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Florida’s perfect start to the season looked to be at risk midway through the first half against Wake Forest. After scoring just 11 points through the first 10 minutes and having its worst offensive start of the season, the Demon Deacons held a seven point lead and looked to be in control while the Gators struggled to make a single shot.
However, Florida (7-0) closed out the first half on a 21-8 to regain the lead and maintained a steady lead through the second half to defeat Wake Forest (6-2) 75-58 Thursday at the ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: The Gators began the second half on a 10-0 run led by two three-pointers from senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. Clayton struggled in the first half and made just two of seven shot attempts.
However, as Clayton has done all throughout his career, he continued to shoot. He converted 4-of-13 three-point attempts, marking the second consecutive game a Florida player has scored four or more threes.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Gators senior guard Alijah Martin was phenomenal in the second half. Coming off a 32-point performance Friday, Martin tallied 12 in the second half.
Florida head coach Todd Golden has found several gems in the transfer portal, but with the way Martin is playing through the first seven games of the season, he could finish as the most valuable. Martin is a terror on defense, can turn it on whenever offensively, and when he’s hot, he’s nearly impossible to stop.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: The Gators’ offense is one of the best in the entire country. Florida is averaging 86 points per game through the first seven contests, which puts them at No. 34 in the nation.
What’s most unique about the Gators’ offense is their ability to distribute the ball and look toward different scorers. Through seven games, Florida has had five different players lead scoring. On Thursday, Clayton led UF scorers for the third time this season with 21 points on four three pointers and five free throw makes.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: UF senior guard Will Richard snapped Florida’s drought and singlehandedly brought the Gators back after they scored just nine points midway through the first half. Florida began 3-of-14 from the field and made just one three-pointer in their first seven attempts.
However, Richard tallied 10 points and provided plenty of defensive effort, leading to a 21-8 run to end the first half.
WHAT A PLAY: During Florida’s run at the end of the first half, Richard approached the rim with tenacity.
The senior dunked over a closing Wake Forest defender and converted the slam. Richard has been a highlight reel all season.
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UP NEXT: The Florida Gators (7-0) advance to the championship round of the ESPN Events Invitational to play Wichita State (6-0) Friday. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
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