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The Orange and Blue faithful waited for hours outside of Exactech Arena to see Florida play its final home game of the season. The O’Connell Center was full of energy in the stands and on the court and the Gators didn’t disappoint, blowing out No. 16 Alabama 105-87.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Both teams entered the locker room with Florida holding a nine-point lead. Immediately, the Gators extended the margin to double digits after the break and dominated the Crimson Tide from there. Florida finished with an 18-point victory.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Walter Clayton Jr. is something else. He was an elite scorer, a smooth passer, and a tight defender all game long. Clayton Jr. finished with 22 points, three assists and two rebounds.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: The Crimson Tide shot 37.5% from three-point land this season. Tonight, they were 1-10 from beyond the arc in the first half, and 5-23 for the game. Florida was able to take full advantage in the second half and extended its lead to 23 at one point.
THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: Florida’s forwards outperformed Alabama’s. Tyrese Samuel and Alex Condon combined for 29 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, while Grant Nelson and Jarin Stevenson had just 15 points,, nine rebounds and one assist. The Gators’ senior-freshman duo were x-factors all game while the Crimson Tide’s Nelson had a good game, but Stevenson was nowhere to be found.
WHAT A PLAY: After a bad shot by Alabama, the Gators scrambled for the rebound. Thomas Haugh slapped it up the court right to Will Richard who slammed it home on the fast break. Nate Oats had no choice but to call timeout as the crowd erupted. Florida went up by six.
UP NEXT: The Gators (21-9, 11-6) take to the road on Saturday to take on conference opponent Vanderbilt (8-21, 3-13) for their regular-season finale. The Commodores play tomorrow against No. 15 Kentucky. Alabama split the series with Florida.
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