UF Men’s Basketball Secures 10th Consecutive Victory Over Georgia, 88-82
The University of Florida men’s basketball team clinched their seventh consecutive win over the University of Georgia, triumphing with a score of 88-82. This victory extends UF’s dominance in the series to 10 straight wins against UGA. The Gators’ record now stands at 18-7 overall and 8-4 in SEC play.
The game started with Georgia taking a commanding lead in the first half. The Bulldogs made an impressive start, hitting seven of their first shots and nine of their first ten, establishing an early 22-11 lead barely six minutes into the game. However, the Gators fought back with determination, led by Walter Clayton Jr. and Zyon Pullin, who contributed crucial baskets to narrow the gap. Noah Thomasson of Georgia had an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 26 points in the first half, helping the Bulldogs maintain a 46-40 lead at halftime. Georgia shot an impressive 60% from the field and 40% from three-point range in the first half, while the Gators shot 38.9% and 37.5% respectively.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Clayton Jr. initiated a strong start for Florida, scoring a three-pointer. This was followed by a three-pointer from Will Richard, tying the game at 48. The Gators then took the lead for the first time with a jumper from freshman forward Alex Condon, making it 52-50 with 14:53 remaining. UF’s defense stepped up, holding UGA to eight consecutive misses and a four-minute scoring drought, allowing Florida to take the lead.
The game remained closely contested, with both teams trading baskets. However, a crucial 5-point play from Condon and Clayton Jr. gave the Gators a 73-66 advantage with 5:40 left on the clock. Despite a late push from Georgia, including a three-pointer from Thomasson with 1:19 remaining to bring the score to 80-83, the Gators maintained their lead and secured the 88-82 victory.
Florida finished the game shooting 43% from the field and 38% from three-point range, while Georgia shot 50% overall and 32% from deep. Clayton Jr. led the Gators with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while freshman Thomas Haugh had a season-best performance with 17 points and seven rebounds. Pullin contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Richard and Condon both finished with 10 points each.
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