Overview of the Game

STARKVILLE, Miss. – In an impressive display, sophomore forward Thomas Haugh nearly achieved a triple-double while sophomore guard Denzel Aberdeen matched his career best with 20 points. The depleted, third-ranked Florida Gators showcased a relentless defensive effort coupled with sharp three-point shooting to surge past the 22nd-ranked Mississippi State team, clinching an 81-68 win in their Southeastern Conference encounter on Tuesday night at Humphrey Coliseum.

Haugh, who shone in Saturday’s stunning win against top-ranked Auburn, continued his outstanding form. He put up 16 points, secured nine rebounds, and dished out a personal-best eight assists over a career-high 37 minutes. His contributions were crucial, especially following the early-game injury to starting forward and reigning SEC Player of the Week Alex Condon, who suffered an ankle injury just 30 seconds into the game when he landed awkwardly while trying to catch a baseline pass. Condon was taken to the locker room by team trainers, leaving the Gators to face the challenge of competing without two key starters, including fifth-year guard Alijah Martin, who was unable to play due to a hip pointer. Together, they averaged a remarkable 26 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Condon was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain and did not return, but fortunately, the Gators seemed to have avoided a severe injury crisis.

Aberdeen, making his third consecutive start, equaled his 20-point performance from the SEC Tournament last season against Texas A&M. He sank three 3-pointers and secured four rebounds in a personal-best 36 minutes. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 19 points, also making four 3-pointers for the second game in a row. Additionally, senior guard Will Richard added 10 points with three 3s, while sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu stepped up with another 10 points and six rebounds as the Gators faced a depleted frontcourt.

The Gators, now on a three-game winning streak, shot 46% overall, improving to 55% in the second half. They also made 14 of 36 attempts from beyond the arc (38.9%), while notching 19 assists, contributing to a total of 61 assists over the past three games.

The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting at 36%. Mississippi State held a slight 34-33 lead at halftime. However, the Gators quickly took control in the second half, as Aberdeen and Richard sparked a 9-0 run with back-to-back 3-pointers, prompting a Bulldog timeout. Following the break, Clayton and Haugh each hit 3s, and Aberdeen capped off a fast break with a dunk, forcing another timeout for MSU. This Gators surge amounted to 17 points, and they established a 16-point lead at 50-34, which later expanded to as much as 24 points as Mississippi State struggled to keep pace.

Sophomore guard Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 19 points. Despite entering the game as the No. 19 offense in collegiate basketball efficiency, the Bulldogs could only manage 41.4% shooting from the field and a dismal 25.9% from the three-point range, committing 15 turnovers that resulted in 20 points for UF.

Significance of the Win

Securing consecutive road victories against ranked opponents, especially while missing Martin and with Condon’s recent injury, showcases the team’s remarkable mental resilience. This victory also marks Florida’s fifth Quadrant 1 win according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), solidifying their postseason potential, with additional opportunities expected in the regular season. Following the completion of SEC games on Wednesday night, Florida is poised to be at least tied for third place in the conference standings as they vie for optimal seeding in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Key Players to Watch

Let’s send quick-healing thoughts for “Condo,” and while we’re at it, let’s do the same for “A-Mart.”

Interesting Stat

The Gators have achieved back-to-back wins against ranked teams on the road for the first time since the start of the Associated Press ranking era, which began in the 1948-49 season. Winning against ranked opponents away from home has not happened since UF defeated No. 24 Virginia and No. 25 Wisconsin during the 2017 NCAA Tournament’s second and third rounds, respectively.

Next Up

Florida (21-3, 8-3) will now enjoy two consecutive home games after facing three of the last four on the road. They will host South Carolina (10-13, 0-10) on Saturday night, a team that comes into the matchup on a 10-game losing streak. The Gators previously edged out the Gamecocks in a thrilling 70-69 victory on the road last month, thanks to a last-second shot by Richard. Meanwhile, Mississippi State (17-7, 5-6) is set to face rival Ole Miss on Saturday.

Email senior writer Chris Harry at chrish@gators.ufl.edu