In a thrilling game on Saturday, the Florida Gators secured a significant upset against top-ranked Auburn with a 90-81 victory. Despite facing early challenges, Florida rallied for the win, thanks in large part to point guard Walter Clayton Jr.’s standout performance. Clayton scored 19 points and dished out a career-high nine assists, playing the entire 40 minutes of the game. The Gators, who improved to 20-3 overall, marked their first victory against a No. 1 ranked team in school history.
Auburn started strong but struggled to maintain momentum, with Florida taking the lead after a 12-2 run. The Gators led 48-38 at halftime and extended their lead to as much as 21 points in the second half. Key contributions came from players like Alex Condon, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Thomas Howe, who added 16 points and helped in key moments.
Auburn, led by Johnny Bloom’s 18 points and 11 rebounds, could not overcome Florida’s defensive efforts, which held them to 42.9% shooting. Despite their strong start, Auburn’s lack of preparation and intensity was evident, as Florida demonstrated a superior level of determination throughout the game.
This victory was notable for Florida, marking a historic moment as they became one of only six teams in Associated Press history to beat two No. 1 teams in the same season. Coach Todd Golden emphasized the mental strength of his team as crucial to their success, underscoring the significance of this win in the context of NCAA rankings and team morale.
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