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There is no such thing as over by halftime, or a safe lead when it comes to the Florida Gators. A 16 point lead at the half was soon extended to 20 points, but even that wasn’t enough as Florida once again faltered on offense, allowing LSU to eventually come back and tie the game. The Gators were able to regroup and secure a 82-80 win at home, their fifth home win in a row.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Walter Clayton Jr. scored a fast break layup with 20.9 seconds left in the game, giving Florida a three-point cushion. The Tigers went up the court and hit a layup to get to 81-80, but then Alex Condon hit a free throw to provide the cherry on top, and the final margin.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Walter Clayton Jr. had 10 points in just five minutes and 12 seconds into the game. He played fearless all night, put the team on his back and had a draft worthy performance. The junior ended with 21 points, three assists and a board.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: The Gators go on scoring droughts every second half. Last week, Florida did not score a single field goal in the last 9:40 of the game. Luckily, the Gators had a 30-point lead and made their free throws. Tonight, Florida led by as many as 20 points, but then went on a 1-for-12 streak from the field. It got scary at the end, but the Gators were able to finish on top yet again. This needs to change once tournament play begins.
THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: Florida’s guards versus LSU’s guards. The Tigers could not stop the Gators’ offensive production as Clayton Jr. ended with 21 points, Pullin with 14 points and Will Richard with nine points. LSU’s starting guards had a total of just 23 points.
WHAT A PLAY: Walter Clayton Jr. Take. A. Bow. On the change of possession, LSU had more numbers back. The guard faked a pass to Kugel in the corner opening space for him to drive to the basket. Clayton Jr. rose to the occasion and dunked on Tyrell Ward.
UP NEXT: The (17-7, 7-4) Gators are on the road and travel to the Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday to take on in-conference opponent (14-10, 4-7) Georgia. The Bulldogs lost earlier in the season to Florida in overtime. Georgia is currently on its bye.
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