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The Florida Gators capped off their regular season Saturday in dominant fashion, securing a 90-71 victory against Ole Miss at a sold-out O’Connell Center.
Point guard Walter Clayton Jr. made his final home game a memorable one, putting on a performance with 23 points, five three-pointers, five rebounds and eight assists. He was joined by fellow seniors Alijah Martin and Will Richard in receiving a standing ovation as they left the Exactech Arena floor for the last time.
No. 4 Florida now enters the SEC Tournament with a 27-4 overall record and a 14-4 mark in conference play.
“Our guys did a really good job preparing, being coachable, allowing our coaches to scout well and hold them accountable all throughout the season,” Florida coach Todd Golden said. “I think our success is a direct result of the players in our program and the staff that we have here.”
Their strong finish positions them as a serious contender, not just for an SEC title, but also for a deep NCAA Tournament run. The veteran backcourt trio of Clayton, Martin and Richard is among the best in the nation, providing the Gators with experience and firepower heading into postseason play.
Key Players to Watch
Condon’s Defensive Presence
A major factor in Florida’s success has been the impact of forward Alex Condon, who anchors the Gators’ defense with a team-leading 8.0 rebounds per game and 1.4 blocks per contest. His ability to control the boards and protect the rim makes Florida a more complete team. Fresh off a 27-point, 10-rebound effort against Alabama, Condon followed with a 17-point, 15-rebound performance against Ole Miss, including clutch 3-pointers down the stretch. He was named SEC Player of the Week for a third time this season by the league and received All-SEC third-team honors by the coaches on Monday and All-SEC second-team honors by The Associated Press on Wednesday
While his free-throw shooting remains a work in progress, his ability to dominate on the glass and find open teammates after offensive rebounds makes him a key asset. His presence will be crucial if Florida hopes to make a deep tournament run.
Clayton’s Scoring Efficiency
As an All-American candidate and Bob Cousy Award finalist, Clayton Jr. has been the engine of Florida’s offense. Averaging 17.2 points per game, he has proven himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker. His season-high 33-point explosion against Kentucky showcased his ability to take over a game, but the key for him will be maintaining consistency while staying healthy. He was named All-SEC first team by the league coaches Monday.
Alongside Clayton, Martin (14.5 PPG) and Richard (13.3 PPG) form a lethal trio that will be vital for Florida’s tournament hopes. The Gators will need all three guards at full strength to navigate the SEC’s grueling postseason grind.
Haugh’s Sixth-Man Impact
Forward Thomas Haugh has embraced his role as one of the most effective sixth men in the country. Though his averages of 9.1 points and 6.0 rebounds may not stand out, his contributions go beyond the stat sheet. Haugh’s ability to facilitate ball movement, battle in the paint and provide defensive versatility makes him a key X-factor for the Gators. He posted a career-high 20 points against South Carolina and grabbed 11 rebounds versus Georgia, proving he can deliver big performances when called upon.
Breaking Down the SEC Tournament
With the regular season concluded, all eyes shift to the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. The Gators, holding the No. 2 seed, earned a double bye and will begin their tournament run Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
Florida will face either LSU, Mississippi State or Missouri in their opening matchup. Missouri previously upset the Gators this season after a blistering first-half shooting display, so Florida will be wary of a potential rematch. If the Gators advance, a semifinal clash against Alabama is the most likely scenario, barring an upset from Oklahoma, Georgia or Kentucky.
On the other side of the bracket, Auburn and Tennessee are the favorites to reach the championship game, though Texas A&M and Ole Miss remain dark horses. If Florida reaches the final, it will be tested by one of the conference’s top teams in the quest for an SEC title.
Championship Aspirations
With a deep, experienced roster and momentum on their side, the Gators are primed for a strong showing in the SEC Tournament. If they continue playing at the level they displayed in the final stretch of the regular season, the Gators will not only be a threat to win the conference title, but also a formidable contender in March Madness.
The journey starts Friday night in Nashville, and Florida fans have every reason to believe that this team can cut down the nets when it’s all said and done.
