In a commanding performance, the University of Florida Gators secured a decisive victory over North Florida with a score of 104-64. This marked their first win of the season after a narrow loss to Arizona.
Key Performers in the Gators’ Victory
- Alex Condon: Scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
- Micah Handlogten: Contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds, achieving his second consecutive double-double.
- Thomas Haugh: Added 12 points along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Olivier Rioux’s Collegiate Debut
The night also marked the collegiate debut of Olivier Rioux, who is recognized as the tallest teenager in the world at 7-foot-9. Rioux entered the game with just over two minutes remaining, receiving a thunderous ovation from the crowd despite not touching the ball.
Game Highlights
Florida demonstrated their strength on both ends of the court, particularly in rebounding. They achieved a 64-24 advantage in this category and outscored the Ospreys 66-22 in the paint. The Gators also unveiled their national championship banner during the pregame ceremony.
North Florida’s Struggles
North Florida, under new coach Bobby Keenen, struggled in their season opener. Kamrin Oriol was the standout player, scoring 19 points, while the rest of the team managed only 11 field goals collectively. The Ospreys shot at a low percentage of 31.1% against the Gators’ dominant defense.
Upcoming Games
Following this triumph, Florida looks ahead to two crucial matchups. They will face rival Florida State on Tuesday, while North Florida prepares to play against No. 18 Tennessee on Wednesday.
Overall Performance Insights
While the Gators shined in many respects, they struggled with three-point shooting, finishing 6 of 32 from beyond the arc. This statistic continues to be a concern as they have made only 13 of their first 59 attempts in the season.
