GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In a notable game on Tuesday, No. 6 Florida triumphed over Vanderbilt with a score of 86-75, despite the absence of their top scorer, Walter Clayton Jr. who was sidelined due to a sprained left ankle sustained during a recent defeat to Tennessee.

Clayton remained on the bench throughout the match, and there was also a moment of concern for another guard, Alijah Martin, who hurt his left hip in the first half but returned to the game, although his impact was minimal. Meanwhile, Will Richard stepped up by scoring 21 points and was supported well by Alex Condon, who contributed 19 points along with nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

In a surprising yet effective display, Urban Klavzar, usually not heavily relied upon, made significant contributions, nailing two consecutive three-pointers with about eight minutes left, helping to extend Florida’s lead to nine points. Klavzar also provided an assist on the following possession, showcasing the team’s depth, which head coach Todd Golden is likely to highlight going forward.

For Vanderbilt, Jason Edwards was the standout performer, scoring 20 points, while Jaylen Carey added 15 points before exiting the game due to fouling out. The Commodores showed promising defense during the game, appearing capable of pulling off an upset; however, their failure to effectively guard the three-point line late in the game ultimately cost them the victory.

The game also featured a pivotal moment when Florida made 10 out of 11 shots over a nine-minute stretch in the second half, effectively sealing their win. Klavzar’s two three-pointers were significant, especially considering he had previously made only three out of 16 attempts from beyond the arc this season.

Looking ahead, Vanderbilt will face Texas on Saturday, while Florida gears up for a matchup against top-seeded Auburn later that same day.