The No. 6 Florida Gators delivered a statement win on Saturday, rallying from an early 10-point deficit to defeat No. 1 Auburn 90-81. The victory snapped the Tigers 14-game winning streak and marked Florida’s second triumph over a top-ranked opponent this season.
Walter Clayton Jr. led the way for Florida (20-3, 7-3 SEC) with 19 points, while Alex Condon added 17 in a balanced offensive attack. After trailing early, the Gators caught fire late in the first half, closing on a 23-7 run to take a 10-point lead into the break.
Florida’s perimeter shooting was a key factor in the win, as the Gators drained 13 of 33 attempts from three-point range. Meanwhile, Auburn (21-2, 9-1 SEC) struggled from deep, converting just 7 of 22 attempts (32%).
Auburn’s leading scorer, Johni Broome, recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Miles Kelly paced the Tigers with a game-high 22 points. Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford chipped in 14, and Chaney Johnson added 13, but Auburn’s defense could not slow Florida’s potent attack.
The loss snapped the Tigers nine-game SEC winning streak and marked their first home defeat of the season. Auburn appeared in control early, taking a 10-point lead, but Florida responded emphatically. Down 34-28 with 5:58 left in the first half, the Gators exploded for a 14-2 run, seizing momentum and never looking back. By halftime, they had built a 10-point cushion, which proved decisive in the second half.
Florida’s victory is a signature road win for head coach Todd Golden, whose Gators have now knocked off a No. 1 team twice this season. Florida also dominated then-No. 1 Tennessee in a 73-43 blowout on Jan. 7.
The Tigers had been stellar defensively at home but struggled to contain Florida’s balanced attack. Despite strong performances from Broome and Kelly, Auburn’s cold shooting from beyond the arc proved costly.
The Gators 13 three-pointers were a significant factor in their success. They had averaged just 7.7 made threes over their previous three games before erupting from deep against the Tigers.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday: Florida travels to No. 22 Mississippi State, looking to build on its momentum. Auburn will aim to bounce back at Vanderbilt.
With this win, Florida further cements itself as a national contender, while Auburn will have to regroup after suffering its first loss in conference play.
