GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The third-ranked Florida basketball team is optimistic that guard Alijah Martin will be back on the court for their game against Mississippi State on Tuesday evening.

Martin was sidelined during the team’s surprising loss to the top-ranked Auburn on Saturday due to a hip pointer injury. However, Coach Todd Golden provided an encouraging update on Monday, noting that Martin was “moving around really well” during practice and appears ready to return to the starting lineup for the matchup against the 22nd-ranked Bulldogs.

“I expect him to be on the court,” Golden stated. “I think he’ll play, but it’s a tricky little injury, and even minor setbacks can cause discomfort. Overall, he looked really good on Sunday.”

Martin has been a crucial player for Florida, ranking second on the team in scoring with an average of 15.3 points per game. In addition to his scoring ability, he contributes significantly by averaging 4.9 rebounds and is also second on the squad with 58 assists this season.