No. 10 Gators Rally Past FSU in Thrilling 78-76 Victory

UPDATE: The No. 10 Florida Gators clinched a thrilling 78-76 come-from-behind victory against the Florida State Seminoles on Tuesday night at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville. This dramatic win was fueled by standout performances from Thomas Haugh and Boogie Fland, who combined for crucial plays in the final moments.

With just 15.8 seconds left, Fland sank two free throws, pushing the Gators to a 76-73 lead. FSU senior Robert McCray V attempted to respond, but his last-second three-pointer fell short, ensuring Florida’s triumph. McCray finished the game with a game-high 29 points, showcasing his skill but unable to secure the upset as the underdog Seminoles (2-1) faced the Gators.

Haugh, a pivotal figure in Florida’s previous national championship run, delivered an impressive performance with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocked shots. Fland contributed significantly, netting 18 points, five rebounds, and four steals, marking his first three-pointer of the season on his ninth attempt.

The Gators struggled initially but surged back when Haugh and Fland executed critical plays late in the second half. Fland cut the deficit to 53-52 with his three-pointer, igniting momentum for Florida. A series of defensive stops allowed the Gators to build a lead, culminating in an electrifying 11-0 run that showcased their resilience.

Florida’s power forward Alex Condon also played a key role, sealing the game with two free throws just five seconds before the buzzer. The Gators have now extended their home-winning streak to nine games and boast a record of 31-2 since the beginning of the 2023-24 season.

This nail-biting clash marked the closest game in the rivalry since Florida’s 73-71 loss in 2015, highlighting the competitive spirit between these two teams. As the Gators improve to 2-1 on the season, they look forward to building on this victory against their future opponents.

Fans can expect more exciting action as Florida prepares to face off in their upcoming games. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Gators’ journey this season!