Florida basketball might not have delivered their cleanest performance, but the Gators showcased enough control in key areas to manage the game from start to finish, securing a 76-62 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks. This win extends their streak to six games.
The game was a bit of a rollercoaster with stretches of sloppy execution and physical play, but Todd Golden's squad excelled in the areas that often decide the outcome: rebounding, interior presence, and possession management. This allowed Florida to maintain command even when their offensive flow wasn't at its best.
The night held more than just a win, as Alex Condon reached a significant career milestone. Florida leaned heavily on their frontcourt strength to manage the game from start to finish.
Here are the three key takeaways from Florida's home victory against South Carolina:
Condon Reaches 1,000 Career Points
Alex Condon etched his name into Florida basketball history, surpassing 1,000 career points with a score inside the paint, becoming the 58th player in program history to achieve this milestone. It was fitting that this happened in a game where Florida relied on physical play, interior scoring, and second-chance opportunities. Condon's career has thrived on steady impact, possession after possession.
Milestones like this are built through reliability and durability. Condon now joins a select group of Gators whose production has stood the test of time. He finished the night with an impressive 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
Chinyelu Dominated the Interior
When stability was needed, Rueben Chinyelu delivered. The Gators' center recorded his 16th double-double of the season, tying him with Florida legend Al Horford for the most in a single season this century. Chinyelu's dominance on the glass and his ability to protect possessions gave Florida a physical presence that South Carolina struggled to match.
Chinyelu tallied 15 points and 17 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. On a night when rhythm was inconsistent, his interior control was unwavering and crucial to the Gators' success.
Florida's Size and Depth Wore South Carolina Down
As the game progressed, Florida's physical advantages became more apparent. The Gators dominated the rebounding margin, piled up second-chance points, and controlled the paint on both ends. South Carolina made the game a bit too close for comfort at times, but sustaining that level of physical resistance over 40 minutes proved impossible.
More rebounds, more paint touches, and more transition opportunities gradually widened the gap between the two teams. This wasn't the most explosive or prettiest performance from the Gators this season, but they got the job done and secured the victory.
Up Next for Florida
The Gators will hit the road for a matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Mississippi. The game is set for Saturday, Feb. 21, with a noon ET tipoff, and will be televised on ESPN.