The Florida Gators narrowly secured a thrilling victory against North Carolina, winning 90-84 at the Jumpman Invitational held in Charlotte, North Carolina. This game marked the first tightly contested match for Florida in the 2024-25 season, enabling them to maintain an impressive unbeaten record of 11-0.
Despite jumping to a commanding 17-point lead in the first half, Florida faced a significant challenge as they found themselves trailing 81-77 with just over four minutes left in the game. However, the Gators rallied back, ending the game with a 13-3 run. Senior guard Will Richard played a crucial role, scoring on a putback that put Florida ahead 86-84 with just under a minute remaining. Following a missed three-pointer from UNC’s RJ Davis, Florida managed to run down the clock before Thomas Haugh was fouled, successfully sinking two free throws to secure their lead at 88-84.
Richard concluded the game with 22 points, leading a total of four Gators in double figures. Alijah Martin contributed 19 points, while North Carolina’s Davis led his team with 29 points. The win also marked an important milestone for Florida, as it was their first victory against UNC since the Final Four matchup in April 2000.
The game showcased notable moments including Florida’s explosive start with a quick 10-0 run and a solid first-half performance, where they led 46-34 at halftime. However, the second half posed challenges, as Florida struggled to contain North Carolina’s initial momentum. With 17 turnovers during the game, Florida’s experience in managing the ball will be crucial as they move forward.
This hard-fought victory not only reflects Florida’s resilience but also builds momentum as they prepare for the rest of the season. Fans can look forward to their continued growth as a team, navigating both successes and setbacks, and potentially achieving great things this season.