AUBURN, Ala. – Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. 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.

Playing without fifth-year guard Alijah Martin (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.

Sophomore forward Alex Condon contributed a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, along with four assists. Reserve forward Thomas Haugh added 14 points, nine rebounds, and a series of gritty plays that embodied the team’s effort. Senior guard Will Richard chipped in 15 points and five rebounds, while junior guard Denzel Aberdeen—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.

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.

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.

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.

Sophomore forward Alex Condon (21) throws down in the first half Saturday against Auburn.