Instant Analysis: Gators survive, advance

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• Golden, Clayton Jr., and Samuel post-game comments
• Florida – Georgia Box Score
• O&B Board: Florida – Georgia Game Thread

Phew. Florida edged past Georgia in the second half for a 85-80 victory in the second round of the SEC Tournament. The Gators continued where they left off in the Vanderbilt game, struggling mightily in the first half. However, UF tallied 51 points in the second half to avoid the upset.

Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.

IT WAS OVER WHEN: Will Richard collected an offensive rebound following Tyrese Samuel’s missed jump-shot. Richard made the easy lay-up to give the Gators a five-point lead with a minute remaining. From there, UF was able to take advantage of free-throw shooting to ice the game, winning 85-80.

THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Walter Clayton Jr. proved why he was a Second Team All-SEC selection. He scored 22 points, going 7-of-15 from the field and 3-of-7 from three. In a game, while the Gators struggled at the free-throw line, Clayton Jr. went 5-of-5.

THESE STATS DON’T LIE: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Tyrese Samuel went 1-of-8 from the free-throw line in the first half. In the second half he went 8-of-15. His improvement at the charity stripe proved crucial in the close match-up.

THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: Tyrese Samuel against Dylan James and Jalen DeLoach. Samuel was dominant on the glass, securing 15 rebounds. James and DeLoach combined for just six. Georgia fouled Samuel frequently, sending him to the line to attempt 23 free-throws on the night.

WHAT A PLAY: Tyrese Samuel started the game 1-of-8 from the free-throw line and 0-of-2 on the floor. But with the Gators down by five points with a minute remaining in the first half, Zyon Pullin lobbed the ball up to Samuel, who posterized Blue Cain with a powerful dunk for his first field goal in the game.

UP NEXT: The Gators (22-10, 12-7) advance to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals tomorrow where they have a rematch with No. 19 Alabama. The Gators split their two regular season games with the Tide, with the home team winning both matchups.

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