Don't look now, but the Florida Gators are making waves as they gear up for postseason play. Junior forward Alex Condon was the star of the show, leading the No.
12 Gators to a commanding 94-75 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. This win marks Florida's sixth consecutive road triumph in SEC play, the second-longest streak in the program's history.
With a record of 21-6 overall and 12-2 in conference play, the Gators have won seven straight games and 12 of their last 13. They're on track to secure an SEC regular-season title for the first time since 2014, as they aim to defend their league and national championship titles.
Let's dive into the action from Oxford, Mississippi, with some key takeaways.
Game-Changing Moments
The game took a decisive turn when junior guard Urban Klavžar sparked a 9-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer and an alley-oop to sophomore Isaiah Brown, pushing Florida to a 21-point lead with nine minutes left. Sophomore Boogie Fland then nailed back-to-back threes, extending the Gators' lead to a game-high 22 points.
Fland's first three-pointer early in the second half stopped Ole Miss from closing the gap on Florida's double-digit halftime lead. Following Fland's long-range success, Condon added five consecutive points, keeping the Gators comfortably ahead.
First Half Highlights
Condon and junior Thomas Haugh were unstoppable in the first half, combining for 27 of Florida's first 31 points. The Gators used a 14-2 run to establish a 10-point lead midway through the period, eventually taking an 11-point advantage into halftime. Fland and senior Xaivian Lee struggled early, combining for just one of seven from the field and contributing to four of Florida's nine turnovers.
Standout Performances
Condon delivered one of his most complete performances of the season with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, six assists, and four rebounds. He was perfect from the free-throw line and ended a long three-point drought. Haugh added 20 points and a game-high nine boards, showcasing his all-around game.
Fland and Lee each scored 11 points, hitting 6 of 8 shots in the second half. Lee also dished out a season-high 10 assists. Klavžar was on fire from beyond the arc, making 4 of 5 triples for 15 points.
Rebounding Record
Junior center Rueben Chinyelu didn't have his best game offensively, but he made history by tying the program's single-season offensive rebound record. With more games ahead, Chinyelu is poised to set a new standard in Florida's record books.
Odds & Ends
Florida improved its record against Ole Miss to 72-49, continuing their dominance under head coach Todd Golden. The Gators shot a season-best 50% from three-point range, a mark they've only hit once in the past two seasons. Their impressive stats include a 19-1 record when leading at halftime and a perfect 19-0 when outshooting opponents from the field.
What It Means
Florida's victory showcased their ability to win in various ways. Their shooting was lights out, with an exceptional 3-point performance reminiscent of their national championship team. Ball movement was key, with 26 assists on 32 baskets, highlighting their unselfish play.
However, turnovers were a concern, with 19 miscues allowing Ole Miss to stay somewhat competitive. Despite this, Florida's dominance on the boards, with a +15 rebounding margin, helped seal the win.
Looking Ahead
The Gators continue their road trip next week, facing Texas on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET, airing nationally on ESPN2. With two of their final three games at home, ESPN's College GameDay will be in Gainesville next Saturday for the matchup against Arkansas.