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Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been Florida’s “it-factor” all season. There have been few instances where the senior guard has disappeared, and even when it’s not his night offensively, he’s still creating opportunities for his teammates.
Early on in the contest against the No. 12 Texas A&M Aggies, Clayton looked out of it. However, despite his shortcomings, No. 3 Florida (25-4, 12-4 SEC) thrived against the No. 12 Aggies (20-9, 9-7 SEC) and won 89-70 behind a career night from Florida senior guard Will Richard.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Florida found early success by capitalizing on opportunities beyond the arc. Ten of the Gators’ first 15 shots were beyond the three-point line, and at one point, UF was 5-7 from three.
However, the Gators found themselves in a cold spell midway through the first half. Florida missed eight straight three point attempts, and Texas A&M gradually climbed back to make it a 34-26 score.
Once Florida found its groove from beyond the arc again, it maintained control and closed out the first half comfortably. The Gators finished the first half with eight made threes and held a 45-34 lead.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Richard played effortlessly against the Georgia Bulldogs during the Gators’ midweek loss. Richard nearly one-upped his 30-point performance against Georgia with an outstanding night against the Aggies.
Richard finished with 25 points and was tremendously efficient. He missed just four of his 13 shots and drilled six threes on nine attempts.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Florida averaged the most transition points in the country (17.25) heading into Saturday’s matchup. Interestingly enough, the Gators recorded just eight fast break points the entire contest.
Many of Florida’s points occurred from a slower-paced offense that emphasized creating opportunities off of assists. The Gators logged 12 assists in the first half and finished the game with nine more.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Florida center Micah Handlogten is still getting back into the groove of things after returning less than a month ago from a gruesome leg injury last season.
Handlogten had arguably his best night of the season and was a force below the rim. The 7-footer tallied eight (four offensive) rebounds, snagged two steals and recorded two blocks.
WHAT A PLAY: Florida center Alex Condon recorded 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists against the Aggies Saturday night.
He had this vicious dunk in the second half where he blew by two Aggies defenders for the slam.
UP NEXT: The No. 3 Florida Gators (25-4, 12-4 SEC) hit the road and face the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide (23-6, 12-4 SEC) at the Coleman Coliseum Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
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