Florida Bounces Back in a Big Way, Blows Out South Carolina 95-48
After a rough outing over the weekend, Florida needed a response. What they delivered Wednesday night in Columbia was more than just a bounce-back - it was a statement. The Gators led for all but 36 seconds and dismantled South Carolina 95-48 in a game that showcased the full depth and potential of Todd Golden’s squad.
From the opening tip, Florida looked locked in. The Gators held a single-digit lead through the first 10 minutes, then hit the gas and never looked back.
They ripped off a massive run to go up by 30 before halftime, fueled by transition buckets, crisp ball movement, and some unexpectedly hot shooting from deep. At the center of it all?
Thomas Haugh.
Haugh Leads the Charge
Haugh didn’t need a gaudy stat line to make his presence felt - though his 18 points did lead all scorers. He set the tone early with high-energy play on both ends, and by the time the second half rolled around, his work was largely done. With the game well in hand, Florida’s starters got some well-earned rest, but not before Haugh helped slam the door shut on any South Carolina hopes.
Behind him, Rueben Chinyelu continued his double-double machine routine, finishing with 14 points and 11 boards in just 22 minutes - his 12th double-double of the season. He was a force in the paint, controlling the glass and finishing strong around the rim.
Alex Condon and Boogie Fland each chipped in 10 points, but their impact went far beyond scoring. Condon flirted with a triple-double, tallying nine rebounds and eight assists.
Had he played more than 29 minutes, he might’ve pulled it off. Fland added six assists, four rebounds, and a game-high plus-minus of +38 - the kind of all-around performance that shows up in ways beyond the box score.
Xaivian Lee was the only Florida starter not to hit double digits in scoring, but he more than made up for it with his playmaking. Nine assists, four boards, and two steals - it was a complete effort from the Gators’ starting five.
First-Half Firestorm
If there were any lingering doubts after Florida’s loss to Auburn on Saturday, they were answered quickly. In that game, Florida turned in its worst half of the season - just 28 points in the first 20 minutes - and couldn’t recover. Auburn’s defense stifled the Gators, especially inside, raising questions about whether this frontcourt-heavy team could respond.
Wednesday night? Those questions got buried under a 48-point first-half avalanche.
Florida shot 57.1% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc in the opening half, while holding South Carolina to just 24.1% shooting overall. The Gators dominated the boards 26-11, racked up 11 second-chance points, and outscored the Gamecocks 17-3 on the fast break. They even swatted away seven shots to South Carolina’s one.
The Gators didn’t just win the first half - they owned it in every category. And they weren’t done.
Efficiency Over Volume
What made this blowout especially impressive was how Florida did it. The Gators didn’t rely on a barrage of threes - they picked their spots. In fact, they got more efficient in the second half, choosing quality over quantity from deep and leaning into their strength: paint dominance.
Fifty-two of Florida’s points came in the paint. They added 30 on the break and 18 off turnovers.
It was a masterclass in attacking downhill and letting the bigs go to work. Golden’s system has always encouraged shooting, knowing his frontcourt could clean up the misses.
But when the team’s getting this kind of production inside, there’s no need to chuck 30 threes a night.
This version of Florida - sharing the ball, attacking the rim, and defending with energy - is the one that looks like a real threat come March.
Bench Mob Delivers
In a game this lopsided, the bench gets their shine, and Florida’s reserves made the most of it. The Gators got 54 points from the bench, and it wasn’t just one guy going off - it was a team-wide effort.
Urban Klavzar continued to show off his range, hitting 3-of-6 from deep. Micah Handlogten added eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks - continuing to be a steady presence off the bench.
But what stood out was the production from the deeper rotation. Isaiah Brown added seven points, including a three.
Freshmen Alex Lloyd and CJ Ingram each hit quick triples after checking in, showing no hesitation. Even Victor Micic chipped in with a free throw.
These aren’t just garbage-time stats. These are confidence-building minutes for players who may be called upon in bigger moments down the stretch. Florida’s had injury issues in the past, and having a bench that’s ready - and capable - could be the difference in March.
A Win That Resonates
This wasn’t just a win - it was a reminder of what this Florida team can be when everything clicks. After a stumble against Auburn, the Gators didn’t just respond - they roared back with one of their most complete performances of the season.
The defense was locked in. The offense was unselfish and efficient.
The starters dominated, and the bench kept the pressure on. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just erase a bad game - it reestablishes a team’s identity.
If Florida can bottle this version of themselves - the one that shares the ball, dominates the paint, and gets contributions up and down the roster - they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.