UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the No. 10 Florida Gators secured a dramatic 78-76 victory over the Florida State Seminoles on Tuesday night, fueled by standout performances from Thomas Haugh and Boogie Fland.
With just 15.8 seconds remaining, Fland’s crucial free throws pushed the Gators ahead 76-73, sealing a comeback that had fans on the edge of their seats at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville.
Haugh, a pivotal player in last season’s national championship run, posted impressive stats with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocked shots, while Fland added 18 points, five rebounds, and four steals. This victory marks a significant moment for the Gators (2-1) as they continue their strong home game performance with a record of 31-2 since the start of the 2023-24 season.
The Seminoles (2-1) fought hard, led by senior shooting guard Robert McCray V, who scored a game-high 29 points. Despite his late-game heroics, including 15 points in the final six minutes, McCray’s attempt to tie the game with a corner three-pointer fell short, leaving FSU unable to overcome the Gators’ late surge.
Florida struggled to find their rhythm early in the game, but Haugh and Fland’s pivotal plays turned the tide. Fland, hitting his first three-pointer of the season, narrowed the gap to 53-52. Haugh’s explosive dunk later tied the game at 55-55, igniting a fierce comeback.
The Gators took their first lead in the second half at 59-57 thanks to Haugh’s driving layup, followed by a series of defensive stops and fast breaks. A critical 11-0 run capped by Fland’s three-pointer propelled Florida to a 69-60 lead, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
As the game approached its conclusion, turnovers from the Gators created tension, bringing FSU back into contention. However, Alex Condon’s late free throws with just five seconds left effectively sealed the win, keeping Florida’s winning streak at home alive.
This thrilling matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit of college basketball but also showcases the rising talents of Haugh and Fland, creating buzz as they aim for another successful season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Gators prepare for their upcoming challenges in what promises to be an electrifying season ahead.
What’s next? The Gators will look to build on this momentum as they head into their next matchup, while the Seminoles aim to regroup and bounce back from this narrow defeat.
