The Florida Gators men's basketball team continued their impressive run with a seventh straight win, defeating Ole Miss 94-75 in Oxford. This victory was fueled by standout performances from Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, who scored 24 and 20 points respectively. Xaivian Lee also contributed significantly with an 11-point, 10-assist double-double, marking the first such achievement for a Gator since Tyree Appleby in 2022.
Urban Klavžar was a force off the bench, hitting four out of five from beyond the arc and extending his streak of games with a made three-pointer to 17. Boogie Fland added 11 points, sinking three crucial second-half threes, showcasing his knack for timely shooting.
Rebounding was another highlight, with Rueben Chinyelu tying a program record for offensive rebounds in a season. Haugh, meanwhile, is on the brink of a milestone, needing just one more point to reach 1,000 career points, and he continues to impress with his consistency from long range.
After the game, head coach Todd Golden praised his team's road performance and defensive efforts, noting their solid first-shot defense and rebounding. He acknowledged areas for improvement, especially in ball control, but was encouraged by the team's 26 assists on 32 made baskets.
Golden highlighted Condon's playmaking, emphasizing his ability to balance speed and precision, and praised the team's three-point shooting, which was instrumental in maintaining their lead despite turnover issues.
The coach also commended Boogie Fland's resilience and Urban Klavžar's impact off the bench, noting Klavžar's readiness and offensive explosiveness.
Golden attributed the team's road success to their focus and camaraderie, pointing out that the lack of distractions away from home helps the team stay concentrated.
Alex Condon echoed this sentiment, expressing that the road environment energizes the team. Urban Klavžar added that their shooting potential, especially from three-point range, significantly raises the team's ceiling, providing a vital edge in tight games.
Overall, the Gators' victory in Oxford was a testament to their depth, resilience, and ability to execute under pressure, setting a strong tone as they look ahead to their next challenge.