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Live Blog: Florida 80, Merrimack 45

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi2 hours agoZachAbolverdi
Rueben-Chinyelu-Florida-Gators
Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) shoots the ball against the Merrimack Warriors during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — No. 10 Florida used a 21-0 run in the first half to cruise to an 80-45 win over Merrimack. Four Gators finished in double figures, led by Alex Condon with 20 points and 10 rebounds and another double-double from Rueben Chinyelu (14 points and 21 rebounds).

Chinyelu’s 21 rebounds set a school record in the shot clock era. He became the first Gator since Andrew DeClercq in 1994 against Kentucky with 20 rebounds, and his 21 marked the most since Eugene McDowell in 1982.

In addition to Chinyelu, Olivier Rioux also made history on Friday. He made his first career point at the foul line and became the tallest basketball player to score in a game in NCAA history.

Thomas Haugh added 13 points and Boogie Fland scored 10, going 2-for-3 from 3-point range. Here are live updates from Florida vs. Merrimack.

Florida vs. Merrimack Live Blog

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 75, Merrimack 39 (4:47 2H)

The Gators are on a 9-0 run and have turned to their bench, while the Warriors haven’t scored in 3:50.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 66, Merrimack 39 (7:12 2H)

Backup players getting some run now for the Gators, who have not scored in 2:25 and missed six of their last seven shots.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 61, Merrimack 32 (11:24 2H)

The Gators have four in double figures, including Fland with 10 points after his second 3.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 51, Merrimack 24 (15:55 2H)

Rueben Chinyelu is the first Gator with three straight double-doubles since Tyrese Samuel.

HALF: Florida 44, Merrimack 17

Alex Condon leads the Gators with 12 points and Rueben Chinyelu has a team-high 12 rebounds. Urban Klavzar has a pair of 3-pointers and Thomas Haugh, who has 9 points, also scored from 3.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 35, Merrimack 12 (3:50 1H)

The Gators are winning the rebounding battle 24-9 so far, including nine second-chance points vs. zero for the Warriors.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 30, Merrimack 4 (7:54 1H)

UF is rolling with a 19-0 run and the Warriors haven’t scored in 6:07. Condon has back-to-back scores and leads the Gators with 10 points.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 20, Merrimack 4 (11:49 1H)

The Gators off to a fast start with a 9-0 run in the last 1:58, including a 3-pointer by Isaiah Brown.

SCORE UPDATE: Florida 7, Merrimack 0 (15:58 1H)

Strong start from Rueben Chinyelu, who has five points, five rebounds and a steal already.

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