The No. 8 Florida Gators continued their strong start to the season with a 71-63 win over Arkansas on Saturday, securing their second Southeastern Conference victory of the year. Florida (15-1, 2-1 SEC) showcased balanced scoring, led by Alijah Martin’s 14 points, while Alex Condon, Will Richard, and Walton Clayton Jr. contributed 12 points each.
The win follows a dominant 73-43 blowout of then-No. 1 Tennessee earlier in the week, cementing the Gators as a team to watch in the SEC. Against Arkansas (11-5, 0-3 SEC), Florida overcame the Razorbacks’ physicality and an impressive 17-point performance from Adou Thiero, nine of which came from the free-throw line.
Florida’s defense was the backbone of its success, limiting Arkansas to just 30% shooting from the field (18-for-60) and a meager 3-for-16 from beyond the arc. The Gators also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring Arkansas 19-6 in that category, and their bench provided a critical spark, adding 19 points compared to the Razorbacks’ seven.
Arkansas, now 0-3 in SEC play for the second consecutive season and the third time in four years, struggled to match preseason expectations under first-year head coach John Calipari. This marks the first time Calipari has started 0-3 in conference play since his debut coaching season at Massachusetts in 1988-89.
After Arkansas narrowed Florida’s lead to just five points with about six minutes remaining, Richard and Condon spearheaded a pivotal 7-0 run that gave the Gators breathing room. Despite Arkansas outscoring Florida 24-13 from the free-throw line, the Gators’ three-point shooting proved decisive as they outscored the Razorbacks by 15 points from beyond the arc.
The Gators are building a strong case for a rise in the rankings. A dominating win over Tennessee and a gritty road victory in Fayetteville demonstrate their ability to adapt and compete at the highest level.
The Razorbacks’ slow start to conference play is concerning, but the talent is there to rebound. With Calipari at the helm, adjustments will be critical to reversing their fortunes.
Florida will look to keep its momentum alive on the road against Missouri on Tuesday, while Arkansas hopes to secure its first SEC win when it travels to LSU the same night.
The Gators’ ability to control games on both ends of the floor positions them as a formidable contender in the SEC, while Arkansas faces mounting pressure to turn its season around.