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After nearly choking away a second-half double-digit home lead to finally pull it out in overtime against Georgia in January, this time around it was Florida that was the second-half team, outscoring UGA by 12 after the break, on the way to an 88-82 win.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Thomas Haugh grabbed the offensive rebound with 52.9 seconds left in the game and was sent to the line. He made one of two giving Florida a four-point lead. Georgia was unable to score in the next possession and was forced to foul Zyon Pullin. The guard made both free throws and gave Florida a nice cushion.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: The Gators could not find an answer early for Noah Thomasson who scored 10 points in the first four minutes of the game. He continued his dominance throughout the game and finished with 26 points, two rebounds and an assist. His team let him down at the end though, not giving him a good opportunity to bring Georgia back into the game.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Florida won this game thanks to second-chance points. The Gators grabbed 15 offensive rebounds leading to 16-points. Georgia only had seven offensive rebounds for just four points.
THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: Center vs Center.
Micah Handlogten struggled to contain Russel Tchewa this afternoon. The Cameroon native scored 10 points in the first half after averaging seven points a game this season. Handlogten didn’t score points until there was 9:34 left in the second half. Tchewa finished the game with 15 points, four boards, and an assist.
WHAT A PLAY: Great team play, and ball movement gave Alex Condon a chance to drive to the lane and put up a layup. After getting major contact, the Aussie scored the bucket and got the and-one opportunity. He went on to convert the free throw, giving Florida a 59-53 lead.
UP NEXT: The (18-7, 8-4) Gators are back on the road and travel to the Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday to take on in-conference opponent No. 15 (18-7, 10-2) Alabama. The Crimson Tide beat Texas A&M earlier today 100-75. In other news, Florida swept the series with Georgia.
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Give coach Golden credit for building this.