The University of Florida made a statement on Sunday, rolling past No. 23 Alabama 100-77 in a one-sided SEC showdown that highlighted the Gators’ depth, dominance in the paint, and defensive prowess.
Alex Condon led the charge with 25 points, while Thomas Haugh added 22. Reuben Chinyelu contributed a double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds, helping Florida’s frontcourt outscore Alabama 72-26 in the paint. The Gators (16-6, 7-2 SEC) also got a career night from Boogie Fland, who tallied 15 points, eight assists, and a program-record-tying eight steals against Alabama’s leading scorer, Labaron Philon, holding him to 14 points.
The victory marked Florida’s fifth straight win over the Crimson Tide and came just over a week after Gators coach Todd Golden boldly said, “we’re gonna beat ’em anyways,” referencing the legal saga surrounding Alabama center Charles Bediako. Bediako, making his third appearance for Alabama and first on the road after leaving school for the NBA draft, was met with chants from the Florida student section of “G League dropout.” The 7-footer finished with six points and seven rebounds before fouling out with 2:10 left.
Florida’s depth was on full display, as even 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, saw the floor for the final minute and scored the Gators’ last basket. Condon, Haugh, and Chinyelu combined for 61 points, 29 rebounds, and five blocks, cementing Florida’s dominance inside.
The Gators turned a competitive first half into a blowout with a late 13-2 run to lead by 10 at the break and an immediate 12-point spurt to start the second half. Alabama (14-7, 4-4 SEC) struggled with ball control, committing 18 turnovers compared to Florida’s two. Aden Holloway led the Tide with 19 points.
Florida next game will be traveling to Texas A&M next Saturday. Alabama hosts the Aggies on Wednesday night, hoping to rebound from their toughest SEC loss of the season.
