No. 10 Gators Rally to Defeat FSU 78-76 in Thrilling Finish

URGENT UPDATE: The No. 10 Florida Gators achieved a dramatic comeback victory over Florida State Seminoles with a score of 78-76 in a nail-biting game at the O’Connell Center on Tuesday night. Key performances from forward Thomas Haugh and point guard Boogie Fland pushed the Gators to victory, enhancing their season record to 2-1.

In a thrilling finish, Haugh dominated with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocked shots. Fland, who is making waves as the top transfer in the Gators’ revamped backcourt, added 18 points and played a crucial role in the final moments, hitting two free throws with 15.8 seconds remaining to give Florida a 76-73 lead.

Florida State’s senior shooting guard Robert McCray V attempted to rally the Seminoles, scoring 29 points—including 15 points in the final 6:11—but his last-second three-pointer fell short, sealing the Gators’ victory. The Seminoles, coming into the game as 17.5-point underdogs, now sit at 2-1 for the season.

The Gators struggled early, unable to establish a lead until Haugh and Fland ignited a comeback that captivated fans. Fland finally hit his first three-pointer of the season after several attempts, narrowing FSU’s lead to 53-52. Haugh then took charge with a driving layup, marking Florida’s first lead since the first half.

As the game unfolded, Haugh’s defensive prowess shone through, blocking a crucial shot and facilitating a fast break that culminated in a Fland layup to extend Florida’s lead to 64-59. The Gators built a nine-point cushion, but McCray’s relentless scoring kept the Seminoles within striking distance.

Ultimately, Florida’s grit paid off, securing their ninth consecutive win at the O’Connell Center, where they are currently 31-2 since the start of the 2023-24 season. The emotional energy in the arena was palpable as fans celebrated their team’s resilience against a fierce rival.

As the Gators look ahead, they will aim to build on this momentum and refine their strategy for upcoming games. The thrilling finish against FSU has set the stage for an exciting season, and fans are eager to see how Florida will respond in their next matchup.