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Florida hosted Jacksonville in its season opener and didn’t disappoint. The Gators (2-0) defeated the Dolphins (1-1) 81-60 behind a perfect night from UF sophomore center Alex Condon.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Florida’s defense held Jacksonville scoreless for five minutes midway through the first half. Jacksonville struggled to keep up with the Gators and relied on second-chance opportunities and rebounding. However, Florida contained the boards in the second half, which was how it was able to separate itself and preserve its 20-point lead.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Condon was lights out the entirety of the game but especially in the second half. The Perth, Australia, native scored 23 points on 7-for-7 shooting and was 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.
It was a quiet 23 points from Condon. He took just seven shots compared to the rest of Florida’s starters, who combined for 33 total shots.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Jacksonville’s second-chance opportunities kept it in the game throughout the first half. The Dolphins snagged 10 offensive rebounds and scored nine second-chance points.
However, it was Jacksonville’s defensive tenacity that hurt its chances of marking any comeback. JU reached seven fouls just over six minutes into the game, putting Florida in the bonus. The Gators hit nine of their 15 attempts at the free throw line in the first half and finished the game with 14 free throw makes.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: When Gators guard Alijah Martin was on the court, his team was successful. Martin finished the game with the highest +/- on the team and was plus-25. He logged 15 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Additionally, senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. recorded a Gators career high in assists with seven. He finished the game with nine points and seven assists. Clayton did struggle beyond the arc and hit just one of his five three-point attempts.
WHAT A PLAY: Walter Clayton Jr. continues to add to his highlight reel. Tuesday night, he might have recorded one of the best clips of his career.
Up 79-54 with 2:30 left in the game, Clayton drove down the court and dunked on Jacksonville defender Donovan Rivers. The crowd erupted. Gators center Micah Handlogten fell onto the court in shock. It was absurd.
UP NEXT: The Gators host Grambling State (1-0) Monday night at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
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