In Gainesville, Fla., the Florida Gators delivered an impressive performance during their final regular-season game, capturing a commanding 90-71 victory against Mississippi. The game was highlighted by Walter Clayton Jr.’s standout performance, scoring 23 points on a notable senior night, while Alex Condon achieved his second consecutive double-double. This win marked Florida’s ninth in their last ten matches, solidifying their standing for a potential top NCAA Tournament seed. Boasting a record of 27-4, including 14-4 in the Southeastern Conference, Florida had already secured the second seed position for the upcoming league tournament.
Under the guidance of Coach Todd Golden, the Gators turned a closely contested game into a decisive triumph with a powerful 14-0 run early in the second half, transforming a narrow lead into a substantial advantage. Clayton, Condon, and Alijah Martin, a fellow senior who contributed 13 points, played pivotal roles in this momentum shift.
Condon concluded the game with 17 points and 15 rebounds, reinforcing his strong presence on the court. Before the game concluded, seniors Clayton, Martin, and Will Richard were acknowledged for their contributions to the team. Sean Pedulla from the Mississippi side was notable as he led the Rebels with 22 points.
Reflecting on the efforts of Mississippi, it is worth noting that Coach Chris Beard attempted strategic disruptions by integrating varied tactics within the game, such as zone and press defenses. This approach briefly managed to impact Florida’s offense.
Meanwhile, the Gators exhibited supremacy on their home court, finishing with a stellar 15-1 record at home for the season and further underlining an overall record of 29-2 over the past two years at the O’Connell Center. This has solidified the venue as a formidable home advantage in the Southeastern Conference.
A memorable moment came during the pregame recognition of Will Richard. As the final introduction of the senior day, Richard, a transfer from Belmont and the first player signed by Coach Golden back in 2022, received a particularly warm reception from the home crowd.
Additionally, Walter Clayton Jr. set a new standard, extending his record streak of consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer to 53, hitting significant shots from beyond the arc in both halves of the game.
Looking ahead, Mississippi is positioned as the No. 8 seed for the SEC Tournament, awaiting the winner of the South Carolina vs. Arkansas play-off on Thursday. Florida, with their strong finish, enjoys a double bye and is set to play on Friday.
