Florida Basketball wrapped up its regular season with an impressive 27-4 record after securing a dominant victory over Ole Miss in the regular-season finale. It wasn’t just any game for the Gators—it was Senior Night at Exactech Arena, and head coach Todd Golden’s squad made sure to send their seniors out on a high note.
Despite the distractions often associated with Senior Night, where emotions can sometimes overwhelm players, the Gators stayed composed. After a tight first half, Florida came out in the second half like a team on a mission. The Gators quickly turned a 38-31 halftime lead into a commanding 17-point advantage within just a few minutes of play. The Rebels, who were fighting to stay in the game, simply couldn’t match Florida’s intensity after the break.
Walter Clayton led the charge for Florida, putting up 23 points and hitting five three-pointers, showcasing his sharpshooting ability. Alex Condon added 17 points, while Alijah Martin and Will Richard also contributed double-digit efforts in their final home game. The Gators’ depth was on full display, with nine players getting at least ten minutes of playing time, a testament to Florida’s balanced and versatile roster.
With the win, Florida further solidified their position as one of the nation’s top teams and a near-lock for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi even pointed out that a victory over Ole Miss would almost guarantee the Gators a spot atop the bracket on Selection Sunday. As it stands, Florida heads into the SEC Tournament as the No. 2 seed, with a top NCAA Tournament seed still within reach.
Golden’s team continues to prove that their key to success is their depth and balanced scoring attack. While other teams may rely on standout players, the Gators have a collective effort that makes them a nightmare for opponents. With a few more games to go before March Madness begins, Florida is looking like a team that could make a deep run in the tournament.
As for Ole Miss, they were outclassed in the second half, and it was clear that the Gators’ experience and depth would not be matched. With a 27-4 record and a high seed in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments, Florida is ready for the next chapter of their championship chase.
What’s next for Florida?
The Gators will enter the SEC Tournament with high expectations, but they will need to continue their dominance to ensure that their March Madness run is as successful as their regular season.
