Early 19-1 run powers Gators to blowout win over Florida State
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In Todd Golden’s first home game against Florida State on Friday, the Gators picked up where they left off in Tallahassee last year. Led by a season-best performance from junior point guard Walter Clayton Jr., Florida jumped all over its in-state rival from the tip and never trailed in the 89-68 win.
After going up 8-4 in the game’s first four minutes, UF went on a 19-1 run over the next five minutes to take a commanding 27-5 lead. The Gators maintained that margin the rest of the way, leading by as many as 30 points in the first half (31 in the second) and never letting FSU cut the deficit lower than 19.
Florida’s 19-1 run featured five 3-pointers, including two apiece from Clayton and sophomore guard Riley Kugel. Following the under-12 media timeout, Clayton and freshman forward Thomas Haugh hit back-to-back treys in a 30-second span to stretch the lead to 22 points and force FSU coach Leonard Hamilton to burn a timeout.
The Gators were up 52-22 at the half, shooting 64.3 percent in the first period, including 6-for-12 from downtown, and holding the Seminoles to 26.7 percent from the floor.
“I’ve been waiting for a half like this all year,” Golden said during his radio interview at halftime. “We just haven’t been able to bust the top off and that first half is a great example of what this team can be.”
Florida overcame a 17-point halftime deficit at Florida State last November and outscored the Seminoles 50-24 after the break for a 76-67 comeback victory. The Gators outscored FSU by a combined score of 102-46 in last year’s second half and the first 20 minutes of Friday’s matchup.
Clayton scored in double figures for the second straight game, leading the team with 19 points and five assists on 8-for-15 shooting, including 3-for-8 from downtown. Despite the season debut of graduate transfer Zyon Pullin, who was suspended for the first three games, Clayton got the start at point guard and had another strong showing after 18 points, five assists and two steals in the win over FAMU.
Pullin (15 points), graduate transfer forward Tyrease Samuel (15 points) and Kugel (10 points) also scored in double figures, while Haugh grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds and added 5 points. The Gators had several players in foul trouble on Friday night, particularly their bigs, with Samuel, Haugh, centers Michah Handlogten and Alex Condon all reaching four fouls and Clayton fouling out.
Sophomore forward Cam Corhen topped the Seminoles with 18 points and redshirt junior forward Jamir Watkins also scored in double figures (15 points).
The Gators (3-1) will be back in action on Wednesday against Pittsburgh in the NIT Season Tip-Off in Brooklyn. Tip is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.
