On Thanksgiving Day, the No. 18-ranked Florida Gators basketball team demonstrated their resilience with a commanding 75-58 victory over Wake Forest at the ESPN Events Invitational, held at the State Farm Field House. Despite a rocky start, the Gators (7-0) maintained their unbeaten record, thanks to tenacious defense and relentless effort.
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A Tough Start, Perseverance Pays Off
From the opening minutes, the Florida Gators faced difficulties against the physical playstyle of Wake Forest. Scoring only 11 points in the first 11 minutes, the Gators allowed Wake Forest opportunities to take control of the game. However, the determination and adaptability of Florida head coach Todd Golden helped keep the deficit manageable. “Credit to Wake Forest—I thought they controlled the game in the first 10 minutes. They were more physical, dictated the tempo, and we struggled to match their intensity,” Golden admitted.
Sensing the urgency, Golden encouraged his team to remain composed and find ways to adjust. “The message to the guys was to stay consistent,” Golden said. “We talked about how things might not go our way early on, but we couldn’t let that impact how we played. Once we settled into our rhythm, we responded very well.”
Turning the Tide and Picking Up Momentum
After a shaky start, Florida found their groove with a game-changing dunk by Will Richard, set up by a sharp assist from Dr. Phillips product Denzel Aberdeen. This energized the Gators, and they began capitalizing on opportunities. Richard continued his strong play with a three-pointer and an agile spin move to score, putting Florida ahead 23-22. The Gators closed the first half on a 6-0 run and never trailed again.
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Walter Clayton Jr., who led the team with 21 points and three steals, emphasized how crucial it was for the Gators to adapt to the physical nature of the game. “It was the first game this year where the refs let us play physically,” Clayton noted. “We adjusted to that and embraced it.”
Second-Half Domination: Securing the Victory
Florida maintained their intensity coming out of halftime, with Clayton opening the half by sinking back-to-back three-pointers. Energized by Alex Condon’s putback and Alijah Martin’s steal-and-dunk sequence, the Gators went on a 10-0 scoring run, extending their lead to 42-28 and extinguishing Wake Forest’s momentum.
“This was the first time this season we came out of halftime playing with that kind of energy,” Golden reflected. “This was also the closest game we’ve had going into halftime, and I think we handled it well. This might be our most complete performance of the season, especially considering how we started.”
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Keys to Victory: Defense and Offensive Rebounding
While neither team shot particularly well—Wake Forest managed just 3-of-20 from three-point range, and Florida hit 8-of-27—the Gators’ defensive effort and dominance on the boards proved decisive. Florida grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities and consistently pressuring Wake Forest.
The team’s balanced scoring was another highlight. Alijah Martin contributed 16 points, Will Richard added 14, and Alex Condon chipped in 12. Rueben Chinyelu played a key role with nine rebounds, helping Florida out-rebound Wake Forest 44-30. The Gators also forced 13 turnovers and converted several of them into transition points.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Florida advances to the tournament championship game on Friday, where they will face Wichita State. The Shockers narrowly defeated Minnesota 68-66 in overtime during their opening game of the event. Wichita State’s resilience and grit are expected to provide Florida with another tough challenge.
Under coach Todd Golden’s guidance, the Gators have shown they are not only a potent offensive team but also a formidable defensive force. Their current form suggests they are prepared for bigger challenges as the season progresses.
Conclusion
The matchup between Florida and Wake Forest showcased the Gators’ adaptability and mental toughness. Overcoming a challenging start to deliver a dominant win, the team demonstrated their growth and potential. With their fighting spirit and balanced play, the Florida Gators have cemented themselves as a team to watch this season.
The championship game against Wichita State on Friday promises to be an exciting clash. Can the Gators extend their unbeaten streak and capture the tournament title? All eyes will be on the court to find out.
