Denzel Aberdeen delivered a game-high 20 points, and Walter Clayton Jr. added 19 as No. 3 Florida powered past No. 22 Mississippi State, 81-68, on Wednesday night. Trailing by one at halftime, the Gators erupted on a 17-0 run to start the second half and never looked back, improving to 21-3 overall and 8-3 in the Southeastern Conference.
Thomas Haugh contributed 16 points for Florida, while Will Richard and Rueben Chinyelu each added 10. Despite being outrebounded 43-32, the Gators efficient shooting and defensive pressure turned the tide. Florida connected on 46% of their shots, including 14 of 36 from beyond the arc, while forcing 15 Mississippi State turnovers.
Mississippi State (17-7, 5-6 SEC) was led by Josh Hubbard’s 19 points, with KeShawn Murphy adding 18 points and 13 rebounds. However, the Bulldogs struggled from three-point range, hitting just 7 of 27 attempts.
The first half was a tightly contested battle featuring seven lead changes and five ties. Mississippi State held a slim lead at the break, but Florida’s explosive start to the second half proved decisive. Aberdeen and Clayton Jr. combined for five three-pointers during the Gators 17-0 surge, shifting the momentum firmly in Florida’s favor.
Senior guard Alijah Martin missed his second consecutive game with a hip injury despite expectations of his return, according to head coach Todd Golden. Additionally, forward Alex Condon, who averages 11 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, suffered a lower-leg injury early in the contest.
The Bulldogs dropped to 2-4 in SEC home games and suffered their second straight double-digit home loss, following a defeat against Missouri on Feb. 1.
Florida will return home to host South Carolina on Saturday, aiming to continue their winning momentum. Mississippi State will travel to face in-state rival Ole Miss, looking to bounce back from the loss.
