UPDATE: The No. 10 Florida Gators clinched a thrilling 78-76 victory against Florida State University (FSU) in a dramatic showdown at the O’Connell Center on Tuesday night. Forward Thomas Haugh and point guard Boogie Fland combined their talents to lead the Gators back from a deficit, showcasing their skills in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
With just 15.8 seconds remaining, Fland sank two crucial free throws, giving Florida a 76-73 advantage. FSU’s senior shooting guard Robert McCray V, who dominated the final minutes with 15 points, missed a pivotal 3-pointer that could have tied the game, sealing the Gators’ win.
This victory is significant for the Gators (2-1), as they extend their home winning streak to nine games and improve to 31-2 in the O’Connell Center since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. FSU, now 2-1, faced a tough challenge as 17.5-point underdogs.
Haugh, instrumental in last year’s national championship run, recorded an impressive 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Fland added 18 points, five rebounds, and four steals, showcasing his prowess as the top transfer in a restructured Gators backcourt.
Throughout the game, the Gators struggled to take control until Haugh and Fland ignited the offense. Fland finally hit his first 3-pointer of the season, cutting FSU’s lead to 53-52. After an FSU bucket, he managed to grab a rebound off his missed free throw, leading to Haugh’s dunk that tied the game at 55-55.
With 9:38 left on the clock, Haugh’s driving layup gave Florida a 59-57 lead, their first since the first half. Haugh’s defensive skills shone as he blocked a shot, sparking a fast break that ended with a Fland layup. A subsequent three-pointer from Fland pushed the Gators ahead 64-59 as they completed an 11-0 run.
Despite building a nine-point lead at 69-60, the Gators faced fierce resistance from McCray, who finished with a game-high 29 points. Fluctuating performance from the Gators, including multiple turnovers, kept FSU in contention, making this contest the closest matchup in the series since Florida’s 73-71 loss in 2015.
As the Gators look ahead, fans are eager to see how this victory will shape their season, especially with the chemistry displayed by Haugh and Fland. Tune in for more updates on their journey as they aim for success in upcoming games.
