GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The 2025-26 college basketball season is already looking different for the Florida Gators compared to the trophy-winning team from last year. However, don’t underestimate their spirit—especially when they play at home in the O’Dome.
In a recent game against 18th-ranked Georgia, junior Thomas Haugh shined bright with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and impressive defensive stats including four blocks and three steals. The Gators turned their recent struggles into a 92-77 victory after previously falling out of the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
“It felt great to finally use our home court advantage against a strong team,” said Coach Todd Golden. His team had faced tough losses against teams like Arizona and Duke but showed resilience by rallying together.
The Bulldogs came in hot, boasting a seven-game winning streak and leading the nation in points per game at 99.4. Yet, they struggled to keep up with the Gators, who outscored them in transition, 35-10. “We wanted to keep pushing the pace and it worked in our favor,” Haugh commented.
Alongside Haugh, junior Alex Condon also contributed 21 points. Backup guard Urban Klavzar added 11 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc. The Gators found success in rebounding, dominating Georgia 56-35, including a remarkable 22 offensive rebounds.
This win was crucial for the team’s rhythm and confidence. “We needed this to find our groove,” Condon said.
Florida’s defense proved effective, limiting Georgia to just 41.4% shooting. Bulldogs’ star Jeremiah Wilkinson, who previously scored 31 points in another game, struggled significantly, finishing with only two points due to a sore ankle.
Interestingly, Georgia’s 6-foot-11 center Somto Cyril was ejected early in the game for an altercation. His exit impacted Georgia’s dynamics, as the teams finished the first half neck and neck. Even with the team’s struggles, Coach Mike White noted Florida’s tenacious rebounding kept the pressure on.
The second half saw Florida clean up their game, minimizing turnovers and taking control on the boards. The Gators opened a 10-point lead, highlighted by a 17-2 run that showcased their defensive prowess and solid teamwork.
Afterward, Coach Golden expressed pride in the team’s response to adversity. “Beating a top team like Georgia is a significant win for us,” he said.
In the context of NCAA trends, many teams this season are seeing shifts in performance with young players stepping up. Data suggests that home-court advantage continues to play a vital role, with teams like Florida using familiar settings to regain confidence and momentum.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Gators continue to harness this blend of determination and skill. For now, the win against Georgia marks a turning point in their journey.
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