Florida dominates second half in comeback win at Texas to extend streak
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida was in trouble much of the night in Austin, but the Gators came on strong late in the second half to beat Texas by double digits after trailing at the half. Texas led 39-36 at the break, but it was 84-71 in Florida’s favor at the final buzzer.
On an off night for Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Boogie Fland led the way for the No. 7 Gators. Condon was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field. Fland added 22 points, going 7-of-10 from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Haugh, who averages a team-high 33.7 minutes, played just 24 minutes with a plus-minus of -7. He missed some time after tweaking his ankle on a block, but returned later. He finished with just 5 points before fouling out of the game.
Texas began the game finding success in one-on-one matchups against a tough Gator D. The Longhorns shot 50% from the field, including 50% of their 3-point attempts, in the first half while only recording 1 assist.
Sean Miller’s team was able to hang with Florida much of the night. Down the stretch, though, Texas’s upset hopes fell apart in frustrating fashion. The Gators took over as Texas did not make a field goal over the final 7:27. It quickly went from a 64-61 Horns lead (7:27) to a double-digit UF advantage of 78-67 at the 3:28 mark.
Texas falls to 17-11 overall and 8-7 in SEC play. With March Madness looming, Texas will try to get back in the win column in a rivalry showdown at Texas A&M on Saturday.
Florida improves to 22-6 overall and 13-2 in conference contests. The Gators, who have now won 8 in a row, will have at least a 2-game lead in the SEC standings over Arkansas (20-7, 10-4) heading into Saturday’s showdown in Gainesville. John Calipari’s Razorbacks are currently in action against Texas A&M.
Does this Florida team have what it takes to go back-to-back? The Gators are currently a long shot at Kalshi, the prediction market taking action on predictions for this year’s NCAA Tournament champion.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
