in conference play, 27-9 overall, and advancing to the Elite Eight.
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           Bottom Line
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           Florida’s pursuit of a No. 1 seed requires consistency. Even as heavy favorites on the road, the Gators cannot afford to ease up.
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           For more details, contact
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ae8b6ca3.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:07:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-aim-for-sixth-straight-win-against-lsu</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ae8b6ca3.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-ae8b6ca3.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Basketball by the Numbers: How Florida Outsmarted Oklahoma</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/basketball-by-the-numbers-how-florida-outsmarted-oklahoma</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Todd Golden (left) and his UF staff.
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           Share:
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           BATON ROUGE, La. –
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            Tuesday night’s matchup ended decisively, with the home team securing an 85-63 win. Yet within the 130 total possessions, two stood out—offering a glimpse into
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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           ’s real-time analytical approach to coaching.
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            Late in the first half, Florida senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            sank the second of two free throws, pushing the Gators ahead by 20 points with 29.3 seconds remaining. Florida immediately called a timeout. In the huddle, head coach Todd Golden assessed the scenario: Oklahoma had possession, the shot clock was off, they were in the bonus, and only one play remained before halftime.
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           Golden aimed to squeeze in one more possession.
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           As play resumed, Oklahoma advanced the ball, and Florida guard Walter Clayton applied tight pressure on Jeremiah Fears, committing a foul 45 feet from the basket with 10.6 seconds left. To many viewers, it appeared to be a questionable decision. Fears, a standout freshman in the Southeastern Conference and an 84.6% free-throw shooter, was expected to convert at the line.
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            Instead, Fears missed the front end of the one-and-one. UF sophomore
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            grabbed the rebound, raced upcourt, and finished with a contested layup just before the buzzer—stretching Florida’s lead from 20 to 22.
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           Postgame, Golden was asked whether the foul was deliberate. His explanation reflected the kind of forward-thinking strategy that Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin and his hiring team recognized three years ago, when Golden was a rising coach at the University of San Francisco. Now, his second-ranked Gators (23-3, 10-3) are preparing for their sixth consecutive win as they face LSU (14-12, 3-10) Saturday night at Maravich Assembly Center.
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           [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           s "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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           Golden’s analytical mindset traces back to childhood, when he amused himself by memorizing neighborhood license plates in Phoenix.
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           "Generally, at the end of the half, that last possession, is probably worth like .85 [or] .90, something like that," Golden explained, referencing the standard points-per-100-possessions metric used in basketball analytics. "So it's .9 for them and zero for us, because we weren't getting a shot, right? So, we want to be aggressive."
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           Gators guard 
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (7) made the coast-to-coast play at the end of the half against Oklahoma, sinking a driving, banking layup with just over one second to go.
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           Todd Golden acknowledged that fouling Jeremiah Fears—an elite free-throw shooter—wasn’t the most conventional move. The decision gave Oklahoma a projected 1.5 points for that possession. Still, Florida had a strategic edge: if they grabbed the rebound off a miss, they’d have about 10 seconds left to run a play.
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           "So that's .85 or .90 our way, so we saved a couple tenths of a point and it broke our way," Golden explained. "He missed the one-and-one, we come down, score and end up winning [the exchange] 2-0."
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           Clear as mud?
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           No worries—
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           Jonathan Safir
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           , Florida’s director of basketball strategy and analytics, who joined Golden from USF, later expanded on the logic behind the play.
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           Jonathan Safir, Florida’s director of basketball strategy and analytics, broke down the logic behind the late-half foul with a numbers-first approach.
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           "The math of it is this: If we let them hold for the last shot, that's a possession they're guaranteed to get, and we're guaranteed not to get one," Safir said. "The end-of-half possession, when the shot clock is off, is worth a little less than a normal possession because the defense knows about when the shot is coming. So, instead of being worth a normal 1.0 or 1.05 points per possession, it's worth .85."
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            ﻿
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           He emphasized that this figure isn’t just a guess—it’s backed by research and statistical modeling.
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           Jonathan Safir
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           Jonathan Safir elaborated on the numbers behind the decision:
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           "So Oklahoma is getting .85 on that possession and we're getting zero. But if we foul an 80-percent free-throw shooter, 80 percent in the one-and-one means there's an 80-percent chance he makes the first and 80-percent chance he gets a second [attempt]. So the value of the first shot is .8. So, .8 multiplied by .8 is .64. That's the value of the second shot. Add them together makes it 1.44, but we're getting .85 because we're getting a possession with 10 seconds on the clock. So, we're basically increasing the variance and reducing how much we're supposed to lose that sequence by. Instead of losing it by .85, we lose by .65. We're losing by less, but increasing the variance."
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           In short, the strategy was about minimizing the expected loss.
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           What actually happened worked even better: Jeremiah Fears missed the first free throw, Oklahoma came away empty-handed, and Florida grabbed the rebound. The Gators converted at the other end, turning the sequence into a 2-0 advantage.
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           "Even if they made both free throws, if we scored, we'd be happy," Safir explained.
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            Todd Golden, who was recently
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           named to the "watch list" for the 2025 Naismith National Coach of the Year Award
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            , reinforced the philosophy behind the move:
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           "If we foul and if he makes the two [free throws), it's still the right decision," Golden said. "It's process over result."
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           It was this type of forward-thinking strategy that impressed Florida’s search committee and ultimately distinguished Todd Golden from other candidates for the head coaching role.
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            "Have you seen anybody else do that?" UF assistant coach
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           Kevin Hovde
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           , the team’s offensive coordinator, said while recalling the end-of-half sequence. "Nobody thinks that way. No one does that. Everybody would sit back and guard and tell their team not to foul."
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           Of course, not every coach follows the same script. When Golden was asked Friday how many coaches nationwide apply in-game analytics at that level, his response was simple: not many.
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           His rough estimate? Around 5 percent. Or, as he joked, perhaps closer to 5.28 percent—“with an increased variance.”
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           For further details, you can reach senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           at charry@gators.ufl.edu.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-eb5e7a42.webp" length="109634" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:54:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/basketball-by-the-numbers-how-florida-outsmarted-oklahoma</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-eb5e7a42.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-eb5e7a42.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aggie Ambush: Gators Dominate in 22-Point Road Rout</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/aggie-ambush-gators-dominate-in-22-point-road-rout</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Freshman Liv McGill leads Florida to victory with 18 points in College Station. McGill has now posted double digit points in 25 of her 27 outings as a Gator.
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           Share:
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            COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Gators picked up their 14th win of the season with a commanding 74-52 road victory over Texas A&amp;amp;M. The result also marked Florida’s sixth Southeastern Conference win, improving their league record to 6-8. Scoring was distributed across nine players, with
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           Liv McGill
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            leading the way with 18 points.
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            On the defensive end,
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           Laila Reynolds
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            topped the rebounding chart for the first time in her sophomore campaign, collecting nine of Florida’s 34 total boards.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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           added eight rebounds. The Gators’ defensive effort limited the Aggies to just 52 points—their lowest output of the season.
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           How It Happened
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           First Quarter
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            Florida shot 43.8% from the field (7-of-16), scoring 17 points
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            Eight points came from the paint; seven were off Texas A&amp;amp;M turnovers
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            Liv McGill led with six points, shooting 2-of-4 and hitting both free throws
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            Ra Shaya Kyle grabbed six of Florida’s 12 rebounds, accounting for half the team’s total
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            The Gators recorded four steals and forced five turnovers
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            Florida held a 17-13 lead at the end of the quarter
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           Second Quarter
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            Florida added 21 points, shooting 60% from the field (9-of-15)
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            Seven players contributed at least two points
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            Kenza Salgues
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             led with six points, hitting 100% from beyond the arc
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            Ten points came from the bench; nine were off Aggie turnovers
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            Laila Reynolds led the rebounding effort with five of Florida’s 10 boards
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            Florida entered halftime ahead 38-17, having led for 13 minutes and 25 seconds
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           Third Quarter
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             Florida’s freshmen scored nine of the first 11 points:
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Me'Arah O'Neal
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             (3), McGill (6)
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            McGill led the quarter with 10 of Florida’s 21 points
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            Eight points came from the paint
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            The team shot 54.5% (6-of-11) and 66.7% from the line (8-of-12)
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Reynolds, McGill, and Kyle each secured two rebounds
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            Florida committed just two turnovers—their lowest of the game
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Fourth Quarter
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida scored 15 points, their lowest quarter total
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Eight points came from the bench; six were scored in the paint
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            Jeriah Warren led with five points, shooting 2-of-2
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Texas A&amp;amp;M outrebounded Florida 7-4—the only quarter Florida trailed on the boards
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            Florida closed the game shooting 60% (6-of-10) in the final period
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           Worth Noting
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            Florida held Texas A&amp;amp;M to 52 points—their lowest scoring game of the season
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Three Gators scored in double figures: McGill (18), Kyle (12), Warren (11)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has reached double digits in 25 of her 27 games, with 11 games over 20 points
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Florida forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 22 points
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Texas A&amp;amp;M hit just one three-pointer—a season low
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida won the rebounding battle 34-28, leading in all but the fourth quarter:
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            Q1 (12-9), Q2 (10-5), Q3 (8-7), Q4 (4-7)
           &#xD;
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            Reynolds led the team in rebounds for the first time this season with nine
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            She’s led Florida in rebounding five times in her career
           &#xD;
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            Florida is now 8-0 when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            The team shot 53.8% overall (28-of-52)
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            30 points came from the paint; 23 from the bench
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            Reynolds led in assists with six, marking her sixth time as Florida’s top distributor
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            Four players had three or more assists:
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            Reynolds (6), McGill (4), Dizeko (3), Kyle (3)
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 49 of 110 quarters this season
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            The team made 14 of 20 layup attempts (70%)
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            Florida had 67 total possessions, averaging 1.1 points per possession
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            The Gators led for a combined 33 minutes and three seconds
           &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEAM RECORDS:
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (14-13, 5-8 SEC)
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Texas A&amp;amp;M: 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (10-15, 3-10 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Series Record
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Texas A&amp;amp;M leads the all-time series against Florida, 11-6
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Five of Florida’s six wins over the Aggies have come within the past three seasons
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           Next Up
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Sun., Feb. 23
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            Time: 1 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5557&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/1af80bf0-e969-4589-8fb1-0caeb63c6a95" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552538" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:40:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/aggie-ambush-gators-dominate-in-22-point-road-rout</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gator Tales: Billy Horschel &amp; Micah Handlogten Share Their Journeys</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-tales-billy-horschel-micah-handlogten-share-their-journeys</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           The Gators have their highest ranking since 2014 in Todd Golden's third season leading the program.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gator-tales-46-billy-horschel-micah-handlogten/id1036270178?i=1000694133122&amp;amp;itsct=podcast_box_player&amp;amp;itscg=30200&amp;amp;ls=1&amp;amp;mttnsubad=1000694133122" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2025-11-30+232835.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Episode 46 of Gator Tales with
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Presented by UF Health, the latest episode of Gator Tales features PGA Tour professional and Gator legend Billy Horschel, along with Florida men’s basketball center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Host Sean Kelley chats with Horschel about a range of topics, including his passion for the Gators and his continued growth in his career. The discussion then turns to Handlogten, who reflects on the injury he sustained last March and the path he has taken in working his way back to the court.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune in.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stay connected by following on social media and sharing your questions or comments—you might even hear your input featured in a future episode.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Listeners can access the podcast on
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gator-tales-with-sean-kelley/id1036270178" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Apple Podcasts
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1Cd7mcwvB2IfsR2WzOWsQq?si=3cab21929c274349" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Spotify
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSvDmFCp0zGOPSLFuuOLtkmuLVIn_6ynh&amp;amp;si=AfZqFf9UEg_XMLp4" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           YouTube
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , and FloridaGators.com. For more details, visit the
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gatortales_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Gator Tales page
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-a3fb2ca7.webp" length="95086" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gator-tales-billy-horschel-micah-handlogten-share-their-journeys</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball,Men's Golf</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-a3fb2ca7.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-a3fb2ca7.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Todd Golden Back on Gator Talk: Insights from Florida’s Head Coach</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/todd-golden-back-on-gator-talk-insights-from-floridas-head-coach</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators have their highest ranking since 2014 in Todd Golden's third season leading the program.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Share:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           GAINESVILLE, Fla. –
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The spring edition of Gator Talk, presented by Dream Finders Homes, continues Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. from Miller’s Ale House at Celebration Pointe. Florida men’s basketball head coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            will join Voice of the Gators
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ahead of the No. 2 Gators’ trip to Baton Rouge, where they face LSU at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            This marks the fifth of seven scheduled Gator Talk episodes for spring 2025, with two more set to air in February and March. Upcoming shows will also feature UF head coaches JC Deacon (men’s golf) and Emily Glaser (women’s golf).
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            is scheduled for one additional appearance on March 6.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The program will continue to broadcast every Thursday through March 6.
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            Gator Talk is a weekly, hour-long show highlighting the latest in Florida athletics. Fans can tune in across all
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           38 affiliates of the Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD
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            , through the Florida Gators Mobile App, or via the
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           Varsity Mobile App
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           The broadcast runs from 7–8 p.m.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:24:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/todd-golden-back-on-gator-talk-insights-from-floridas-head-coach</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Gear Up for SEC Clash No. 13: Texas A&amp;M Awaits in College Station</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-gear-up-for-sec-clash-no-13-texas-a-m-awaits-in-college-station</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Florida's intensity remains consistent as they near the end of 2025 conference play. UF will look to secure its second consecutive win on Thursday night at Texas A&amp;amp;M.
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           Share:
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           COLLEGE STATION, Tex.— Florida is set to hit the road for a Thursday evening contest against Texas A&amp;amp;M. Tipoff at Reed Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage available on SECN+.
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           The Gators enter the game following a narrow 69-66 win over Mississippi State on Sunday, while the Aggies are looking to bounce back after a tough 88-49 loss on the road to No. 18 Alabama.
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           Game Details: Florida vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
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            Date: Thurs., Feb. 20
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            Time: 8 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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            Reed Arena
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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           A Florida Victory Would:
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            Stretch the Gators’ win streak against Texas A&amp;amp;M to five straight games
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            Mark their fourth road win of the 2024–25 season
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            Become Florida’s second road victory in the month of February
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            Improve their Southeastern Conference record to 5-8
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            Bring their all-time SEC record to 231-333
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            Earn Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 25th career win in conference play
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Overview: Florida vs. Texas A&amp;amp;M
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            Texas A&amp;amp;M leads the all-time series with a 5-11 record against Florida
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            Four of Florida’s five victories have come within the past three seasons
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           Matchup History
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            The Gators and Aggies have faced off 16 times since their first meeting in 1994
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            Since Texas A&amp;amp;M joined the SEC in 2012, the teams have played annually
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            Seven games have taken place in Gainesville
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            Eight have been hosted in College Station
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            One neutral-site contest occurred during the 2017 SEC Tournament
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            Florida returns to Reed Arena for the first time since January 9, 2023
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            That visit ended in a 97-89 win for the Gators—their first victory over Texas A&amp;amp;M in six years
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            Their most recent win came on January 28, 2024, with a 63-51 result at Exactech Arena
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Previous Game Recap
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            On Sunday, February 16, Florida earned a thrilling 69-66 win at home against Mississippi State. Freshman standout
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           Liv McGill
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            led the scoring effort with 20 points, marking her 11th game this season with 20 or more. The game’s defining moment came from senior
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           Jeriah Warren
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           , who drained a clutch three-pointer with under a second remaining—securing the one-possession victory for the Gators.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida ranks No. 4 in the SEC and No. 23 nationally with a 46.6% field goal percentage
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            Four players are averaging double-digit scoring:
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             Liv McGill (16.4), Ra Shaya Kyle (14.9),
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (12.2), and 
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.9)
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            McGill and Kyle are both in the SEC’s top 20 for scoring:
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            McGill at No. 12, Kyle at No. 18
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            The Gators are No. 3 in the SEC for three-point shooting at 33.8%
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            Kyle ranks No. 22 in the NCAA and No. 2 in the SEC with 12 double-doubles this season
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            McGill is the only freshman in the country to record a triple-double this year
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            She has scored in double figures in 24 of 26 games, with 11 games over 20 points
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (135) and assists per game (5.1)
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            Kyle averages 9.0 rebounds per game, placing her No. 5 in the SEC
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            Florida is undefeated when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer
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            The team has scored 20+ points in 47 of 106 quarters this season
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            Kyle ranks No. 9 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC with a 61.1% field goal percentage
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            She is No. 39 in the NCAA for total rebounds, with 235
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 22
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Texas A&amp;amp;M Quick Hits
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            The Aggies are currently on a six-game losing streak, dating back to a 64-51 loss to LSU on January 26
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            Texas A&amp;amp;M ranks No. 15 in the SEC for field goal percentage at 40.2%
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            They’ve earned two wins over ranked opponents this season:
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            No. 25 Ole Miss, 60-58 (Jan. 5)
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            No. 11 Kentucky, 61-55 (Jan. 23)
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            The Aggies are No. 5 in the SEC for blocks, averaging 4.6 per game
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            Jada Malone leads the team in shooting efficiency, hitting 62.2% from the field
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            Jones tops the rebounding chart for Texas A&amp;amp;M with 169 total boards, ranking No. 10 in the SEC
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            Coulibaly is the only Aggie averaging double-digit scoring, with 12.8 points per game
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            Ware ranks No. 14 in the SEC for rebounding, averaging 6.8 per game
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            Ware is also No. 2 in the SEC and No. 46 nationally for blocks, with 43 this season
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            Williams leads the team in three-point shooting, with 35 made threes
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-61daf31e.webp" length="90134" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:55:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-gear-up-for-sec-clash-no-13-texas-a-m-awaits-in-college-station</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Global Stage Beckons: Emilija Dakic Earns Spot on Australia’s U19 World Cup Roster</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-stage-beckons-emilija-dakic-earns-spot-on-australias-u19-world-cup-roster</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Dakic is set to train with Basketball Australia this spring and has high hopes on securing a spot on the U19 FIBA World Cup roster.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Emilija Dakic, a future Gator, has earned the opportunity to represent Australia at the international level. She’s been selected for Basketball Australia’s 24-player training roster and will participate in a high-level camp at the Australian Institute of Sport, aiming to secure a place on the U19 World Cup squad.
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           The roster was announced Tuesday evening, with Renae Garlep named as head coach for the Australian U19 team. The training camp is scheduled to run from March 31 through early April.
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           Dakic officially signed with Florida in November 2024. She’s recognized for her scoring versatility and defensive range, capable of guarding across all positions. Her accolades include a gold medal from the U18 FIBA Asia Cup 2024, two Casey Cavalier Junior of the Year honors (2018 and 2022), the Lions Club Citizenship Award, the John Milledge Leadership Award Scholarship, and the Academic Excellence Award.
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           Australia’s U19 Women’s World Cup Training Roster
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            Lucy Aherne
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            Opal Bird
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:32:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/global-stage-beckons-emilija-dakic-earns-spot-on-australias-u19-world-cup-roster</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida’s Depth Shines Again in Dominant SEC Run</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/floridas-depth-shines-again-in-dominant-sec-run</link>
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           Sophomore forward Thomas Haugh (10) scored a career-high 19 points in his first career start Saturday against South Carolina.
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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           – Who Steps Up This Time?
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           On Tuesday night, the second-ranked Florida Gators (22–3, 9–3) host Oklahoma (16–9, 3–9) in their SEC matchup at Exactech Arena. For the fifth straight game, Florida will take the court missing key rotation players due to injuries. That hasn’t slowed them down so far—each of the previous contests ended in victory, even with the Gators playing without their leading scorer (once), their second-leading scorer (twice), and their top rebounder/third-leading scorer (twice).
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            [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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            s "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           In those games, Florida not only won but did so convincingly, with an average margin of 13.8 points. Two of those triumphs came on the road against ranked opponents, including the landmark upset of No. 1 Auburn. The Gators now boast 18 double-digit wins this season, second-most nationally behind Duke’s 21, all while competing in what many consider the toughest conference in college basketball.
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           The success has come from different contributors and shifting rotations, particularly in recent weeks.
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            "The main thing we talked about with our team after the [last] game: we have to remain unselfish. I think that's going to be the biggest key to our success the rest of the way," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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           "It's going to be a different guy every night. Some guys aren't going to be playing as much as they want and we just can't allow that to affect us big picture-wise, in terms of our goals. If we can continue to channel how our team has been incredibly unselfish this year and be that way the rest of the way, it'll prove to be very good for us. But it's a daily challenge."
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           Senior guard 
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            Some situations are easier to manage than others. On Friday, Alijah Martin participated more fully in practice than he had in the previous 10 days, signaling progress toward returning against South Carolina. Afterward, Coach Todd Golden informed him that junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           —who had started the last three games (once in place of Clayton, twice for Martin)—would remain in the starting lineup for a fourth straight contest, with Martin coming off the bench.
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           Martin’s response: "Zel deserves it. I'll be ready when you need me."
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           That mindset and willingness to put the team first has been a major factor in Florida’s success. Rather than relying on one or two stars, the Gators emphasize their system and allow contributions to come from different players each night.
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           Aberdeen, who had never started before being elevated two weeks ago, has thrived in the role. He’s averaged 16.3 points across four starts, knocked down 11 three-pointers, and delivered back-to-back career scoring highs—20 points at Mississippi State and 22 against South Carolina—while committing only three turnovers.
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            Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            has also stepped up in the absence of
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           Alex Condon
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           , who left the Mississippi State game after just 30 seconds with a low-ankle sprain. Haugh nearly recorded a triple-double in that contest with 16 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists over a career-high 37 minutes. He followed it up with a personal-best 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks against South Carolina. Over the last four games, Haugh has averaged 15.0 points.
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           Injured forwards 
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           Alex Condon
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           (right) were on the bench against South Carolina and will be for the next couple games, at least. 
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           Jon Sundvold, who called the Florida–South Carolina game for SEC Network, highlighted just how impressive the Gators’ depth has become, especially with March approaching. He noted that in the NCAA Tournament, teams often advance not only because of strong defense but because they have multiple offensive options.
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            "Many times, when you watch the NCAA Tournament, there are teams that advance by their number of options that can beat you. Obviously, they're all good defensive teams that advance, but offensively, how many different guys can beat you? With Florida you have Aberdeen stepping up his game. Martin getting healthy. Walter Clayton can score.
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           Will Richard
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            can score.
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            is becoming a 15 or 20 guy. They have a number of weapons [and] night in and night out. You might have a bad game from your star or your second guy, but if your third our fourth guy gets you 15 or 20, you can advance. … Teams that rely on one or two, on a night where one or two or both have a bad night, you go home early."
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           Florida’s balance has been evident all season. Six different players have either led the team in scoring or posted at least 20 points in a game (with Haugh poised to join that list soon). Five different players have topped the rebounding charts in individual games, and seven have earned KenPom.com’s game “MVP” recognition based on analytics.
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           For this group, individual accolades aren’t the focus—it’s about collective success.
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           "We have so many guys who can score and impact the game. It's fun to be a part of a team like that because it can be anyone's night any given night, so we can just go out there and support each other and win games," said senior guard Will Richard. "It goes back to our chemistry. We all play well together, so even with the different switching lineups there's no drop-off. We've played the same way we have all season. It's been fun."
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           CHARTING THE GATORS: Spreading the wealth
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           A look at how balanced the Gators' box scores have been, even in dealing with the run of recent injuries.
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           * Tied for game high 
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           ** Tied for game high with two other players
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:16:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/floridas-depth-shines-again-in-dominant-sec-run</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Dominate Sooners with 85–63 Statement Win</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-dominate-sooners-with-8563-statement-win</link>
      <description>Highlights the key player, score, and context (win streak, three-point shooting, defense) while staying under 160 characters for maximum click-through appeal.</description>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla
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            . – Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           . paced Florida with 18 points as five Gators reached double figures in an 85–63 rout of Oklahoma on Tuesday night at a sold-out Exactech Arena. Ranked No. 2 nationally, Florida controlled the SEC matchup from start to finish.
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           Clayton connected on six of nine attempts, including four of seven from deep, before exiting with just over 10 minutes remaining and his team ahead by 23. Fellow seniors 
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           Will Richard
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            and
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           Alijah Martin
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            each scored 14, sophomore center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            added 11, and reserve guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            chipped in a career-high 10.
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           Florida shot 45.2 percent overall, went 12-for-32 from three-point range (37.5 percent), and committed only six turnovers. The Gators have now made at least 10 threes in each of their five consecutive wins. Defensively, they held Oklahoma—now on a five-game losing streak—to 38.8 percent shooting and forced 13 turnovers.
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           The Gators built a double-digit lead midway through the first half, then broke the game open with a 17–3 run fueled by five threes from four different players. By halftime, Florida led by 22 after hitting nine triples and committing just one turnover. The margin swelled to as many as 29 in the second half.
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            Despite missing sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, along with backup forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            (both sidelined by ankle injuries), Florida notched its 19th double-digit win of the season—second-most in the nation behind Duke’s 21. Twelve of those victories have been by 20 points or more, including this one.
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           Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears, a projected first-round NBA draft pick, led all scorers with 22 points and four threes.
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           UF guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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            (15) sizes up the OU defense. 
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            What it Means
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           Florida currently owns the most wins in college basketball, continuing to pile up victories despite dealing with injuries. The Gators are playing their best stretch of the season, though they remain behind in Quadrant 1 wins with just five. With four more Q1 matchups left in the regular season, they’ll have chances to strengthen their résumé. Entering the weekend, UF will sit no lower than third place in the SEC standings.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Alijah Martin, who missed two games last week due to a hip pointer, looked much closer to his usual form. He finished with five made shots on 12 attempts, including two from long range, while adding five rebounds in 27 minutes. His plus-31 on-court rating highlighted his impact. The Florida Atlantic transfer and second-leading scorer may soon reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida’s perimeter shooting has been remarkable. Over the last five games, the Gators have knocked down 63 of 150 three-point attempts, a 42.0 percent clip. Against Oklahoma, five different players connected from deep.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (23–3, 10–3) heads out for back-to-back road contests after a two-game home stand, beginning Saturday night at LSU (13–12, 2–10). The Tigers, near the bottom of the SEC standings, faced South Carolina late Tuesday. Meanwhile, Oklahoma (16–10, 3–10) returns home to take on No. 21 Mississippi State.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:23:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-dominate-sooners-with-8563-statement-win</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Torch Sooners with Dominant 85–63 Victory</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-torch-sooners-with-dominant-8563-victory</link>
      <description>Walter Clayton Jr. led the charge with 18 points and four 3-pointers as Florida dismantled Oklahoma 85–63, sealing the win by halftime in Gainesville.</description>
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           Senior guard Will Richard (center), flanked by junior center Micah Handlogten (left) and sophomore forward Thomas Haugh (right), get hyped during UF's one-sided win Tuesday over OU.
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           Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser, who famously guided Loyola-Chicago on a Cinderella trip to the Final Four seven years ago, has since faced the challenge of leading the Sooners through a tough transition. After three seasons competing against elite Big 12 programs—including 2023 national champion Kansas—Oklahoma shifted last summer into the expanded Southeastern Conference, widely regarded in 2025 as the strongest college basketball league in twenty years.
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           This year, the Sooners have struggled against SEC opponents, suffering defeats to Alabama (ranked No. 4), Texas A&amp;amp;M twice (No. 7), Auburn (No. 1), Tennessee (No. 6), and Missouri (No. 15). On Tuesday night, No. 2 Florida added to that list, cruising past Oklahoma with an 85–63 win at a packed Exactech Arena. The Gators controlled the game so thoroughly that most of their starters were able to rest well before the final buzzer.
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           Moser's post-beatdown postmortem was as much about the Gators (23-3, 10-3), winners of five straight, as it was his team. The OU coach was that impressed. 
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           "They have the pieces to win it all. … [They] defend very hard, protect the rim, shoot; they got good positional size, five guys who have great range. I think they're one of about five or six teams that can be playing that last weekend [in the Final Four], no doubt," Moser said. "Your head just explodes with the level of these handful of teams and Florida is absolutely right there with the best in the league."
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           Oklahoma coach 
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           Porter Moser
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            The Sooners (16–10, 3–10), now on a five-game skid, couldn’t withstand Florida’s relentless efficiency on both ends of the floor. Even without rebound leader and third-leading scorer
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           Alex Condon
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            —who missed his third straight contest with a low-ankle sprain—the Gators dominated. Offensively, five players reached double figures, highlighted by
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           Walter Clayton Jr.'s
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            18 points. Florida shot 45.2 percent overall, drained 12 three-pointers, and committed only six turnovers. Defensively, they held Oklahoma to 38.8 percent shooting, including just 26.9 percent in the opening half, when UF built a commanding 22-point advantage.
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           Florida’s perimeter shooting was especially decisive: the Gators knocked down nine threes in the first half, compared to only seven total field goals for Oklahoma.
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            "I thought we did a really good job of being pretty systematic with our effort tonight. After the first four minutes I thought we played really well, sharing the ball, shot the ball really well in the first half, defended at a very good level, which we needed to do," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said. "Oklahoma is a very good offensive team. They're very hard to guard. They run good stuff. They play together. They go undersized a little bit, which makes them a little harder to guard, especially for us, a team that likes to stay big. So, holding them to 26, 27 percent in the first half, I thought set the tone."
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           Oklahoma coach Porter Moser acknowledged the Gators’ shooting range: "The depth of their 3s, they kept pulling out farther and farther," Moser said, estimating that three or four UF players can shoot from 27 feet. "They put you in a trick bag."
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            Clayton himself connected twice from near the Gator logo, but the decisive stretch came during a 17–2 run in just over four minutes.
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           Urban Klavzar
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           , 
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , 
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           Alijah Martin
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            , and
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           Will Richard
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            (who hit back-to-back threes) fueled the surge, turning a modest six-point lead into a 20-point margin with five minutes left in the half.
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           "We got multiple guys shooting it well from all over the court," Clayton said.
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           Walter Clayton Jr. delivered an efficient performance, hitting six of nine shots from the field and sinking four of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Over his 27 minutes, he avoided turnovers entirely—a first for him in SEC play this season. With more than 10 minutes remaining and Florida ahead by 23, his night was finished early.
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           Will Richard added 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Alijah Martin—back for his second game after missing time with a hip pointer—matched that total. Martin also grabbed five rebounds in 27-plus minutes and posted a team-best plus-31 in on-court rating.
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            ﻿
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           "I felt almost 100 (percent)," Martin said. "I don't think I have any limitations right now."
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           Alijah Martin
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            (15) attacks in the second half for two of his 14 points.
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           Center Rueben Chinyelu contributed 11 points, while Urban Klavzar added a career-high 10, including two three-pointers. Klavzar has now connected on nine of 14 attempts from long range in conference play.
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           Florida’s offensive firepower was on full display, with nine first-half threes from five different players fueling a 46–24 advantage. The Gators have now hit at least 10 triples in each of their last five victories, totaling 63 makes at a 42.0 percent clip.
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           The relentless perimeter shooting proved overwhelming. "It's deflating," Moser said.
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           Defensively, Florida has been just as impressive during this five-game stretch, holding opponents to 44.1 percent overall and only 31.0 percent from deep. On Tuesday, they stifled one of the SEC’s more inventive offenses, limiting everyone except standout freshman Jeremiah Fears.
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           Fears, a projected first-round NBA draft pick, scored a game-high 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting with four threes. The rest of the Sooners combined to go 12-for-34 from the field and 3-for-12 from beyond the arc.
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           "We knew we wanted to come in and have effort and intensity from the jump," Will Richard said. "So, it's definitely big for us to come in and guard them like that, starting the game off, instead of trying to feel our way into the game."
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            Florida managed all of this without Alex Condon, one of the SEC’s premier big men, who supported his teammates from the bench in a walking boot. Porter Moser acknowledged the impact of his absence:
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           "That's like taking another punch at my gut; throwing some salt on the wound," the OU coach said. "Yeah. It's scary how good they could be."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-17c7ae43.webp" length="92810" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:16:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-torch-sooners-with-dominant-8563-victory</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-17c7ae43.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Eye Fifth Straight Win Against Oklahoma</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-eye-fifth-straight-win-against-oklahoma</link>
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           Share:
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           No. 5 Florida vs. No. 7 Alabama
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            * When:
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            Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            * Where:
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            Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center / Gainesville, Fla.
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            * Records:
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             Florida (22-3, 9-3) / Oklahoma (16-9, 3-9)
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            * TV:
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             ESPN2
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            (Karl Ravech, Jimmy Dykes
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             and
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            Molly Magrath
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            )
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            * Radio:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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            Stations list
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             (with 
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            Sean Kelley
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             ,
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            Lee Humphrey
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             and
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            Steve Egan
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            ) 
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            * 
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            Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           UF center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9)
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           SETUP:
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           Second-ranked Florida and Oklahoma square off in an SEC matchup between programs trending in opposite directions. The Gators, riding a four-game winning streak and climbing to their highest Associated Press ranking in a decade, are fresh off an 88–67 victory over South Carolina. That contest marked Florida’s first against a team outside the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) top 50 since facing the Gamecocks on the road seven games earlier. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has dropped four straight and five of its last six, most recently falling 82–79 at home to LSU, which entered with just one league win. Florida currently shares third place in the SEC standings with Texas A&amp;amp;M, while Oklahoma sits 14th, third from the bottom.
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           SERIES:
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           Oklahoma holds a 3–2 edge in the all-time series, winning the last three meetings. Those victories include two neutral-site matchups and one on its home floor. The most recent clash came on Dec. 20, 2022, at the inaugural Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, N.C., where the Sooners capitalized on Florida’s cold second-half shooting to secure a 62–53 win. OU guard Grant Sherfield led all scorers with 22 points, hitting four of six from deep, while center Tanner Groves added a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Florida led 31–29 at halftime but shot just 32 percent in the second half and went 0-for-9 from three (2-for-22 overall). Forward Colin Castleton paced UF with 22 points and eight rebounds, but lacked perimeter support.
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           ETC:
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           This matchup marks Oklahoma’s first-ever trip to Gainesville. The two schools had agreed to a home-and-home series years ago, with the Sooners scheduled to visit first. However, OU requested delays, and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted plans. Florida eventually fulfilled its commitment with a trip to Norman in 2021, where the Gators lost 74–67, but the return game never materialized. The contract was dissolved after Oklahoma announced its move to the SEC.
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           Tale of the Tape
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            ﻿
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           The Sooners 
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           Florida center 
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           Micah Handlogten
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            (3)
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            Florida’s four-game winning streak has come despite a string of injuries that forced Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            to shuffle his starting lineup three different times after opening the season with the same five for 21 straight games. The numbers show little drop-off: the Gators have shot 53.2 percent overall and 43.2 percent from three-point range during that stretch, while recording 85 assists and 51 made threes. That averages out to 21.3 assists and 12.8 triples per game—production that wins consistently. Defensively, they’ve held opponents to 44.8 percent shooting overall and just 30.0 percent from deep, keeping them firmly in the conversation for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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            Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            (10.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and backup forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            (4.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg) will miss their second straight game with ankle injuries. However, the late-season addition of 7-foot-1 junior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            has helped ease frontcourt concerns. Handlogten, who started 32 games last season and ranked among the SEC’s top rebounders, debuted against South Carolina with two points, three rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two steals in 20 minutes. He admitted to being winded and not yet in peak condition, but the strength staff is working to get him up to speed.
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            The South Carolina game spotlighted guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            and forward Thomas Haugh, both recent bench players who stepped into starting roles and delivered career nights. Aberdeen scored a game-high 22 points, hitting five threes, while adding three assists, a steal, and no turnovers in 30 minutes. He’s averaged 16.3 points and made 11 threes across his four starts. Haugh, filling in for his close friend Condon, posted 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting (3-of-6 from deep), with six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in 31 minutes. With Condon and Alexis expected back eventually, Florida is building not just depth, but elite depth in real time.
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            Point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , who scored 19 points in consecutive road wins at No. 1 Auburn and No. 22 Mississippi State, finished with 10 against South Carolina but nearly matched his career-high in assists with eight, while adding four rebounds. Since returning from an ankle sprain, he’s averaged 7.6 assists over three games.
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           Alijah Martin
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           , sidelined with a hip pointer during the big road wins, returned against USC to score 11 points (4-of-7 shooting, 3-of-5 from deep), with two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in 24 minutes. Golden kept him on the floor late to help regain conditioning, and Martin could rejoin the starting lineup against Oklahoma—a move that reflects Florida’s depth rather than any knock on Aberdeen.
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            Center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            added his second straight 10-point, six-rebound performance, shooting 5-of-6 from the field. His energy and effort in the post will only strengthen the team once Condon, Alexis, and a more seasoned Handlogten are all available.
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            Golden noted after the USC game that he wanted to give sophomore guard
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           Urban Klavza
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            r
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            (3.3 ppg) more minutes, but the flow didn’t allow it. Klavzar still logged eight minutes and hit a three-pointer, marking his third straight game with a make. He’s now 7-of-10 from deep in SEC play.
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           The Sooners 
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           Oklahoma guard 
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           Jeremy Fears
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            (0)
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           Now in his fourth year at Oklahoma, Porter Moser remains a well-known figure in college basketball circles. His reputation was built during his time at Loyola-Chicago, where he led the program to the 2018 Final Four and followed it up with a Sweet 16 run in 2019. Those achievements made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the country before he accepted the job in Norman. Since arriving, Moser has compiled a 69–53 record but has yet to finish with a winning mark in conference play, and this season appears headed in the same direction.
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           The 2024–25 Sooners opened with promise, winning their first 13 games. They captured the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament with victories over Arizona and Louisville, then defeated Michigan in the Jumpman Invitational. Alongside Florida and Tennessee, Oklahoma was one of just three teams nationally to go unbeaten in non-conference play, climbing to No. 12 in the rankings.
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            ﻿
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           SEC competition, however, has been a different story. The Sooners began league play with a lopsided 28-point loss at Alabama and have struggled since. Although they delivered a 30-point win over Vanderbilt on Feb. 1, they’ve dropped four straight games since then, losing by an average margin of 18.2 points.
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           Forward Brycen Goodine, a transfer from Fairfield who previously played at Providence and Syracuse, has taken only 25 shots inside the arc but 99 from three-point range, where he’s hitting at a 44.4 percent clip—ranking 53rd nationally. In two matchups against Texas A&amp;amp;M, Goodine exploded for 34 and 24 points, going 14-of-20 from deep, though the Sooners dropped both contests. Florida will need to keep close tabs on him.
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           Sam Goodwin, who starts alongside Goodine in the frontcourt, hasn’t attempted a three-pointer this season but ranks 12th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage at 16.5, making him a force on the glass.
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           Guard Duke Miles, now at his third program after stints at Troy and High Point, has been a highly efficient scorer, converting 59 percent of his two-point attempts and 44 percent from beyond the arc.
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            ﻿
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           Among Oklahoma’s reserves is forward Mohamed Wague (2.7 ppg), a transfer from Alabama. He drew the ire of Florida fans last season after an incident in Tuscaloosa when he intentionally elbowed Alex Condon during a scramble for a loose ball.
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           Numbers of Note
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           Egor Koulechov 
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           (left) battles for a rebound against Loyola-Chicago's 
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           Marques Townes
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            (5) in 
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           Porter Moser's 
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           win at the O'Dome in 2017. 
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            1.000
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             — Porter Moser’s perfect winning percentage against Florida, built on a 3–0 record. He defeated the Gators once while coaching Loyola-Chicago and twice since taking over at Oklahoma.
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            9.0
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             — Thomas Haugh’s rebounding average across his last six outings, totaling 54 boards during that span.
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            17.3
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             — Haugh’s scoring average over his most recent three games, shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.
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            1922
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             — Missouri’s 66–22 win over Oklahoma, a lopsided result that lingered in history until Florida delivered OU’s worst home defeat in 95 years. That came in 2017 at the Noble Center in Norman, when the Gators rolled 84–52 in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Sophomore forward Kevarrius Hayes came off the bench to post career highs of 20 points and nine rebounds, while blocking three shots and altering several more. Florida’s defense held the Sooners to 27.7 percent shooting overall and just 1-for-16 from three.
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            2017
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             — The year Moser brought Loyola-Chicago to Gainesville and left with a 65–59 win over the fifth-ranked Gators on Dec. 6. Florida had just lost to rival Florida State two nights earlier and struggled again, while Rambler forward Aundre Jackson scored 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting, including 3-for-3 from deep. Loyola went on to win 32 games that season and, as a No. 11 seed, upset Miami, Tennessee, Nevada, and Kansas State before falling to Michigan in the Final Four.
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           Bottom Line
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            Defend the O'Dome. Defend the ranking. Defend the quest for high postseasons seeds. 
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           Email
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           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8a61d7bb.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:54:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-eye-fifth-straight-win-against-oklahoma</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Retooled Florida Gators Crush South Carolina in SEC Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/retooled-florida-gators-crush-south-carolina-in-sec-showdown</link>
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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            – Florida Turns It On After Halftime
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            At the break, Florida held only a slim four-point advantage at home against a Southeastern Conference opponent still searching for its first league win. With injuries forcing him into a third different starting lineup in four games, Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            didn’t focus on tactical changes. His halftime message was straightforward.
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           "We needed to play harder," Golden said.
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            The Gators responded immediately. Junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            opened the second half with a three-pointer, followed quickly by another from sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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           , pushing the lead into double digits. Those shots set the tone for both players—and for the third-ranked Gators overall—as they delivered a dominant second half to defeat South Carolina 88–67 before a packed Exactech Arena on Saturday night.
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           Aberdeen and Haugh both posted career scoring highs. Aberdeen finished with 22 points, including a personal-best five threes, plus three assists and no turnovers in 30 minutes. Haugh added 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Florida (22–3, 9–3) secured its fourth consecutive win by shooting 70.4 percent in the second half, hitting eight of 14 from long range (57.1 percent), and scoring 51 points in the period, while limiting the Gamecocks (10–15, 0–12) to 35.7 percent shooting.
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           Sophomore forward 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
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            Thomas Haugh
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            (10) is fouled by 
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           Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk
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            (31) throwing in a first-half finger roll. 
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            Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and eight assists—part of Florida’s season-high 24 in SEC play. Sophomore center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            added 10 points and six boards, while the Gators dominated transition with a 26–7 advantage in fastbreak scoring.
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           "Coach Golden came in and said we had to pick it up," Aberdeen said of the halftime talk. "We were playing slow and sluggish on offense and defense. We came out in the second half hitting [shots] and doing what we had to do on defense to open up our offense."
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            The first half may have been uneven, but the lineup changes explain some of the adjustment period. Just weeks ago, Denzel Aberdeen had never started a college game. Saturday marked his fourth start, filling in once for Clayton (ankle) and then three times for
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           Alijah Martin
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            (hip pointer). Thomas Haugh also made his first career start, stepping in after
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           Alex Condon
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            injured his ankle at Mississippi State, with backup forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            sidelined as well.
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           That meant two players who weren’t part of the starting unit two weeks earlier were now in the opening five.
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            Adding to the mix was 7-foot-1 junior
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           Micah Handlogten
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           , who hadn’t played since breaking his leg in the SEC Tournament last March. On Friday, he chose to forgo a medical redshirt and suited up, giving Florida another option in its shorthanded rotation.
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           Gators coach 
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           Todd Golden
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            liked what he got from his team in the second half.
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           Despite the lineup changes, Florida responded quickly to Todd Golden’s halftime challenge. The Gators opened the second half with a 12–1 burst, reminiscent of their recent fast starts: a 20–9 run to seize control at No. 1 Auburn and a 15–0 spurt to overwhelm Mississippi State on the road.
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           "Their second-half numbers were gawdy," South Carolina coach Lamont Paris said.
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           Florida’s most explosive stretch came between the 14:56 and 11:21 marks, when a barrage of threes broke the game open. The sequence unfolded as follows:
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            Aberdeen 3
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            Martin 3
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            Aberdeen 3
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            Aberdeen 3
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            South Carolina layup
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            Haugh 3
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           That 15–2 run, fueled by five straight makes from deep, pushed the lead to 22 and sent Exactech Arena into a frenzy.
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           "I thought in the first half we were a little jumbled," Golden admitted, noting the adjustments required with a new starting lineup, Martin’s return, and Handlogten’s addition. "We needed to pour more into who we are; less about adjustments and trying solve whatever problems, more of just getting back to who we were. I thought we did a good job of that in the second half."
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           Alijah Martin, back after missing 11 days, contributed 11 points, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes. Micah Handlogten, greeted by a loud ovation just over four minutes into the game, logged nearly 20 minutes and finished with two points, three rebounds, a career-high five assists, two blocks, and plenty of smiles.
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            ﻿
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           "It was surreal, the stuff you dream about," Handlogten said of his return. "My first game in 11 months, you don't really know what you're going to get."
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           Micah Handlogten
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            goes up in traffic for his only basket (and shot) of the game.
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           In the end, Micah Handlogten and the Gators managed to sort things out, securing the win while navigating what has become a midseason reshuffle.
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           "We'll get through it," Thomas Haugh said.
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           The numbers suggest they will. Over Florida’s current four-game streak, despite injuries and shifting rotations, the team has shot 53.2 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three, while tallying 85 assists and 51 made threes. It’s some of their sharpest basketball of the year.
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           "I feel like we have a really good understanding, collectively, of what we're looking for on offense," Golden said.
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           The timeline for Alex Condon’s return—Florida’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer—will be a key storyline as the season progresses. Until then, Golden’s message remains consistent: the Gators must stick to their identity. That means playing hard.
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           For both halves.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-60fbf816.webp" length="195570" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Feb 2025 18:38:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/retooled-florida-gators-crush-south-carolina-in-sec-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-60fbf816.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Buzzer Beater Brilliance: Warren Lifts Gators Over Mississippi State</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/buzzer-beater-brilliance-warren-lifts-gators-over-mississippi-state</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Senior Jeriah Warren sealed UF's big-time win over Mississippi State with a three-pointer in the final second of play. The buzzer beater now stands as one of the Gators' best moments thus far into SEC play.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida pulled out a 69-66 win over Mississippi State at the O’Connell Center, marking their fourth SEC victory of the 2025 campaign. The outcome was decided in the closing minutes, with the Gators’ senior leaders sparking the decisive run.
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           Alexia Dizeko
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            ignited the final push with a three-pointer at the 3:26 mark, trimming the Bulldogs’ advantage to 65-60.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            then scored on consecutive possessions, cutting the deficit to just two points at 66-64. The surge continued when
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           Alexia Gassett
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            drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws, tying the contest at 66-66.
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           With under 15 seconds remaining and Mississippi State holding the ball, Kyle came up with a pivotal steal in the paint, giving Florida one last chance. Jeriah Warren, the team’s top three-point shooter, delivered the knockout blow—burying a buzzer-beating triple to secure the three-point win for the Gators.
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            On the offensive end, Florida was paced by freshman standout
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            , who poured in 20 points—her 11th game this season with at least 20. She had plenty of support, as three other Gators reached double figures:
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            added 14,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            contributed 12, and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            chipped in 10 to round out the top scorers.
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           Defensively, Kyle anchored the effort with 6 rebounds, while also recording 4 assists and a steal to impact multiple areas of the game.
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           How It Happened
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            First Quarter
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            Liv McGill opened scoring with a three at 8:22, giving UF its first lead
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            Florida shot 7-for-13 (53.8%) from the field
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            McGill led with 9 points on 4-for-7 shooting
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            12 of Florida’s 17 points came in the paint
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Gators forced 8 turnovers, committing only 3
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF led for 7:08 of the quarter and finished ahead 17-14
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            Second Quarter
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            Mississippi State took its first lead at 9:08 with a three (20-19)
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            UF trailed for over 5 minutes
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            Florida scored 12 points off 9 MSU turnovers
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            Half of UF’s 20 points came inside the paint
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            Out-rebounded MSU 11-9 in the period
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            McGill hit a three at 1:50 to regain the lead (33-31)
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            Gators closed the half up 37-31, their largest lead of the half
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            Third Quarter
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            Jeriah Warren opened with a three (40-32)
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            UF shot 41.7% (5-for-12), their lowest quarter percentage
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            14 points spread across 5 players
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            MSU outscored UF 24-14 in the frame
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            Bulldogs went 7-for-10 at the line; UF just 2-for-2
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            Florida trailed 55-51 entering the fourth
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            Fourth Quarter
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            UF shot a game-high 60% (6-for-10)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds scored 6 of the team’s 18 points
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            Ra Shaya Kyle dished out 3 assists
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            Game tied 66-66 with 1:20 left
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            UF gained possession with 11.7 seconds remaining
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            Jeriah Warren hit a buzzer-beating three to win 69-66
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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           Worth Noting
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            Season-best 91.7% from the free-throw line (11-for-12)
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            Four players in double figures: McGill (20), Reynolds (14), Warren (12), Kyle (10)
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            McGill: double figures in 24 of 26 games; 11 games with 20+ points
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            Reynolds: double digits in 14 of 21 games this season
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            Forced 26 turnovers (second-highest this season; Alabama State had 31 on Dec. 29, 2024)
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            Outscored in only one quarter (Q3, 24-14)
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            Now 7-0 when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer in 2024-25
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            First win this season after trailing with 5 minutes left (previously 0-12)
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            Shot 50% overall (26-for-52)
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            34 points in the paint; 10 points from the bench
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            Reynolds led with 5 assists; Kyle added 4; McGill and Salgues had 2 each
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            Out-rebounded 34-29, but 7 players grabbed at least 2 boards
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            Kyle (6), Gassett (4), McGill (3), Warren (3), Dizeko (3), Reynolds (2), O’Neal (2)
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            Kyle has led UF in rebounding 19 times this season, 42 in her career
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            UF has scored 20+ points in 47 of 106 quarters this season
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            Converted 16 of 25 layups (64%)
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           gATOR bITES
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Coach Kelly
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            on Florida’s Steady Growth
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           Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley reflected on her team’s progress, noting how consistency has been the foundation of their success. "As a coach, I know we're getting better. It's hard as a coach to say to your team, yeah, we're getting better and I can show them numbers, but when the result isn't what you want, sometimes it's hard to believe that that's actually the truth. We have a team that's been consistent in our approach—win or lose, and I'm probably most proud of them for that. We haven't had high highs and we haven't had low lows, and that's what earned them this victory today."
          &#xD;
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           Coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on the Energy from the Crowd
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           She also credited the fans for creating a game-changing atmosphere inside the O’Connell Center. "Coach CJ has been challenging our community to come and support us, to be the sixth man, and to take us over the top, and that's exactly what happened tonight. I'm not sure we get those stops, shoot 60 percent from the floor, shoot 100 percent from the free throw line, rebound, and execute like we did if Gator Nation is not there to support us."
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            Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            on Closing Out the Win
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           Veteran guard Jeriah Warren emphasized the team’s resilience and focus in the final minutes. "It was a great team win. We were connected throughout the whole game and it feels good to finally get the win. We were down six or seven, that's a two-possession game, and we all knew the game was still there, so we just locked in on defense and had to get a stop. So, it was really just reminding each other what we have to do as a team to get the win."
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
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           (13-13, 4-8 SEC)
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           Mississippi State: 
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           (18-9, 5-8 SEC)
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            
          &#xD;
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           SERIES RECORD:
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida and Mississippi State are now tied in their all-time head-to-head history, with both programs owning
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           28 wins each.
          &#xD;
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           NEXT UP:
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           The Gators will be back on the road for their next contest, traveling to College Station to face Texas A&amp;amp;M on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET. The SEC matchup will be streamed live on SECN+.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Before welcoming Florida, the Aggies will first square off against No. 21 Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. On the season, Texas A&amp;amp;M is averaging 63.5 points per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field.
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           Key Players for Texas A&amp;amp;M
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Aicha Coulibaly leads the Aggies in scoring, putting up 12.8 points per game.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sahara Jones anchors the defense on the glass, averaging 7.1 rebounds per game with a season total of 163 boards.
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            NEXT UP: Oklahoma 
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (20-6, 8-5 SEC)
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Date: Thurs., Feb. 20
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            Time: 8 p.m. ET
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://12thman.com/facilities/reed-arena/5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reed Arena
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5557&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/987830f0-5fa9-49d2-8cac-47438c57b3a0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552549" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0a8b1f4a.webp" length="119756" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Feb 2025 12:32:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/buzzer-beater-brilliance-warren-lifts-gators-over-mississippi-state</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0a8b1f4a.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0a8b1f4a.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reluctant Trailblazer: Steve Williams’ Historic Gators Legacy</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/reluctant-trailblazer-steve-williams-historic-gators-legacy</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gainesville, Fla.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            - More than fifty years later, Steve Williams continues to minimize his role in University of Florida basketball history. A talented guard who helped lead Pensacola Washington to the 1970 Class 2A state championship, Williams committed to the Gators that same year.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           He never set out to be a pioneer.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           "My dream in life was to graduate from college and be the basketball coach at my high school in Pensacola," Williams said this week. "My intentions were not to start anything or make myself into something or try to change society. I was just trying to take advantage of an opportunity."
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           By becoming the first African-American basketball player at UF, recognition was inevitable. There can only be one first. Now 72 years old, Williams will be celebrated for his groundbreaking role in Florida basketball with an on-court tribute Saturday night as the third-ranked Gators (21-3, 8-3) face South Carolina (10-14, 0-11) in a sold-out SEC matchup at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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           [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           '
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           s "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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           Steve Williams
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           For Steve Williams, this marks his second visit to the O’Dome this season. He previously attended the Virginia matchup on Dec. 4 as part of the program’s renewed initiative to celebrate its history. Under the guidance of Associate Athletic Director Dave Werner, now in his first year overseeing men’s basketball operations, the Gators have begun inviting a “distinguished letterman” — sometimes two — to each home contest. These alumni join the team for shoot-around, share the pregame meal, and then watch the game together.
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           The goal is to strengthen ties between past and present.
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            "It means a lot to meet and talk to the guys that paved the way for us," senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            said. "It's inspiring to see them come back and support us, so we want to honor them by making them proud with the way we play."
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           So far, the program has welcomed Mike Rollyson from the 1960s, Tony Miller from the ’70s, Clifford Lett and Brian Hogan from the ’80s, and Dametri Hill and Andrew DeClercq from the ’90s. This Saturday, the spotlight will be on Gene Shy, who spent two seasons as a teammate of Williams.
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           "Some of these former players we all recognize and some of them played a long time ago but had a tremendous impact on our program," said Dave Werner. "It's important for our [current] players to know their stories."
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           And when it comes to Steve Williams, his journey is certainly one worth telling.
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           Dave Werner
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           During his time with the Gators from 1971 to 1974, Steve Williams appeared in 74 games and totaled 595 points, 382 rebounds, and 248 assists while playing under coaches Tommy Bartlett and John Lotz. His varsity debut was memorable, as Florida stunned ninth-ranked Louisville — a team that went on to the Final Four that year.
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           Williams later scored 27 points in a victory over Army at Madison Square Garden and contributed to wins over Virginia Tech, the eventual NIT champion at the time. He also helped Florida defeat Kentucky twice.
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           As a senior, Williams was chosen as team captain. That season, he recorded a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double in a win against Auburn and played a key role in guiding the program to its first winning campaign in five years.
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           Steve Williams
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            (33) to the rack on an Auburn defender in 1974l.
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           "Amazing memories," Williams said. "There were a couple negative things that happened along the way, but the positive things way overshadowed everything else. It was an excellent experience for me."
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           Those “negative things” were tied to the realities of the early 1970s in the South, during the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement and the era of integration. Williams wasn’t just observing history — he was living it.
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           "You definitely heard things said, especially on the road," remembered UF Hall-of-Fame forward Chip Williams, who is not related.
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           Steve Williams rarely discusses those difficult moments and avoids naming the SEC towns where they occurred.
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           One example was when he entered a restaurant with a white teammate and was confronted by locals who told him to leave or face consequences.
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           "I was 18, so a lot of thoughts went through my head," Williams recalled. "I remember thinking, 'If I stay, there are too many of them. If I leave, I may end up with cement on my feet.' It was a situation I'll never forget, but it's not one I think about a lot. Things have changed. And it was never like that with my team."
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           Chip Williams emphasized that within the Gators, Steve was never viewed as a “Black teammate,” but simply as a teammate, a good person, and a strong player who carried the nickname “Grump.”
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           "A class act," Chip Williams said.
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           Steve Williams completed his degree in Physical Education/Health &amp;amp; Recreation in 1974 and began teaching at Newberry High for a year. Soon after, he returned to Washington High, fulfilling his dream of coaching basketball there. He led successful teams and came within a single basket — from Stevie Edwards, who later played at Kentucky — of reaching a state championship. His career later took him to Middleton and Steinbrenner high schools in Tampa, where he resides today. Back in his hometown, his contributions were never forgotten; in 2024, Washington High honored him by placing his name on the gymnasium floor.
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           Steve Williams
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            and gymnasium floor named in his honor.
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           It was the kind of impact that came from the person, teacher, and coach Steve Williams became.
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           "He never talked about it, but we all knew," Derrick Brooks said this week. "Pensacola is a small town, and we had parents who told us about him."
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            Yes,
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            that
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           Derrick Brooks.
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           Brooks stands among the most accomplished athletes in Florida’s history, both at the collegiate and professional levels. He was a First-team All-American and national champion at Florida State, a first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a seven-time All-Pro, and an eleven-time Pro Bowler. His accolades also include NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Super Bowl champion, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection.
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           Before Derrick Brooks embarked on his remarkable two-decade career in athletics, he played basketball under Steve Williams at Washington High. The influence of Williams stayed with Brooks throughout his journey, shaping both his approach to sports and life.
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           "On the very first day of practice, he did not mess around," Brooks, now 51, recalled. "He told us we were going to be respectful; we were going to be disciplined; we were going to be accountable."
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           Williams established four core principles for his players, and they were non-negotiable:
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            Give maximum effort
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            Embrace accountability
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            Bring the right attitude every day
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            Enjoy the process
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             Pro Football Hall-of-Famer
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             Derrick Brooks
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           "It all aligned with everything – academics, athletics, my faith and character – that I was trying to be about at the time," Brooks said. "That was Coach."
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           That was Steve Williams. That was "Grump." A figure as modest, dignified, and quietly iconic as any to ever represent the Gators.
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           On Saturday night, more than 10,000 fans will gather to show their gratitude.
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           "I love to hear that the University of Florida is recognizing him at this stage of his life," Brooks said. "I'm going to celebrate it."
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           Steve Williams
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            and wife 
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           Annette
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            at a UF football game.
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           Although Derrick Brooks will celebrate from a distance, several of Steve Williams’ teammates from the early to mid-1970s will gather in Gainesville for a reunion organized by Chip Williams, a former first-team All-SEC standout and still ranked No. 32 among Florida’s all-time scorers. The group will reconnect, share memories, and enjoy each other’s company.
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           Welcome back, "Grump."
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           "My Florida experience was an excellent experience," said Williams, who has been married for 29 years and is the father of four children and grandfather to 10. "The negatives over the years I have pushed to the background and kept them from having influence on how I feel about the University of Florida. I love the University of Florida. If I had a choice, I would do it all over again."
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-55ac4c41.webp" length="27210" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:02:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/reluctant-trailblazer-steve-williams-historic-gators-legacy</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Dominate: Florida Crushes South Carolina 88–67</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-florida-crushes-south-carolina-8867</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla
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           . – Junior guard Denzel Aberdeen and sophomore forward Thomas Haugh both delivered career-high scoring performances, powering the third-ranked Florida Gators to an 88-67 win over South Carolina in Saturday’s SEC matchup at a packed Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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            Aberdeen, starting for the fourth straight game, tallied 22 points by connecting on eight of 12 field goals and sinking a personal-best five 3-pointers on seven attempts across 30 minutes. Haugh, stepping into the lineup for the first time as a starter with
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           Alex Condon
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            sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in Tuesday’s victory over Mississippi State, contributed 20 points along with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
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            Senior point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            added 10 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, while sophomore center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            recorded his second consecutive double-digit scoring effort with 10 points and six boards.
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           The victory marked Florida’s fourth in a row.
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            Despite a sluggish first half — leading by only four at the break against a South Carolina squad still searching for its first SEC win — the Gators erupted after halftime, shooting 70.4 percent and knocking down eight 3-pointers. They managed this without Condon and reserve forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            (ankle), but welcomed back fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            , who had missed two games with a hip pointer, and 7-foot-1 center
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           Micah Handlogten
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           , returning for the first time since fracturing his leg last March 17 in the SEC Tournament. Martin, the team’s second-leading scorer, finished with 11 points and three assists in 24 minutes. Handlogten chipped in two points, three rebounds, a career-best five assists, two steals, and two blocks in 20 minutes.
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           Both teams came out firing, with South Carolina hitting 75 percent of its shots through the opening 12 minutes and Florida connecting at a 65 percent clip. USC briefly led 31-30 with under five minutes left in the half, but UF closed strong, scoring seven of the final nine points to take a 37-33 advantage into the locker room.
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           The second half quickly turned into a runaway. Florida opened with back-to-back 3-pointers to push the margin into double figures and extended the lead to 15 by the first media timeout. After USC trimmed the gap to nine with a six-point burst, the Gators responded with five straight 3s — three from Aberdeen and one each from Martin and Haugh. The lead ballooned to 22 and eventually reached 25, fueled by a blistering 19-of-27 shooting performance in the half, including eight of 14 (57 percent) from beyond the arc.
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           UF forward
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            Thomas Haugh
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            (10) launches a 3-pointer Saturday night.
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            What it Means
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           Earlier on Saturday, the NCAA revealed its projected tournament bracket, placing Florida as the fourth No. 1 seed in the 68-team field. The Gators joined Auburn and Alabama as SEC programs earning top-seed recognition. To maintain that position, Florida must continue stringing together victories in the season’s final stretch, beginning with a four-game slate against the league’s bottom teams. One challenge is complete (South Carolina), with three more ahead (Oklahoma, LSU on the road, and Georgia on the road). Doing so without Alex Condon, the team’s most reliable “big,” will be a test, but that’s the reality for now. In terms of SEC standings, Florida is tied with Texas A&amp;amp;M for third place, trailing Alabama by one game and Auburn by two.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Consider the emotions Micah Handlogten has experienced over the past two days.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Across the last four contests, Florida has totaled 85 assists and connected on 51 three-pointers — an exceptionally efficient stretch of play.
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            Up Next
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           lorida (22-3, 9-3) remains at home for another matchup Tuesday night against Oklahoma (16-9, 3-9). The Sooners dropped a close 82-79 decision earlier Saturday to LSU, which picked up just its second SEC win. Meanwhile, South Carolina (10-15, 0-12) will aim for its first conference victory Tuesday in Baton Rouge.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Feb 2025 13:09:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-dominate-florida-crushes-south-carolina-8867</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Back to the O’Dome: Gators Set for SEC Showdown with Mississippi State</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/back-to-the-odome-gators-set-for-sec-showdown-with-mississippi-state</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Coach Kelly Rae Finley and the Gators have returned to Gainesville and are set to matchup against Mississippi State on Sunday afternoon in hopes of securing SEC win No. 4.
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           Gainesville, Fla. -
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            The Gators return to the O’Connell Center on
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           Sunday, Feb. 16, for a matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on SECN+.
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           Mississippi State arrives in Gainesville following an 85-77 double-overtime victory over Vanderbilt on Thursday night. Florida, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after falling to No. 4 South Carolina. Both programs enter the contest eager to add another win to their conference records as the calendar edges closer to March.
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           Mississippi State 
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           (18-8, 5-7 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Feb. 16
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            Time: 2 p.m. ET
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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           A Florida Victory Would:
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            Mark the Gators’ first home win of the month of February
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            Extend Florida’s run to two straight wins over Mississippi State
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            Secure the team’s 10th home triumph of the 2024-25 campaign
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            Improve UF’s SEC record to 4-8
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            Bring Florida’s all-time SEC record to 230-333
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            Earn Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 24th career conference victory
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           TAle of the Tape
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           The Series
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           Mississippi State currently holds a slight edge in the all-time matchup with Florida, leading the series
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            28-27.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators vs. Bulldogs History
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            The two programs have faced off 55 times since their first meeting in 1978.
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            Of those games, 25 have been played in Gainesville, 24 in Starkville, and six at neutral sites.
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            Sunday’s contest marks Mississippi State’s first return to the O’Connell Center since Feb. 11, 2024, when Florida earned its first victory over the Bulldogs in two years.
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             The Gators’ most recent win in the series came on that same date, a 90-70 road victory in Starkville, where UF secured a 20-point
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            margin.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Last Time Out
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            The Gators’ most recent game was on Thursday, Feb. 13, ending in a 101-63 road loss to No. 4 South Carolina.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             and 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ra Shaya Kyle
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             led the scoring effort with 15 points each.
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            Laila Reynolds added 9 points.
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             On the defensive end,
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            Alexia Gassett
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             paced the team with 8 rebounds, contributing to Florida’s 37 total boards.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Liv McGill is the only freshman in the nation to record a triple-double this season.
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            McGill has posted 10 games with 20+ points.
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            Florida ranks No. 6 in the SEC and No. 25 nationally in field goal percentage (46.5%).
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            Four Gators average double figures:
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            McGill (16.3 ppg)
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            Kyle (15.1 ppg)
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (12.2 ppg)
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.7 ppg)
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            Both McGill and Kyle are among the SEC’s top 20 scorers:
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            McGill at No. 14 (16.3 ppg)
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            Kyle at No. 19 (15.0 ppg)
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            Florida sits 6th in the SEC in three-point shooting (33.6%).
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            Kyle ranks No. 17 nationally and No. 2 in the SEC with 12 double-doubles.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (133) and assists per game (5.3).
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            Kyle is 5th in the SEC in rebounds per game (9.1).
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            Florida is undefeated this season when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer.
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 46 of 102 quarters this season.
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            Kyle ranks No. 9 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC in field goal percentage (61.7%).
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            Kyle is also 35th in the nation in total rebounds (229).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks (21).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             has scored in double figures in 23 of 25 games this season.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Mississippi State Quick Hits
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            ﻿
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            The Bulldogs rank 7th in the SEC and 28th nationally in field goal percentage (46.3%).
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            They sit at 5th in the SEC for defensive rebounds per game (28.62).
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            Jordan leads the team in shooting efficiency with a 58.0% field goal percentage.
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            Okot is 16th in the NCAA with 253 total rebounds this season.
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            Three players average double figures in scoring:
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            Jordan (16.3 ppg)
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            Russell (12.0 ppg)
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            Okot (11.6 ppg)
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            Okot also ranks 3rd in the SEC in rebounding, averaging 9.7 per game.
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            Powe is 5th in the SEC in three-point shooting percentage (41.3%).
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            Okot leads the SEC and is 2nd nationally in field goal percentage (68.0%).
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            DeShields is 14th in the SEC in assists, with 93 total (3.6 per game).
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            As a team, Mississippi State is 17th in the nation in rebounds per game (41.9).
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-9b6a1270.webp" length="40538" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Feb 2025 12:57:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/back-to-the-odome-gators-set-for-sec-showdown-with-mississippi-state</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-9b6a1270.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-9b6a1270.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Micah Handlogten Returns: Gators Gain Key Frontcourt Boost</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/micah-handlogten-returns-gators-gain-key-frontcourt-boost</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Junior center Micah Handlogten has put on 25 pounds since he was 230-pound sophomore last year.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – On Friday afternoon at the UF Women’s Club,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            made a surprise appearance during a small basketball media session. Taking the microphone, he delivered two words that could reshape Florida’s season.
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           "I'm back," he said.
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           At a time when Florida is dealing with injuries, the team has gained a major boost with the addition of 7-foot-1, 255-pound center Micah Handlogten back into the rotation. Last season, Handlogten averaged 5.3 points on 62.2 percent shooting and 6.9 rebounds in 19 minutes per game before breaking his leg in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. He will make his 2024-25 season debut Saturday night when the third-ranked Gators (21-3, 8-3) host South Carolina (10-14, 0-11) at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center.
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            "Micah is one of the most unselfish guys I've ever been around. He's always worried about the team and the program, and I think he saw another opportunity where he could really help and become a physical part of this as we move forward," UF coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            said about two hours after learning of Handlogten’s choice. "He missed out on playing in the [NCAA] Tournament last year. He was tracking on missing out with what this season was going to be. He deserves more than that. He was a big part of getting our program where it is today and I think he'll continue to help us get even better the rest of the year. It's a huge lift from us."
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            The original plan was for Micah Handlogten to sit out the 2024-25 season, preserving two years of eligibility. However, circumstances shifted for both him and the team. Florida lost starting sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            (10.6 points, 7.8 rebounds per game) and reserve forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-alexis/16985" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sam Alexis
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            to ankle injuries during Tuesday night’s win at Mississippi State, leaving the Gators short-handed in the frontcourt as the SEC season enters its final stretch.
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           About three weeks ago, Handlogten considered returning midseason but hesitated over the long-term impact of sacrificing a full year of eligibility.
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           "I'd be lying if I said that wasn't part of it," Handlogten said.
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           The turning point came after watching his teammates pull off upsets against No. 1 Auburn and No. 22 Mississippi State, while seeing Condon and Alexis sidelined in walking boots. Following discussions with his family, Handlogten made the decision Friday morning to return.
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           "I think the sky's the limit when everybody gets healthy," Handlogten said of his team. "I literally think we can win the national championship."
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           In short: Florida is all-in.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Handlogten_Micah__250114_5733_MaddieWashburn023.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            will trade in the sweatsuit he's been wearing on the UF bench all season and be in full uniform Saturday night against South Carolina.
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           "It's been a tricky time for him. I know he's been itching to get out there," Golden said. "Physically, he was ahead of the mental recovery, which is normal. I think the physical recovery was about as good as it could possibly be, with no setbacks, and being able to get back on the floor as quickly as he did, to play five-on-five as quickly as he did."
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           Golden stressed that the decision ultimately had to come from Handlogten himself. The Florida staff and players — still shaken by the severe compound fracture he suffered in the SEC championship game on March 17 — were committed to supporting him no matter what, fully aware of the challenges he endured during rehab and the risk of losing nearly a full season of eligibility.
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            ﻿
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           In the end, Handlogten carefully considered the trade-offs, and Florida gained an unexpected boost as a result.
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  &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/MHandlogten/status/1890450478355349857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1890450478355349857%7Ctwgr%5E560dca5b2628193caedc44466ae488a6ee187763%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffloridagators.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F2%2F14%2Fmens-basketball-handlogten-returns-will-forgo-redshirt-season-feb-14-2025" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2025-12-07+072914.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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            "He's been through a lot the past year, but the way he's handled it, seeing only a smile on his face, we're so very proud of him, very happy that his stuff went well," junior guard
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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            said. "Just very excited for him to be back."
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           Florida entered the day ranked No. 7 nationally in offensive rebounding. A season ago, Micah Handlogten started 33 of 34 games and finished as the No. 4 offensive rebounder in the country, collecting 17.9 percent of his team’s missed shots and leading the SEC at 15.9 percent. His knack for crashing the boards from the weak side and keeping possessions alive with tips is expected to provide even more opportunities for an offense currently ranked No. 4 in overall efficiency.
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           "It's not every day you can add a starting-level SEC player this time of the year," Golden said. "Let's be honest, it's probably going to take him some time to get back to his full self out there, but the great thing is the physical piece is there and he's been playing pretty well."
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            By mid-afternoon, the Gators were deep into practice ahead of their matchup with South Carolina. On the sidelines, Alex Condon and Sam Alexis worked on stationary bikes under the supervision of strength and conditioning coordinator
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/victor-lopez/1899" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Victor Lopez
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            . Meanwhile, Handlogten joined the main rotation — alongside
           &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , and
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            — running, posting, and rebounding with the starters rather than the scout team.
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            Once practice wrapped up, Handlogten remained in the gym to put up extra shots and free throws, followed by solo wind sprints under the watch of assistant coach
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/carlin-hartman/1896" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Carlin Hartman
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . Afterward, he met briefly with a nutritionist, stepped on the courtside scale ("Lost four pounds today," he said), and then headed to the training room for recovery.
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           Yes. He’s back.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-f90dfa3b.webp" length="158336" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 23:39:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/micah-handlogten-returns-gators-gain-key-frontcourt-boost</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-f90dfa3b.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-f90dfa3b.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators vs Gamecocks: Florida Eyes SEC Momentum</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-gamecocks-florida-eyes-sec-momentum</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           No. 3 Florida vs. South Carolina
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           By Chris Harry
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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            Game Time:
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             Saturday, 8:30 p.m. (ET)
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            Location:
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             Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Fla.
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            Team Records:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Florida (21-3, 8-3) vs. South Carolina (10-14, 0-11)
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            Television:
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             SEC Network, with
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            Roy Philpott
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             and
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            Jon Sundvold
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            on the call
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            Radio:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / [
            &#xD;
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Stations list
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ]
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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             (coverage by
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        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sean Kelley
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             ,
            &#xD;
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Lee Humphrey
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             , and
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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            Tickets:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             [
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticket info
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            ]
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/VDoSj8-fc2f3ab7.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           The Breakdown
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/052_Richard_Will__250122_1204_MaddieWashburn_0RHAm.webp" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           UF guard Will
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
            Richard
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            (5) throws in his game-winning bank shot against the Gamecocks in the Gators' 70-69 win on Jan. 22 at Columbia. 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Setup
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           : Third-ranked Florida welcomes South Carolina for a Southeastern Conference matchup featuring a team near the top of the standings against one at the bottom. The Gators enter on a three-game winning streak, highlighted by consecutive road victories over ranked opponents — No. 1 Auburn and No. 22 Mississippi State — marking the first time in program history they’ve accomplished that feat. Florida currently holds its highest Associated Press ranking in a decade. Meanwhile, South Carolina dropped its 11th straight SEC contest, falling 72-68 at home to No. 19 Ole Miss.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Series:
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida leads the all-time series 49-29, with a 22-10 record in Gainesville. However, the Gators have dropped three of the last four home meetings, with the lone win coming in 2023. The most recent matchup between the two programs took place last month, when senior guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            drove down the left side and converted a left-handed layup off the glass with 4.8 seconds remaining to secure a 70-69 victory. South Carolina’s Jacobi Wright attempted a long three-pointer at the buzzer that missed, sealing the win. Florida’s defensive pressure, particularly its 1-2-2 press, forced 13 steals and fueled the comeback despite trailing by 14 with 12 minutes left, 13 with nine minutes to go, nine with just over six minutes remaining, and five with 1:05 to play. Richard finished with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, along with four rebounds and three steals.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            contributed 16 points and seven assists, while
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            added 14 points and three steals.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Etc
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           : The Florida-South Carolina basketball game serves as the finale to a busy day of Gators athletics on campus. Events include golf hosting the Gators Invitational at 7:45 a.m., softball against Boston College at 11:30 a.m., men’s tennis versus North Florida at noon, lacrosse against North Carolina at noon, a second softball matchup against Binghamton at 2 p.m., baseball’s second game of the season against Air Force at 4 p.m., and finally men’s basketball tipping off at 8:30 p.m.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Tale of the Tape
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/250211_MBKMissSt_1528_MaddieWashburn01.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           )
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            One of the season’s biggest developments came Friday when 7-foot-1 junior center
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           Micah Handlogten
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            announced
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           he will forgo the rest of what was supposed to be a medical redshirt season
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            and make his 2024-25 debut on Saturday. As a sophomore, Handlogten averaged 5.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and ranked among the nation’s top five offensive rebounders before suffering a broken leg in the SEC Tournament. Though medically cleared for nearly two months, the original plan was for him to sit out and retain two years of eligibility. His return now provides Florida with much-needed frontcourt depth after ankle injuries sidelined starter
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           Alex Condon
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            (10.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and reserve
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           Sam Alexis
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            (4.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Neither will be available for Saturday’s game.
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            Despite missing key contributors, the Gators have won three straight. They defeated Vanderbilt without point guard and leading scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            , who was out with an ankle injury. Guard
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           Alijah Martin
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           , injured in the same game, has missed the last two contests — both road upsets over No. 1 Auburn and No. 22 Mississippi State — while Condon was lost just seconds into the Mississippi State matchup. Clayton returned after missing only one game and has been outstanding since, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.5 turnovers, and 38 minutes across the last two outings.
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           Even shorthanded, Florida has produced its most efficient stretch of the season, averaging 12.3 made three-pointers and 20.3 assists over the last three games. Defensively, the Gators have climbed to No. 8 nationally in efficiency, holding Auburn (No. 1 offense) and Mississippi State (No. 26 offense) to a combined 42.1 percent shooting overall and 28.6 percent from deep.
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            Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            has stepped up in back-to-back performances. At Auburn, he posted 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal. At Mississippi State, he matched the scoring and rebounding totals while adding a career-high eight assists, two steals, and two blocks in a career-best 37 minutes after Condon’s injury. Center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rueben-chinyelu/16988" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Rueben Chinyelu
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            also impressed against the Bulldogs, recording 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 30 minutes. His plus-20 on-court rating was second only to Clayton’s plus-21. With Handlogten returning, Florida gains another interior presence to complement these efforts.
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            Guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/denzel-aberdeen/16871" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Denzel Aberdeen
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            has thrived as a starter, averaging 14.3 points while filling in for Clayton against Vanderbilt and Martin in the Auburn and Mississippi State games. He has shot 43 percent overall, 35.3 percent from three, and converted seven of 11 free throws, while playing strong defense — notably against MSU standout Josh Hubbard — and protecting the ball. Guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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            added 10 points and two steals in the last outing, reaching double figures in three straight games since a two-point showing in the loss at Tennessee on Feb. 1. Backup guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            has been a spark off the bench, hitting a three-pointer in three consecutive games and going 6-for-7 from deep during that stretch, with a 75 percent mark in SEC play. Depending on Martin’s availability, freshman wing
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-brown/16986" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Isaiah Brown
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            (2.5 ppg) may see minutes at the “4” spot.
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           The Gamecocks
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           South Carolina point guard Jamarii Thomas (6)
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           This marks the third season for Coach Lamont Paris, but the current campaign is beginning to resemble his first year — perhaps even more challenging. Paris arrived in Columbia from Tennessee-Chattanooga, taking over for Frank Martin after a decade at the helm. His debut season in 2022-23 ended with an 11-21 record and just four SEC victories. Last year, however, he steered the Gamecocks to a 26-8 mark, a fifth-place finish in the conference, and an NCAA Tournament appearance that concluded with a first-round loss to Oregon.
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           South Carolina has since lost several key contributors to graduation and the transfer portal. While they’ve been competitive in some close contests — including Wednesday’s narrow defeat to a strong Mississippi team — the fact that they remain winless in SEC play, with lopsided losses by margins of 35, 20 (twice), and 23 points, has been surprising.
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           Statistically, the Gamecocks sit at the bottom of the league in most offensive categories, including effective field-goal percentage, turnover rate, and both two- and three-point shooting. Defensively, they hover in the lower third across several metrics. Still, it’s worth noting that five of their SEC losses — against Vanderbilt, Florida, Mississippi State, and Texas A&amp;amp;M among them — were decided by four points or fewer.
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            ﻿
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           Despite their struggles, South Carolina remains scrappy and capable, especially on the road where the pressure of playing at home is absent. That determination could pose problems for a Florida team currently dealing with injuries to key players.
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           Backup guard Morris Ugusuk (6.4 ppg) is a player opponents must keep an eye on. He hurt Florida earlier with nine points, all coming from beyond the arc, as he helped South Carolina build its lead. Ugusuk has also posted 20 and 15 points in narrow defeats against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.
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           Another contributor off the bench is graduate senior Benjamin Bosmans-Yerdonk, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward. Though he averages only seven minutes per game, he has collected more offensive rebounds (20) than defensive (16) this season and delivered some key plays in the post during Wednesday’s contest.
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           Freshman guard/forward Arden Conyers (4.3 ppg) has shown flashes, reaching double figures in four SEC games.
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           Shooting guard Myles Stute (5.4 ppg) opened the season as a starter in the first 14 games and was one of the team’s most reliable perimeter shooters. However, he has yet to appear in conference play due to complications from a blood clot.
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           Numbers of Note
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           The last SEC player to post a stat line like 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            did Tuesday at Mississippi State (see below) was Kentucky point guard 
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           John Wall 
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           15 years ago. Wall was the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.
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           Numbers to Know
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            2
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             — SEC programs (Vanderbilt in 2019 and Missouri in 2024) that finished 0-18 in conference play, a group South Carolina is working hard to avoid joining.
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            4
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             — SEC players since 2000 who have recorded at least 15 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks in a single game. Thomas Haugh accomplished this at Mississippi State, joining a select list that includes Lawrence Roberts (MSU, 2004), Corey Brewer (UF, 2005), and John Wall (Kentucky, 2010).
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            20
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             — The total margin of defeat across six of South Carolina’s SEC losses. They fell to Auburn and Vanderbilt by three points each, to Florida by one, to Mississippi State in overtime by five, and to Texas A&amp;amp;M and Ole Miss by four apiece.
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            28.1
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            — The combined three-point shooting percentage of Florida’s opponents, ranking fourth nationally.
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            2014
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             — The last time Florida defeated South Carolina twice in the same season. The teams split home-and-home series in 2017 and 2018. Many Gator fans also remember USC’s 77-70 win over Florida in the NCAA East Region final at Madison Square Garden, which sent the Gamecocks to the Final Four.
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           Bottom Line
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           For Florida, the next two weeks are about managing injuries while securing wins in games they are expected to take. Success in this stretch is critical to staying in the hunt for an SEC championship and earning the highest possible seeds in both the conference and NCAA tournaments.
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           Email
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-2700ab33.webp" length="146156" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:55:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-gamecocks-florida-eyes-sec-momentum</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-2700ab33.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Florida Gators Prep for South Carolina Showdown: What You Need to Know</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-prep-for-south-carolina-showdown-what-you-need-to-know</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Rueben Chinyelu and the Gators play for another sellout crowd Saturday night.
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           Share:
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           Florida vs. South Carolina – Game Day Details
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            No. 3 Florida men’s basketball (21–3, 8–3 SEC) is back in action Saturday night at the O’Connell Center, where the Gators will face the South Carolina Gamecocks (10–14, 1–10 SEC). Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m., presented by
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    &lt;a href="https://gflenv.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           GFL Environmental
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           .
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           Know Before You Go
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            Arrive early to avoid long lines. General public gates (1 and 4) and the student entrance (Gate 3) open at 7:30 p.m.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_facilities_parking_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Men's Basketball Gameday Parking Info
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             Tickets for the general public are sold out. Verified resale tickets are available through
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      &lt;a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-mens-basketball-vs-university-gainesville-florida-01-18-2025/event/22006101A4BB23B1?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBK-SINGLE&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_MBK-SINGLE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ticketmaster.com
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            .
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Fans should add
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/9/3/mobile-ticketing.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            mobile tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            and parking passes to their digital wallet before arriving for faster entry.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            All active UF students must enter through Gate 3 with a free, claimed season pass. [
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/studentpass2425" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here to claim your pass
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ]. Entry is first-come, first-served and possession of a pass does not guarantee admission.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The game will air on SEC Network and on radio via the Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            [
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_gameday_basketball_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Basketball Game Day Guide
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ]
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            [
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/MBBprogram" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Download the South Carolina Digital Game Program
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ]
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Got questions? [
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_tickets_faq_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Ask Albert
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ].
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Giveaways &amp;amp; Promotions
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Retro Replica Jersey Giveaway: First 1,000 UF students courtesy of
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.americancampus.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            American Campus Communities
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            .
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alligator Alley (Practice Court between Gates 3 &amp;amp; 4): Interactive games, activities, and a t-shirt giveaway by GFL Environmental while supplies last.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Halftime entertainment: Members of the UF National Pan-Hellenic Council will perform.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticket Information
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tickets for the South Carolina game are sold out, as are the remaining home games against Oklahoma (Feb. 18), Texas A&amp;amp;M (Mar. 1), and Ole Miss (Mar. 8). Fans can place deposits for the 2025–26 season at
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2022/12/15/mens-basketball-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com/tickets
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Student Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Starting at 7:30 p.m., students must enter through Gate 3 on the southwest side of Exactech Arena. Entry is first-come, first-served for those with a claimed pass. Note: The Georgia game is sold out, so student capacity will be capped at the normal level.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Verified Resale Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Ticketmaster.com is the only official resale partner. Avoid unauthorized sellers. [
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2024/7/30/counterfeit-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Click here for tips on verifying tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ].
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Will Call
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Tickets can be picked up at the O’Connell Center Ticket Office, located north of Gate 1 near the Tom &amp;amp; Jane Johnson Family Atrium.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This Weekend on Campus
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Friday, Feb. 14
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        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #2 Florida Softball vs. Providence @ 4:30 p.m. &amp;amp; Duke @ 7 p.m.
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bubly Invitational presented by 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.pepsi.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pepsi
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2025/1/13/softball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #10 Florida Baseball vs. Air Force: 6:30 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Opening Night: 2025 schedule poster giveaway and Rowdy Reptiles t-shirts for the first 500 UF students.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/cIynv" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Condron Family Ballpark
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #3 Florida Gymnastics vs. #12 Auburn: 8:15 p.m.
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      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Link to Pink presented by 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://ufhealth.org/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF Health
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : Free pink Gators Gym shirts and shakers for all fans in attendance.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/ism/R00yNTAz" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Saturday, Feb. 15
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Men's Golf - Gators Invitational: 7:45 a.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free Admission | Mark Bostick Golf Course
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #2 Florida Softball vs. Boston College @ 11:30 a.m. &amp;amp; Binghamton @ 2 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bubly Invitational presented by 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.pepsi.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pepsi
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2025/1/13/softball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #5 Florida Women's Lacrosse vs. #3 UNC @ Noon
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Lacrosse Out Cancer Game: Free Gators Lax shirts for the first 250 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free Admission | Donald R. Dizney Stadium
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #10 Florida Baseball vs. Air Force: 4:00 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Giveaway: 2025 schedule coasters for the first 1,000 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/QoOwM" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Condron Family Ballpark
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Sunday, Feb. 16
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Men's Golf vs. South Florida &amp;amp; Charlotte - Gators Invitational: 8:00 a.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free Admission | Mark Bostick Golf Course
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Men's Tennis vs. North Florida: Noon
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Free Admission | Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #10 Florida Baseball vs. Air Force: Noon
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/OxW2L" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Condron Family Ballpark
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            #2 Florida Softball vs. Duke @ 1 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Bubly Invitational presented by 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.pepsi.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Pepsi
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2025/1/13/softball-single-game-tickets" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida Women's Basketball vs. Mississippi State: 2:00 p.m.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            National Girls and Women in Sports Day &amp;amp; Alumni Day presented by 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.d1training.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            D1 Training
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Giveaway: Replica Gators retro jerseys for the first 500 fans.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://shorturl.at/pe8QV" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Get Tickets
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             | Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-4e0cf483.webp" length="96790" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:53:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-prep-for-south-carolina-showdown-what-you-need-to-know</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-4e0cf483.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Walter Clayton Jr. Shines: Naismith Midseason Honor for Gators Star</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-shines-naismith-midseason-honor-for-gators-star</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Walter Clayton Jr. has helped lead Florida to a 21-3 record this season.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida senior guard
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            has been selected to the Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Midseason Team, as announced Friday by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
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           Clayton scored 19 points in each of Florida’s recent top-25 road victories, including last Saturday’s historic win at Auburn — the program’s first-ever road triumph over a No. 1-ranked opponent. He followed that performance with four made three-pointers at Mississippi State, marking his eighth game this season with four or more shots from beyond the arc.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            The Lake Wales native is averaging 17.5 points per game overall, 18.0 in SEC play, and leads the team with 94 assists. Earlier in the week, he was also added to the
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/2/11/mens-basketball-clayton-named-to-wooden-award-late-midseason-top-20.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Wooden Award's updated watch list
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           .
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida will return to Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. for a sold-out SEC matchup against South Carolina.
          &#xD;
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           Naismith Trophy Midseason Team
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            Airious "Ace" Bailey | Rutgers
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            Johni Broome | Auburn
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            Walter Clayton Jr.
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             |
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            Florida
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            Donovan Dent | New Mexico
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            Hunter Dickinson | Kansas
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            Eric Dixon | Villanova
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            Cooper Flagg | Duke
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            Keshon Gilbert | Iowa State
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            PJ Haggerty | Memphis
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            Dylan Harper | Rutgers
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            Chucky Hepburn | Louisville
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            Graham Ike | Gonzaga
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            Kasparas Jakučionis | Illinois
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            Tre Johnson | Texas
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            Kam Jones | Marquette
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            Curtis Jones | Iowa State
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            Ryan Kalkbrenner | Creighton
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            Alex Karaban | UConn
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            Trey Kaufman-Renn | Purdue
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            Chaz Lanier | Tennessee
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            RJ Luis Jr. | St. John’s
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            Ryan Nembhard | Gonzaga
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            Derik Queen | Maryland
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            Maxime Raynaud | Stanford
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            Mark Sears | Alabama
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            Braden Smith | Purdue
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            John Tonje | Wisconsin
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            Danny Wolf | Michigan
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            Zakai Zeigler | Tennessee
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c1bade45.webp" length="52696" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:32:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-shines-naismith-midseason-honor-for-gators-star</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida vs. Oklahoma Basketball Clash Officially Sold Out</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-oklahoma-basketball-clash-officially-sold-out</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida's four remaining home games are sold out.
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           Share:
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           The Gator Ticket Office announced Thursday that the No. 3 Florida men’s basketball team has sold out its upcoming Tuesday matchup against Oklahoma. In fact, all four of the program’s remaining home games this season are now sold out.
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           Florida has already played before four sellout crowds earlier this year (Stetson, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia). The Gators have thrived in Gainesville, posting an 11–1 home record with an average scoring margin of +25.0.
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    &lt;a href="https://ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ticketmaster.com
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            remains the only authorized resale outlet for Florida Gators tickets. Fans are strongly advised not to purchase from unverified secondary sellers or unknown individuals. [Click
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2024/7/30/counterfeit-tickets.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           here
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            for tips on verifying tickets].
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            Student ticket allocations and entry procedures remain unchanged. More details can be found at
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_students_basketball_signup_.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           FloridaGators.com/students
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           .
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           Florida’s next contest is Saturday at 8:30 p.m., a sold-out game against South Carolina that will be broadcast on SEC Network.
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           Deposits for 2025–26 Season Tickets
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           Fans can now secure seats at Exactech Arena for the 2025–26 season by placing a $100 deposit per seat. Once tickets officially go on sale, deposit holders will be contacted to complete their purchase. [
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    &lt;a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/mbbdeposits2526?utm_source=WEB&amp;amp;utm_medium=TIX&amp;amp;utm_campaign=MBK-SEASON&amp;amp;camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_TIX_MBK-SEASON" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Click here
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            to place your deposit today].
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           Returning season ticket holders from 2024–25 do not need to submit a deposit. Their seats are reserved, and renewal information will be sent directly.
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-e96027c2.webp" length="133986" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:01:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-vs-oklahoma-basketball-clash-officially-sold-out</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Gamecocks Ground Gators: Florida Falls Hard in Columbia Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gamecocks-ground-gators-florida-falls-hard-in-columbia-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           The Gators found difficulty on the road against fourth ranked South Carolina. Florida will now enter SEC contest No. 12 on Sunday with an overall record of 12-13.
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           Share:
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           In Columbia, S.C., the Gators encountered a formidable challenge as they fell to No. 4 South Carolina with a final score of 101-63. Florida had just two players reach double digits in scoring— 
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    &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            and 
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           Ra Shaya
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           —each contributing 15 points.
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            On the defensive end,
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           Alexia Gassett
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            stood out by securing eight rebounds. Collectively, the team pulled down 37 boards, shot 33.3 percent from the floor (22-of-66), and recorded 11 assists.
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           What Took Place:
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           First Quarter Highlights
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            Ra Shaya Kyle secured the opening tip, giving Florida initial control of the ball
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            Liv McGill paced the Gators’ offense, contributing five of the team’s 15 points
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            Florida connected on 38.5 percent of its shots, going 5-for-13 from the floor
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            South Carolina dominated the boards early, outrebounding UF 13 to 4
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             was responsible for both of Florida’s steals in the quarte
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            The Gamecocks held a commanding lead at the end of the first, 36-15
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           Second Quarter Breakdown
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            Me'Arah O'Neal led Florida’s scoring with six points, going 2-for-2 from the floor and 1-for-1 at the stripe
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            Liv McGill added five points, handed out two assists, and picked up a steal
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            Seven of the Gators’ 17 points came from second-chance opportunities
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            Florida improved its rebounding effort, grabbing 12 boards—three times more than in the first quarter
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            South Carolina’s largest lead of the half reached 62-32 with eight seconds remaining
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           Third Quarter Highlights
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            Twelve of Florida’s 16 points were scored in the paint
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            The Gators collected 11 rebounds, with Alexia Gassett leading the way with three
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            Florida strung together an 8-0 scoring run midway through the quarter (6:57–4:36)
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            Ra Shaya Kyle topped the scoring chart with seven points, shooting a perfect 3-for-3
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            UF posted its best shooting percentage of the game at 43.8 percent (7-of-16)
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           Fourth Quarter Recap
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            Florida earned 11 trips to the free throw line, converting six points
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            Kyle again led the team in scoring with six points
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            Six points came from bench contributions, and another six were scored in the paint
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            The Gators secured 10 rebounds, with six different players contributing
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           Key Stats and Notes
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            ﻿
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            Two Gators reached double figures: McGill (15) and Kyle (15)
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            McGill has scored in double digits in 23 of her 25 games with Florida, including 10 outings with 20+ points
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            Florida shot 33.3 percent overall (22-of-66)
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            28 of the team’s 63 points were scored in the paint
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            Bench players contributed 17 points
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            The team went 14-of-21 from the free throw line
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            McGill dished out four assists and has led the team in that category 19 times this season
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            Five players contributed to Florida’s 11 total assists
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            South Carolina held a 51-37 edge in rebounds
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            Gassett led Florida in rebounding for the third time, grabbing eight boards
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            Eight Gators recorded two or more rebounds: Gassett (8), Kyle (6), O'Neal (5), Warren (4), McGill (3), Salgues (2), Dizeko (2), Kindred (2)
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 46 of its 102 quarters this season
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            The team made 10 layups out of 26 attempts
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            Florida finished with 76 possessions, averaging 0.82 points per possession
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           Coach’s Corner: Insights from Kelly Rae Finley
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            Reflecting on the matchup against South Carolina, Head Coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            acknowledged the caliber of the opponent, stating: "South Carolina is one of the best teams in the country for a reason. We have a young team that is full of competitors, so our ability to reset and understand that this is the pace, the transitions, and the physicality that the game is going to be played at was a need for us."
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            On what Florida can take away from the experience, Coach
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           Finley
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           emphasized the importance of growth: "It is important to learn and grow after every single game—win or lose. And for us, there is a lot we can take away from this game in terms of the direction of our program, where we are trying to go, and what it is going to take to be able to get there."
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida: 
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           (12-13, 3-8 SEC)
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           South Carolina:
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           (23-2, 11-1 SEC) 
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           Series Snapshot
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           Florida trails South Carolina in the all-time matchup, with the Gamecocks holding a 23-20 advantage
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           Looking Ahead
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           Florida is set to host Mississippi State in Gainesville on Sunday, February 16, with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. ET at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Fans can catch the action live via SECN+.
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           Mississippi State enters the matchup averaging 76.6 points per game and shooting 46.7 percent from the field. Jerkaila Jordan leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 16.2 points per game, while Eniya Russell contributes 12.5. On the defensive end, Madina Okot anchors the rebounding effort with 9.2 boards per game.
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           NEXT UP: Mississippi State 
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           (17-8, 4-7 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Feb. 16
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            Time: 2 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/0dbb7f2f-b748-4520-9fe8-07e78bf5ed32" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552549" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:22:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gamecocks-ground-gators-florida-falls-hard-in-columbia-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Liv McGill Lands in the Spotlight: Freshman Phenom Named Award Semifinalist</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-lands-in-the-spotlight-freshman-phenom-named-award-semifinalist</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Freshman Liv McGill currently leads UF in scoring with 16.4 ppg and stands in the SEC's top 15 for scoring, assists, steals, and free throw percentage.
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           Share:
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida’s
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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           has earned a spot as a semifinalist for the World Exposure Report’s Freshman of the Year award, joining nine other standout first-year NCAA athletes in this recognition.
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           McGill stands alone as the only freshman nationwide to record a triple-double this season and currently leads all freshmen in assists. She averages 5.4 assists per game, totaling 129 so far.
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           Offensively, McGill leads the Gators with 16.4 points per game and ranks among the top 15 scorers in the SEC. She’s reached double-digit scoring in 22 of Florida’s 24 contests, including 10 games with 20 or more points. Her season-best performance came on November 22, 2024, when she scored 28 points against Florida State.
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           In the SEC’s latest statistical rankings, McGill appears in multiple categories: No. 13 in scoring, No. 4 in assists, No. 13 in free throw percentage, and No. 14 in steals.
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           Full list of Freshman Player of the Year Semi-Finalists:
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           The list of finalists for the World Exposure Report’s Freshman of the Year award will be revealed on March 3, while the winners will be announced on April 1, 2025 during the Final Four in Tampa.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-b2302f3f.webp" length="73168" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:58:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/liv-mcgill-lands-in-the-spotlight-freshman-phenom-named-award-semifinalist</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Short-Handed Florida Gators Rise Up at Mississippi State</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/short-handed-florida-gators-rise-up-at-mississippi-state</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           UF forward Thomas Haugh (10) smothers a shot by MSU's RJ Melendez (22) during Tuesday night's victory
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           Share:
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           Starkville, Miss.
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           – Florida Responds After Early Scare
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            From the Florida bench, sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haug
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           h
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            felt a sinking moment just 30 seconds into Tuesday night’s contest. His close friend and fellow forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            went down clutching his right ankle in visible pain.
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           "It sucked, I'm not going to lie," Haugh said afterward. "I had flashbacks to the SEC Tournament last year."
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            That memory was of center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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           ’s injury in the SEC championship game, when a broken leg ended his season and the Gators ultimately lost the title matchup. This time, however, the outcome was different. X-rays on Condon came back negative, and Florida didn’t lose the game either.
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           Trailing by one at halftime, the third-ranked Gators erupted in the second half with a barrage of three-pointers and relentless defense. The surge overwhelmed No. 22 Mississippi State, leaving the Bulldogs unable to recover, as Florida secured an 81–68 road win in their SEC clash at Humphrey Coliseum.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/032_Haugh_Thomas__250211_5689_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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           (10) hit six of 10 field-goal attempts, including a season-high three 3-pointers.
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            Just three days after stunning No. 1 Auburn on the road without second-leading scorer
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           Alijah Martin
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            (hip pointer), Florida (21–3, 8–3 SEC) followed it up by defeating another ranked opponent away from home—a first in program history. The Gators accomplished it without both Martin and Alex Condon, who together average 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 67 minutes per game.
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            "I'm incredibly proud of our team," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said, repeating a familiar postgame sentiment during what is shaping up to be the program’s best season in a decade. "Our team has continued to show a great next-man-up mentality. We've got to keep it going. It's not going to be easy, but this team has shown great resolve over the last week and a half."
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           Asked about the team’s edge, Thomas Haugh explained: "Coach Golden has engraved a toughness in us."
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            That toughness has carried Florida through three straight wins, each without a full roster. Against Vanderbilt, they were missing
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (ankle). At Auburn, Martin was sidelined. And at Mississippi State (17–7, 5–6), both Martin and Condon were unavailable.
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            "It was sad to see, but we picked him up," junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            said of Condon’s early injury. "Tommy came in and did what he had to do."
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           Everyone stepped up. Again.
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           Junior guard 
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           (11) fires up a 3 over Josh Hubbard on his way to equaling his career high of 20 points.
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            Florida had five players reach double figures. Denzel Aberdeen matched his career high with 20 points, adding four rebounds and two assists in a career-best 32 minutes. Thomas Haugh, filling in for Alex Condon, nearly posted a triple-double with 16 points, nine rebounds, a career-high eight assists, plus two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes. Walter Clayton Jr. delivered another standout performance with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and only one turnover across 37 minutes. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            chipped in 10 points, while sophomore center
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            added 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in a season-high 30 minutes.
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           The Gators shot 45.9 percent overall, but nearly 55 percent after halftime, including 8-of-16 from three. Their second-half barrage of threes combined with defensive pressure forced turnovers from one of the SEC’s top offenses, fueling transition opportunities.
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           "The first five minutes of the second half, we did a great job of getting misses and not allowing them to get second chances," Golden said. "We were able to get out in transition, which we weren't able to do in the first half."
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           Florida’s early adversity came when Condon, the 6-foot-11 SEC Player of the Week, landed awkwardly on Mississippi State forward RJ Melendez’s foot just 30 seconds into the game. Trainers carried him to the locker room, and Golden gathered the team for a prayer.
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           The first half was a grind. Florida shot just 36.7 percent, went 6-of-20 from deep, and was outrebounded 26–16, including 8–2 on the offensive glass. Mississippi State struggled too, hitting 36.4 percent overall and only 2-of-15 from three. The Bulldogs led 34–33 at the break.
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           In the locker room, Golden emphasized rebounding, stressing that without Condon, box-outs had to improve and guards needed to help on the glass. Offensively, he urged the team to keep shooting.
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           "We were playing the right way," Golden said of his offense.
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           That approach carried into the second half—with one key difference.
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           "The ones we missed in the first half, we hit 'em in the second half," Aberdeen said.
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           Center 
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            (9) scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in helping fill the void left by 
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           Alex Condon's 
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           injury and exit.
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           Denzel Aberdeen opened the second half with a three-pointer that gave Florida the lead for good. Minutes later, Will Richard connected from deep to cap a 9–0 surge, forcing Mississippi State coach Chris Jans to call a timeout. The pause didn’t slow the Gators.
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           Out of the break, Walter Clayton Jr. drained another three, Thomas Haugh followed with one of his own, and Aberdeen converted a turnover into a fast-break dunk. That sequence fueled a 17–0 run—the team’s second-largest of the season—that stretched the margin to 50–34 and brought another timeout from Jans.
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           At that stage, Florida had six field goals, four of them from beyond the arc, while Mississippi State had yet to score a basket and had committed six turnovers.
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           "I just was shocked that that's how we were playing," Jans said. "We just didn't have the type of urgency and fight that we showed the majority in the first half."
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            The Bulldogs, led by Josh Hubbard’s 19 points and seven from former Gator
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           , shot 48 percent after halftime, but most of those makes came after Florida’s decisive burst.
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           "We got those two kills in a row – six straight [defensive] stops -- and that just sparked it," Haugh said of the lead that ballooned to 24 and never dipped below 14. "And then we just hit shots. We hit a bunch of 3s and put the nail in the coffin."
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            Tommy Haugh
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           shares a postgame embrace with former UF teammate 
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           Riley Kugel
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           .
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           Florida’s offense was clicking again, as the team dished out 19 assists against Mississippi State—coming on the heels of 20 versus Vanderbilt and 22 at Auburn, for a total of 61 over the last three games. Turnovers were limited to just eight, while the Gators knocked down 37 threes across that stretch at a 41 percent clip.
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           And the last two performances came on the road against NCAA Tournament-caliber opponents.
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           "We're competing to win the league," said Todd Golden, whose squad is tied with Texas A&amp;amp;M for third in the SEC, two games behind Auburn and Alabama. "Winning a game like this allows [us] to stay in the conversation."
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           The victory was made sweeter by avoiding a major setback with Alex Condon. Entering the night averaging 11.1 points and 8.0 rebounds, he was taken to Mississippi State’s football facility for X-rays after his early ankle injury. He later returned to the arena diagnosed with a low-ankle sprain.
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           Midway through the second half, Thomas Haugh spotted Condon on crutches near the tunnel.
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           "He was laughing at me," Haugh said with a grin.
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           For this Florida team, there’s plenty to smile about—and for Condon, plenty to be grateful for.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9489149f.webp" length="77912" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:10:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/short-handed-florida-gators-rise-up-at-mississippi-state</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-9489149f.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Gear Up for Columbia Clash: Florida Faces No. 4 South Carolina on the Road</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-gear-up-for-columbia-clash-florida-faces-no-4-south-carolina-on-the-road</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           The Gators contest at No. 4 South Carolina marks their seventh matchup against a top 25 team in the 2024-25 season. UF will look to defeat the Gamecocks and post their first win over a top five team since 2006.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida is set for its eleventh away game of the season as the team heads to Columbia to take on No. 4 South Carolina on Thursday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET inside Colonial Life Arena.
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           This will be the first meeting between the Gators and the Gamecocks since January 4, 2024. Both squads enter the matchup looking to bounce back from recent defeats—Florida dropped an 84-66 decision to No. 23 Alabama, while South Carolina fell 66-62 to then-No. 4 Texas.
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           No. 4 South Carolina
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           (22-2, 10-1 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Feb. 13
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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            Colonial Life Arena
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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           What a Florida Win Would Mean
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            ﻿
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           A victory over No. 4 South Carolina would mark several key milestones for the Gators. It would be Florida’s first win against a top-five opponent since 2006 and their first ranked win since 2022. The result would also level UF’s road record at 4-4 and improve their SEC standing to 4-7. Historically, it would bring Florida’s all-time SEC record to 230-332. For Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley, it would be her first career win over South Carolina while leading the Gators.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Overview: Florida vs. South Carolina
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           The all-time series between Florida and South Carolina currently favors the Gamecocks, who hold a 22-20 edge.
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           Historical Matchup Notes
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           Florida and South Carolina have faced off 42 times since their first meeting in 1992. The rivalry has remained consistent, with annual matchups split evenly between Gainesville and Columbia—20 games each—and two contests held at neutral venues.
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           Thursday’s game marks Florida’s return to Colonial Life Arena for the first time since February 16, 2023, when the Gators recorded their 15th straight loss to South Carolina. Florida’s most recent win in the series came back in January 2011, when UF edged out a 65-63 victory on the road.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           FLORIDA'S LAST TIME OUT
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            ﻿
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            On Thursday, February 6, Florida hosted No. 23 Alabama and fell 84-66 in Gainesville.
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           Liv McGill
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            led the scoring effort with 22 points, marking her 22nd double-digit scoring game as a Gator—10 of which have been 20-point performances.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            added 15 points, while
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           Laila Reynolds
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            chipped in with 14. On the defensive end,
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           Jeriah Warren
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            led the rebounding effort, collecting 10 of Florida’s 44 total boards.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            McGill is the only freshman in the country with a triple-double this season
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            McGill has tallied 10 games with 20+ points
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            Florida is ranked No. 3 in the SEC and No. 17 in the NCAA with a 47.0 field goal percentage
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            UF has four players averaging in double digits: McGill (16.4) Kyle (15.0), 
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (12.5), and 
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.8)
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            McGill and Kyle are in the SEC's top 20 for scoring: McGill at No. 13 (16.4), and Kyle at No. 19 (15.0)
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            Florida is No. 4 in the SEC through all games for 3-point FG percentage with 33.8
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            Kyle is No. 11 in the country and No. 2 in the SEC for double-doubles with 12
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            McGill is the No. 1 freshman in the NCAA for total assists (129), and average assists per game (5.4)
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            Kyle is No. 4 in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.3)
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            Florida is undefeated this season when their opponent is held to 69 points or less
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 46 of 98 quarters played this season
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            Kyle is No. 10 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC with a field goal percentage of 61.9
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            Kyle is No. 32 in the nation for total rebounds with 223
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads Florida in total blocks with 21 on the season
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            Liv McGill
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             has hit double figures in 22 of her 24 outings at UF
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           PROJECTED SOUTH CAROLINA STARTERS:
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           SOUTH CAROLINA QUICK HITS
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            ﻿
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            The Gamecocks are No. 1 team in the nation for bench points, averaging 41.3 a game
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            USC is No. 2 in the SEC for both scoring defense (55.8), and scoring margin (+24.5)
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            South Carolina is No. 6 in the SEC and No. 24 in the nation for field goal percentage (46.7)
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            The Gamecocks sit at No. 2 in the SEC and No. 5 in the NCAA for blocks per game averaging 6.0
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            South Carolina is No. 4 in the SEC for defensive rebounds per game with 28.4
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            Feagin leads South Carolina in field goal percentage with 58.0
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            Joyce Edwards leads South Carolina in total points for the season with a combined 294
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            Three Gamecocks are averaging double figures for scoring
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            Edwards (12.3), MiLaysia Fulwiley (11.5), and Paopao (10.3)
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            Chloe Kitts is No. 9 in the SEC for rebounding averaging 7.4 per game
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            Feagin is No. 6 in the SEC for blocked shots with 38 on the season
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 02:46:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-gear-up-for-columbia-clash-florida-faces-no-4-south-carolina-on-the-road</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Walter Clayton Jr. Earns Spot on Wooden Award Midseason Top 20</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-earns-spot-on-wooden-award-midseason-top-20</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr. had 19 points and nine assists in the Gators' win at No. 1 Auburn.
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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            Florida senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            has been selected to the John R. Wooden Award Men’s Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List, as announced Tuesday by the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
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           Clayton leads the No. 3-ranked Gators with 17.5 points per game, 60 made three-pointers, and 88 assists. His most recent highlight came in Saturday’s upset of No. 1 Auburn, where he posted 19 points and nine assists to help secure Florida’s second victory of the season over a top-ranked opponent.
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           The Lake Wales native has recorded six games of 25 or more points this year and seven outings with at least four made threes. Entering midweek play, Clayton ranks among the SEC’s top 10 in several categories: scoring (8th, 17.5), field goal percentage (9th, .454), assists (8th, 4.0), free throw percentage (5th, .870), three-pointers made (4th, 2.7), three-point percentage (6th, .366), and minutes played (10th, 31.8).
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           Florida continues its schedule Tuesday at 7 p.m. with a road matchup against No. 22 Mississippi State.
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           Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20
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           Airious "Ace" Bailey | Rutgers
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           Johni Broome | Auburn
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            | Florida
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           Hunter Dickinson | Kansas
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           Braden Smith | Purdue
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      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:46:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-earns-spot-on-wooden-award-midseason-top-20</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Gators Surge Past No. 22 Mississippi State in SEC Road Win</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-surge-past-no-22-mississippi-state-in-sec-road-win</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           What Happened
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           STARKVILLE, Miss.
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            – Sophomore forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            nearly recorded a triple-double, while sophomore guard Denzel Aberdeen matched his career-high with 20 points, as the short-handed, third-ranked Florida Gators used a dominant stretch of defense and three-point shooting after halftime to defeat No. 22 Mississippi State, 81–68, in their SEC matchup Tuesday night at Humphrey Coliseum.
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            Haugh, who had shined off the bench in Saturday’s upset of No. 1 Auburn, delivered another standout performance. He finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and a career-best eight assists in a career-high 37 minutes. His effort was crucial after starting forward
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           Alex Condon
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            , the reigning SEC Player of the Week, suffered an ankle injury just 30 seconds into the game when he landed on the foot of MSU’s RJ Melendez during an inbound play. Condon was taken to the locker room by trainers, leaving Florida without two starters—Condon and fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            (hip pointer)—who together average 26 points and 13 rebounds per game.
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           Condon was later diagnosed with a low-ankle sprain and did not return, though the Gators avoided a more serious setback.
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            Aberdeen, making his third consecutive start, equaled the 20 points he scored against Texas A&amp;amp;M in last season’s SEC Tournament.
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            He hit three triples and grabbed four rebounds in a career-high 36 minutes. Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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             added 19 points and connected on four threes for the second straight game. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            contributed 10 points, including three from deep, while sophomore center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            stepped up with 10 points and six rebounds.
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           Florida, now winners of three straight, shot 46 percent overall and 55 percent in the second half. The Gators went 14-of-36 from beyond the arc (38.9 percent) and dished out 19 assists, giving them 61 over their last three contests.
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           The opening half was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting 36 percent and Mississippi State holding a 34–33 lead at the break. Florida quickly seized control after halftime. Aberdeen and Richard knocked down threes to spark a 9–0 run that forced a Bulldogs timeout. Out of the break, Clayton and Haugh added threes, and Aberdeen finished a fast-break dunk to cap a 17–0 surge. The Gators pushed the lead to 16 at 50–34, later extending it to 20 and eventually as high as 24, leaving Mississippi State chasing the rest of the way.
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           Sophomore guard Josh Hubbard paced the Bulldogs with 19 points, while former Gator Riley Kugel added seven. Despite entering with the nation’s No. 19-ranked offense in efficiency, Mississippi State was limited to 41.4 percent shooting, just 25.9 percent from three (7-of-27), and committed 15 turnovers that Florida converted into 20 points.
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           UF guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            (1) on the attack Tuesday in Starkville. 
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            What it Means
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           Florida’s resilience continues to stand out. The Gators earned back-to-back road wins over ranked opponents despite missing Alijah Martin and then losing Alex Condon early against Mississippi State. That toughness has translated into a fifth Quadrant 1 victory, according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), strengthening their postseason résumé. With several more Quad 1 opportunities still ahead, UF will be no worse than tied for third in the SEC standings once Wednesday’s league games conclude, keeping them firmly in the mix for both conference and NCAA tournament seeding.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Healing thoughts go out to “Condo” and “A-Mart,” as both recover from injuries.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida has now beaten consecutive ranked opponents on the road for the first time since the Associated Press began publishing rankings in 1948–49. The last time the Gators won back-to-back games against ranked foes away from Gainesville came during the 2017 NCAA Tournament, when they defeated No. 24 Virginia in Orlando and No. 25 Wisconsin in New York City.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (21–3, 8–3 SEC), after playing three of its last four contests on the road, returns home for two straight games. First up is Saturday night’s matchup against South Carolina (10–13, 0–10 SEC), which enters on a 10-game conference losing streak before hosting No. 19 Ole Miss midweek. The Gators edged the Gamecocks last month, 70–69, on a driving bank shot by Will Richard with 4.2 seconds remaining. Mississippi State (17–7, 5–6 SEC) will face rival Ole Miss on Saturday.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:41:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-gators-surge-past-no-22-mississippi-state-in-sec-road-win</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Green-Lit Gators: Florida Aims to Keep Momentum in Starkville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/green-lit-gators-florida-aims-to-keep-momentum-in-starkville</link>
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           Walter Clayton Jr. (1) lets one of his four made 3-balls fly Saturday in UF's upset win at No. 1 Auburn.
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            STARKVILLE, Miss. – For Florida senior point guard and leading scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           , a typical shooting session can include anywhere from 500 to 600 made baskets. That tally features 100 shots from the college three-point line and another 100 from NBA range.
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           Then comes the toughest drill.
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           Jordan Talley
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           , UF’s assistant director of player development, explained: "From the logo -- and by that I mean deep into the logo, where he's uncomfortable -- it's make four in row [from a spot] five times. If he makes three then misses, start over."
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           Becoming an elite shooter requires relentless effort, and even then, success isn’t guaranteed. Clayton, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior widely regarded as one of Florida’s most gifted offensive players in years, puts in the work and reaps the rewards — as does his team. On Saturday, he buried four long-range shots from the Auburn midcourt logo, each silencing the home crowd in “The Jungle,” while scoring 19 points to lead UF to a 90-81 upset of the No. 1-ranked Tigers.
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           "I'll shoot it from wherever," Clayton said. "If it's a good shot, it's going up."
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           At the moment, nearly every look seems like a good one for Clayton, who will be ready to fire again when the third-ranked Gators (20-3, 7-3) face No. 22 Mississippi State (17-6, 5-5) on Tuesday night at Humphrey Coliseum.
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           [Read senior writer
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           Chris Harry
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           ’s "Pregame Stuff" setup
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           here
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           ]
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            On Monday, UF coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            reflected on Clayton’s deep shooting display, noting his favorite was the transition three taken after
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            pushed the ball forward. Clayton took one dribble past halfcourt and stepped into rhythm, launching from about 30 feet.
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    &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2025-12-07+084338.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           "He knows I'm pretty open to him being aggressive," Golden said. "That looked perfect as soon as it left his hand. It's a weapon, you know, and when teams are mindful of having to try to prevent that as soon as he crosses midcourt it opens up the floor a little bit more. So, he knows he has a green light."
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            Walter Clayton Jr. isn’t the only Gator with the freedom to shoot and the confidence to deliver. Florida has connected on 23 three-pointers across its last two games, shooting 42.6 percent from beyond the arc. The first of those contests, a home victory over Vanderbilt, came with Clayton sidelined due to an ankle injury. In that matchup, five different players hit from deep, including senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/will-richard/16878" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Will Richard
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           , who knocked down five.
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            Just four days later at Auburn — one of the toughest environments in college basketball — and with
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alijah-martin/16991" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alijah Martin
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            unavailable due to a hip pointer, six different Gators contributed from long range. Clayton added four of his own, while sophomore guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            was perfect, hitting three triples on three attempts.
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           Will Richard
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            (5) is up to 38.5 percent from the arc in SEC games.
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           "It felt great," Klavzar, the Slovenian sharp-shooter said of his performance at Auburn, which came after the Vanderbilt game where he came off the bench and hit two crucial second-half threes — his first makes in Southeastern Conference play — to help Florida build a double-digit advantage. "You always have to be ready."
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            Klavzar is one of several Gators known for putting in extra hours at the gym. Beyond his daily sessions, he often meets with a team manager a couple of nights each week, sometimes as late as 8 or 9 p.m., to set up the shooting machine and knock down 250 to 300 makes. Teammates Will Richard and Denzel Aberdeen follow similar routines, typically under the guidance of assistant coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/taurean-green/1897" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Taurean Green
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            or Jordan Talley.
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            This level of preparation is why UF coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            allows his players so much freedom to shoot — yes, even from deep logo range.
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           "I feel like I'm a pretty good coach to play for when you're a shooter," Golden said.
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           Heading into the Vanderbilt matchup, Klavzar was told he’d have a larger role with Walter Clayton Jr. sidelined. At that point, he had connected on just three of 16 attempts from beyond the arc in limited action (10 games) and missed his first two shots against the Commodores. Late in the first half, he passed up an open three and drove for a floater instead, which was blocked.
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           From the bench, Golden made it clear: if Klavzar was open, he had to shoot — "You're one of the best shooters I've ever seen!" — or risk being pulled from the game.
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           Klavzar responded by draining back-to-back threes during a second-half surge that swung momentum to Florida. The bench erupted, spilling onto the floor to celebrate as Vanderbilt called a timeout, mobbing their teammate in the process.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Klavzar_Urban__250208_8919_MaddieWashburn-d23151d1.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            (7) has hit five consecutive 3s bridging two games.
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           Saturday brought more of the same from Urban Klavzar, who connected on his lone three-pointer in the first half and added two more in the second, helping Florida build a 21-point advantage over the nation’s top-ranked team. That gave him five consecutive makes across two games, raising his SEC shooting percentage to 83.3.
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           "The way my season started I was like, 'Is there something wrong with the rims over [in America]?' " said Klavzar, who shot nearly 44 percent from three while playing in Spain last year. "But you just have to stay positive, keep working, keep shooting."
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           As a team, the Gators are hitting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc this season, including 33.9 percent in SEC play. Just three games ago, they endured a rough 4-for-27 performance in a 64-44 loss at Tennessee. Since then, the offense has clicked, with ball movement producing 20 assists against Vanderbilt and 22 at Auburn, consistently finding open shooters.
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            ﻿
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           And sometimes, it’s simply Walter Clayton Jr. pulling up from near halfcourt, turning what looks like a 30-footer into a routine shot.
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           "His 3s were insane. He's shooting from Steph Curry range," Klavzar said. "And it looks so effortless, too. When he shoots you just have a feeling it's going to go in, even from out there that far."
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Clayton_Walter__250208_0383_MaddieWashburn-a950ea83.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            doing point guard things on his way to nine assists against the Tigers. 
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           It’s a reassuring feeling for Florida’s staff. Coach Todd Golden described Walter Clayton Jr.’s showing at Auburn as "elite," highlighting not only his shooting but also his complete floor game. Clayton delivered a career-high nine assists, managed the offense with poise, and adjusted when Auburn began sending double teams his way. He played the full 40 minutes, consistently finding teammates and forcing the Tigers to defend beyond just him.
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           "[That's] what you need your star player to do in an atmosphere and opportunity like that to win. I thought he was fantastic from start to finish," Golden said. "He struck an incredible balance of being aggressive and finding his teammates."
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           The performance drew national attention, placing Clayton firmly in the conversation for All-America recognition. Florida’s history with All-Americans is limited — the program has never had a first-team selection, though several players have earned second-, third-team, or honorable mention honors. The most recent was Scottie Wilbekin, named to the third team in 2014.
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           When asked Monday if he wanted to be considered among the best individual players in the country, Clayton responded:
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           "I want to be one of the best teams in the country," he said. "That's all that matters to me."
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           A fitting answer — but the shots will keep coming.
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           Email senior writer
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1cf3fdcc.webp" length="134884" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:19:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/green-lit-gators-florida-aims-to-keep-momentum-in-starkville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators vs. Bulldogs: Florida Seeks Another Statement Win in Starkville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-bulldogs-florida-seeks-another-statement-win-in-starkville</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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           No. 3 Florida vs. No. 22 Mississippi State
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           By Chris Harry
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            *
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           When
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            : Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ET)
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            *
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           Where
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            : Humphrey Coliseum / Starkville, Fla.
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            *
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           Records
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            : Florida (20-3, 7-3) / Mississippi State (17-6, 5-5)
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            *
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           TV
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           : ESPN2 Network (
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           Tom Hart, Dane Bradshaw
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            and
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           Alyssa Lang
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            )
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            *
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           Radio
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           : Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sportfile.aspx?filename=_radio_affiliates_&amp;amp;file_date=12/11/2015" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Stations list
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            (with 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            ,
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           Lee Humphrey
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            and
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           Steve Egan
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           ) 
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           * 
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           Ticket info
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           The Breakdown
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           Humphrey Coliseum (aka "The Hump") in Starkville, Miss.
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           Setup
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            :
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           hird-ranked Florida heads to Starkville to face No. 22 Mississippi State in a pivotal SEC matchup with both teams battling for position in the conference standings. The Gators are fresh off one of the most memorable regular-season victories in program history — a 90-81 upset of No. 1 Auburn, their first-ever road win against a top-ranked opponent. Mississippi State, meanwhile, halted a two-game home skid by edging Georgia 76-75. Florida currently shares third place in the SEC with Texas A&amp;amp;M, holding a slim half-game lead over three other teams. The Bulldogs sit in a three-way tie for eighth. Expect a charged atmosphere at Humphrey Coliseum (“The Hump”), though perhaps not as hostile as Auburn’s “The Jungle,” as Florida now finds itself among the hunted in college basketball.
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           Series:
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          Florida leads the all-time series 68-53, winning three of the last four meetings but dropping two of the last three in Starkville. The teams met once last season, with the Gators earning a 79-70 victory at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center on Jan. 24, 2024. Junior guard Will Richard delivered one of his best performances in a UF uniform, scoring 23 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and adding two steals and two blocks. In the closing minutes, fifth-year guard Zyon Pullin, junior guard Walter Clayton Jr., and freshman forward Alex Condon combined to hit 10 of 11 free throws, securing the win after Mississippi State had trimmed a 17-point deficit to six. Both Pullin and Clayton finished with 15 points.
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           Etc
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            :
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           Florida enters its 10th straight week ranked in the Associated Press Top 10, the program’s longest streak since 2014.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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            UF forward
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           Alex Condon
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            (21)
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            Florida bounced back in dramatic fashion after a 20-point loss at Tennessee. Just three days later, the Gators defeated Vanderbilt at home without their leading scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           . (ankle). Four days after that, they took down No. 1 Auburn on the road — despite missing fifth-year guard Alijah Martin (hip pointer) — building a 21-point lead and securing what stands as the biggest road win in program history.
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           In limiting Auburn, the nation’s top-rated offense, to 43 percent shooting overall and 31.8 percent from three (7-for-22), Florida vaulted into the national top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Only Duke (No. 3) and Houston (No. 6) share that distinction. The Gators also rank third nationally in effective field-goal defense, fourth in three-point defense (28.2 percent), 16th in two-point defense (44.9 percent), and fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (39.8). The Auburn victory improved Florida to 1-11 all-time in road matchups between top-10 teams.
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            Since the Tennessee loss, Florida has shot 54.2 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from three (23 makes), while dishing out 42 assists — leading the SEC in both categories over the last two games. Coach
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           Todd Golden
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             now owns wins this season over Rick Barnes, John Calipari, and Bruce Pearl. Florida is 4-4 in Quadrant 1 games (per the NCAA Evaluation Tool) and is aiming for back-to-back Q1 road victories.
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            Golden noted Monday that Martin is “questionable” for the upcoming game, with his status likely determined during warm-ups. His defense and experience would be valuable, but the Gators proved they could rally without him at Auburn.
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            (7.5 ppg) stepped into Martin’s role after filling in for Clayton against Vanderbilt, where he scored 13 points with three assists in a career-high 35 minutes. At Auburn, Aberdeen overcame a slow start (missing his first five shots) to finish 4-for-6, including two clutch threes in the second half.
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            Clayton looked every bit the All-America candidate, dominating Auburn with 19 points and a career-best nine assists.
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           Will Richard
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            added 12 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes, despite early foul trouble. Backup guard
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (2.7 ppg) went 3-for-3 from deep for nine points and posted a plus-17 rating, second only to Thomas Haugh’s plus-19. Klavzar has scored 15 points in the last two games after being held scoreless through Florida’s first eight SEC contests.
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            The frontcourt duo of
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           Alex Condon
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            and
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           Thomas Haugh
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            delivered one of the best combined performances in the country. Condon earned SEC Player of the Week honors for the second time this season after hitting 14 of 16 shots inside the arc and grabbing 19 rebounds across two games. Against Auburn and SEC Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, Condon recorded his fifth double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in 33 minutes. Haugh contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and several hustle plays in 28 minutes, finishing with a team-best plus-19 rating. Backup forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            (5.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg) also chipped in, hitting a three-pointer for the second straight game after going 13 consecutive without one.
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           The Bulldogs
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           Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard (12)
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           Now in his third season at Mississippi State, Chris Jans has continued to build on the success he established at New Mexico State, where his teams averaged 27.5 wins across four non-Covid seasons. Jans guided his first two Bulldog squads to the NCAA Tournament despite finishing 8-10 in SEC play, and this year’s team appears headed in the same direction.
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           Mississippi State squads under Jans are known for their toughness, particularly on defense, though the 2024-25 group also ranks among the nation’s top 20 offenses. Defensively, they’ve been more vulnerable than Jans would prefer, allowing at least 88 points in four of their five conference defeats. Those losses, however, came against some of the SEC’s strongest programs — Kentucky, Alabama, and Missouri at home, plus Auburn and Tennessee on the road.
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            ﻿
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           The Bulldogs opened the season with 14 wins in their first 15 games, including a 2-0 start in league play, but have gone 3-5 since. Their upcoming schedule features Florida, No. 19 Ole Miss on the road, and No. 8 Texas A&amp;amp;M.
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           This matchup will also be notable as the first time since 2020 that Florida faces Mississippi State without dominant forward Tolu Smith anchoring the paint.
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           Forward Cameron Matthews provides toughness in the paint, converting close to 60 percent of his attempts inside the arc. One of his standout outings this season came against Kentucky, where he posted 19 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double performance. Matthews also leads the Bulldogs in assists and pulled down 11 boards in last year’s matchup with Florida.
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           Michael Nwoko starts at center but typically plays around 16 minutes per game. He made a major impact in the win at Georgia, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field. Nwoko, a transfer from Miami, often yields minutes to junior KeShawn Murphy (10.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg), a 6-foot-10, 230-pound presence who is Mississippi State’s leading rebounder. Murphy is shooting 56 percent this season, though like Nwoko, he does not stretch the floor from three-point range.
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           On the perimeter, guard Claudell Harris — who transferred from Boston College after beginning his career at Charleston Southern — ranks second on the team in made threes with 49, hitting nearly 35 percent of his attempts. He has connected at least once from deep in all but one game this season.
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           Numbers of Note
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           Mississippi State guard 
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           Riley Kugel
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            (2)
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           Numbers to Know
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           5
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            — Programs in the AP poll era (since 1948-49) that have defeated two No. 1 teams in the same season: Oklahoma in 1989-90 (Missouri, Kansas); Georgia Tech in 1992-93 (Duke, North Carolina); Arkansas in 2021-22 (Gonzaga, Auburn); Alabama in 2022-23 (North Carolina, Houston); and Florida in 2024-25 (Tennessee, Auburn).
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           20
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            — Games in which Florida has scored at least 90 points under Todd Golden across his three seasons. By comparison, the five other UF coaches who reached 20 such games all needed at least seven seasons: Billy Donovan (80 in 19 years), Norm Sloan (45 in 15 years), John Lotz (34 in seven years), and Tommy Bartlett (28 in seven years).
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           833
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            — Career points for Riley Kugel, combining his two seasons at Florida (620) and one at Mississippi State (213). He has averaged 9.6 points on 43 percent shooting (34.5 percent from three), along with 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steal across 87 games (33 starts). In Mississippi State’s win at Georgia on Saturday, he contributed 10 points, two threes, three rebounds, and two steals.
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           1,017
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            — Walter Clayton Jr.’s career scoring total in his two seasons at Florida, making him the 57th player in program history to surpass 1,000 points. He currently ranks No. 55 on the all-time list, with Chris Chiozza next ahead at 1,025. With at least 10 games remaining, Clayton has room to climb further.
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           1,051
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            — Will Richard’s career scoring total in three seasons at Florida, after becoming the 56th Gator to reach 1,000 points two weeks ago. He sits at No. 53 on the program’s scoring list, just one point behind Erik Murphy.
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           Bottom Line
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           Florida entered this demanding four-game stretch — three against ranked opponents and all four against Top 40 NET teams — with the expectation that a 2-2 record would be a solid outcome. Now, the Gators have the opportunity to finish 3-1, which would be a significant boost in their pursuit of a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament and a strong position for NCAA Tournament seeding.
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           Email
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           Chris Harry
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      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:39:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-bulldogs-florida-seeks-another-statement-win-in-starkville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Alex Condon Dominates: SEC Player of the Week Again!</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alex-condon-dominates-sec-player-of-the-week-again</link>
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           Alex Condon earned his second SEC Player of the Week honor this season.
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           Florida sophomore forward/center Alex Condon has been recognized as the Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, according to the SEC announcement on Monday.
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           In Florida’s road victory over top-ranked Auburn, Condon delivered a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, adding four assists. Earlier in the week, he tallied 19 points and nine rebounds in the home win against Vanderbilt, while contributing four assists, two blocks, and avoiding any turnovers.
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           The Perth, Australia native was highly efficient, connecting on 14 of 16 attempts from inside the arc (.875) across both games. He also logged a career-best 33 minutes against Auburn. With Florida ahead by 10 at halftime, Con
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           This marks Condon’s second SEC Player of the Week recognition this season, making him the eighth Gator in program history—and only the third frontcourt player alongside Joakim Noah and Colin Castleton—to earn the honor multiple times in a single year. His earlier award came after a double-double performance in Florida’s January win over No. 1 Tennessee.
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           No. 3 Florida will next face No. 22 Mississippi State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST, with coverage on ESPN2.
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            Of the Gators’ four remaining home games, three are already sold out. Tickets remain available for the matchup on
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           Tuesday, Feb. 18 vs. Oklahoma
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           Gators with Multiple SEC Player of the Week Honors in a Season
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           2024-25 – 2, 
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           Alex Condon
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           2020-21 – 2, Colin Castleton
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           2017-18 – 3, Jalen Hudson
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           2013-14 – 2, Scottie Wilbekin &amp;amp; Michael Frazier II
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           2005-06 – 2 Joakim Noah
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           1993-94 – 2, Dan Cross
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           1985-86 – 2, Vernon Maxwell
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      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:53:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alex-condon-dominates-sec-player-of-the-week-again</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Historic Upset: Gators Top No. 1 Auburn on the Road</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/historic-upset-gators-top-no-1-auburn-on-the-road</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           WHAT HAPPENED
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           AUBURN, Ala.
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            – Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            scored 19 points, matched his career-high with nine assists, and played the entire 40 minutes on Saturday, guiding sixth-ranked and short-handed Florida to a remarkable 90-81 upset over top-ranked Auburn at a sold-out Neville Arena. The win marked the Gators’ first-ever road victory against a No. 1 team in program history, with five UF players finishing in double figures.
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            Playing without his veteran teammate and second-leading scorer
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           Alijah Martin
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            (hip injury), Clayton knocked down four 3-pointers and orchestrated an offense that shot 48.4 percent overall, went 13-of-33 from deep (39.4 percent), dished out a SEC-best 22 assists, and converted 15-of-18 free throws in one of the toughest environments in college basketball. Clayton’s first basket of the night, a 3-pointer, pushed him past 1,000 career points as a Gator, making him the 57th player in school history to reach the milestone.
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            Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            contributed a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Backup forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 14 points, nine rebounds, and several hustle plays that embodied the team’s effort on this historic day. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            scored 15 points and grabbed five boards, while junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , starting for the second time in his career in place of Martin, chipped in 10 points, including two clutch 3-pointers in the second half as Auburn attempted a rally.
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           Auburn opened quickly, building leads of 15-5 and 20-11 within the first nine minutes after hitting eight of its first 14 shots. Florida, which began just 2-for-11, steadied itself and mounted a comeback. The Gators hit five consecutive shots, including two from beyond the arc, to take their first lead at 23-22. After Auburn regained a six-point edge, UF responded with another run of five straight makes to reclaim control and closed the half on a 23-7 surge, taking a 48-38 advantage into the break. Clayton had 16 points at halftime on 5-of-6 shooting, including three 3s.
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           Less than five minutes into the second half, Florida’s lead ballooned to 19. Auburn trimmed the margin to nine with seven minutes remaining, but a 3-pointer by Aberdeen on a three-shot possession sparked an 8-2 run that rebuilt the cushion to 15 with four minutes left.
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           Florida’s defense held Auburn, the nation’s No. 1-rated offense, to 42.9 percent shooting overall and just 7-of-22 from long range. The Gators also limited 2025 NCAA Player of the Year favorite Johni Broom to 8-of-19 from the field. Broome finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
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           Sophomore forward 
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            (21) throws down in the first half Saturday against Auburn. 
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            What it Means
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           Simply put, the best road win of the college basketball season -- by any team in the country -- and one of the biggest in UF basketball history. The Tigers not only were ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll, but topped the nation in metrics as well, namely the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) and KenPom.com. The Gators began the day at No. 5 in the NET, but likely will move up courtesy of this fifth Quadrant 1 win against an opponent already with 12 just two-thirds of the way through the season. .
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            In the Spotlight
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           Doing this without Martin? What a statement about this team. 
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            Staggering Statistic
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           UF was 0-8 all-time facing No. 1 on the road. Earlier this year, the Gators were winless all-time at home against No. 1 teams before waxing Tennessee by 30. 
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           Florida (20-3, 7-3) is back on the road for the second straight game -- and third of four, all against ranked teams -- with a Tuesday night date at No. 22 Mississippi State (16-6, 4-5). The Bulldogs, who play at Georgia Saturday night, have a familiar face in their lineup. His name is 
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           Riley Kugel
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           , who played at UF during his freshman and sophomore season before transferring last spring. Auburn (22-2, 9-1) plays Tuesday at Vanderbilt. 
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 11:07:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/historic-upset-gators-top-no-1-auburn-on-the-road</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida’s Historic Upset: Gators Top No. 1 Auburn 90-81</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/floridas-historic-upset-gators-top-no-1-auburn-90-81</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           WHAT HAPPENED
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            AUBURN, Ala. – Senior guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            powered Florida with 19 points, matched his career-best nine assists, and played the entire 40 minutes on Saturday. His leadership helped five Gators reach double figures as sixth-ranked Florida, short-handed but determined, stunned No. 1 Auburn 90-81 at a packed Neville Arena. The victory marked the program’s first-ever road win against a top-ranked opponent.
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            Playing without fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            (hip injury), Clayton connected on four 3-pointers and directed an offense that shot 48.4 percent overall, drained 13 of 33 from deep (39.4 percent), dished out a SEC-leading 22 assists, and converted 15 of 18 free throws in one of the toughest environments in college basketball. His opening basket, a 3-pointer, pushed him past 1,000 career points, making him the 57th Florida player to reach that milestone.
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            Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            contributed a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, along with four assists. Reserve forward
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 14 points, nine rebounds, and a series of gritty plays that embodied the team’s effort. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            chipped in 15 points and five rebounds, while junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           —starting for the second straight game in place of Martin—scored 10 points, including two crucial second-half 3-pointers that halted Auburn’s rally.
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           Auburn opened strong, racing to leads of 15-5 and 20-11 after hitting eight of its first 14 shots. Florida, which began just 2-for-11, steadied itself and answered with five straight makes, including two from beyond the arc, to grab its first lead at 23-22. After Auburn briefly regained control, the Gators responded with another stretch of five consecutive baskets, closing the half on a 23-7 surge to take a 48-38 advantage. Clayton had 16 points at the break on 5-of-6 shooting, including three triples.
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           Early in the second half, Florida’s lead ballooned to 19. Auburn trimmed it to nine with seven minutes remaining, but Aberdeen’s 3-pointer on a possession extended by Haugh sparked an 8-2 run that rebuilt the margin to 15 with four minutes left.
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           Defensively, Florida limited Auburn—the nation’s top-rated offense—to 42.9 percent shooting and just 7-of-22 from long range. Johni Broome, the frontrunner for 2025 NCAA Player of the Year, was held to 8-of-19 from the field, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
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           Sophomore forward 
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           Alex Condon
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            (21) throws down in the first half Saturday against Auburn. 
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            What it Means
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           Florida’s resilience continues to stand out. The Gators earned back-to-back road wins over ranked opponents despite missing Alijah Martin and then losing Alex Condon early against Mississippi State. That toughness has translated into a fifth Quadrant 1 victory, according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), strengthening their postseason résumé. With several more Quad 1 opportunities still ahead, UF will be no worse than tied for third in the SEC standings once Wednesday’s league games conclude, keeping them firmly in the mix for both conference and NCAA tournament seeding.
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            In the Spotlight
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           Healing thoughts go out to “Condo” and “A-Mart,” as both recover from injuries.
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            Staggering Statistic
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           Florida had been 0-8 all-time in road games against No. 1-ranked opponents. Earlier this season, the Gators also broke through at home, defeating Tennessee—then ranked No. 1—by 30 points.
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            Up Next
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           Florida (20-3, 7-3) continues its demanding stretch with another road test Tuesday night at No. 22 Mississippi State (16-6, 4-5). The Bulldogs, who face Georgia on Saturday, feature
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           Riley Kugel
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           , a former Gator who played his freshman and sophomore seasons in Gainesville before transferring last spring. Auburn (22-2, 9-1) will look to rebound Tuesday at Vanderbilt.
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            Email senior writer   
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           Chris Harry
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            at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:40:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/floridas-historic-upset-gators-top-no-1-auburn-90-81</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Bungle in the Jungle: Gators Stun No. 1 Auburn</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bungle-in-the-jungle-gators-stun-no-1-auburn</link>
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           Thomas Haugh (10) and the Florida sidelines celebreate as the Gators finish off the Tigers Saturday.
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           Share:
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           AUBURN, Ala. – With just under eight minutes left in the opening half on Saturday, the Florida Gators regrouped on their sideline holding a slim one-point advantage. After absorbing Auburn’s early surge, the team calmly worked its way back into the contest.
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            Head coach
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           Todd Golden
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            turned his attention to point guard
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           ,, who had missed the previous Southeastern Conference matchup due to an ankle injury. Golden studied his senior leader and top scorer, impressed by the confidence Clayton exuded.
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           "He looked great, not winded," Golden said. "I warned him at that point, 'Dude, there's a good chance you play 40 [minutes].' He was like, 'I got it.' The rest is history."
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           And history it was.
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           Clayton finished with 19 points, including four 3-pointers, and dished out a career-best nine assists while playing all 40 minutes. His performance guided five Florida players into double figures and propelled the sixth-ranked Gators to a 90-81 upset over No. 1 Auburn in front of a packed, hostile crowd inside "The Jungle."
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            The victory came despite the absence of fifth-year guard
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           Alijah Martin
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           , the team’s second-leading scorer, who was ruled out just 30 minutes before tipoff with a hip pointer. It marked Florida’s first-ever road win against a No. 1 opponent and followed last month’s historic home triumph over Tennessee, also ranked No. 1 at the time. With this achievement, UF became only the sixth team in Associated Press poll history to defeat two different top-ranked programs in the same season.
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           "Just an incredible win for our program," Golden said. "I thought our guys were fantastic for 40 minutes."
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           Clayton orchestrated an offense that shot 48 percent from the field, knocked down 13 triples from six different players at a 39.4 percent clip, converted 15 of 18 free throws, and recorded a SEC-best 22 assists. The Gators silenced one of the nation’s loudest arenas by building a commanding 21-point lead in the second half.
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           All four of
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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           (1) 3-pointers were with his heels either touching or just outside the AU midcourt logo at Neville Arena. 
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            Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            delivered his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Off the bench, fellow sophomore
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           Thomas Haugh
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            added 16 points, nine boards, three assists, and three blocks. Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            , despite early foul trouble, contributed 12 points and five rebounds across 31 minutes. Junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            stepped into the starting lineup for Alijah Martin—just as he had for Walter Clayton Jr. earlier in the week—and chipped in 10 points, including two clutch second-half 3-pointers. Sophomore guard Urban Klazvar was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting all three of his attempts, with two coming back-to-back to help extend Florida’s lead.
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           Auburn, which had been unbeaten at home this season and had dropped only two of its last 26 games in the venue, was paced by Johni Broome’s 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The frontrunner for 2025 NCAA Player of the Year was held to 8-of-19 shooting while battling Condon and Florida’s frontcourt. The Gators contained the nation’s most efficient offense to 42.9 percent shooting overall and just 31.8 percent (7-of-22) from long range.
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           It capped a remarkable turnaround week for Florida. Just seven days earlier, the team suffered a 64-44 loss at Tennessee—their lowest scoring output in 35 years. They rebounded with a win over Vanderbilt without Clayton, and then stunned top-ranked Auburn while missing Martin.
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           "We've all got a 'next-man-up' mentality," said Clayton, whose first 3-pointer of the game pushed him past 1,000 career points as a Gator, becoming the 57th player in program history to reach that milestone. "Alijah wasn't on the court, but Alijah's still there. He was talking the whole game. He was telling us what he's seeing. Same thing when I was on the bench [Tuesday]. I was just telling the guys what I was seeing. So it was a lot of great communication between us, and we executed."
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           Fifth-guard 
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           Alijah Martin
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           , ruled out with hip pointer during pregame, cheers on his teammates from the bench Saturday.
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           Sophomore forward Alex Condon delivered his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Off the bench, fellow sophomore Thomas Haugh added 16 points, nine boards, three assists, and three blocks. Senior guard Will Richard, despite early foul trouble, contributed 12 points and five rebounds across 31 minutes. Junior guard Denzel Aberdeen stepped into the starting lineup for Alijah Martin—just as he had for Walter Clayton Jr. earlier in the week—and chipped in 10 points, including two clutch second-half 3-pointers. Sophomore guard Urban Klazvar was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting all three of his attempts, with two coming back-to-back to help extend Florida’s lead.
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           Auburn, which had been unbeaten at home this season and had dropped only two of its last 26 games in the venue, was paced by Johni Broome’s 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The frontrunner for 2025 NCAA Player of the Year was held to 8-of-19 shooting while battling Condon and Florida’s frontcourt. The Gators contained the nation’s most efficient offense to 42.9 percent shooting overall and just 31.8 percent (7-of-22) from long range.
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           It capped a remarkable turnaround week for Florida. Just seven days earlier, the team suffered a 64-44 loss at Tennessee—their lowest scoring output in 35 years. They rebounded with a win over Vanderbilt without Clayton, and then stunned top-ranked Auburn while missing Martin.
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           "We've all got a 'next-man-up' mentality," said Clayton, whose first 3-pointer of the game pushed him past 1,000 career points as a Gator, becoming the 57th player in program history to reach that milestone. "Alijah wasn't on the court, but Alijah's still there. He was talking the whole game. He was telling us what he's seeing. Same thing when I was on the bench [Tuesday]. I was just telling the guys what I was seeing. So it was a lot of great communication between us, and we executed."
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           Sophomore guard
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            Urban Klavzar
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            sizes up one of his three 3-pointers. 
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           After Auburn strung together a 9-2 run to reclaim a six-point advantage and ignite the crowd, Florida responded with nine straight points—five from Walter Clayton Jr.—to move back in front. From that moment, the Gators never trailed again.
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           Florida carried a 48-38 lead into halftime, fueled by 57-percent shooting against one of the nation’s top defensive units. Early in the second half, the Gators hit six of their first 11 attempts, stretching the margin to 17. Moments later, Urban Klavzar drilled back-to-back 3-pointers, pushing the lead to 21 at 68-47 with 14 minutes remaining. The seldom-used guard, who had only three field goals across the team’s first 21 games, suddenly had five consecutive makes over two contests.
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           "You need guys to step up and make swing plays," Golden said of Klavzar, who finished with a plus-17 on-court rating in 17 minutes. "You're not going to hold 'em to 50 and hope."
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           The defining “swing play” came midway through the second half. Auburn had cut the deficit to nine, 76-67, and the arena was roaring. On Florida’s possession, Denzel Aberdeen missed a short jumper, but Thomas Haugh grabbed the rebound to extend the play. Clayton then misfired from deep, yet Haugh again battled for the ball, tipping it out to Aberdeen beyond the arc. Aberdeen reset and buried the wide-open 3-pointer, restoring the cushion to 12.
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           "That's just the kind of player I am," said Haugh, who posted a plus-19 rating. "It takes grit. Sometimes you got to just go do those things."
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           That sequence epitomized Florida’s resilience. Auburn twice trimmed the margin to nine in the final 90 seconds, but the Gators held firm and closed out the upset.
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           Sophomore guard
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            Urban Klavzar
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            sizes up one of his three 3-pointers. 
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           "We came in with the right mentality. We went down at the start, but didn't get too worked up about it. We just slowly came back and then we weren't playing around with the lead. We were composed."
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           That composure allowed Florida to silence "The Jungle" and secure one of the most memorable regular-season victories in the program’s 116-year history.
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           "The biggest key was the mental toughness of our team," Golden said, noting the Gators’ fifth win in eight Quadrant 1 matchups, according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool. "It's a needle-mover in terms of NCAA seeding. It's a needle-mover in terms of where we finish in the SEC."
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           It was a landmark triumph—one destined to be remembered as a defining moment in Florida basketball history.
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-899e7530.webp" length="174458" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:25:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bungle-in-the-jungle-gators-stun-no-1-auburn</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Road Warriors: Gators Face No. 1 Auburn in Monumental SEC Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/road-warriors-gators-face-no-1-auburn-in-monumental-sec-clash</link>
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           Sixth-ranked UF will have to band together Saturday when they take on the No. 1-ranked Auburn Tigers and arguably the best home-court advantage in the country.
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           Share:
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           AUBURN, Ala. – At approximately 10:20 p.m. local time Tuesday, the final buzzer sounded on Auburn’s 98-70 rout of Oklahoma. Yet even before the nation’s top-ranked team had officially secured its 14th consecutive win, dozens of fans from the raucous student section – “The Jungle” – had already left their seats, exited Neville Arena, and begun lining up again.
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           This time, for the game scheduled four days later (roughly 90 hours away).
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           The atmosphere awaiting the sixth-ranked Florida Gators (19-3, 6-3) on Saturday afternoon cannot be overstated. They will be stepping into one of the loudest, most chaotic, and most challenging environments in college basketball when they face the No. 1 and SEC-unbeaten Tigers (21-1, 9-0).
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            "It's going to be a toxic environment to play in," UF sophomore forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            said.
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           [Read senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           ]
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           Of course, that description only scratches the surface of what the visitors will encounter. Auburn’s home-court advantage may be the day’s most intangible factor, but the true obstacle lies in the Tigers themselves. They own the nation’s best record, compiled against the toughest schedule, with an astounding 12 Quadrant 1 victories according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool. The Tigers feature one of the frontrunners for 2025 NCAA Player of the Year in forward Johnie Broome, an offense boasting historically elite advanced metrics, and a defense that has hovered inside the top 10 throughout the season.
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           Translation: no weaknesses.
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           Auburn coach Bruce Pearl has long established success, averaging 24.0 wins across the past six seasons while capturing two SEC regular-season titles and a pair of SEC Tournament championships. Yet this current team stands as his finest, and barring any unforeseen setback, the Tigers are expected to secure the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament next month.
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            "They're just good in all facets," UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            said.
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           If not elite.
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           For the Gators, the challenge ahead is enormous. It marks their second consecutive road matchup against a top-10 opponent in as many weekends—life in the SEC. Just last Saturday, Florida entered ranked fifth and faced eighth-ranked Tennessee, which was missing two starters including its top player. Even so, the Gators were overwhelmed, 64-44, posting their lowest scoring output in 35 years.
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           And this Auburn team is even stronger.
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            "We have to be more aggressive," senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            said.
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           Richard’s showing at Tennessee reflected the team’s overall struggles. He played passively from the outset, mirroring the Gators’ lack of urgency. Entering the game averaging 10 shots per contest, including more than five from beyond the arc, Richard attempted only two shots total and finished with two points in 33 minutes.
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           Upon reviewing the game film, Richard was stunned by what he saw.
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           "Just sitting in the corner the majority of the game. I felt I wasn't involved, wasn't in the flow from early in the game," Richard said. "It wasn't a good feeling [to watch], I'm not going to lie."
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           Senior guard 
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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           ., sidelined with a sore ankle, cheers on his teammates during Tuesday night's home win against Vanderbilt. 
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           On Tuesday, Will Richard bounced back from his struggles with a 21-point performance in UF’s 86-75 victory over Vanderbilt. He connected on five 3-pointers—his most in SEC play—while adding seven rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers in a season-high 39 minutes. It was a standout effort.
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           That game, however, was played in Gainesville at the familiar Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center. What awaits the Gators on The Plain will be far from friendly or comfortable. Florida must use the lessons from that win to sharpen their edge for the upcoming challenge.
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           "I think we had a lot of learning curves at Tennessee," Alex Condon said.
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           Expectations in that matchup were skewed by the last-minute absence of UT point guard Zakai Zeigler, the 2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and league assists leader, along with forward Igor Milicic Jr., the Volunteers’ third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder.
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           Auburn faces no such setbacks. The Gators will encounter the Tigers at full strength, entering as nearly double-digit underdogs. Coach Todd Golden noted that his team actually felt more pressure in Tuesday’s home game against Vanderbilt—where they were heavy favorites and missing leading scorer 
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            due to an ankle injury—making him especially pleased with the collective contributions from both role players and regulars.
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           Clayton is expected to return to the lineup against Auburn.
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           "You feel pressure to protect your home floor and find a way to win games that just aren't guarantees, but when you go on the road and you're playing the No. 1 team in the country there's a little less expectation," Golden said. "It opens the door to maybe take some chances and be more aggressive in some areas that you normally wouldn't feel the confidence to do so. So … we'll go in there, for a lack of a better term, [with] nothing to lose, not being afraid to fail and go give it our best swing and see we can come home with."
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           Email senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-1afcfdfd.webp" length="62312" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:23:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/road-warriors-gators-face-no-1-auburn-in-monumental-sec-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Clash in The Jungle: Florida vs Auburn Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clash-in-the-jungle-florida-vs-auburn-showdown</link>
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           Share:
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           No. 6 Florida vs. No. 1 Auburn Chris Harry
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            Date &amp;amp; Time:
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             Saturday, 4 p.m. (ET)
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            Venue:
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             Neville Arena / Auburn, Ala.
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            Team Records:
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             Florida (19-3, 6-3) | Auburn (21-1, 9-0)
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            Broadcast:
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             ESPN2 (
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            Dan Shulman
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             and
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            Jay Bilas
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            )
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            Radio Coverage:
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             Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD /
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            Stations list
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             (featuring
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            Sean Kelley
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             ,
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            Lee Humphrey
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             and
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            Steve Egan
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            )
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            Ticket info
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           Projected Starters
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           The Breakdown
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           Neville Arena, aka "The Jungle," is one of the most intimidating places to play in all of college basketball. 
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           SETUP:
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            No. 6 Florida heads to No. 1 Auburn for the weekend’s only matchup featuring two teams ranked in the top 10 of the latest Associated Press poll. For the Gators, this marks a second straight Saturday on the road against a top-10 opponent, following last weekend’s 64-44 loss at eighth-ranked Tennessee. They rebounded from that setback Tuesday with an 86-75 home victory over Vanderbilt. The Tigers remain the only unbeaten team in Southeastern Conference play, maintaining that status by routing unranked Oklahoma 98-70 at home Tuesday. Auburn currently holds a one-game lead over rival Alabama in the league standings, while Florida sits three games back in a three-way tie for third place with Missouri and Texas A&amp;amp;M.
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           SERIES:
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            Auburn leads the all-time series 92-83. Florida once dominated with 11 consecutive wins from 2010-18 (and 21 of 22 dating back to 2001), but since 2019 the Tigers have taken a 5-4 advantage. That includes last season’s 86-67 victory in the SEC Tournament championship game at Nashville, Tenn., where they avenged Florida’s 81-65 rout in Gainesville just five weeks earlier. In that title clash, UF center
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/micah-handlogten/16874" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Micah Handlogten
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            suffered a gruesome compound fracture to his left leg within the opening two minutes, and the Gators—already worn down from playing their fourth game in four days—never recovered emotionally. Auburn’s defense set the tone early, building a 12-point lead, then withstanding a UF surge in the second half before pulling away to secure its second SEC tournament crown in five years. All-SEC forward
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           Johni Broome
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            tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, earning tournament MVP honors. Seven other Auburn players contributed between seven and 11 points, as the Tigers (27-7) shot 50.8 percent overall, including 64.3 percent in a dominant second half. Florida, meanwhile, was held to 36.4 percent shooting (its second-lowest of the season) and its fewest points of the 2023-24 campaign. Fifth-year senior point guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zyon-pullin/16137" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Zyon Pullin
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            paced the Gators with 15 points and seven rebounds. Both teams’ seasons ended five days later with first-round NCAA Tournament exits—UF fell to Colorado, while Auburn was upset by 13th-seeded Yale.
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           ETC:
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            Florida holds a 3-17 record all-time against No. 1-ranked teams, including the 73-43 throttling of Tennessee on Jan. 7. This contest marks the first time UF will face two different No. 1 opponents in the same season. The Gators had dropped 10 straight against top-ranked foes before ending that streak against the Volunteers.
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           Tale of the Tape
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           The Gators
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           Will Richard
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            With point guard and leading scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            sidelined due to an ankle sprain, Coach
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           Todd Golden
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            required a collective effort against Vanderbilt — and that’s exactly what he received. The Florida bench contributed 21 points, while backup guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , making his first career start, delivered an excellent floor game. He directed an offense that shot 57.4 percent overall, including 10 of 21 from beyond the arc (47.6 percent), and recorded 20 assists (UF’s highest in SEC play this season) against 10 turnovers, with only three miscues over the final 30 minutes. … Offensively, Florida’s production remained strong, but what should have been a clear size advantage on the offensive glass failed to materialize. The Commodores held UF to just 10 offensive rebounds and 13 second-chance points. … On defense, the Gators dropped four spots after allowing Vanderbilt to shoot 51 percent, the second-best mark by a league opponent this season. Florida experimented with a 1-through-5 switching scheme not previously used in SEC play, but it proved ineffective as missed assignments gave Vandy opportunities. Still, the Commodores were limited to six 3-pointers, below their average of eight in SEC victories.
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            Without Clayton, Florida managed to generate offense against Vanderbilt, but replicating that — and doing it efficiently — on the road against the nation’s top offensive team (and one of the best defensive squads) presents a tougher challenge. Clayton, who is just two points shy of becoming the 57th Gator to reach 1,000 career points, is shooting 45.0 percent this season, nearly 36 percent from deep, and a team-best 86.4 percent at the free-throw line. …
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           Will Richard
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            delivered one of his best performances of the year, hitting eight of 11 shots and five of seven from three for 21 points, while adding seven rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers in a career-high 39 minutes. … Guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            struggled in UF’s loss at Tennessee, opening 0-for-9 from the field. Those issues carried into the first half against Vanderbilt, where he committed five turnovers and briefly exited after a hard fall in a scramble. He rebounded in the second half, however, finishing with eight points on 4-for-5 shooting, plus four assists and no turnovers. … Aberdeen (7.4 ppg) added 13 points, three assists, two rebounds, and no turnovers across a career-high 35 minutes.
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            Forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/alex-condon/16873" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alex Condon
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            , who also had difficulties at Knoxville, bounced back by going seven of 11 against Vanderbilt, adding nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. … Center
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           Rueben Chinyelu
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            was limited to 12 minutes due to foul trouble. Backup forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            (5.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg) provided solid minutes, scoring five points and dishing two assists, while also hitting his first 3-pointer in SEC play this season. … Backup forward
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-haugh/16875" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Thomas Haugh
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            (7.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg) continued his strong play off the bench, contributing eight points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 28 minutes. Haugh is averaging 10.0 rebounds over his last three outings, with 11 against Georgia, 10 at Tennessee, and nine versus Vanderbilt. … Sophomore guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            (2.8 ppg), who had been just three of 16 from deep entering the game, knocked down two huge back-to-back 3-pointers in the second half. That spark ignited a run that turned a one-possession contest into a double-digit lead, likely earning Klavzar more minutes moving forward.
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           The Tigers
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            ﻿
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           Auburn forward 
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           Johni Broome
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            Is
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           Bruce Pearl
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            the best coach in the country? That’s a fair question. What isn’t up for debate is whether he’s the premier program-builder. Just look at his track record at Tennessee and now at Auburn, where he owns a 231-120 record across 11 seasons and has kept the program consistently energized. Over the past seven years, the Tigers have gone 189-64 — a .757 winning percentage — while capturing two regular-season SEC titles (2018 and ’22) and two SEC Tournament championships (’19 and ’24). They averaged 24 wins over the previous six seasons and are well on pace to surpass that mark again. Pearl’s formula emphasizes speed, athleticism, toughness, and scoring, and he recruits perfectly to fit that style.
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           Offensively, Auburn is more than five points per 100 possessions stronger than the nation’s No. 2 offense. They rank 21st nationally in 2-point shooting percentage (56.9 percent), 40th from beyond the arc (37.3 percent), and excel at ball security, committing turnovers on only 13.6 percent of possessions (8th nationally). Defensively, Auburn allows just 44.1 percent shooting inside the arc, ranking 11th in the country. In SEC play, opponents are hitting only 27.9 percent from 3-point range, the best mark in the league. The Tigers also lead the conference in block rate (21.3 percent of shots in SEC play) and are second in steals, forcing turnovers on 12.3 percent of possessions.
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           Auburn’s only loss came against Duke in the ACC/SEC Challenge, but they boast a remarkable 12-1 record in Quadrant 1 games, according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET). With at least seven more Q1 opportunities ahead, they’re navigating a schedule ranked as the second-toughest in college basketball.
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            Backup forward
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           Chaney Johnson
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            (9.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg) is another senior — though he arrived via the junior college route — who logs starter-level minutes (9.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and owns a career mark of 61.3 percent shooting inside the 2-point area. … Freshman
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           Jahki Howard
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           (5.6 ppg), a product of the Atlanta Overtime Elite Academy, claimed the 2024 high school slam-dunk championship.
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           Numbers of Note
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           From left, 
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           Tyree Appleby
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           , 
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           Scottie Lewis
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           , 
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           Colin Castleton
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           , 
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           Osi Osifo
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            and 
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           Tre Mann
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            get pumped up during the Gators' victory at Auburn in 2021, the last time they won on The Plain.
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            .
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            000
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             — UF’s all-time winning percentage in road games against No. 1-ranked teams, based on an 0-8 record. Six of those defeats came at Kentucky (1950, ’59, ’66, ’78, ’12 and ’15), with one each at Michigan State (2015) and Tennessee (2019).
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            4
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             — Division I programs currently ranked in the top 20 for both offensive and defensive efficiency. That exclusive group includes Florida and Auburn, along with Duke and Houston.
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            minus-23.1
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             — Florida’s average margin of defeat in road contests against No. 1 opponents. The lone competitive effort was a 58-52 loss at Michigan State on Dec. 12, 2015, the only game decided by single digits.
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            67.9
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             — The Gators’ free-throw percentage in SEC play, converting 125 of 184 attempts. Only two players, Clayton (81.8) and Haugh (81.1), are shooting above 70 percent midway through the conference season, while three — Condon (54.3), Chinyelu (53.8) and Alexis (40.0) — remain below 55 percent.
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            2021
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             — The last time Florida defeated Auburn, on Feb. 23, with a 74-57 final score. Sophomore guard
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            Tre Mann
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             scored 19 points, all but three in the first half, and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds. Sophomore wing
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            Scottie Lewis
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             came off the bench to add 14 of his 16 points before halftime, helping UF build a commanding lead. The Gators trailed for just 65 seconds. Auburn, missing star point guard
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            Sharife Cooper
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             due to an ankle injury, opened with a 3-pointer in the first minute, but Florida responded with 11 straight points. They capitalized on eight Tigers turnovers in the opening nine minutes to build a 12-point lead, which Mann and company stretched to 22 by halftime. Thirteen minutes into the game, Mann had twice as many points as Auburn — UF led 25-8 after his jumper gave him his 15th and 16th points of the half with 7:03 remaining — and Lewis added seven points in a 90-second burst late in the period to send Florida into the locker room ahead 44-22.
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           Bottom Line
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           As difficult a challenge as the Gators will face this season.
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           Email 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-84ee94b2.webp" length="156746" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:20:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/clash-in-the-jungle-florida-vs-auburn-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-84ee94b2.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-84ee94b2.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Grit in Gainesville: Gators Push No. 23 Alabama to the Brink in Thrilling Finish</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-in-gainesville-gators-push-no-23-alabama-to-the-brink-in-thrilling-finish</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Freshman Liv McGill posted her tenth game with 20+ points to lead the Gators in scoring.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida dropped its seventh Southeastern Conference game on Thursday night, concluding with an 84-66 defeat to No. 23 Alabama. The Gators remained competitive throughout the matchup, with three players reaching double-digit scoring.
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            Freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            paced the offense, marking her eleventh game leading the team and notching 22 points—her tenth performance this season with 20 or more. 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            contributed 15 points, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            added 14. On the defensive end,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            led Florida for the second time this season, pulling down 10 rebounds.
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           What Took Place:
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           First Quarter Highlights
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            McGill led in scoring with six of UF's 17 points
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            Florida went 8-17 from the field to shoot 47.1 percent
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            10 of Florida's points were tallied inside the paint
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            The Gators distributed four assists-- McGill accounting for two
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            Warren and Kyle led on the boards, securing three rebounds each
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            Florida and Alabama were knotted at 17-17 to conclude the first period
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           Second Quarter Breakdown
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            McGill led on the boards with four of Florida's 15 rebounds
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            The game was tied half way through the period at 22-22 (4:48)
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            Florida recorded a game low 10 points and was held to 4-23 from the field (17.4%)
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            Eight of UF's points in the period were off Alabama turnovers
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            The Gators forced a game high five turnovers on the Crimson Tide
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            Florida trailed by five heading into the half (32-27)
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           Third Quarter Highlights
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            Florida posted a game high 23 points—14 came from inside the paint
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            McGill led in scoring with 10 points, shooting 4-6 from the field and 2-2 from the free throw line
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            The Gators shot 53.3 percent from the field (8-15), their best of the game
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            Alabama took its largest lead of the game so far with an 11-point margin (55-44)
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            UF's eight rebounds were grabbed across four players
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           Fourth Quarter Recap
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            UF shot 100 percent from the free throw line (5-5)
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            Florida forced four turnovers on the Crimson Tide—their most of the half
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            Seven of Florida's 16 points were off second chances
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            Reynolds, Warren, and McGill all grabbed two rebounds, contributing to UF's 11
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            The Gators out-rebounded Alabama 11-8
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           Key Stats and Notes
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            The Gators set a season high in free throw shooting at 85.7 percent (12-14)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida out-rebounded Alabama 44-38
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            UF and Alabama were tied seven times during Thursday's contest
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            The Gators shot 33.3 percent from the field (25-75)
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            36 of Florida's 66 points were tallied inside the paint
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            Florida forced 14 turnovers on the Crimson Tide
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            18 of UF's total points were off rebounds
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            The Gators saw the free throw line a combined 14 times, converting for 12 points
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            UF had three players in double digits for scoring
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            McGill (22), Kyle (15), Reynolds (14), Warren
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            McGill has hit double figures in 22 of her 24 outings as a Gator
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            10 of those games have been 20+ point outings
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            Reynolds recorded her fifth consecutive game with 10+ points
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            Reynolds has hit double digits in scoring for 13 of her outings this season
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            McGill tallied 6 assists and has now led UF in ball distribution 18 times this season
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            Four Gators contributed to UF's 13 assists 
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            Warren led in rebounding with 10
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            Warren has led UF on the boards three times in 2024-25 and seven times at UF
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            Six Gators tallied two or more rebounds
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            Warren (10), Kyle (7), McGill (6), Reynolds (5), Salgues (3), Gassett (2)
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 46 of 98 quarters played this season
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            UF made 17 layups in 28 driving attempts (61%)
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            Florida recorded a game total 73 possessions, converting for 0.9 points per possession
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Gator Bites: Reflections from Coach Finley and Freshman McGill
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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            Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
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            shared her thoughts on
           &#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
          &#xD;
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           ’ rapid development, noting: "I was talking to Laila yesterday and it dawned on me, I went in my calendar and looked and I was like wow, minus the holiday break, she's really only been playing for eight weeks. The amount of improvement that she's had in eight weeks is unmatched. I don't think I could be more pleased with where she's at, but she's a competitor, relentless in her worth ethic, and she's earned the opportunity to go out there and play that way. It's what we expect from her every night. She's only going to improve."
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            Freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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           reflected on her experience in SEC competition: "I am always taking notes on my opponents and my teammates. That's just what I'm always doing in the back of my head you know, during the game and after watching film. They are good players, and I'm trying to be the best, and I want to take notes so I can try to be the best. You've got to compete every night. It doesn't matter what their ranking is, what their ranking is, it's the SEC. Everybody's trying to get a win, so you can never come into the game slacking no matter who it is."
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
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           (12-12, 3-7 SEC)
          &#xD;
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           Alabama: 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (19-5, 6-4 SEC)
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Series Snapshot
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida trails Alabama in their historical head-to-head, with the Crimson Tide leading the all-time series 34-30.
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           Looking Ahead
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           The Gators will face No. 2 South Carolina in their next Southeastern Conference matchup on Thursday, Feb. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Colonial Life Arena, with coverage airing on SECN.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           NEXT UP: at No. 2 South Carolina (22-1, 10-0 SEC)
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Thurs., Feb. 13
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Site: 
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/facilities/colonial-life-arena/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Colonial Life Arena
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/b36c74de-2a23-4886-b50e-0f96f7df3085" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=554961&amp;amp;vislive=fla" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6d6935af.webp" length="134928" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:46:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/grit-in-gainesville-gators-push-no-23-alabama-to-the-brink-in-thrilling-finish</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-6d6935af.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Round Two in the Swamp: Gators Gear Up for No. 23 Alabama Rematch</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/round-two-in-the-swamp-gators-gear-up-for-no-23-alabama-rematch</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
           &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Senior Ra Shaya Kyle will be recognized before Thursday's game after posting 1,000 career points in UF's last home contest on Jan. 30 versus Vanderbilt.
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida is set to host No. 23 Alabama at the O'Connell Center on Thursday evening. This marks the second meeting between the two programs this season, as they were scheduled for both home and away matchups during the 2025 SEC slate.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ﻿
           &#xD;
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           Heading into the midweek clash, both teams have completed nine conference games. Florida holds a 3-6 record in SEC play, while Alabama enters with a 5-4 mark. The upcoming contest will be the tenth for each squad, tipping off at 7 p.m. ET and broadcast live on SECN.
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alabama 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           (18-5, 5-4 SEC)
          &#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date:
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             Thurs., Feb. 6
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            Time:
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             7 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Site:
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        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
              
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/4/4/exactech-arena-stephen-c-oconnell-center.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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            Radio
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            : 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5555&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            :
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/3d5a3560-eff0-4d3a-868f-490275ccbf9d" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
             
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/3d5a3560-eff0-4d3a-868f-490275ccbf9d" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552548" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
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            Would be Florida’s first win against Alabama since 2023
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            Improves the Gators’ home record to 10-4
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            Marks the start of Florida’s first SEC win streak this season
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            Elevates Florida’s conference record to 4-6
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            Updates the program’s all-time SEC record to 230-331
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            Awards Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 69th career win leading the Gators
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series History
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           Alabama holds the edge in the all-time matchup against Florida, leading the series 33 wins to 30.
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           Florida vs. Alabama: A Storied Rivalry
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           Florida and Alabama have faced off 63 times since their first recorded meeting in 1976. Over the decades, the series has remained active, with 27 matchups held in Gainesville, 24 in Tuscaloosa, and 15 at neutral venues.
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           Thursday’s game marks Alabama’s return to the O’Connell Center for the first time since February 23, 2023—a night that also delivered Florida’s most recent win over the Crimson Tide, an 81-77 victory. Since then, the Gators have come up short in two close contests: 76-73 on February 29, 2024, and 79-69 on January 2, 2025.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
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            On Monday, Feb. 3, Florida earned a commanding 108-78 road victory over Arkansas.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            led the scoring effort with a career-high 19 points, marking her first time as the Gators’ offensive leader.
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           Liv McGill
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            added 18 points, while
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           Laila Reynolds
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            contributed 14. Florida controlled the rebounding battle, finishing with a 52-35 edge on the boards.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            led all players with 12 rebounds, notching her 18th game as the team’s top rebounder this season.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            McGill has posted 20+ points in nine games this season.
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            Florida ranks No. 2 in the SEC and No. 9 nationally with a 47.7% field goal rate.
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             Four Gators average double-digit scoring: McGill (16.1), Kyle (15.1),
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (12.9), and 
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.6).
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            McGill (No. 14) and Kyle (No. 17) are both in the SEC’s top 20 for scoring.
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            Florida is third in the SEC for three-point shooting at 34.4%.
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            Kyle ranks No. 9 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC with 12 double-doubles.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (123) and assists per game (5.3).
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            Kyle is fourth in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.3).
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            UF is undefeated when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer.
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 45 of 94 quarters this season.
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            Kyle ranks No. 10 in the NCAA and No. 2 in the SEC with a 62.6% field goal percentage.
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            She also ranks No. 34 nationally in total rebounds with 216.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 20.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eriny-kindred/16857" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eriny Kindred
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             tops Florida’s free throw stats, shooting 89.5% (17-for-19).
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           ALABAMA QUICK HITS:
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            Barker is No. 11 in the SEC for scoring averaging 16.7 per game
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            Barker (51.7) and Green (49.5) sit at No. 7 and No. 8 for field goal percentage
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            Alabama is No. 7 in the SEC and No. 28 in the nation for field goal percentage (46.3)
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            The Crimson Tide sit at No. 5 in the SEC and No. 23 in the NCAA for blocked shots averaging 4.7
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            Alabama is No. 4 in the SEC for 3-point FG made averaging 8.3
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            Nye ranks at No. 2 in the SEC and No. 26 in the NCAA in 3-point FG percentage with 42.7
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            Nye leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 in the nation in 3-point FG made with 73 on the season (3.1)
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            Barker leads Alabama in field goal percentage with 51.7
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            Four Alabama's starters are averaging double figures for scoring
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            Barker (16.7), Green (15.7), Nye (13.7), and Cody (10.6)
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            Cody leads Alabama in total blocks with 39 on the season
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            Cody is No. 16 in the SEC and leads the Crimson Tide on the boards averaging 6.6 rebounds per game
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:28:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/round-two-in-the-swamp-gators-gear-up-for-no-23-alabama-rematch</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Walter Clayton Jr.’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Vanderbilt Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-s-status-uncertain-ahead-of-vanderbilt-clash</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., dealing with a left ankle sprain, hopes to play in Tuesday night's SEC game against Vanderbilt.
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           Share:
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            With just over a minute left in the first half on Saturday, senior guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            controlled the ball on the wing during Florida’s halfcourt set. As he leapt to deliver a pass, his left foot came down on Tennessee forward Darlinstone Dubar, causing his ankle to roll and sending the Gators’ standout crashing to the floor.
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           While play continued toward the opposite end, Clayton remained on the court, clutching his ankle and grimacing in pain. He stayed down for several minutes before being assisted to the locker room by the UF medical staff, as the Florida bench watched anxiously.
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           And so did Gator Nation.
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           "He's our leader. He's our best player," UF sophomore forward 
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           Thomas Haugh
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            said. "Yes, it affected us."
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           In the moment, it would have been easy to assume the worst, given the optics. But Clayton and the Gators, by the grace of the orange-and-blue hoops gods, appear to have dodged a season-altering catastrophe.
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           "I've rolled a lot of ankles, but this was probably the worst one because I came down and all my weight was on that foot," said Clayton, the 2024 All-Southeastern Conference selection and team's scoring leader the last two seasons. "It hurt pretty bad, but I'd done it so many times that after walking around, moving on it a little bit, I wasn't too worried." 
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           Clayton, named this week to the 
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           Bob Cousy Award midseason "watch list"
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            that honors the nation's top point guard, returned to play in the second half of what turned into an ugly 64-44 loss. He didn't play particularly well, going scoreless in 10 minutes, but seeing Clayton on the court and battling through the pain was an encouraging sign relative to his availability, starting Tuesday night when the No. 6 Gators (18-3, 5-3) play host to Vanderbilt (16-5, 4-4) at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center. 
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           [Read senior writer 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/chris-harry/66" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Chris Harry
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           's "Pregame Stuff" setup 
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           here
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           ]
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           "I think we avoided anything too serious, which is awesome," UF coach 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/1893" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Todd Golden
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            said Monday of his gifted playmaker averaging 17.2 points per game. "I think [Tuesday], when he wakes up, will be a big determinant in if he goes or not."
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           Walter Clayton Jr
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            .
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            (1) tried to play through the pain Saturday, but just wasn't himself in the second. 
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            On Monday, Clayton watched practice at the O'Dome while wearing a device that sends shock waves to the swollen area. The last three nights were spent sleeping in a Game Ready wrap that applies cold therapy and compression. The treatment has been constant since Saturday and will remain so until game time. Whatever it takes. 
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            "I mean, if I got a chance to play I'm going to play, especially knowing my team needs me out there," Clayton said. 
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            The best chance the Gators have to rebound from their worst performance of the season (of the last two seasons, actually) is with Clayton in the lineup against a Commodores team that struggles defensively, counter to a Tennessee squad that unleashed the full fury of a defense rated No. 1 nationally in overall efficiency. The Volunteers denied Florida virtually every element of its high-octane offense and did it so completely – UF shot 24.7 percent for the game, made just four of 27 from the 3-point line and scored the fewest points in 35 years – it may be worth chalking up as an outlier; especially considering how the Gators manhandled the then-No. 1 Vols by 30 points in their first meeting a month earlier at the O'Dome. 
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            Sometimes it's like that.
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            "You know what? They're pretty dang good man," Golden said of a UT team that a week earlier went to top-ranked Auburn and thoroughly frustrated the Tigers and their No. 1-rated offense before losing a 53-51 slobber-knocker. "I thought Tennessee played with a lot of grit in terms of their mentality and the way they wanted to control the game. It's been an area that we've been able to do most of our contests this year: control and dictate. So we tip our cap to them. Obviously, they played really freaking well and we weren't at our best, but I'm excited to get back out there [Tuesday] night, for sure." 
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            Preferably with a full complement of players. 
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            Hey Walt! What are the chances? 
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            "I don't want to put a number on it," Clayton said. "It's hour by hour right now."
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            Zero hour is 7 p.m. 
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      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:36:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/walter-clayton-jr-s-status-uncertain-ahead-of-vanderbilt-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Alijah Martin Shines: Named to Jerry West Midseason Watch List</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alijah-martin-shines-named-to-jerry-west-midseason-watch-list</link>
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           Alijah Martin is recognized as one of the nation's top 10 shootnig guards.
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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            Florida graduate guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            has earned a spot on the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year midseason watch list, which features 10 players, as announced Tuesday by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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           Martin, who transferred from Florida Atlantic, is averaging 15.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, along with 50 made three-pointers. He has posted 17 double-digit scoring games this season, highlighted by three 20-point performances and a standout 32-point effort against Southern Illinois. In that contest, Martin tied the O’Connell Center record with eight three-pointers, while his 32 points equaled his career best.
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           The native of Summit, Mississippi, recorded a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in a neutral-site victory over Arizona State. He also scored 18 points in the home win against Tennessee, helping the Gators secure their first-ever regular season victory against a No. 1-ranked opponent. Over the course of the season, Martin has led Florida in scoring six times, rebounding four times, and assists four times. Notably, Martin and the Gators have already faced—and defeated—four of the other nine players included on the watch list.
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           Tickets are available for the Gators' remaining two home midweek contests:
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      &lt;a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-mens-basketball-vs-vanderbilt-gainesville-florida-02-04-2025/event/22006101A4C023B7" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tuesday, Feb. 4 vs. Vanderbilt
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            Tuesday, Feb. 18 vs. Oklahoma
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          T
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           uesday's game vs. Vanderbilt is set for 7 p.m. on the SEC Network.
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           Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Midseason Top 10
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           VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
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           Caleb Love, Arizona
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           Alijah Martin
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           , Florida
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           Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
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           Curtis Jones, Iowa State
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           PJ Haggerty, Memphis
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           Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
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           Tre Johnson, Texas
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           RJ Davis, North Carolina
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           Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-85ca3d31.webp" length="133170" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:04:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/alijah-martin-shines-named-to-jerry-west-midseason-watch-list</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Next Man Up: Florida’s Depth Shines in Win Over Vanderbilt</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/next-man-up-floridas-depth-shines-in-win-over-vanderbilt</link>
      <description />
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           Share:
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           Will Richard (5) dropped five 3s on his way to a game-high 21 points in Tuesday night's win over Vanderbilt.
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla
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            . – Roughly five hours before tip-off, the Florida Gators gathered in their locker room and learned that senior point guard and leading scorer
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/walter-clayton-jr-/16872" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            might not be available for Tuesday night’s matchup against Vanderbilt due to the ankle sprain he sustained three days earlier in the loss at Tennessee.
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           The message for the Gators quickly became fitting for a contest against the Commodores.
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           All hands on deck.
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            UF coach
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           Todd Golden
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            and his staff told junior guard
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            he would make the first start of his career and be tasked with directing the offense. Two seldom-used reserves — sophomore guard Urban Klavzar and freshman wing Isaiah Brown, each with just five minutes of mop-up duty in Southeastern Conference play — were also expected to contribute.
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           "We needed guys to step up and take advantage of opportunities," Golden said.
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           And they did. Florida, ranked sixth, secured an 86-75 win that showcased the impact of its bench players while also serving as a rebound performance for starters eager to move past the weekend’s blowout defeat — a game that hardly reflected what the Gators (19-3, 6-3) had shown through their first 20 outings of the season.
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            Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            , who managed only two points on two attempts at Knoxville, erupted for 21 points, knocked down five 3-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds in a career-high 39 minutes. Sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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           , limited to one field goal and four points in the previous game, responded with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Aberdeen, stepping in for Clayton and playing "fantastic," according to his coach, added 13 points, three assists, and no turnovers across a career-high 35 minutes.
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           As for Klavzar? More on him below.
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           "We came in with the mindset of 'next man up,' " said Aberdeen, who guided an offense that shot 57 percent overall — including 64 percent in a 51-point second half when the Gators seized control — and finished with a SEC-best 20 assists against 10 turnovers. "Our guys came off the bench and did a great job of keeping that mindset going, keeping us in that rhythm."
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           Junior guard 
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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            was "fantastic" in the first start of his career.
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           Even more impressively, the Gators did so on a night when momentum wasn’t consistently in their favor. The Commodores (16-6, 4-5), fresh off wins over top-10 opponents Tennessee and Kentucky in the past two weeks, shot nearly 54 percent in the opening half to take a 36-35 lead into the break. Both teams came out firing after halftime, trading baskets early.
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            Vanderbilt held a 50-49 edge with just under 14 minutes remaining when UF backup forward
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           Sam Alexis
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            connected on only his third 3-pointer of the season, putting the Gators ahead by one. Following a defensive stop, Will Richard buried another 3 to extend the lead to five — a margin that, after 12 lead changes and 11 ties in the first 28 minutes, felt far larger than it was.
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           And soon, it was.
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           "The 3s were back-breakers," Commodores coach Mark Byington said.
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           Indeed, they were. Florida’s lead grew to 57-54, though Vanderbilt guard Jason Edwards (20 points) and physical backup forward Jaylen Carey (15 points, 5 rebounds) kept the visitors within striking distance. With just under nine minutes left, Alexis was double-teamed at the high post and kicked the ball out to Urban Klavzar — the Slovenian sharpshooter who had been just 3-for-18 from deep this season.
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           Klavzar calmly drained a 3 from the wing.
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           "Felt great when I hit the first one," Klavzar said. "The second felt special when the whole arena kind of erupted."
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           Sophomore guard 
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           Urban Klavzar
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            (7) launches his first made 3 (it was a big one) of the SEC season
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            That second shot came on the very next possession, when
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           Thomas Haugh
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            (8 points, 9 rebounds) delivered a bounce pass in transition to an open Urban Klavzar on the wing. Bang! Another 3-pointer in just 35 seconds. The lead stretched to nine. Timeout Vanderbilt.
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           "Once he made that first one I was pretty confident the second one was going to go in. You could tell he got a little confidence and let it rip," Golden said. "Nothing but net on both. Those were huge, huge shots for us. Really proud of him."
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            Out of the timeout, the Gators forced another stop and capitalized in the halfcourt when guard
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           Alijah Martin
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            (8 points, 4 assists), who had missed his first nine shots at Tennessee and committed five turnovers in the first half of this game, finally connected on a left-handed jumper in the paint to push the margin to 11.
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           The Commodores managed to cut the deficit to seven once, but Florida kept applying pressure. Three consecutive possessions ended with Aberdeen free throws, a baseline tomahawk dunk by Martin, and Will Richard’s final 3-pointer of the night with 2:41 remaining.
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           "We showed we had depth, but for us I think it was more about coming out and playing hard. Playing with effort and energy," Richard said. "I feel like that's what separates us and takes us to the next level."
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           This time, that effort carried the Gators to another win, with Walter Clayton Jr. cheering enthusiastically from the sideline. Florida pulled off a big victory without its leader, and now looks ahead to a Saturday showdown against No. 1 and unbeaten Auburn — perhaps with Clayton back in the lineup.
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           "Honestly, I'm as proud of this win as I am any of the others due to the circumstance," Golden said after his team improved to 11-1 at home this season. "We stepped up."
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            ﻿
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           And truly, everyone did.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:18:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/next-man-up-floridas-depth-shines-in-win-over-vanderbilt</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Bench Power: Gators Flex Depth in Win Over Vanderbilt</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bench-power-gators-flex-depth-in-win-over-vanderbilt</link>
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           Share:
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           What Happened
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.
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            – Senior guard
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           Will Richard
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            poured in 21 points with five 3-pointers, while sophomore forward
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           Alex Condon
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            added 19 points and nine rebounds, as sixth-ranked Florida defeated Vanderbilt 86-75 on Tuesday night at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center. The Gators earned the win despite standout guard and leading scorer
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           Walter Clayton Jr.
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            being sidelined with an ankle injury.
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            With Clayton unavailable, UF turned to junior
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , who excelled in his first career start by scoring 13 points, handing out three assists, and committing no turnovers across a career-high 35 minutes. Florida finished with 20 assists overall, with five different players contributing at least three.
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            Trailing 36-35 at halftime, the Gators erupted in the second half, shooting 64 percent from the field and hitting seven of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. UF held a slim 57-54 lead when backup sophomore guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/urban-klavzar/17198" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Urban Klavzar
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            , playing his most meaningful minutes to date, drilled back-to-back 3-pointers to ignite his team and the home crowd, stretching the margin to nine. Following a Vanderbilt timeout, Florida forced a stop and
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           Alijah Martin
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            scored his first basket of the game to push the lead into double digits.
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           The Commodores managed to cut the deficit to seven at 72-65 with 4:22 remaining, but Florida responded with a decisive 7-0 run. Aberdeen sank two free throws, Martin threw down a baseline slam, and Richard capped it with a clutch 3-pointer. Richard finished the night shooting 8-for-11, including 5-for-7 from deep, while also grabbing seven rebounds in a career-high 39 minutes.
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           Vanderbilt shot 51 percent overall, but was outscored 51-39 in the second half as Florida’s offense surged, hitting 64 percent from the floor and seven of 11 from long range.
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           Junior guard 
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           Denzel Aberdeen
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           , here during pre-game introductions, scored 13 points and dished three assists without a turnover over 35 minutes in his first career start.
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           What it Means
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           Defeating a strong Vanderbilt squad (a Quadrant 2 home win) without their top player should not be overlooked. At the midway point of the season, the Gators are tied with Texas A&amp;amp;M for fourth place in the SEC standings, with six other teams sitting just a game or a game and a half behind. The contributions from Denzel Aberdeen and Urban Klavzar could prove pivotal for their confidence — and the team’s — heading into the second half of league play.
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           In the Spotlight
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           Take a bow, Denzel. So composed.
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           Staggering Statistic
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           Urban Klavzar, the Slovenian guard who faced eligibility hurdles upon arriving on campus this summer and missed the first three games, entered this contest just three of 16 from beyond the arc and had not scored in only 5:40 of SEC action. His two 3-pointers delivered six crucial points in a span of 35 seconds, swinging momentum and helping to change the game.
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           Up Next
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            Florida (19-3, 6-3) now faces consecutive road tests against ranked opponents, beginning Saturday afternoon at No. 1 and unbeaten Auburn (20-1, 8-0). The Tigers, whose only loss this season came against No. 2 Duke, hosted Oklahoma later Tuesday. Auburn currently owns a two-game winning streak over the Gators in the arena Coach
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           Bruce Pearl
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             has dubbed "The Jungle." Following that matchup, UF will travel next Tuesday night to face No. 22 Mississippi State (16-6, 4-5). Vanderbilt (16-6, 4-5) will host Texas on Saturday.
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           Email senior writer 
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           Chris Harry
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            at
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           chrish@gators.ufl.edu
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      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:51:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/bench-power-gators-flex-depth-in-win-over-vanderbilt</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Men's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Record-Breaking Rampage: Gators Drop 108 on Razorbacks in SEC Statement Win</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/record-breaking-rampage-gators-drop-108-on-razorbacks-in-sec-statement-win</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           With an all around combined effort, UF tallied SEC win No. 3 of the season at Arkansas. Florida's 108 points were posted across 10 players.
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           FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Florida delivered a dominant offensive performance in Monday night’s 108-78 victory over Arkansas, marking the program’s highest point total ever recorded in an SEC matchup. Ten different Gators contributed to the scoring effort, showcasing a balanced and collaborative attack.
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            Freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            led the way with a career-best 19 points, her first time topping Florida’s scoring chart.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            followed with 18 points, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            added 14.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            also reached double figures, scoring 13 and 12 respectively.
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The Gators shot an impressive 56.6% from the field (43-of-76) and hit a season-high 13 three-pointers, going 13-of-22 from long range for a 59.1% clip—another season-best mark.
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           Defensively, Florida controlled the glass with a 52-35 rebounding advantage. Kyle led the effort with 12 boards, marking her 18th game as the team’s top rebounder and securing her 12th double-double of the season.
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           What Took Place:
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           First Quarter Highlights
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            Florida held an eight-point lead (12-4) heading into the first media timeout (4:36)
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            UF was led on offense by O'Neal and Reynolds—both tallying six points
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            O'Neal shot 2-2 from the three-point line in her three minutes out
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            Florida was perfect from behind the arc going 4-4—marking their best 3FG percent of the night
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            The Gators bench was responsible for 13 of their 28 points
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            UF Outrebounded the Razorbacks 13-9
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            McGill distributed three of UF's seven assists
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            Florida secured 28 points and shot 60 percent from the field (12-20) 
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           Second Quarter Breakdown
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            Florida shot a game high 63.2 percent from the field (12-19)
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            18 of UF's 26 points came from inside the paint
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            Florida was led in scoring by Reynolds and McGill, each recording six points
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            The Gators out-rebounded Arkansas 13-10
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            UF's 13 rebounds were posted across nine players
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            Arkansas was held to 26.3 percent (5-19) from the field and 14.3 percent (1-7) from the three
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            Florida had a 22-point advantage (54-32) heading into the half
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           Third Quarter Highlights
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            O'Neal led UF in scoring with nine points, shooting 100 percent from both the field (3-3) and the three-point line (2-2)
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators posted 28 points and shot 45.5 percent from the field (10-22)
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            14 of UF's points were credited to the bench and 10 came from inside the paint
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida went 5-9 from the three-point line (55.6%) with three Gators contributing
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill distributed five of UF's six assists
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF held a 28-point lead going into the final period (82-54)
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Fourth Quarter Recap
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            14 of UF's 26 points were posted inside the paint
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators shot 60 percent from the field (9-15)
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Bench tallied 11 points for the Gators
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Dizeko
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , Kyle, and 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/daviane-mindoudi-ongbakahoumb/17197" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Daviane Mindoudi Ongbakahoumb
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             all put up five points to lead UF in scoring
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle led on the boards with three of UF's 12 rebounds
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida recorded five assists with O'Neal and McGill distributing two a piece
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Key Stats and Notes
          &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators posted 20+ points in all four quarters of play
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators shot 56.6 percent from the field (43-76)
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida set a season high in FG made with 43
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            With 13 three pointers UF set a season high from behind the arc
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida's 59 percent from the three-point line marks their season best (13-22)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            50 of Florida's 108 points were tallied inside the paint
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida grabbed 13 points off second chances and 12 off rebounds
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators saw the free throw line a combined 11 times, converting for 9 points
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF had five players in double digits for scoring
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            O'Neal (19), McGill (18), Reynolds (14), Warren (15), and Reynolds (12)
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle grabbed double-double No. 12 of the season
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF had 26 points in the paint in the first half alone
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill has hit double figures in 21 of her 23 outings as a Gator
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Nine of those games have been 20+ point outings
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Warren posted double figures for her fifteenth time this season
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Reynolds recorded her fourth consecutive game with 10+ points
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            Reynolds has hit double digits in scoring for 12 of her outings this season
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            McGill tallied 11 assists and has led UF in assist distribution a combined 17 times this season
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Six Gators contributed to UF's game total of 22 assists 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators out-rebounded Arkansas 52-35
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle led all in rebounding with 12
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kyle has now led UF on the board in 18 outings this season and 40 times at UF
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            10 Gators contributed to UF's 52 rebounds
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 45 of 94 quarters played this season
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF made 21 layups in 27 driving attempts (78%)
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Florida recorded a game total 79 possessions, converting for 1.34 points per possession
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            UF led over the Razorbacks for a combined 38 minutes and 12 seconds
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           CAREER HIGHS:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Coach Finley Reflects on Team Effort and McGill’s Growth
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Head Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            praised Florida’s collective approach during their recent win, stating: "We were really locked into the game and very selfless in our style of play. But that's who we really are and how we like to play Gator basketball."
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Head Coach 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            on 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            and her 18-point outing:
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
            "She had a heck of a game and I really challenged her—Liv is a competitor and she really wants to win. We watched film the other day and her improvement in her angles and her understanding of where the ball needs to go and when has been tremendous."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEAM RECORDS:
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (12-11, 3-6 SEC)
          &#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Arkansas: 
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (9-15, 2-7 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series Snapshot
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           The all-time series between Florida and Arkansas stands in favor of Florida at 32-13.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Looking Ahead
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida heads back to Exactech Arena on Thursday evening to host No. 23 Alabama, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET and coverage airing on SECN.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           This marks the second matchup between the Gators and the Crimson Tide this season, part of their designated home-and-away pairing for 2025. The teams previously met on January 2 at Coleman Coliseum, where Alabama came away with a 79-69 win.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           NEXT UP: at No. 2 South Carolina (22-1, 10-0 SEC)
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Thurs., Feb. 6
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 7 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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            Tickets
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            Promotion: Play4Kay Night
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            Giveaway: Buttons for the first 500 fans
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            Halftime entertainment: Corgi race
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:05:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/record-breaking-rampage-gators-drop-108-on-razorbacks-in-sec-statement-win</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Road Test in Razorback Country: Gators Set Sights on SEC Momentum in Fayetteville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/road-test-in-razorback-country-gators-set-sights-on-sec-momentum-in-fayetteville</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Florida travels to Arkansas for its first outing in February. The SEC contest will be the Gators 23rd game of the season and ninth conference challenge.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida is set to face the University of Arkansas on Monday evening in what will be the ninth Southeastern Conference game of the season for both teams. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the matchup airing live on SECN.
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           Arkansas
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           (9-14, 2-6 SEC)
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            Date:
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             Mon., Feb. 3
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            Time:
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             7 p.m. ET
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            Site:
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            Bud Walton Arena
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            Radio
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            : 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch
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            : 
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            SECN+
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            Live stats
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            : 
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            Statbroadcast
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           A Florida Win Would:
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            Mark UF’s second victory over Arkansas in less than a year
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            Improve the Gators’ road record to 3-4
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            Snap Florida’s current four-game losing streak
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            Raise UF’s SEC record to 3-6
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            Update Florida’s all-time SEC record to 229-331
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            Give Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 68th career win leading the program
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Gator Bites: Reflections from Coach Finley and Freshman McGill
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           THE SERIES
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           Florida leads the all-time series against Arkansas, holding a 31-13 advantage.
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           GATORS x RAZORBACKS HISTORY
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           Florida and Arkansas have met 44 times since their first matchup in 1992. The series has been evenly split in terms of location, with 19 games played in Gainesville, 19 in Fayetteville, and six held at neutral sites. Monday’s contest marks Florida’s return to Bud Walton Arena for the first time since January 5, 2023. The Gators’ most recent win over the Razorbacks came on February 8, 2024, when they secured an 85-81 victory at the O’Connell Center.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Gators Hit the Road for SEC Clash in Fayetteville
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            Florida’s most recent outing came on Thursday, January 30, in a 99-86 home defeat to No. 23 Vanderbilt.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            led the Gators with her eleventh double-double of the season, posting 23 points and 12 rebounds.
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           Liv McGill
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            added 20 points and handed out four assists, bringing her season total to 112. Despite the loss, Florida held a slight edge on the boards, out-rebounding the Commodores 36-34.
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           GATOR QUICK HITS:
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            McGill has tallied nine games with 20+ points
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            Florida is ranked No. 5 in the SEC and No. 17 in the NCAA with a 47.3 field goal percentage
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            UF has four players averaging in double digits: McGill (16.0) Kyle (15.2), 
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (13.0), and 
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.4)
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            McGill and Kyle are in the SEC's top-20 for scoring: McGill at No. 15 (16.0), and Kyle at No. 17 (15.0)
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            Kyle is No. 10 in the country and No. 3 in the SEC for double-doubles with 11
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            McGill is the No. 1 freshman in the NCAA for total assists (112), and for average assists per game (5.1)
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            Kyle is No. 4 in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.3)
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            UF is undefeated this season when they hold their opponents to 69 points or less
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 41 of 90 quarters played this season
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            Kyle is No. 10 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC with a field goal percentage of 63.2
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            Kyle is No. 3 in the SEC and No. 25 in the nation for total rebounds with 204
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads Florida in total blocks with 20 on the season
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            Eriny Kindred
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             leads the Gators in free throw shooting at 89.5 percent from the line (17-19)
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Arkansas at a Glance
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            Higginbottom leads the SEC in scoring with 23.6 points per game
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            Arkansas is No. 3 in the SEC for free throw percentage (76.6)
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            The Razorbacks sit at No. 5 in the SEC for 3-pointers made with 176 on the season
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            Higginbottom is No. 2 in the SEC for free throw percentage with 89.3
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            Smith ranks at No. 6 in the SEC in 3-point FG percentage with 40.2
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            Danika Galea leads Arkansas in field goal percentage with 56.9
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            Two Razorbacks are averaging double figures for scoring
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            Higginbottom (23.6) and Smith (10.5)
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            Lawrence leads Arkansas in total blocks with 27 on the season
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            Ojenuwa is No. 11 in the SEC and leads Arkansas on the boards averaging 7.1 rebounds per game
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Feb 2025 06:52:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/road-test-in-razorback-country-gators-set-sights-on-sec-momentum-in-fayetteville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Second-Half Surge Not Enough: Gators Fall Short in High-Scoring Battle with No. 23 Vanderbilt</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/second-half-surge-not-enough-gators-fall-short-in-high-scoring-battle-with-no-23-vanderbilt</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           A year after suffering a season ending injury at Vanderbilt, Ra Shaya Kyle posted double-double No. 11 of the season versus the Commodores. Kyle put up 23 points and snagged 12 rebounds Thursday evening in front of Florida's home crowd.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida came up short on Thursday night at the Exactech Arena, dropping a 99-86 decision to No. 23 Vanderbilt. Four Gators reached double digits in scoring, but the team couldn’t contain Mikayla Blakes, who erupted for 53 points—setting a new NCAA single-game scoring record for a freshman.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            led Florida with her 11th double-double of the season, contributing 23 points and 12 rebounds.
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           Liv McGill
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            followed with 20 points and added four assists, bringing her season total to 112. McGill continues to lead all NCAA freshmen in both total assists and assists per game (5.1). Florida shot 49% from the field (33-of-67) and held a slight edge on the boards, out-rebounding Vanderbilt 36-34.
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           Blakes’ scoring performance also tied the all-time single-game scoring record at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, matching the 53 points posted by LSU’s Chris Jackson on December 10, 1988.
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           Game Flow Breakdown:
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           Opening Quarter Highlights
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            Florida held the lead for four minutes and 39 seconds
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            10 of UF's 16 points were posted inside the paint
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            UF shot 31.3 percent from the field (5-16)
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             led Florida in scoring with six points, shooting 2-4 from the field and 2-4 from the line
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            The Gators and Commodores were even at 11 rebounds
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            Kyle secured five rebounds to lead UF on the boards
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           Second Quarter Summary
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            The Gators were held to 10 points—marking their lowest scoring period of the game
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             led on the boards with three of Florida's eight rebounds
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            Reynolds distributed two assists, contributing to UF's first half total of five
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            Vanderbilt grabbed its largest lead of the half at 46-26 (00:44)
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           Third Quarter Surge
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            Florida posted 30 points across six players
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            The Gators shot a game high 73.3 percent from the field (11-15)
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            20 of UF's points came from inside the paint
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            McGill led in scoring with eight points, going 2-5 from the field and 4-4 from the charity stripe
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            The Gators saw the free throw line eight times, converting for seven points (87.5%)
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            UF's offensive dominance led to a game low six rebounds
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            The score stood at 73-56 going into the fourth
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           Final Frame Recap
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            The Gators tallied an additional 30 points to record a combined 60 in the second half
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            The Gators went 13-24 from the field to shoot 54.2 percent
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            22 of UF's points were gathered inside the paint
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            Florida secured 12 second chance points and eight off rebounds
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Dizeko
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            , Warren, and McGill all shot 100 percent from the free throw line
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            UF held Vanderbilt to zero offensive rebounds
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            Kyle led on the boards with four of UF's 11 rebounds
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           Key Takeaways &amp;amp; Milestones
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            ﻿
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            Florida posted a season high 60 points in a singular half (Half two)
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            Previously 55 vs. Florida A&amp;amp;M (11/7/24), Chicago State (11/12/24)
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            The Gators shot 49.3 percent from the field (33-67)
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            56 of Florida's 86 points were tallied inside the paint
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            Florida grabbed 19 points off second chances and 16 off rebounds
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            The Gators saw the free throw line a combined 23 times, converting for 17 points (74%)
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            Dizeko shot 100 percent from the charity stripe for her fourth time this season
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            UF had four players in double digits for scoring
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            Kyle (23), McGill (20), Warren (15), and Reynolds (12)
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            Kyle has now recorded 11 double doubles in the 2024-25 season
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            McGill has hit double figures in 20 of her 22 outings as a Gator
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            Nine of those games have been 20+ point outings
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            Warren posted double figures for her fourteenth time this season
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            Reynolds recorded her third consecutive game with 10+ points
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            Florida forced 15 turnovers on Vanderbilt to convert for 14 points
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            Florida distributed 12 assists and McGill led with four
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            McGill has led UF in assists for a combined 16 times this season
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            Five Gators recorded two or more assists
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            The Gators out-rebounded Vanderbilt 36-34
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            Kyle led all in rebounding with 12
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            Kyle has now led Florida in rebounding for 17 outings this season and 40 times in her UF career
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            Seven Gators contributed to UF's 36 rebounds
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 41 of 90 quarters played this season
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            UF made 27 layups in 32 driving attempts (84%)
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            Florida recorded a game total 76 possessions, converting for 1.13 points per possession:
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Gator Soundbites: Voices from the Court
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            Head Coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            emphasized the importance of consistency and effort across all four quarters:
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           "I have really been our team about playing hard and playing our best basketball. I think in the second quarter we were a little hesitant and we just aren't our best when we are hesitant… Our focus needs to be on consistency and when we do that every night for forty minutes. When we do that, we are a very talented and very strong basketball team."
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            Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            reflected on the team’s energy and unity during the second half:
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           "I just thought we were really connected, as in the energy, everyone had belief in that moment and that has been something we have been preaching."
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           I can also format this into a quote graphic or embed it into a postgame recap block if you're prepping assets.
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida: 
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           (11-11, 2-6 SEC)
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           Vanderbilt: 
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           (18-4, 5-3 SEC)
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           Series Snapshot:
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          Vanderbilt holds the edge in the all-time matchup against Florida, leading the series 35-29.
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           Looking Ahead
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          Florida continues SEC play with a Monday night road game in Fayetteville, where they’ll face Arkansas at 7 p.m. The matchup marks the Gators’ 23rd contest of the 2024–25 season and will be broadcast on SEC Network.
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           NEXT UP: at Arkansas (9-14, 2-6 SEC)
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            Date: Mon., Feb. 3
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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            Site: Bud Walton Arena
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN
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            Live stats:
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            Statbroadcast
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-b4894794.webp" length="79744" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:43:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/second-half-surge-not-enough-gators-fall-short-in-high-scoring-battle-with-no-23-vanderbilt</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators vs. Commodores: Thursday Night Sparks Fly in Gainesville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-commodores-thursday-night-sparks-fly-in-gainesville</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Florida will retake the court on Thursday evening and play another ranked SEC team. UF is set to play No. 23 Vanderbilt in hopes of securing the program's first ranked win since 2022.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida is set to face No. 23 Vanderbilt at home in a Thursday evening SEC matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on SECN+. This game marks the eighth Southeastern Conference appearance of the season for both UF and Vanderbilt.
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           Game Day Details: Florida vs. No. 23 Vanderbilt
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            Date:
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            Thurs., Jan. 30
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            Time:
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            7 p.m. ET
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            Site:
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Radio
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            : 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch
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            : 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/8f7a5909-5635-4304-8aa1-7fb46d5ffa25" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
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            Live stats
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            : 
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            Statbroadcast
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            Promotion: 
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            Country Night
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            Giveaway:
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            LED western hats for the first 500 fans
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            Halftime
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            :
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            Line dancing performances
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           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
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            Would be Florida’s second victory over Vanderbilt in under a year
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            Would mark the Gators’ first win against a ranked opponent since 2022
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            Would secure UF’s tenth home win of the season
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            Would snap Florida’s current three-game skid
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            Would improve the Gators’ SEC record to 3–5
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            Would bring Florida’s all-time SEC tally to 229–330
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            Would give Coach Finley her 68th career win leading UF
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series History
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           Vanderbilt holds a 34–29 edge in the all-time series against Florida.
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           Gators vs.
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           VANDERBILT HISTORY:
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           Florida and Vanderbilt have faced off 63 times since their first meeting in 1978. The rivalry has remained active over the decades, with 25 contests held in Gainesville, 28 in Nashville, and nine at neutral venues. Thursday’s game marks Vanderbilt’s return to Exactech Arena for the first time since Jan. 22, 2023. Florida’s most recent win over the Commodores came on March 7, 2024, with a 62–59 victory in the SEC Tournament.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
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           On Sunday, Jan. 26, Florida fell 74–51 on the road against Auburn, marking a season-low scoring output for the Gators.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            each contributed 11 points to lead the offense, while
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           Laila Reynolds
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            added 10 and
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           Kenza Salgues
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            chipped in seven. Both teams finished with 31 rebounds, but Florida couldn’t match the scoring efforts of Auburn’s DeYona Gatson (18 points), Celia Sumbane (12), and Oyindamola Akinbolawa (16).
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida leads the SEC in three-point accuracy during conference play, shooting 41.7% from deep
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            The Gators rank No. 1 in the SEC for defensive rebounding in league games, posting a 72.7% rate
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            Freshman Liv McGill has recorded eight games with 20+ points
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            Florida ranks No. 5 in the SEC and No. 18 nationally with a 47.2% field goal percentage
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            Four Gators average double-digit scoring:
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            McGill (15.9), Kyle (14.8), Warren (13.0), Reynolds (10.4)
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            McGill and Kyle both rank in the SEC’s top 20 for scoring:
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            McGill at No. 15 (15.8), Kyle at No. 18 (14.7)
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            Kyle has posted 10 double-doubles this season, placing her No. 16 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (108) and assists per game (5.1)
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            Kyle ranks No. 5 in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.1)
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            Florida is undefeated this season when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 39 of 86 quarters played
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            Shayla Warren leads the SEC in three-point shooting during conference play at 60.7%
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            Kyle ranks No. 10 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC with a 62.4% field goal percentage
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            Kyle is No. 4 in the SEC and No. 33 in the NCAA for total rebounds (192)
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 20 this season
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eriny-kindred/16857" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eriny Kindred
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             tops Florida’s free throw chart, hitting 89.5% (17-of-19) from the line
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           PROJECTED VANDERBILT STARTERS:
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           Vanderbilt Fast Facts – 2025 Season Snapshot
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            Riding a three-game winning streak, including narrow upsets over then-No. 15 Tennessee (71–70) and No. 19 Alabama (66–64)
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            Mikayla Blakes is the only freshman in the NCAA with multiple 30-point performances this season
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            Ranked No. 5 in the SEC for scoring offense, averaging 85.76 points per game
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            Hold the No. 2 spot in the SEC for free throw accuracy at 77.6%
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            Averaging 17.4 assists per game, placing them fourth in the SEC for ball distribution
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            Ranked second in the SEC for steals, averaging 12.7 per contest
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            No. 8 nationally in offensive rebounding, pulling down 16.4 per game
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            Three players averaging double-digit scoring:
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            Khamil Pierre (21.7), Mikayla Blakes (20.9), and Jordyn Moore (13.6)
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            Pierre ranks No. 4 in the NCAA and No. 2 in the SEC with 12 double-doubles
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            Pierre is also No. 2 in the SEC and No. 8 nationally in scoring (21.7 PPG)
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            Leads the SEC in steals with 3.2 per game
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            Second in the SEC for rebounding, averaging 10.3 boards per game
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            Blakes ranks No. 8 in the nation for total points (440) and No. 4 in the SEC for scoring average (20.9 PPG)
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            Jada Oliver is No. 11 in the SEC for total assists (81) and averages 3.8 per game
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-98394483.webp" length="162700" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:38:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-vs-commodores-thursday-night-sparks-fly-in-gainesville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Auburn Holds Off Gators in Sunday SEC Clash</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/auburn-holds-off-gators-in-sunday-sec-clash</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Sophomore Laila Reynolds posted 10 points at Auburn, snagged four rebounds and recorded two steals. Reynolds has now hit double figures in 10 of her 16 outings this season.
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           Share:
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           AUBURN, Ala.— Florida faced another tough road test, coming up short in a 74–51 loss to Auburn. Despite three Gators reaching double digits in scoring, Auburn outpaced Florida in all but one quarter. The Gators shot 34.8% from the floor (16-of-46) and collected 31 rebounds overall.
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            ﻿
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           Liv McGill
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            and 
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            each posted 11 points to lead the scoring effort.
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           Laila Reynolds
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            added 10, while Kenza Salgues contributed seven. On the glass,
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           Kenza Salgues
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            grabbed seven boards and
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            added five, combining for 12 of Florida’s total rebounds.
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           Game Flow: Florida at Auburn
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            ﻿
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           Opening Quarter:
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            Florida was held without a point for the first seven minutes, falling behind 10–0 early
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            Six of the Gators’ first eight points came from the free throw line
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            UF shot a game-low 22.2% from the field (2-of-9)
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            Florida held a 9–5 edge on the glass
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            The Gators trailed 17–10 at the end of the first
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           Second Quarter:
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            Florida scored 8 of its 11 points in the paint
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            Liv McGill led the team with five points in the period
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            Ra Shaya Kyle pulled down six of the team’s 10 rebounds
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            UF shot 33.3% from the floor (4-of-12)
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            Auburn led 41–21 heading into the break
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           Third Quarter:
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            Florida posted its best shooting quarter, going 6-of-12 for 50%
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            The Gators outscored Auburn 18–15—their only quarter with a scoring edge
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            Ten of Florida’s points came from inside the lane
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            Me'Arah O'Neal led the rebounding effort with three of the team’s six boards
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            UF went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line
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           Final Quarter:
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            The bench accounted for 10 of Florida’s 12 points
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            Kenza Salgues
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             led the scoring in the period with four points
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            The Gators shot 33.3% from the field (4-of-12) and 40% from beyond the arc (2-of-5)
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            Seven rebounds were distributed among six different players
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           Additional Notes:
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            Florida’s 51 points marked its lowest scoring output of the 2024–25 season (previous low: 55 vs. Kentucky on Jan. 9)
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            McGill has now scored in double figures in 19 of her 21 appearances
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            The Gators shot 34.8% overall (16-of-46)
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            Nearly half of Florida’s points (24) came in the paint
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            UF forced 15 Auburn turnovers, converting them into 11 points
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            Three Gators reached double digits: McGill (11), Kyle (11), and Reynolds (10)
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            Florida recorded six assists, with McGill dishing out four
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            McGill has led the team in assists in 15 games this season
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            Kyle led the rebounding effort with seven boards—her 16th time leading UF in that category
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            Nine players contributed to Florida’s 31 total rebounds
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            The Gators committed 24 turnovers, their second-highest total this season (most: 29 at Ole Miss on Jan. 16)
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 39 of 86 quarters this season
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            UF converted 11 of 27 driving layup attempts
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            The Gators had 69 total possessions, averaging 0.74 points per trip
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            Florida trailed for 39 minutes and 39 seconds and never held a lead
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida: 
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           (11-10, 2-5 SEC)
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           Auburn
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            (11-10, 2-6 SEC)
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           Series Record: Florida vs. Auburn
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           Auburn leads the all-time series against Florida with a record of 32 wins to 24, holding an eight-game edge.
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series History
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           Vanderbilt holds a 34–29 edge in the all-time series against Florida.
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           Gators vs.
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           VANDERBILT HISTORY:
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           Florida and Vanderbilt have faced off 63 times since their first meeting in 1978. The rivalry has remained active over the decades, with 25 contests held in Gainesville, 28 in Nashville, and nine at neutral venues. Thursday’s game marks Vanderbilt’s return to Exactech Arena for the first time since Jan. 22, 2023. Florida’s most recent win over the Commodores came on March 7, 2024, with a 62–59 victory in the SEC Tournament.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
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           On Sunday, Jan. 26, Florida fell 74–51 on the road against Auburn, marking a season-low scoring output for the Gators.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            and 
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           Liv McGill
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            each contributed 11 points to lead the offense, while
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            added 10 and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kenza-salgues/16861" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kenza Salgues
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            chipped in seven. Both teams finished with 31 rebounds, but Florida couldn’t match the scoring efforts of Auburn’s DeYona Gatson (18 points), Celia Sumbane (12), and Oyindamola Akinbolawa (16).
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            ﻿
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            Florida leads the SEC in three-point accuracy during conference play, shooting 41.7% from deep
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            The Gators rank No. 1 in the SEC for defensive rebounding in league games, posting a 72.7% rate
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            Freshman Liv McGill has recorded eight games with 20+ points
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            Florida ranks No. 5 in the SEC and No. 18 nationally with a 47.2% field goal percentage
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            Four Gators average double-digit scoring:
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            McGill (15.9), Kyle (14.8), Warren (13.0), Reynolds (10.4)
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            McGill and Kyle both rank in the SEC’s top 20 for scoring:
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            McGill at No. 15 (15.8), Kyle at No. 18 (14.7)
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            Kyle has posted 10 double-doubles this season, placing her No. 16 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (108) and assists per game (5.1)
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            Kyle ranks No. 5 in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.1)
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            Florida is undefeated this season when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 39 of 86 quarters played
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            Shayla Warren leads the SEC in three-point shooting during conference play at 60.7%
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            Kyle ranks No. 10 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC with a 62.4% field goal percentage
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            Kyle is No. 4 in the SEC and No. 33 in the NCAA for total rebounds (192)
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 20 this season
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eriny-kindred/16857" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eriny Kindred
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             tops Florida’s free throw chart, hitting 89.5% (17-of-19) from the line
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           PROJECTED VANDERBILT STARTERS:
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           Vanderbilt Fast Facts – 2025 Season Snapshot
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            Riding a three-game winning streak, including narrow upsets over then-No. 15 Tennessee (71–70) and No. 19 Alabama (66–64)
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            Mikayla Blakes is the only freshman in the NCAA with multiple 30-point performances this season
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            Ranked No. 5 in the SEC for scoring offense, averaging 85.76 points per game
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            Hold the No. 2 spot in the SEC for free throw accuracy at 77.6%
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            Averaging 17.4 assists per game, placing them fourth in the SEC for ball distribution
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            Ranked second in the SEC for steals, averaging 12.7 per contest
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            No. 8 nationally in offensive rebounding, pulling down 16.4 per game
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            Three players averaging double-digit scoring:
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            Khamil Pierre (21.7), Mikayla Blakes (20.9), and Jordyn Moore (13.6)
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            Pierre ranks No. 4 in the NCAA and No. 2 in the SEC with 12 double-doubles
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            Pierre is also No. 2 in the SEC and No. 8 nationally in scoring (21.7 PPG)
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            Leads the SEC in steals with 3.2 per game
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            Second in the SEC for rebounding, averaging 10.3 boards per game
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            Blakes ranks No. 8 in the nation for total points (440) and No. 4 in the SEC for scoring average (20.9 PPG)
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            Jada Oliver is No. 11 in the SEC for total assists (81) and averages 3.8 per game
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-6920360f.webp" length="151020" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 08:18:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/auburn-holds-off-gators-in-sunday-sec-clash</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-6920360f.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Hit the Road: Florida Eyes SEC Win No. 2 at Auburn</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-hit-the-road-florida-eyes-sec-win-no-2-at-auburn</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           After taking on No. 5 LSU in a packed O'Dome last Sunday, the Gators will look for win No. 12 of the season at Auburn.
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           Share:
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           AUBURN, Ala.— After a week of preparation in Gainesville, the Gators are set to travel to Auburn for a Sunday afternoon matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Neville Arena, marking Florida’s seventh SEC contest of the season. Fans can catch the action live on SECN+.
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           Auburn 
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           (10-10, 1-6 SEC)
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            Date:
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             Sun., Jan. 26
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            Time:
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             3 p.m. ET
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            Site:
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             Neville Arena
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            Radio
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            : 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch
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            : 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/24e6e534-47be-4063-bc09-a60e012fb6e7" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
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            Live stats
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            : 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=551598" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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           A FLORIDA WIN WOULD:
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            Would be Florida’s first victory over Auburn since Feb. 14, 2022
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            Would mark the Gators’ second SEC road win of the season
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            Would snap Florida’s current two-game losing streak
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            Would improve UF’s conference record to 3–4
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            Would bring the Gators’ all-time SEC record to 229–329
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            Would give Coach Kelly Rae Finley her 68th win as Florida’s head coach
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series History
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           Auburn leads the all-time matchup against Florida with a 31–24 record, holding a seven-game advantage in the series.
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           Florida vs. Auburn: Historical Matchup Overview
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           Florida and Auburn have faced off 55 times since their first meeting in 1978. The rivalry has remained active over the years, with 23 games played in Gainesville, 22 in Auburn, and 10 at neutral venues. Sunday’s contest marks Florida’s return to Neville Arena for the first time since Jan. 30, 2023. The Gators’ most recent win over the Tigers came on Feb. 14, 2022, with an 83–77 victory.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           FLORIDA'S LAST TIME OUT:
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            Florida’s most recent outing came on Sunday, Jan. 19, in a home matchup against No. 5 LSU. The Gators held their own through the first half but were ultimately outpaced in the second, falling 80–63 to the nationally ranked Tigers.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            led Florida’s scoring effort with a 21-point performance, followed by fellow McDonald's All-American
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            with 16 points. Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            was the third Gator in double figures, contributing 11. On the defensive end, Florida out-rebounded LSU 44–38 but struggled to contain LSU’s top scorers—Mikaylah Williams (22 points), Aneesah Morrow (20), and Flau'Jae Johnson (19)—who helped secure the win for the Tigers.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            McGill has tallied eight games with 20+ points
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            Florida is ranked No. 3 in the SEC and No. 14 in the NCAA with a 47.6 field goal percentage
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            UF has four players averaging in double digits: McGill (16.1) Kyle (14.9), 
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (13.5), and 
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.4)
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            McGill and Kyle are in the SEC's top-20 for scoring: McGill at No. 13 (16.1), and Kyle at No. 17 (14.9)
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            Kyle is No.10 in the country and No. 3 in the SEC for double-doubles with 10
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            McGill is the No. 1 freshman in the NCAA for total assists (104), and for average assists per game (5.2)
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            Kyle is No. 5 in the SEC for rebounds per game (9.3)
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            UF is undefeated this season when they hold their opponents to 69 points or less
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            The Gators have secured 20+ points in 39 of 82 quarters played this season
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            Kyle is No. 7 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC with a field goal percentage of 63.9
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            Kyle is No. 2 in the SEC and No. 22 in the nation for total rebounds with 185
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads Florida in total blocks with 20 on the season to average one a game
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            Eriny Kindred
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             leads the Gators in free throw shooting with an 89.5 percentage from the line (17-19)
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           PROJECTED AUBURN STARTERS:
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           AUBURN QUICK HITS:
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            Auburn is No. 2 in the SEC for rebounding defense with a total 220 rebounds to average 31.4 per game
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            The Tigers sit at No. 8 in the league for an average turnover margin of 18.14
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            Auburn is No. 8 in the SEC in steals averaging 9.4 per game
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            Gaston has led Auburn in scoring for a total 14 contests this season
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            Gaston is No. 3 in the SEC for scoring with 21.68 per game
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            Gaston is No. 9 in the SEC for rebounding with an average of 7.58 per game
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            Gaston leads the Tigers on the boards, averaging 7.6 rebounds per game
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            Mar'shaun Bostic is No. 28 in the nation for total assists and No. 5 in the SEC (4.9 apg)
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            Audia Young leads the Tigers from behind the arc, shooting 34.8 percent (24-69)
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sat, 25 Jan 2025 09:56:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-hit-the-road-florida-eyes-sec-win-no-2-at-auburn</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Thursday Spotlight: Kelly Rae Finley Talks Gator Hoops</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thursday-spotlight-kelly-rae-finley-talks-gator-hoops</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Share:
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           Florida women’s basketball head coach Kelly Rae Finley is scheduled to join Voice of the Gators Sean Kelley this Thursday at Miller’s Ale House, located in Celebration Pointe. The event is presented by Dream Finder’s Homes.
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            GAINESVILLE, Fla.— The spring edition of Gator Talk, presented by Dream Finders Homes, continues Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. from Miller’s Ale House at Celebration Pointe. Florida women’s basketball head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            will join Voice of the Gators
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/staff-directory/sean-kelley/3082" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Sean Kelley
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            ahead of the team’s upcoming road game against Auburn, scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m.
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           This marks the third installment of seven scheduled Gator Talk episodes for the spring 2025 slate. Upcoming shows will feature appearances from UF head coaches Jenny Rowland (gymnastics), JC Deacon (men’s golf), and Emily Glaser (women’s golf). Todd Golden, head coach of Florida men’s basketball, is set to return for two more segments on Feb. 20 and March 6.
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            Gator Talk airs weekly on Thursdays through March 6, with breaks on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. The hour-long program covers the latest in Gator Football and is broadcast across all
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/11/_radio_affiliates_" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           38 affiliates of the Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD
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            , as well as the
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2019/7/31/mobile-app" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida Gators Mobile App
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            and the
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    &lt;a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Varsity Mobile App
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            .
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            ﻿
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           Each episode runs from 7 to 8 p.m.
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           Spring 2025 Gator Talk Schedule
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:19:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/thursday-spotlight-kelly-rae-finley-talks-gator-hoops</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Push LSU Early, Tigers Take Over in Second Half</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-push-lsu-early-tigers-take-over-in-second-half</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Liv McGill showed off her elite offensive abilities against the fifth ranked Tigers, posting 21 points. McGill has now hit double figures in scoring for 18 of her 20 outings as a Gator.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Florida went head-to-head with undefeated No. 5 LSU on Sunday afternoon, ultimately falling 80–63. Despite the setback, the Gators showed resilience, winning the rebounding battle 44–38 and seeing scoring contributions from seven different players.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            paced Florida with 21 points, marking her eighth game this season with 20 or more.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            followed with 16 points, while Ra Shaya Kyle added 11. On the boards, Kyle and 
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            each pulled down seven rebounds to lead the team.
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           How It Unfolded: Florida vs. LSU
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           First Quarter Highlights:
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            LSU opened with a 7–0 run, but Florida quickly responded to tie it at 7–7
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            The Gators took their first lead at 12–10 (5:21)
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            Florida held a six-point advantage twice: 16–10 (3:47) and 21–15 (0:59)
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            Ra Shaya Kyle led the scoring with seven points, shooting 3-of-4 from the field and 1-of-1 at the line
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            Twelve of Florida’s 21 points came from inside the paint
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            The team shot 47.1% from the floor (8-of-17)
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           Second Quarter Summary:
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            Florida was limited to 12 points and shot a game-low 23.5% (4-of-17)
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            Liv McGill scored nine of the team’s 12 points
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            Second-chance points made up 25% of Florida’s scoring in the quarter
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            The Gators pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds
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            Florida led LSU for a total of 6:32 in the first half
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            LSU held a 37–33 lead at halftime
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           Third Quarter Breakdown:
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            LSU extended its lead to 15 points (53–38) at the 4:43 mark
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            McGill and Laila Reynolds each added five points for Florida
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            The Gators shot 45.5% from the field (5-of-11)
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            Florida trailed 59–48 heading into the fourth
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Final Quarter Recap:
          &#xD;
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            Reynolds led the Gators with six of their 15 points
           &#xD;
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            Eight points came from inside the paint
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            LSU built its largest lead at 76–48 (4:38)
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            Florida forced four turnovers in the period
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            Me’Arah O’Neal led the team with three of its eight rebounds
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            ﻿
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           Noteworthy Stats &amp;amp; Milestones:
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            Attendance reached 6,568—fourth highest in program history
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            Florida’s 63 points marked its third-lowest scoring game of the 2024–25 season (lowest: 55 vs. Kentucky on Jan. 9)
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            McGill has scored in double figures in 18 of 20 games this season
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            The Gators shot 37.9% from the field (22-of-58)
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            24 of Florida’s 63 points came from the paint
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            Three players scored in double digits: McGill (21), Reynolds (16), and Kyle (11)
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            McGill led the team in scoring for the ninth time this season
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            Florida recorded 11 assists, with McGill contributing six—her 14th time leading in that category
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            Kyle led the rebounding effort with seven boards, her 15th time doing so this season
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            Nine players contributed to Florida’s 44 total rebounds
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            The Gators committed 24 turnovers, their second-highest total this season
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 39 of 82 quarters played this year
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            The team converted 12 of 19 driving layup attempts (63%)
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            Florida finished with 73 total possessions, averaging 0.86 points per possession
           &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           CAREER HIGHS:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           Gator Bites:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            On Competing for a Full 40 Minutes: Head Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            emphasized her team’s development in sustained effort, stating, "I've challenged our young team in how we compete for 40 minutes and I thought we competed harder today than we did against Ole Miss and for a longer period of time. We have two very young guards and I was pleased with the progress that they made in the last three days from Ole Miss to today."
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            On Me'Arah O'Neal’s Potential: Coach
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finle
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           y
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            also spoke about
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal's
          &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
            evolving role, noting, "All of our forwards are extremely versatile. We were able to move Me'Arah around to different positions, offensively and defensively. She's a really good three-point shooter. We haven't seen that translate to the game just yet, but in due time when it does, it's going to be really scary. I see her being consistent. She's extremely bought in and she's really driven. I see that paying off for her in a huge way."
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TEAM RECORDS:
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida: 
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           (11-8, 2-4 SEC)
           &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           LSU:
          &#xD;
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            (15-0, 5-0 SEC)
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series Record: Florida vs. LSU
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           LSU holds the edge in the all-time matchup against Florida, leading the series 33–16.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Next Up: Road Test at Auburn
          &#xD;
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           Florida returns to action on Sunday, Jan. 26, with a road matchup against Auburn. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET inside Neville Arena as the Gators face off against the Alabama-based Tigers.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           NEXT UP: at Auburn (9-9, 0-5 SEC)
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Sun., Jan. 26
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Time: 3 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Site: Neville Arena
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/24e6e534-47be-4063-bc09-a60e012fb6e7" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN+
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=551598" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d624adba.webp" length="91496" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:50:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-push-lsu-early-tigers-take-over-in-second-half</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d624adba.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-d624adba.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Swamp Showdown: Gators Aim to Snap LSU’s Streak</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/swamp-showdown-gators-aim-to-snap-lsus-streak</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
           &#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida will return home on Sunday and play at the O'Dome for the first time in 10 days after a two-game road stretch.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Share:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gainesville, Fla.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            — The Florida Gators are set to host the LSU Tigers at Exactech Arena in a Sunday afternoon contest.
             &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. as part of SEC play. This marks Florida’s sixth league matchup of the 2025 season, while LSU enters its fifth. The Gators return home after a setback on the road against Ole Miss, and LSU heads into Gainesville fresh off a bye week.
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           LSU (19-0, 4-0 SEC)
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Date: Sun., Jan. 19
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            Time: 1 p.m. ET
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
             Site: 
            &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/4/4/exactech-arena-stephen-c-oconnell-center.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Radio: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Watch: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/0b35141a-646a-47c4-9b9a-e5ec3e39cb91" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Live stats: 
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=552542" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
           &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Secure the Gators’ first triumph over a ranked team since February 6, 2022
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Level Florida’s SEC record at 3–3
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Deliver their second conference home win of the year
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Halt LSU’s 19‑game winning streak
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Push Florida’s all‑time program record to 835–673
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Adjust the Gators’ all‑time SEC tally to 229–328
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Snap a three‑game skid against LSU
            &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           TALE OF THE TAPE:
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Series History
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida and LSU have met 48 times, with the Tigers leading the matchup 32–16, giving them a 16‑game edge in the all‑time series.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida vs. Alabama: A Storied Rivalry
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida and LSU have squared off 48 times since their first meeting in 1978. Over the years, the rivalry has been spread across venues: 23 games in Gainesville, 22 in Baton Rouge, and three at neutral sites. This Sunday marks LSU’s return to Exactech Arena for the first time since February 19, 2023. Florida’s most recent victory in the series came on January 23, 2022, when the Gators edged the Tigers 73–72.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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            The Gators last took the floor on Thursday, January 16, when they dropped a road contest to Ole Miss, 94–69. The setback shifted Florida’s SEC record to 2–3. Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            paced the offense with 19 points, while fellow senior
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            added 14. Freshman
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           Liv McGill
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             chipped in 11 to round out the team’s top scorers.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida currently sits at No. 2 in the SEC and No. 13 nationally in field goal percentage (48.1).
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             Four Gators average double‑digit scoring: Liv McGill (15.8), Ra Shaya Kyle (15.1),
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             (13.9), and
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.0).
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            McGill ranks 12th in the SEC in scoring (15.8), while Kyle is 18th (15.1).
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            Kyle has logged 10 double‑doubles, placing her No. 7 in the NCAA and No. 3 in the SEC.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (98) and assists per game (5.2).
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            Kyle is fifth in the SEC in rebounds per game (9.4).
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            Florida is unbeaten this season when holding opponents to 69 points or fewer.
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 38 of 78 quarters this year.
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            Kyle is shooting 64.2% from the field, ranking No. 7 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC.
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            Her 178 total rebounds place her 17th in the nation.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 19, averaging one per game.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eriny-kindred/16857" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eriny Kindred
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             tops Florida in free‑throw accuracy, converting 17 of 19 attempts (89.5%).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGil
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            l
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             has reached double figures in 17 of her 19 appearances as a freshman.
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           PROJECTED LSU STARTERS:
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           LSU QUICK HITS:
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            The Tigers enter the matchup with a perfect 19–0 record this season.
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            Aneesah Morrow leads both the SEC and the nation in double‑doubles, tallying 17 so far.
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            Flau’jae Johnson ranks fourth in the SEC and 21st nationally in scoring, averaging 20 points per game.
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            Morrow and Jada Richard are LSU’s top perimeter threats, each connecting on 40% of their three‑point attempts.
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            Morrow also sits at No. 1 in the country and the SEC in rebounding, pulling down 14.4 boards per contest.
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             Four Tigers average double‑digit scoring:
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            Johnson (20.0), Morrow (18.6), Mikaylah Williams (16.2), and Hailey Van Lith Gilbert (11.6).
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            Morrow anchors the glass for LSU, again averaging 14.4 rebounds per game.
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            The Tigers rank fifth in the SEC in steals, averaging 10.5 per outing.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-df91f6f0.webp" length="100176" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:20:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/swamp-showdown-gators-aim-to-snap-lsus-streak</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-df91f6f0.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-df91f6f0.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rebels Rally: Florida Falls Short in Oxford</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/rebels-rally-florida-falls-short-in-oxford</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Senior Jeriah Warren took charge offensively for the Gators once more, posting 19-points in UF's Thursday night matchup at Ole Miss.
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           Share:
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           Florida faced a tough challenge on Thursday night, dropping a 94–60 decision to Ole Miss. The contest marked the Gators’ fifth SEC game of the 2025 season, leaving them with a 2–3 conference record.
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            On the offensive end,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            paced Florida by hitting 5 of 8 shots from the floor, including a flawless 4‑for‑4 from three‑point range. Warren finished with 19 points, leading the team in scoring for the second straight SEC outing. Ra Shaya Kyle and Liv McGill also reached double figures, combining for 25 of the Gators’ 69 total points.
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           How It Happened
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           First Quarter
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            Florida forced six Rebel turnovers, converting them into nine points.
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            Eight of the Gators’ 17 points came in the paint.
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            UF shot 46.7% from the floor (7–15).
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            Florida briefly held the lead three times (8:52, 7:35, 1:17).
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            Ole Miss closed the period ahead, 20–17.
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           Second Quarter
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            The Gators managed only eight points in the first six minutes.
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            UF committed nine turnovers, which Ole Miss turned into 11 points.
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            Florida went to the free‑throw line 10 times, hitting seven.
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            Sixteen points were spread across five different Gators.
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            Ole Miss carried a 42–33 advantage into halftime.
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           Third Quarter
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            Florida posted its best shooting stretch of the night at 54.5% (6–11).
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            Ole Miss forced nine more turnovers.
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            Ra Shaya Kyle was perfect from the field and added a free throw, leading UF with five points.
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            Eight of Florida’s 17 points came inside.
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            Ole Miss exploded for 31 points, extending the lead to 73–50 entering the fourth.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Fourth Quarter
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren went 3‑for‑3 from deep, scoring nine points.
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            Ole Miss built its largest margin of the game—31 points—at the 7:04 mark.
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            Florida tallied 19 points, its highest quarter total.
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill dished three of her five assists in the final frame.
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/paige-clausen/16855" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Paige Clausen
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             recorded a career‑best two steals.
            &#xD;
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           Worth Noting
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            Florida set a season high in three‑point shooting at 53.8% (7–13), surpassing its 52.2% mark at Missouri (1/12/25).
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            McGill has scored in double figures in 17 of her 19 games.
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            The Gators shot 50% overall (23–46).
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            26 of Florida’s 69 points came in the paint.
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            Three players hit double figures: Warren (19), Kyle (14), McGill (11).
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
           &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
             led UF in scoring for the second straight game, following her 27‑point outing at Missouri.
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            Florida handed out 18 assists, with McGill leading for the 13th time this season (5).
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            Kyle grabbed six rebounds, pacing UF for the 14th time this year.
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            Eight Gators contributed to the team’s 27 rebounds.
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            Florida committed 29 turnovers, its highest of the 2024–25 season.
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            The Gators attempted a season‑low 46 shots.
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            UF has scored 20+ points in 38 of 78 quarters this season.
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            Florida converted 10 of 20 layups (50%).
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            The Gators logged 78 possessions, averaging 0.88 points per trip.
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            Florida forced 15 Ole Miss turnovers.
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida
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           : (11-8, 2-3 SEC)
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           Ole Miss
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           : (12-5, 3-2 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           Florida and Ole Miss have met 46 times, with the Gators holding a narrow edge in the rivalry at 24–22.
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           Next Up
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           Florida returns to the O’Dome on Sunday afternoon to face the fifth‑ranked LSU Tigers. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with coverage on SECN.
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           LSU enters the matchup unbeaten, carrying a 19–0 overall record and a 4–0 mark in SEC play after wins over Arkansas, Auburn, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. The Tigers head to Gainesville following a bye week in Baton Rouge.
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           NEXT UP: vs. No. 5 LSU (19-0, 4-0 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Jan. 19
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            Time: 1 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch:
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            SECN
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            Live stats:
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            Statbroadcast
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            Tickets
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            Promotion: We Back Pat, Orange out, post-game layups and Gator autographs
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            Giveaway: 1,000 orange tie dye shirts 
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-c1644c36.webp" length="91448" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:41:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/rebels-rally-florida-falls-short-in-oxford</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Midweek Mission: Gators Storm Oxford to Face Rebels</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/midweek-mission-gators-storm-oxford-to-face-rebels</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Florida will return home on Sunday and play at the O'Dome for the first time in 10 days after a two-game road stretch.
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           Share:
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           Florida heads back on the road for a Thursday night contest in Oxford against Ole Miss. The Gators enter the matchup following a 93–67 victory over Missouri on Sunday, while the Rebels are coming off a 94–78 setback to Alabama.
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            ﻿
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           Both programs have collected 11 wins during the 2024–25 campaign and share identical 2–2 records in SEC play. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since Ole Miss defeated Florida 84–74 in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 SEC Tournament.
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           Ole Miss (11-5, 2-2 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
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            Time: 9 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://olemisssports.com/facilities/the-pavilion-at-ole-miss/6" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/eventCalendarId/401708208" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=544454" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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            Secure the Gators’ second SEC road win of the season
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            Add Florida’s 14th all‑time victory in Oxford
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            Improve the team’s conference record to 3–2
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            Deliver Coach Finley’s first win over Ole Miss at UF
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            Raise Florida’s overall program record to 835–672
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            Adjust the Gators’ all‑time SEC mark to 229–327
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series History
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           Florida and Ole Miss have met 45 times overall, with the Gators holding a slight edge at 24–21.
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           Florida vs. Alabama: A Storied Rivalry
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           The rivalry dates back to 1979 and has been evenly split across venues: 20 games in Gainesville, 20 in Oxford, and five at neutral sites.
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            Thursday’s matchup marks Florida’s second trip to the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in under a year.
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            ﻿
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           The Gators last played there on January 25, 2024, falling 81–70. Later that season, Florida hosted Ole Miss on February 15, pushing the game into overtime before dropping a 77–67 decision. The Gators’ most recent win in the series came on January 24, 2021, when they earned a 78–68 road victory.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
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            Florida’s most recent game came on Sunday, January 12, when the Gators earned a 93–67 road victory over Missouri to even their SEC record at 2–2. Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            led the charge with 27 points, while freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            delivered her first career triple‑double, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            added another strong performance, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds for her tenth double‑double of the season.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida ranks third in the SEC and 14th nationally in field goal percentage at 48.4%.
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             Four Gators average double‑digit scoring: Liv McGill (16.1), Ra Shaya Kyle (15.3),
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             (13.6), and 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.3).
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            McGill sits at No. 11 in SEC scoring (16.1), while Kyle is 16th (15.3).
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            Kyle is sixth in the nation and third in the SEC with her double‑double count.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in both total assists (93) and assists per game (5.2).
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            Kyle ranks fourth in the SEC in rebounding, averaging 9.5 boards per contest.
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            Florida has scored 20 or more points in 38 of 74 quarters this season.
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            Kyle is eighth nationally in shooting percentage (63.7) and 15th in total rebounds (172).
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 18.
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eriny-kindred/16857" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eriny Kindred
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             tops the roster in free‑throw accuracy, hitting 17 of 19 attempts (89.5%).
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            McGill is 10th in the SEC in steals, collecting 34 across 18 games (1.89 per outing).
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           PROJECTED OLE MISS STARTERS:
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           LSU QUICK HITS:
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            The Rebels lead the SEC in scoring defense, allowing just 51.3 points per game.
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            No Ole Miss players currently rank among the SEC’s top 20 scorers.
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            The team is second in the conference in defensive rebounds, collecting 482 total (30.1 per game).
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            Ole Miss ranks fourth in the SEC and 15th nationally in blocks, averaging 5.3 per contest.
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            Kennedy Todd‑Williams is sixth in the SEC in free‑throw percentage at 81.3%.
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            Four starters average double‑digit scoring: Todd‑Williams (12.3), Thienou (12.1), Starr Jacobs (11.0), and Scott (10.6).
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            Jacobs leads the team on the boards with 6.6 rebounds per game.
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            Ole Miss is tied for fourth in the SEC in assists, averaging 17.8 per outing.
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            The Rebels also sit fourth in the league in steals, averaging 12.1 per game.
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            With a turnover margin of +9.81, Ole Miss ranks third in the SEC.
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            Starr Jacobs is 17th in the SEC in rebounding (6.6 per game).
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            Scott is 11th in the SEC in assists, averaging 3.9 per game.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-1f95217a.webp" length="93466" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:27:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/midweek-mission-gators-storm-oxford-to-face-rebels</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>McGill Magic: Triple‑Double Earns SEC Freshman Honors</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgill-magic-tripledouble-earns-sec-freshman-honors</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Liv McGill finished week three of SEC play with 31-points and 15 rebounds, proving her versatility on both ends of the floor.
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           Share:
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            The Southeastern Conference announced its weekly awards, naming
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            as SEC Freshman of the Week. The honor follows her standout stretch in which she delivered Florida’s first triple‑double since 2017 and posted consecutive double‑digit scoring performances.
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           McGill’s triple‑double against Missouri was the centerpiece of her week, as she finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. In Columbia, she led the Gators in assists (10), rebounds (11), and steals (2), playing a pivotal role in Florida’s 26‑point win over Mizzou.
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           Earlier in the week, McGill reached double figures with 10 points against No. 12 Kentucky (1/9/25), while connecting on 67% of her three‑point attempts to pace Florida from beyond the arc.
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           Across both games, McGill totaled 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, showcasing her impact on both ends of the floor.
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           Florida returns to action on Thursday, January 16, with a 9 p.m. ET matchup at Ole Miss in Oxford.
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           Ole Miss (11-5, 2-2 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
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            Time: 9 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://olemisssports.com/facilities/the-pavilion-at-ole-miss/6" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/eventCalendarId/401708208" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=544454" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
      
           #GoGators
          &#xD;
    &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-d9bee94e.webp" length="95862" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:02:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/mcgill-magic-tripledouble-earns-sec-freshman-honors</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-d9bee94e.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-d9bee94e.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Triple‑Double Triumph: McGill Powers Gators Past Mizzou</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tripledouble-triumph-mcgill-powers-gators-past-mizzou</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           McGill secures her first collegiate triple double and UF's first since 2017 in the Gators outing versus Mizzou.
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           Share:
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            Florida picked up its second SEC victory of 2025 with a 93–67 win over Missouri inside Mizzou Arena.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Jeriah Warren
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            paced the Gators with a career‑best 27 points, while freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            added 21 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, and handed out 10 assists to notch UF’s first triple‑double since 2017.
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           Although Missouri entered the game ranked No. 1 in the SEC and No. 6 nationally in three‑point shooting, Florida limited the Tigers to just 29.4% from deep. Mizzou connected on only five three‑pointers, while the Gators knocked down a season‑high 12.
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           Florida controlled the game on both ends, winning the rebounding battle 37–25 and shooting 55.7% from the floor compared to Missouri’s 46.3%.
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           How It Happened
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           First Quarter
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            Florida opened strong, scoring 12 points in under four minutes (6:08).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             went 5‑for‑7 from the floor, including 2‑for‑2 from deep, to lead with 10 points.
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            Half of UF’s 26 points came in the paint.
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            The Gators held a 9–5 edge on the boards.
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            McGill also led in ball movement, dishing out three assists.
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            Florida closed the quarter ahead, 26–17.
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           Second Quarter
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            The Gators added 19 points, shooting 50% (7‑14).
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            They hit a game‑best 57.1% from three (4‑7).
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            McGill and Ra Shaya Kyle each grabbed four rebounds.
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            Six assists were spread across four players.
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            Florida carried a nine‑point lead into halftime, 45–36.
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           Third Quarter
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             took over with 13 points, shooting 57% (4‑7).
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            UF scored 24 points, its second‑highest quarter total.
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            McGill handed out three assists, marking the third straight quarter with six team assists.
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            Florida collected a game‑high 10 rebounds, with five players contributing.
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            Twelve of the 24 points came inside.
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            The Gators led 69–57 heading into the fourth.
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           Fourth Quarter
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            Florida extended its margin to 29 points, its largest lead of the game (2:22).
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            UF was perfect at the free‑throw line (6‑6).
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            Kyle led the scoring with 10 points.
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            Laila Reynolds recorded both of Florida’s blocks in the period.
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            The Gators shot a game‑best 61.5% (8‑13).
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            Missouri was held to just 10 points.
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           Worth Noting
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            Florida set a new season high with 12 made threes (previously 10 vs. Alabama State, 12/29/24).
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            Their 52.2% shooting from deep (12‑23) also marked a season best (previously 50% at Alabama, 1/2/25).
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             recorded UF’s first triple‑double since Delicia Washington’s 12‑12‑10 performance vs. Savannah State (11/23/17).
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            The 93 points were Florida’s third‑highest scoring game of the season (104 vs. Chicago State, 102 vs. Florida A&amp;amp;M).
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            UF dished out a season‑high 24 assists (previously 21 vs. Chicago State, 11/12/24).
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            Florida won the rebounding battle, 37–25.
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            The Gators never trailed in quarter scoring (26‑17, 19‑19, 24‑21, 24‑10).
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            38 of their 93 points came in the paint.
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            Three players hit double figures: Warren (27), McGill (21), Kyle (16).
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            McGill has now scored in double digits in 16 of 18 games.
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            Kyle logged her 10th double‑double of the season (16 points, 10 rebounds).
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            Six Gators recorded assists, contributing to the team’s 24 total.
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 38 of 74 quarters this season (51%).
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            UF converted 17 of 20 layups (85%).
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            The Gators averaged 1.4 points per possession across 68 trips.
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            Florida forced nine Missouri turnovers.
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Gator Bites
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            UF head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1658" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            reflected on Florida’s strong showing in Columbia, noting: "I was expecting us to be confident and locked in together as a team. I thought that everybody who played, played well, and that is rare when it all happens on the same night."
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1658" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            also praised the offensive efforts of Jeriah Warren and Liv McGill, adding: "Jeriah is a challenger, she is an elite defender and great shooter as well. She's been shooting the ball really well and her and Liv had a great connection tonight in that four spot."
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida:
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            (11-7, 2-2 SEC)
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           Missouri:
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           (11-8, 0-4 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           Even with Missouri’s recent defeat, the Tigers continue to lead the all‑time series against Florida, holding an 11–5 advantage.
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           Next Up
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           Florida now turns its attention to Oxford, where the Gators will face Ole Miss on Thursday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion, with live coverage on SECN.
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           NEXT UP: at Ole Miss (11-5, 2-2 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
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            Time: 9 p.m. ET
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             Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://olemisssports.com/facilities/the-pavilion-at-ole-miss/6" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/eventCalendarId/401708208" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=544454" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-ee6a31a1.webp" length="113320" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 Jan 2025 13:36:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/tripledouble-triumph-mcgill-powers-gators-past-mizzou</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-ee6a31a1.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%282%29-ee6a31a1.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Aim to Tame Tigers in Sunday Showdown</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-to-tame-tigers-in-sunday-showdown</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Ra Shaya Kyle, Liv McGill, and Jeriah Warren are all averaging double figures for scoring, and will look to continue their offensive efforts Sunday afternoon in Columbia.
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           Share:
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           COLUMBIA, Mo.
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           — Florida heads back on the road for a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Missouri Tigers. The Gators make the trip to Columbia after their recent setback to the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats on Thursday night at the O'Dome.
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           This meeting marks the fourth conference game of the season for both programs. Florida enters with a 1-2 record in SEC play, while Missouri stands at 0-3 after dropping its Thursday contest to Georgia.
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           Mizzou Tigers (11-7, 0-3 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Jan. 12
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            Time: 3 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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      &lt;a href="https://mutigers.com/facilities/?id=2" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Mizzou Arena
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            Radio: 
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/05846953-c665-4a72-8c33-4b7216e23990" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/f54f49bb-03c9-49f9-a1b4-d3a4ea8c0a97" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            +
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            Live stats: 
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      &lt;a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=553710&amp;amp;vislive=fla" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Statbroadcast
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           What a Florida Victory Would Mean
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Extend the Gators’ winning streak against Missouri to four straight games
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            Secure their first SEC road triumph of the season
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            Add a third all-time win inside Mizzou Arena
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            Level Florida’s conference record at 2-2
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            Give Coach Finley a fourth victory over Missouri since taking the helm
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            Improve the program’s overall record to 834-672
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            Raise Florida’s all-time SEC mark to 228-327
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Series History
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Florida and Missouri have met 16 times overall, with the Tigers leading the all-time matchup 11-5.
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators vs. Tigers History:
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           The two programs first faced off in 2013 and have continued to meet regularly since. Seven of those contests were played in Gainesville, another seven in Columbia, and two in Greenville. Sunday’s game will be Florida’s first return to Mizzou Arena since Feb. 26, 2023—a matchup that began the Gators’ current three-game winning streak over Missouri. Their most recent victory came on Mar. 6, 2024, when Florida edged the Tigers 66-60 during the SEC Tournament.
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Florida’s Most Recent Performance
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            The Gators last took the court on Thursday, Jan. 9, falling at home to the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats by a score of 71-55. The result shifted Florida’s SEC record to 1-2. Sophomore
           &#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            paced the offense with 15 points, while senior
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           Jeriah Warren
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            added 13. Freshman
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            made her mark on the boards, collecting nine rebounds—the first time she has led Florida in that category during her collegiate career.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida currently sits at No. 4 in the SEC and No. 15 nationally in field goal percentage (47.5).
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             Four Gators average double figures: McGill (15.8), Kyle (15.2),
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (12.8), and
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.8).
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            Both McGill and Kyle rank among the SEC’s top-20 scorers — McGill at No. 12 (15.8) and Kyle at No. 17 (15.2).
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            Kyle holds the No. 8 spot nationally and No. 3 in the SEC for double-doubles.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (83) and assists per game (4.9).
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            Kyle is fifth in the SEC in rebounding, averaging 9.5 boards per contest.
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 35 of 70 quarters this season.
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            Kyle ranks No. 9 in the NCAA in shooting efficiency with a 63.7 field goal percentage.
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            Kyle also stands No. 13 nationally with 162 rebounds in the 2024–25 campaign.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 16.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eriny-kindred/16857" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Eriny Kindred
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             tops Florida in free throw accuracy, hitting 89.5% (17-19).
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            McGill is 10th in the SEC in steals, collecting 32 across 17 games (1.88 spg).
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           PROJECTED MIZZOU STARTERS:
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           MIZZOU QUICK HITS:
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            Missouri leads the SEC and ranks sixth nationally in three-point shooting, hitting 38.8% from deep.
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            Grace Slaughter and De’Myla Brown are both connecting on 50% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
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            Three Tigers average double-digit scoring: Slaughter (13.7 ppg), Ashton Judd (11.2 ppg), and Laniah Randle (10.8 ppg).
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            Slaughter is fifth in the SEC in free throw accuracy at 85.5%.
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            Randle paces Missouri in rebounding with 6.4 boards per game.
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            Averi Kroenke sits at No. 15 nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.95).
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            Ngalakulondi ranks ninth in the SEC with 20 total blocks.
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            Sunday’s matchup marks Missouri’s second SEC home game of the season.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-df91f6f0.webp" length="100176" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jan 2025 09:10:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-aim-to-tame-tigers-in-sunday-showdown</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-df91f6f0.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-df91f6f0.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gators Battle Back, But Wildcats Hold On</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-battle-back-but-wildcats-hold-on</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Jeriah Warren posted 13 points to mark her eleventh game in double digits for scoring this season. Warren also matched her career high in steals, snagging six against No. 16 Kentucky.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla. — Florida hosted No. 16 Kentucky on Thursday evening at Exactech Arena, falling 71-55. Three Gators reached double figures, and nine contributed on the glass. By the end of the SEC contest, UF shot 38.6% from the field and held a 39-32 advantage in rebounding over the Wildcats.
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            Sophomore
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            paced Florida with 15 points, her first game this season as the team’s top scorer.
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            also notched a first at UF, leading the Gators in rebounds with nine.
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           HOW THE GAME UNFOLDED:
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           Florida opened with its slowest offensive stretch of the season, producing 19 first-half points. After shooting 24% before the break, the Gators sparked at the start of the third quarter, nearly matching the first-half total with 18 points in that frame alone.
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           The push continued in the fourth, trimming the deficit to 11 (58-47) with seven minutes remaining. Florida added another 18 points and connected twice from beyond the arc, finishing the second half at 50% from the field—a 26-point improvement over the first half.
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           OPENING QUARTER:
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            Reynolds led on both ends with seven of UF’s 10 points and three rebounds
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            Florida forced six Kentucky turnovers, the most UK committed in any quarter
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            UF shot 27.3% from the field (3-11)
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            The Gators trailed 20-10 after one
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           SECOND QUARTER:
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            Florida managed four points in the first five minutes (34-14)
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            UF posted a game-low 21.4% from the field (3-14)
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            O’Neal led the way on the boards with four of UF’s 10 rebounds
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            Florida was perfect at the line in the half (6-6)
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            Kentucky led 41-19 at halftime
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           THIRD QUARTER:
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            Florida recorded a game-high 60% shooting (9-15)
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            Fourteen of the 18 points came in the paint
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            Reynolds added six points and two rebounds
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            Five Gators contributed to the 18-point quarter
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            UF limited UK to six paint points
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           FORTH QUARTER:
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jeriah-warren/16862" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Jeriah Warren
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             scored six of Florida’s 18 points
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            Florida posted a game-best seven second-chance points
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            Five of the team’s eight assists were logged in the fourth
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            UF strung together a nine-point run at 8:26, the longest of the game
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            The margin tightened to a second-half low of 11 (58-47)
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           NOTES TO KNOW:
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            UF’s 55 points are a season low for 2024-25
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            The 19-point first half is also a season-low half
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            Florida won the rebounding battle, 39-32
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            UF outscored Kentucky in both the third and fourth (18-15, 18-15)
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            Twenty-six of Florida’s 55 points were in the paint
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             Three Gators finished in double figures:
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             Reynolds (15), Warren (13),
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Liv McGill
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             (10)
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            Reynolds’ 15 marked her first time leading UF in scoring this season
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            McGill has reached double figures in 15 of 17 games this year
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            Florida shot 100% from the free-throw line in three quarters
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            O’Neal led UF on the boards for the first time in her career with nine rebounds
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            Five Gators recorded one or more assists, totaling eight
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            Florida has topped 20 points in 35 of 70 quarters this season (50%)
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            UF converted 11 layups on 24 drives
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            Florida recorded 67 total possessions
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            The Gators forced 13 turnovers on UK
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Gator Bites
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            UF coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            on Florida's second-half effort and what comes next: "Kentucky is a tremendous team and I thought we played a great second half. The challenge for us is putting the full 40 minutes together. Heading to Missouri, I think we can use tonight's second half effort to learn and ultimately propel us forward into a better start on Sunday."
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           Team Records
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           Florida: (10-7, 1-2 SEC)
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           Kentucky: (14-1, 3-0 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           The all-time matchup between Florida and Kentucky sits at 34-24 in favor of the Wildcats, who hold a 10-game edge.
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           Next Up
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           Florida travels to Columbia, Missouri, for its next SEC game against the Missouri Tigers on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET inside Mizzou Arena.
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           Missouri’s leading scorer is Grace Slaughter, averaging 13.7 points per game and connecting on 50 percent from the field. On the defensive glass and in takeaways, Laniah Randle tops the Tigers with 115 rebounds and 32 steals (6.4 rebounds per game; 1.8 steals per game).
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           Next opponent: Missouri Tigers (11-7, 0-3 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Jan. 12
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            Time: 3 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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            Mizzou Arena
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN+
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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            Tickets
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8fc4c6e7.webp" length="62928" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:35:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-battle-back-but-wildcats-hold-on</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-8fc4c6e7.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>O'Dome Showdown: Gators Host No. 16 Kentucky</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/o-dome-showdown-gators-host-no-16-kentucky</link>
      <description />
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           The Gators will get another opportunity to make a statement over a ranked team as they tip-off against No. 16 Kentucky Thursday night.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla.— The Gators return to the O'Dome Thursday evening to host No. 16 Kentucky. The matchup tips at 5 p.m. ET on SEC Network and serves as each team's third conference outing of the year (Florida 1-1 SEC; Kentucky 2-0 SEC).
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           Kentucky Wildcats (13-1, 2-0 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Jan. 9
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            Time: 5 p.m. ET
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           Site:
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            Site: 
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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             Radio:
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      &lt;a href="https://admin.floridagators.com/watch/?Live=5548&amp;amp;type=Live" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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             Watch:
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      &lt;a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/05846953-c665-4a72-8c33-4b7216e23990" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            SECN
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             Live stats:
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            Statbroadcast
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            Tickets
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             Promotion: Golden Gators Night
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            Giveaway: 1,000 script Gators pins
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           What a Florida Victory Would Do
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            ﻿
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            Snap a ranked-opponent drought that dates to 2022
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            Improve Florida’s home mark to 10-1 for the 2024–25 season
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            Deliver UF’s first home win over Kentucky since 2016
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            Move the Gators to 2-1 in SEC play
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            Raise Florida’s all-time record to 834-671
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             Make
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Kelly Rae Finley
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            ’s career SEC ledger 22-29
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            Register Florida’s 422nd victory all-time inside the O’Dome
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           TALE OF THE TAPE:
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           Series Overview
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           The all-time head-to-head between Florida and Kentucky sits at 33-24, with the Wildcats holding a nine-game edge.
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           Gators vs Kentucky History
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           The rivalry dates to 1978 and now includes 57 recorded meetings. Of those games, 22 were played in Gainesville and 25 in Lexington. Thursday’s matchup will be Kentucky’s first return to the ‘Dome since Jan. 15, 2023 — the game that began UK’s current three-game run over Florida. Florida’s most recent victory in the series came in Lexington on Jan. 20, 2022, a 77-52 win about two months before Kentucky captured the 2022 SEC championship.
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           PROJECTED FLORIDA STARTERS:
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           Florida's Last Time Out
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            UF last played on Sunday, Jan. 5, earning a home win over the Georgia Bulldogs, 73-57, to notch their first SEC victory of the 2025 slate and even their conference mark at 1-1. Senior
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            paced the team with 18 points, while freshman
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/liv-mcgill/16880" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Liv McGill
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            contributed 15. After that game, McGill and Kyle have each reached double figures in scoring in 14 of Florida’s 16 games this season.
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           Gator Quick Hits
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            Florida ranks No. 4 in the SEC and No. 15 nationally in field-goal percentage (48.1).
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            The Gators sit inside the top 30 in the nation for scoring offense (79.8).
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             Four players average double figures: McGill (16.2), Kyle (15.8),
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (12.8), and
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.4).
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            McGill and Kyle are both among the SEC’s top-15 scorers
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            McGill at No. 11 (16.2) and Kyle at No. 13 (15.8).
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            Kyle ranks No. 6 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC for double-doubles.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (81) and in assists per game (5.1).
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            The Gators have posted 20+ points in 35 of 64 quarters this season.
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            Kyle is No. 8 in the NCAA with a 64.1 field-goal percentage.
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            Alexia Gassett
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             tops the team in blocks with 15 for the season.
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            Eriny Kindred
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             leads Florida from the free-throw line at 89.5% (17-19).
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           UK Quick Hits
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            Kentucky paces the nation in blocks per game (7.7 bpg)
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            All five Wildcats starters average double-digit scoring
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            Two UK players rank inside the SEC’s top 15 scorers: Amoore (17.9) and Strack (15.5)
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            Strack is third in the conference in rebounding (10.1 rpg)
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            Amoore leads the SEC in assists with 104 across 14 games (7.4 apg)
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            Kentucky’s lone loss came at UNC (72-53)
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            UK rides a six-game winning streak that began Dec. 9, 2024
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            Hassett ranks No. 5 nationally in defensive rebounds (8.8 per game)
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0c03abe2.webp" length="57974" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:28:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/o-dome-showdown-gators-host-no-16-kentucky</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0c03abe2.webp">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-0c03abe2.webp">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ra Shaya Kyle’s Comeback: From Tears to Triumph</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/ra-shaya-kyles-comeback-from-tears-to-triumph</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           Gators center Ra Shaya Kyle has established her place among the SEC's top low-post players coming off a season-ending knee injury.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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            - Exactly one year ago,
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ra-shaya-kyle/16858" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            found herself on the floor at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn. The 6-foot-6 center went down early in Florida’s matchup against Vanderbilt. At the time, she was the Gators’ second-leading scorer and top rebounder, a key contributor on both ends of the court and one of the Southeastern Conference’s most dominant interior players.
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           As she lay on the hardwood, the reality hit hard.
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           "My season is over," Kyle thought to herself.
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           Tears followed, a rare sight that deeply affected her teammates.
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            "She never really cries," UF sophomore guard
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laila-reynolds/16860" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Laila Reynolds
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            recalled.
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           The knee injury underscored the demanding nature of competing in one of the nation’s toughest basketball conferences. For Kyle, basketball had always been her outlet and passion, but suddenly the game — and the goals she had set — had to be put on hold. She quickly realized the recovery process would challenge her in ways she had never anticipated.
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           On Jan. 7, 2024, Ra Shaya Kyle is back in stride, sprinting across the practice floor as Florida (10-6, 1-1) readies for Thursday’s home matchup against No. 16 Kentucky (13-1, 2-0), a team known for its perimeter shooting, inside Exactech Arena.
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            ﻿
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           Now in her fifth year and hailing from Marion, Ind., Kyle enters the contest with numbers surpassing what she posted at this point last season — averaging 15.9 points and 9.8 rebounds compared to 13.2 and 9.2. She also ranks sixth nationally in double-doubles. Those marks stand as proof of the dedication and resilience she displayed in overcoming the toughest setback of her college career, and the determination she showed throughout a rehabilitation process that pushed her beyond anything she had previously faced.
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           "I was in a really dark place," Kyle said. "I was sad and it was really tough not being able to help my team."
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           Coming to terms with the fact that basketball would be out of reach for a time, Kyle began the long process of healing. The months that followed tested her limits, with rehab sessions and recovery days often filled with doubt and frustration.
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           "I had some really hard days," she said.
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            Head coach
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/kelly-rae-finley/1866" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Kelly Rae Finley
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            observed Kyle’s resilience during her third season at UF after transferring from Purdue.
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           "She worked so hard to get through that, and that's not easy at first," Finley said. "It's a mental battle as much as a physical one."
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           Kyle found strength in small milestones, such as walking without crutches, and leaned on the encouragement of those around her. Each demanding workout and therapy session was driven by her determination to return stronger than before.
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           Though she often spent time alone in treatment or reflection, Kyle’s support system — family, teammates, and coaches — stood firmly behind her. Even while sidelined, she remained one of the team’s loudest cheerleaders, while also drawing energy from the encouragement she received.
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           "They had my back," Kyle said.
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           UF center 
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            (24) is one of the SEC's best low-post players.
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           Though sidelined, Kyle’s presence never diminished. Her injury shifted her role from producing points and rebounds to providing strength through her words. For her teammates, that voice carried weight.
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            "Shay's always there to pick you up and sometimes you just need that," teammates Reynolds and
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    &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-dizeko/16856" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           Alexia Dizeko
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            said.
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           Her leadership had always been evident, but the time away from the floor allowed her to fully embrace being the veteran of the squad. The absence from competition unlocked a deeper level of guidance, one that fortified the team’s foundation and extended beyond basketball.
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           Away from the game, Kyle also rediscovered parts of herself. She leaned into her faith, attending church and turning to prayer, and found a new passion in writing. Putting pen to paper became a meaningful outlet during recovery, helping her process the challenges and channel her emotions.
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           Though separated from the sport she loved, Kyle reconnected with herself. The months spent healing prepared her not only for a return to the court but for a stronger, more balanced comeback.
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/Kyle_RaShaya__221221_1419_MaddieWashburn.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            (24) has made nearly 56 percent of her shots over a five-season career (that includes two at Purdue) and needs 63 points to reach 1,000.
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           Coming off Sunday’s SEC win over Georgia, where she posted 18 points and five rebounds, Ra Shaya Kyle continues to make her mark. She currently ranks fifth in the conference in rebounding (9.8 per game) and third in field-goal percentage (64.1). Beyond the numbers, she’s also recognized as the team’s emotional spark.
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            "That's what she's going to do." assistant coach
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           Jackie Moore
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            said of UF’s biggest presence in the paint. "
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            is back and she's not here to play nice."
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           Her impact has become known as "Kyle’s style." With her size, skill, and determination, she’s reasserting herself as one of the SEC’s toughest matchups. Her play speaks volumes, but her message to opponents is straightforward:
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           "You better play some defense," she said.
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            ﻿
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           For SEC teams, that warning is more than words. When Kyle gets the ball in the post, the result is certain — it’s all business. And this time, her season isn’t ending early. It’s just getting started.
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize+%281%29-f5fba051.webp" length="115138" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:04:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/ra-shaya-kyles-comeback-from-tears-to-triumph</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Sunday Statement: Gators Dominate Georgia in Gainesville</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunday-statement-gators-dominate-georgia-in-gainesville</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           The Gators will get another opportunity to make a statement over a ranked team as they tip-off against No. 16 Kentucky Thursday night.
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla.
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            - Coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            and the Gators secured their first conference win of the season, defeating Georgia 73-57. The Sunday home victory was a team effort, with eight players adding points to the scoreboard and seven collecting at least two rebounds.
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            Florida opened strong in the first quarter, scoring 25 points while shooting 55.6 percent from the field. Six different players contributed to the total, with
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           Laila Reynolds
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            leading the way with seven. On defense, UF held Georgia to just 10 points and forced eight turnovers in the opening period.
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           Georgia responded in the second quarter by tightening its defense, limiting Florida to only three points in the first four minutes. The Gators regained momentum after the media timeout (5:59), adding 12 points to take a 44-27 lead into halftime.
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           The pace slowed in the second half, but Florida still managed 29 points to stay in control. After being held scoreless in the second quarter, Reynolds found her rhythm again in the third, shooting 75 percent from the field, scoring six points, and finishing with 13 overall.
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           In the final quarter, Florida added 13 more points to maintain its advantage. Despite shooting a game-low 28.6 percent from the field and hitting just one three-pointer, the Gators dominated the boards with 10 rebounds in the period, sealing the 16-point victory (73-57).
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           How It Happened
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           First Quarter:
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            UF held 20 possessions, converting for 25 points
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            14 points came inside the paint
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            Forced eight turnovers on Georgia, converting for 13 points
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             Reynolds led with seven points, followed by
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            Ra Shaya Kyle
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             with six
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            Alexia Gassett
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             and Reynolds each grabbed two rebounds, contributing to UF’s seven total
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            Florida shot 55.6% from the field (10-18) and 67% from three (2-3)
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            Ended the quarter with a 15-point lead (25-10)
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           Second Quarter:
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            Shot a game-high 61.5% from the field (8-13) and 60% from three (3-5)
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             Kyle and
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            Liv McGill
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             each scored six points
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            McGill recorded two of UF’s six assists
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            Forced five more turnovers, bringing Georgia’s first-half total to 13
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            Closed the half with a 17-point lead (44-27)
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           Third Quarter:
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            McGill led rebounding with three of UF’s nine boards
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            By the eight-minute mark, 10 of 12 points came in the paint
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            McGill added three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block
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            Reynolds and Kyle again led scoring with six points each
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           Fourth Quarter:
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            Tallied three of eight steals in the final frame
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            Grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds
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            Bench contributed eight of UF’s 13 points
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           Worth Noting
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            Florida forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 27 points.
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            Three players finished in double figures: Kyle (18), McGill (15), and Reynolds (13).
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            Kyle’s 18 points marked her sixth time leading the team in scoring this season.
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            Kyle and McGill have both reached double figures in 14 of 16 games this year.
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            UF collected 31 rebounds, with seven players contributing.
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            McGill led the team in rebounding for the first time in her career with six.
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            Seven Gators recorded assists, totaling 15, with McGill leading the way with six — her 11th time directing ball movement this season.
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 35 of 64 quarters this season.
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            The Gators tallied 32 of their 73 points in the paint.
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            Florida recorded 70 total possessions.
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            UF converted 11 layups on 24 drives.
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            The Gators held the lead for 37 minutes and 13 seconds of play.
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Gator Bites
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            Coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            on Florida’s growth throughout the season:
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           "I was really pleased with our effort, start to finish, in terms of everybody that came into the game off the bench—our people were extremely, extremely reliable and overall I thought we did a great job … We're not trying to be perfect, but we're trying to be more perfect than we are not. We don't need to sit around and let other teams lead us, we can initiate. I was pleased with our start, and then I was pleased with how we were able to carry that into the second half as well."
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            Senior
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            reflecting on her role and the team’s preparation: "I'm just really excited. This is something we've been working on. This is what we've been waiting for and what we have prepared for. We know what we're doing out there, so coming out I was just being the leader I knew I could be. I trust my teammates and giving them that confidence is something that will continue to be done."
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           TEAM RECORDS:
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           Florida: 
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           10-6 (1-1 SEC)
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           Georgia: 
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           8-8 (0-2 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           Florida and Georgia have now met 72 times, with the Bulldogs leading the all-time series 53-19.
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           Next Up
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            The Gators will remain in Gainesville for their next SEC matchup, hosting No. 16 Kentucky on Thursday, Jan. 9. The Wildcats come in with a 12-1 overall record and a 1-0 mark in conference play, arriving at the Swamp after facing Vanderbilt later today.
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           Kentucky tips off against the Commodores at 3:00 p.m. in search of its second straight SEC win, having already opened league play with a 91-69 victory over Mississippi State before beginning a two-game road stretch. Georgia Amoore leads the Wildcats offensively with 17.5 points per game, while Amelia Hassett controls the boards, collecting 130 rebounds this season for an average of 10 per outing.
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           NEXT UP: Kentucky Wildcats (12-1, 1-0 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Jan. 9
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            Time: 5 p.m. ET
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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            Radio: 
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Watch: 
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            SECN
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            Live stats: 
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            Statbroadcast
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            Tickets
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            Promotion: Golden Gators Night
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            Giveaway: 1,000 script Gators pins
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            JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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           #GoGators
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      <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jan 2025 13:27:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/sunday-statement-gators-dominate-georgia-in-gainesville</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Gators Strike First SEC Victory: Florida Tops Georgia 73–57 at Home</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-strike-first-sec-victory-florida-tops-georgia-7357-at-home</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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            ﻿
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           UF opens up a two-game home stretch with the Georgia Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. The Gators are looking for their first conference win and to even out their SEC record to 1-1.
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           Share:
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           GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Florida is set to begin its home SEC schedule on Sunday at noon when the Georgia Bulldogs visit. This matchup will serve as UF’s second conference contest of 2025. Both squads enter the game looking to rebound after dropping their opening SEC outings on the road Thursday.
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           The Gators came up short against No. 19 Alabama, 79–69, while Georgia fell 108–82 at Vanderbilt. With each team carrying one SEC loss, both sides will be motivated to secure their first league victory of the new year inside the O’Dome.
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           Georgia (8-17, 0-1 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Jan. 5
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            Time: 12 p.m. ET
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             Venue:
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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             Stream:
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            SECN
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             Radio:
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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             Stats:
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            StatBroadcast
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            Tickets
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           A Florida win would:
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            Deliver UF’s first SEC victory of the season
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            Improve the Gators’ home record to 9–1 for 2024–25
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            Secure their 10th overall win of the campaign
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            Even Florida’s SEC mark at 1–1 heading into week 10
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            Raise the program’s all-time record to 833–671
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           Tale of the Tape:
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           The Series
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           Florida and Georgia have met extensively over the years, with the Bulldogs holding the advantage in the all-time matchup, 53–18.
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           Gators vs. Georgia History
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           These two programs are no strangers to each other. Their most recent clash came on Feb. 25, 2024, in Athens. During the 2023–24 campaign, the teams squared off twice, splitting the results evenly. UF claimed the first meeting of 2024 with a 78–69 home victory, while Georgia answered back a month later with a 76–60 win in Athens.
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           In total, Florida and Georgia have played 71 times, with the Gators averaging 64 points per game against the Bulldogs.
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           Projected Florida Starters
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           :
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           Florida’s Previous Game
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            On Thursday night in Tuscaloosa, the Gators faced No. 19 Alabama and came up short by 10 points. Despite the loss, Florida showed resilience against one of the conference’s top-ranked teams.
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           Liv McGill
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            paced the offense with 18 points, while
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            dominated the boards with 13 rebounds. Kyle also added 11 points, recording her eighth double-double of the year. UF held a 35–32 edge in rebounding and finished with a 46.4 percent shooting clip from the floor.
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           Gator Quick Notes
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            Florida currently sits at No. 4 in the SEC and No. 18 nationally in field goal percentage (48.1).
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             Four Gators average double figures: McGill (16.3), Kyle (15.7),
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (13.2), and
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.2).
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            McGill and Kyle both rank among the SEC’s top 15 scorers — McGill at No. 12 (16.3) and Kyle at No. 14 (15.7).
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            Kyle is sixth in the nation and third in the SEC in total rebounds, with 151.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (75) and assists per game (5.0).
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            Florida has scored 20 or more points in 34 of 60 quarters this season.
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            Kyle has nine double-doubles in 15 games, placing her sixth nationally and third in the SEC.
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            Kyle also ranks seventh in the NCAA with a 64.6 field goal percentage.
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            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 13 this season.
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            Eriny Kindred
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             tops Florida in free throw accuracy, hitting 89.5 percent (17–19).
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           PROJECTED GEORGIA STARTERS:
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           Georgia 2024–25 Overview
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             Georgia currently ranks sixth in the SEC in three-point shooting, posting a 34.3 percent success rate.
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             The Bulldogs feature three players scoring in double figures:
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            Mia Woolfolk (14.7 ppg), De’Mauri Flournoy (12.8 ppg), and Trinity Turner (11.5 ppg).
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             Offensively, Georgia sits at No. 16 in the SEC, averaging 68.9 points per game across all contests.
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             On the glass, Amiya Evans leads the team with 7.1 rebounds per outing.
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            Flournoy has been the top perimeter threat, connecting on 33 three-pointers this season for an average of 2.2 per game.
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             Sunday’s matchup marks Georgia’s second consecutive SEC road test.
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             The Bulldogs’ starting lineup also includes three underclassmen.
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            Notably, Georgia picked up a non-conference win over Clemson earlier in the season, 75–68.
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             ﻿
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      <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:28:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-strike-first-sec-victory-florida-tops-georgia-7357-at-home</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Gators Battle Hard in Tuscaloosa: Florida Pushes No. 19 Alabama Despite 79–69 Loss</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-battle-hard-in-tuscaloosa-florida-pushes-no-19-alabama-despite-7969-loss</link>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Freshman Liv McGill showed out in her first SEC game, tallying 18 points for the Gators. Nine of McGill's points were secured from behind the arc, contributing to UF's game total of 27.
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           Share:
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           TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Florida opened SEC play against No. 19 Alabama on Thursday night, falling 79–69 at Coleman Coliseum. The Gators had four players reach double figures with 11 or more points, while six contributed in rebounding. Overall, UF shot 46.4 percent from the floor and held a 35–32 edge on the boards.
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            Freshman
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           Liv McGill
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            led the offense with 18 points, marking her 13th double-digit scoring game of the season.
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           Ra Shaya Kyle
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            anchored the defense with 13 rebounds, raising her season average to 10.1.
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           How It Happened
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           First Quarter:
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            Florida managed just 12 points, their lowest of the game.
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            Alexia Gassett
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             grabbed two of the team’s five rebounds.
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            McGill picked up two fouls in the opening five minutes.
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            UF connected on 50 percent of its three-point attempts (2-of-4).
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            Alabama led 21–12 at the end of the quarter.
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           Second Quarter:
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            Florida went 6-of-7 from the field in the first five minutes, trimming the deficit to six (31–25).
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            The Gators shot a game-best 64.3 percent (9-of-14).
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            Fourteen of their 19 points came in the paint.
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            Laila Reynolds went perfect from the field (3-of-3) for six points.
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            Kyle pulled down four rebounds.
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            UF out-rebounded Alabama 11–3.
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            At halftime, Florida trailed 41–31.
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           Third Quarter:
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            The Gators shot a game-low 29.4 percent (5-of-17).
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            Jeriah Warren scored six of Florida’s 15 points.
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            UF hit 80 percent from three (4-of-5).
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            Kyle collected six of the team’s 11 rebounds.
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           Fourth Quarter:
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            Florida scored a game-high 23 points.
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            McGill added eight points.
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            The Gators went 7-of-11 from the free throw line.
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            UF cut Alabama’s lead to 10 with one minute remaining (79–69).
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            Florida forced five turnovers, their most of the game.
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           Worth Noting
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            Four Gators finished in double figures: McGill (18), Warren (12), Gassett (12), and Kyle (11).
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            McGill has now led Florida in scoring eight times this season.
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            UF recorded a season-high 50 percent from three-point range (9-of-18).
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            Six players contributed to Florida’s 35 rebounds.
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            Kyle led the team in rebounding for the 13th time this season and 36th in her career.
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            Kyle posted her ninth double-double of the year and 21st at UF, keeping her among the nation’s top 10.
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            Seven Gators recorded at least one assist, totaling 11.
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            Florida has scored 20+ points in 34 of 60 quarters this season.
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            Twenty-six of their 69 points came in the paint.
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            UF logged 65 possessions in the game.
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            The Gators converted seven layups on 18 drives.
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           CAREER HIGHS:
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           Gator Bites
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            Head coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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            shared her perspective on the matchup with Alabama and Florida’s effort:
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           "We were really focused, we had a great week of practice leading up to this game, but Alabama is a really good team and a good challenge. They are a bunch of veterans at every position … I thought we played with much more poise than we have against other opponents with similar caliber. Overall, it is conference play and we get another opportunity on Sunday against Georgia."
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           Team Records
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           Florida:
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            9–6 (0–1 SEC)
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           Alabama:
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            14–1 (1–0 SEC)
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           Series Record
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           Alabama holds a narrow edge in the all-time series, leading Florida 33–30.
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           Next Up
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           Florida heads back to Gainesville to host the Georgia Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. This will be the Gators’ second SEC contest of the season, tipping off at noon and airing on SECN.
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           Georgia (8–7, 0–1 SEC)
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            Date: Sun., Jan. 5
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            Time: 12 p.m. ET
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             Venue:
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            Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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             Radio:
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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             Watch:
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            SECN
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             Live stats:
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            StatBroadcast
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            Tickets
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            Promotional Giveaway: 400 lunchboxes presented by O2B Kids
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b029b4f0/dms3rep/multi/resize-177bddcb.webp" length="89508" type="image/webp" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:00:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/gators-battle-hard-in-tuscaloosa-florida-pushes-no-19-alabama-despite-7969-loss</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Carter’s Corner: Gators Eye Statement Win in SEC Opener at No. 19 Alabama</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/carters-corner-gators-eye-statement-win-in-sec-opener-at-no-19-alabama</link>
      <description>Florida women’s basketball kicks off 2025 SEC play against No. 19 Alabama. Carter’s Corner breaks down how the Gators can secure a quality win in Tuscaloosa.</description>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Gators women's basketball head coach Kelly Rae Finley has an opportunity to start 2025 with the program's first victory over a ranked opponent since a memorable stretch in her first season. (Photo: UAA Communications)
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           Share:
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           Gainesville, Fla. - The first University of Florida athletic event of 2025 takes place Thursday evening as the Gators women’s basketball team begins SEC play on the road against Alabama.
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           Florida wrapped up 2024 with a decisive 57-point victory over Alabama State at home. The challenge ahead is tougher, with No. 19 Alabama standing as the opponent.
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           While the UF men’s team sits at 13–0 and holds a No. 6 national ranking, the women’s squad has experienced ups and downs in nonconference play. They opened the season with three straight wins, dropped four in a row, and then bounced back with four consecutive victories. Since falling to North Carolina in the Jumpman Invitational on Dec. 18, Florida has defeated North Florida and Alabama State.
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            Florida (9–5) now faces Alabama (13–1) in pursuit of its first win over a ranked team since February 2022, when the Gators beat Georgia. That victory capped a stretch in which Florida went 5–1 against ranked SEC opponents during head coach
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           Kelly Rae Finley
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           ’s debut season.
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           The Gators climbed into the national rankings that year before injuries impacted their postseason run. In recent seasons, signature wins have been harder to come by, with Florida going 0–8 against AP Top 25 teams since the Georgia win.
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           A victory Thursday would also mark Florida’s first SEC-opening win since 2014. Alabama enters with just one loss, which came against California in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 5. The Crimson Tide opened the season with nine straight wins before that setback.
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           Like Florida, Alabama closed out nonconference play with a lopsided win. The Crimson Tide defeated Jacksonville 93–46 at home, highlighted by Aaliyah Nye’s career-best 30 points, including 8-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc.
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            Much of Florida’s nonconference success has been driven by Ra Shaya Kyle, who posted her eighth double-double of the season (16 points, 11 rebounds) in the win over Alabama State. Kyle, who began her career at Purdue, is averaging 16.1 points and 9.9 rebounds, making her the Gators’ most consistent presence in the post. Freshman guard
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           Liv McGill
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             matches Kyle as the team’s leading scorer at 16.1 points per game, while also pacing the team in assists (5.3).
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           Jeriah Warren
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            (13.3) and
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           Laila Reynolds
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            (10.4) round out Florida’s double-digit scorers.
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            Before SEC play began, Florida had to adapt to the departure of
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           Aliyah Matharu
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           , last season’s leading scorer, who entered the transfer portal just before the season. Matharu averaged 19.0 points per game in 2023–24 and scored 35 against Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament. Her college career has included multiple moves: starting at Mississippi State, transferring to Texas, sitting out the 2022–23 season after joining Florida, and then signing with Baylor in November. She debuted for the Bears on New Year’s Day in their 84–61 loss to Oklahoma State, finishing 0-for-5 from the field with one point in 11 minutes.
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            This season has also been about developing younger talent. McGill has stepped into a major role, while
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           Me'Arah O'Neal
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            has appeared in 13 games with eight starts. O’Neal is averaging 5.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, contributing strong defensive play as part of Florida’s long-term foundation.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 14:06:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/carters-corner-gators-eye-statement-win-in-sec-opener-at-no-19-alabama</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Florida Tips Off SEC Play: Gators Challenge No. 19 Alabama in Tuscaloosa</title>
      <link>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-tips-off-sec-play-gators-challenge-no-19-alabama-in-tuscaloosa</link>
      <description>Florida women’s basketball opened SEC play on the road against No. 19 Alabama, battling hard in Tuscaloosa before falling 79–69. Relive the highlights, standout performances, and what’s next for the Gators.</description>
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           Gators assistant coaches Kevin Hovde, left, and John Andrzejek are in the Final Four during their final week at UF. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
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           Florida will look to carry over its offensive success on Thursday evening in Tuscaloosa. The Gators are currently shooting 48.2 percent from the field, putting them in the NCAA's top 20.
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           Share:
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           Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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            - Florida heads to Tuscaloosa to begin SEC competition against No. 19 Alabama. The matchup is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 2, with a 7 p.m. start inside Coleman Coliseum, and will be broadcast on SECN+.
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           The Gators enter the game riding a two-win streak and carry a 9–5 record from non-conference play. Alabama closed out 2024 at 13–1. Both programs look to secure a victory and open league play at 1–0.
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           No. 19 Alabama (13-1, 0-0 SEC)
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            Date: Thurs., Jan. 2
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            Time: 7 p.m. ET
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            Site: 
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            Coleman Coliseum
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            Stream: 
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            SECN+
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            ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM
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            Stats:
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            StatBroadcast
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            Tickets
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           A Florida Victory Would
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            Deliver UF’s first triumph over a ranked opponent since Feb. 6, 2022
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            Mark the program’s first SEC-opening win since 2014
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            Add Florida’s 31st all-time victory against Alabama
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            Secure Coach Kelly Rae Finley’s 66th career win at the helm of the Gators
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            Extend Florida’s current winning streak to three games
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            Improve the team’s road record to 2–1 for the 2024–25 season
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           Tale Of the Tape
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           The Series
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           Alabama holds a slight edge in the all-time matchup with Florida, leading 32–30.
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           Gators vs. Alabama History
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           The Gators and Crimson Tide share a long SEC rivalry, having met 62 times since their first contest in 1976. Their latest meeting came on Feb. 29, 2024, when Alabama edged Florida by a single possession, 76–73. Over the last 10 matchups, the record stands even at 5–5.
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           Florida now heads back to Coleman Coliseum for the second time in under a year, aiming to begin conference play with their first victory over Alabama since 2023.
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           Projected Florida Starters
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           Florida’s Previous Game
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           Florida wrapped up non-conference play with a dominant 88–31 home win over Alabama State on Dec. 29. Four Gators finished in double figures, showcasing a balanced team effort. Ra Shaya Kyle led across the stat sheet with 16 points and 11 rebounds, earning her eighth double-double of the season. Liv McGill followed with 15 points, while also matching her career high with nine assists and adding seven steals to help Florida reach a season-best total of 20.
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           Gator Quick Notes
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            Florida ranks No. 5 in the SEC and No. 20 nationally in field goal percentage (48.2).
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            Four players average double-digit scoring:  
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            Liv McGill
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            Ra Shaya Kyle
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             (16.0), 
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            Jeriah Warren
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             (13.3), and 
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            Laila Reynolds
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             (10.4).
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            McGill
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             (No. 12) and
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            Kyle
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             (No. 15) both sit among the SEC’s top 20 scorers.
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            McGill leads all NCAA freshmen in total assists (74) and assists per game (5.3).
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            The Gators have scored 20+ points in 33 of 56 quarters this season.
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            Kyle has eight double-doubles in 14 games, ranking No. 8 nationally.
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            Kyle is third in the SEC and sixth in the NCAA in field goal percentage (65.9).
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            Kyle also ranks fourth in the SEC with 9.9 rebounds per game.
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      &lt;a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexia-gassett/16882" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
            Alexia Gassett
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             leads the team in blocks with 12 this season.
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           PROJECTED ALABAMA STARTERS:
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           Alabama Quick Notes
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            Alabama ranks 28th nationally in blocks per game, averaging 4.9.
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            The Crimson Tide enter the matchup riding a four-game winning streak.
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            At Coleman Coliseum, Alabama is unbeaten this season with a 7–0 record.
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            In 13 of their 14 contests during 2024, Alabama held the advantage at halftime.
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            Four starters score in double figures: Barker (16.1), Green (15.6), Cody (11.4), and Nye (14.9).
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            Offensively, Alabama sits at No. 15 in the country, averaging 84.5 points per game.
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            Cody leads the team in rebounding with 6.7 per game.
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            Nye ranks third nationally and first in the SEC in three-pointers per game (3.71).
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            Barker is 10th in the SEC in total points, recording 225 during non-conference play.
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      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 13:23:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.floridabasketballalumni.com/florida-tips-off-sec-play-gators-challenge-no-19-alabama-in-tuscaloosa</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Women's Basketball</g-custom:tags>
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