Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Start the Season 3-0

The No. 1 Florida Gators continued their strong start to the college basketball season Tuesday night, defeating in state rival Florida State 81-72 behind a dominant performance from senior forward Thomas Haugh. Haugh finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, recording his second double double of the season as Florida improved to 3-0.

He connected on three of six attempts from beyond the three-point line and went 10 of 12 from the free throw line to help the Gators hold off a second-half challenge from the Seminoles. Florida State, which dropped to 2-1, received a game-high 23 points from Sebastian Rancik and 19 points from Anthony Robinson but couldn’t overcome Florida’s rebounding advantage and defensive pressure on the perimeter. The victory marked Florida’s sixth consecutive win over Florida State in the rivalry series.

Haugh Leads Florida’s Balanced Effort

Haugh was the difference maker for the Gators, delivering an efficient performance while providing a strong presence on the boards. His ability to get to the free throw line proved particularly important as Florida maintained its advantage throughout the second half. Alex Condon also contributed eight points and 10 rebounds, helping Florida dominate the glass.

The Gators finished with a 41-29 rebounding advantage, creating additional opportunities while limiting Florida State’s chances on the offensive end. Florida shot 41.2% (21 of 51) from the field and struggled at times offensively, but its ability to control the boards and convert at the free-throw line helped secure the victory. The Gators made 30 of 41 free throws (73.2%).

Florida State Makes Second Half Push

Rancik kept the Seminoles competitive, scoring 17 of his 23 points after halftime. He finished 8 of 17 from the field but struggled from three-point range, making just one of seven attempts. Robinson added 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting and made two three pointers during the final minutes as Florida State attempted to rally and close the gap.

However, Florida’s perimeter defense made it difficult for the Seminoles to find consistent offensive production from long distance. Florida State finished just 4 of 21 (19%) from three-point range, a major difference in the outcome. The Seminoles shot 43.5% (27 of 62) overall and 77.8% (14 of 18) from the free-throw line, but their inability to knock down outside shots proved costly.

Gators Carry Halftime Lead Into Second Half

Florida established control early, using its defensive intensity and rebounding advantage to build a narrow 31-29 halftime lead. Haugh had seven points and six rebounds in the opening 20 minutes, while the Gators struggled to find their shooting rhythm from the perimeter, making just 6 of 19 three-point attempts.

Florida State had even more difficulty from long range, going 0 for 9 from beyond the arc in the first half. Despite the Seminoles staying within two points at the break, Florida’s defensive approach continued to limit their opportunities after halftime. The Gators ultimately did enough offensively, particularly at the free-throw line, to withstand Florida State’s late push and preserve the nine-point victory.

Up Coming Basketball Games for Florida and Florida State

Florida will look to continue its unbeaten start when the Gators return home Friday to host Merrimack. The defending national contenders will look to build on their early-season momentum as they continue preparing for the challenges ahead.

Florida State will also return home Friday, welcoming Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as the Seminoles look to bounce back from their first loss of the season. Florida improved to 3-0 and extended its winning streak against its in-state rival to six games, while Florida State will attempt to regroup and get back on track.