Florida outlasts Florida State behind Thomas Haugh’s 21-point double-double
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Thomas Haugh and the Florida Gators are 3-0 on the season after downing rival Florida State Tuesday night in Tallahassee, 81-72. The Gators have now beaten 3 straight teams from the Sunshine State to start their 2026-27 campaign.
Haugh was once again the star of the show. The SEC Preseason Player of the Year dropped his 2nd straight double-double, collecting a team-high 21 points with 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Haugh was efficient, hitting 4-of-8 shot attempts including 3 triples. Incredibly, Haugh is shooting 50% from beyond the 3-point arc to start this season after shooting 33% in 2025-26.
The Seminoles, led by 2nd-year head coach Luke Loucks, kept things interesting for much of the evening and trailed by just 2 at halftime. Florida started the 2nd half well, but the Seminoles stuck around and cut the deficit to 3 with under 7 minutes remaining. In the end, Florida’s rebounding decided this one — the Gators out-rebounded Florida State 41-29 by game’s end.
Colorado transfer Sebastian Rancik led the way for Florida State, finishing with a game-high 23 points and 5 rebounds. Former Mizzou guard Anthony Robinson had a nice evening as well, totaling 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting.
As for Florida, only guards Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar joined Haugh in finishing in double digits on Tuesday. Fland scored 14 points while Klavzer added 10 of his own, including 7 made free throws.
Next up, Florida is set to face off against Merrimack on Friday, Nov. 13.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
