UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the No. 10 Florida Gators edged past Florida State with a dramatic 78-76 victory in Gainesville on November 14, 2023. The Gators showcased their resilience as Thomas Haugh and Boogie Fland delivered standout performances to secure the win at the O’Connell Center.
Haugh, a pivotal player from last season’s championship run, exploded for 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocked shots. Meanwhile, Fland, the Gators’ new point guard, contributed 18 points, including a pair of crucial free throws with just 15.8 seconds remaining that gave Florida a 76-73 lead.
The tension peaked as FSU’s senior shooting guard, Robert McCray V, attempted to tie the game with a last-second three-pointer but missed. McCray finished with a game-high 29 points, impressively scoring 15 points in a frantic final six minutes.
The Gators struggled to find their rhythm early in the game, trailing until Haugh and Fland took control. Fland finally hit his first three-pointer of the season after missing his first eight attempts, invigorating the crowd and cutting FSU’s lead to 53-52. A dunk by Haugh tied the game at 55-55, marking the seventh tie of the night.
Florida surged ahead with a 11-0 run, propelled by a layup from Fland and a dunk from Haugh. The Gators built a nine-point cushion at 69-60, but FSU’s determination kept the game tight, making it the closest contest since their last meeting in 2015.
As the clock wound down, Gators forward Alex Condon sealed the victory with two free throws, effectively icing the game. This win marks Florida’s ninth consecutive victory at home, further solidifying their dominance at the O’Connell Center.
The Gators improve to 2-1 this season, while FSU drops to 2-1 and reflects on missed opportunities as they were heavy underdogs in this matchup. Fans can expect both teams to learn from this intense rivalry as they prepare for their upcoming games.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Gators as they look to maintain momentum in their season.
