Florida’s basketball team faced its first major challenge of the 2024-25 season but emerged victorious, defeating North Carolina 90-84 at the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, North Carolina. With this victory, the No. 7 Florida Gators improved their record to 11-0, although the win was hard-fought.
The game showcased Florida’s resilience, as they experienced a considerable swing in momentum. They initially built a strong 17-point lead in the first half but found themselves trailing 81-77 with just four minutes left on the clock. However, Florida responded with a crucial 13-3 run to seal the victory. Senior guard Will Richard played a vital role, scoring on a putback with just over 50 seconds remaining, which allowed Florida to take the lead at 86-84.
In the closing moments, after UNC guard RJ Davis missed a three-pointer, Florida managed to run down the clock. Though Alijah Martin missed another three, forward Thomas Haugh secured a rebound and was fouled. Haugh confidently converted both free throws, extending Florida’s lead to 88-84 and securing the win.
Richard led the Gators with 22 points, while Martin contributed 19 points. On the other side, Davis had a standout game for UNC, scoring 29 points. With this win, Florida not only maintained their perfect season record but also broke a streak of losses to North Carolina, securing their first victory against the Tar Heels since 2000.
Key takeaways from the game reveal Florida’s initial strong performance, which was met by a sluggish start to the second half, allowing UNC to claw back into contention. Additionally, the Gators must address their turnover issues, which culminated in 17 turnovers during the game, granting UNC 24 points off those mistakes.
Overall, this victory symbolizes a significant stepping stone for Florida, revealing their capacity to withstand pressure and perform under challenging circumstances. It sets a positive tone for the season ahead as they look to build on this success and address areas for improvement in future games.