UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the No. 10 Florida Gators overcame a late scare to defeat Florida State 78-76 on Tuesday night at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville. Forward Thomas Haugh and point guard Boogie Fland spearheaded the comeback, solidifying their roles as pivotal players in this intense rivalry.
The Gators (2-1) found themselves down late in the game, but Haugh’s 20 points and 13 rebounds, alongside Fland’s 18 points and four steals, ignited the team’s resurgence. With just 15.8 seconds remaining, Fland sank two crucial free throws, providing Florida with a 76-73 lead.
Florida State’s Robert McCray V, who dazzled with a game-high 29 points, attempted to match Fland’s heroics but missed a critical 3-pointer that could have tied the game. Despite his late-game brilliance, McCray’s efforts fell short, marking a heartbreaking loss for the Seminoles (2-1), who were 17.5-point underdogs.
The Gators struggled early, unable to establish control until Haugh and Fland’s synergy took over. Fland finally hit his first 3-pointer of the season after nine attempts, narrowing FSU’s lead to 53-52. A missed free throw turned into an opportunity when Fland rebounded his own miss, setting up Haugh for a dunk that tied the game at 55-55.
With the game tied at 59-57 and 9:38 left in the second half, Haugh’s driving layup marked Florida’s first lead since the first half. His defensive prowess shone through as he blocked an FSU shot, leading to a fast break capped by a layup from Fland.
Florida maintained momentum, stretching its lead to 69-60 after an 11-0 run, only to see FSU push back hard. Three turnovers by Gators’ power forward Alex Condon in the closing minutes brought the thrilling contest back to a razor-thin margin.
As the game wound down, Condon’s two free throws with just five seconds left effectively sealed the victory for the Gators, who have now won nine consecutive games at home and boast a record of 31-2 since the start of the 2023-24 season.
This dramatic win not only displays the Gators’ resilience but also emphasizes the fierce competition in college basketball as they continue to build on their championship legacy.
Next up: The Gators will look to maintain their momentum in their upcoming games, while Florida State aims to bounce back after a close defeat.
