No. 2 Florida (24-3, 11-3 SEC) fought back from an eight-point second-half deficit to defeat LSU (14-13, 3-11) 79-65 on Saturday night, extending their win streak to six games. The Gators were propelled by a career-best 19 points and 13 rebounds from Reuben Chinyelu, who was a force in the paint throughout the contest. Florida’s Thomas Haugh added 16 points, Alijah Martin chipped in 14, and Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 13 points in a well-rounded performance.
LSU was led by freshman standout Robert Miller III, who tallied a career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds. Miller was instrumental in keeping LSU competitive, especially during a stretch where the Tigers overcame a significant deficit to challenge the Gators into the second half. Curtis Givens III’s three-pointer sparked a 22-2 run late in the first half, allowing LSU to take a 37-31 lead heading into the break.
Florida had started strong, jumping to a 29-15 lead during the first 13 minutes, but LSU’s impressive late-half surge caught them off guard. The Tigers capitalized on Florida’s struggles to maintain their early advantage, ending the first half with a commanding run that saw them outscore the Gators 22-2 in the final six minutes.
The second half, however, was all Florida. After LSU briefly held an eight-point lead, the Gators answered with a 15-2 run, retaking the lead for good at 53-48. Chinyelu, who dominated inside, scored seven points during the stretch, including a crucial put-back while being fouled. The Gators showcased their depth, with multiple players stepping up in the absence of starting forward Alex Condon and backup Sam Alexis, who are still sidelined.
A key moment came late in the game when Walter Clayton Jr. made a crucial steal from LSU’s Mike Williams III. The turnover led to a transition three by Alijah Martin, giving Florida a 69-59 lead with 4:16 remaining, and effectively putting the game out of reach for the Tigers.
Takeaways
Florida: Despite shooting just 7 of 22 from three-point range, their first game in six contests without hitting double-digit threes, the Gators demonstrated their ability to adjust. Florida dominated in the paint, outscoring LSU 44-24 inside and grabbing 19 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 17 second-chance points.
LSU: The Tigers continue to show flashes of potential, competing in spurts against some of the SEC’s top teams. However, closing out games against elite opponents remains a challenge.
Key Stat: Florida outrebounded LSU 48-33, with a staggering 19 offensive rebounds, showcasing their dominance on the glass.
Up Next: Both teams will be back in action on Tuesday night. Florida will head to Georgia, while LSU will return home to face No. 6 Tennessee.
Florida’s comeback victory solidified their spot at the top of the SEC standings as they continue to gear up for a deep postseason run.
