In a commanding display of talent, Will Richard propelled the Florida Gators to a sweeping 99-45 victory over North Florida, marking their 12th consecutive win.
Will Richard delivered an exceptional performance, scoring a personal best of 26 points. Demonstrating remarkable accuracy, Richard converted 9 of his 12 attempts from the floor, which included hitting 6 of 8 from beyond the arc. His contribution wasn’t limited to points; he also added five rebounds, two steals, and two assists, enhancing Florida’s overall gameplay.
The Gators saw substantial contributions from other players as well. Sam Alexis was notable with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Alex Condon scored 12 points and secured 10 rebounds. Thomas Haugh added his own flair with 10 points and 10 rebounds. These performances underscore the team’s collective strength and versatility.
Florida, now 12-0, is experiencing their best start since the 2005-06 season, when they began with 17 straight wins. The game against North Florida was decided early on. Evidencing their dominance, Florida scored the first ten points and ended the first half with an unbroken 14-point run, leaving their opponents struggling to close the gap.
This defeat marks a challenging December for the North Florida Ospreys, who have now lost four of their last six games. Playing without their leading scorer Josh Harris due to an ankle injury has further hampered their efforts. Despite spirited efforts from Jasai Miles and Liam Murphy, who each scored 13 points, the team could not match Florida’s tempo.
Notably, Florida secured a significant number of offensive rebounds, equaling a program record with 26. This assertive display on the boards has been a crucial factor for the team, taking their season total to 188 offensive rebounds.
Looking ahead, Florida is set to face Stetson, whereas North Florida will play against Austin Peay, with hopes of regaining their form in the ASUN Conference.
This victory reaffirms Florida’s position as a formidable force this season. With consistent performances and strategic gameplay, they continue to maintain an unbeaten record. Meanwhile, the Ospreys must recalibrate and focus on the revival of their leading scorer to enhance their competitive edge.
Source: News4jax
