JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In an exciting season opener, Walter Clayton Jr. led the No. 21 Florida Gators with a remarkable 29 points, while Will Richard contributed 25 in a comeback victory against South Florida, winning 98-83 on Monday night.

The game took place amidst a backdrop of emotional challenges for the Bulls, who continue to grapple with the loss of their head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Despite this, the team displayed a spirited performance, constructing an early 13-point lead. They excelled from beyond the arc, making six of their first 15 three-point attempts, which helped them establish a 36-23 advantage early in the matchup.

On the other hand, Florida struggled with their long-range shooting initially, missing 11 of their first 12 three-point attempts until Richard sparked the team’s offense. His pivotal eight-point run within a minute brought the Gators closer, and following halftime, Florida made significant defensive adjustments that led to a strong display in the paint. A decisive 14-2 run allowed them to gain control of the game, with Clayton and Richard prominently involved during this critical stretch.

Jamille Reynolds was the standout for South Florida, finishing the contest with 17 points and six rebounds.

One highlight from the game was the moment of silence held in honor of Abdur-Rahim prior to tip-off, reflecting the profound impact he had on the team. The Bulls wore uniforms featuring his initials, while the Gators paid tribute by donning warmup jerseys that displayed his last name.

For Florida, both Clayton and Richard had considered entering the NBA draft before deciding to return to school, solidifying their roles as vital players under coach Todd Golden. The duo combined to make 20 of 32 field goal attempts, including four out of five three-pointers the team managed during the matchup.

A crucial moment occurred when Gators’ center Alex Condon was assessed his fourth foul with just 11 minutes remaining in the game. In his absence, Thomas Haugh and Sam Alexis stepped up with strong performances in the low post, helping sustain Florida’s momentum.

Statistically, Florida showcased their depth, with seven players grabbing at least four rebounds each; Richard, Haugh, and Alijah Martin all led the team with six boards apiece.

Looking ahead, South Florida will take on the College of Charleston on Friday, while Florida is set to host Jacksonville on Thursday.