The Florida Gators men’s basketball team faced a significant challenge in their first close-game test of the 2024-25 season, emerging victorious against North Carolina with a score of 90-84 during the Jumpman Invitational held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ranked No. 7, the Gators improved their record to an impressive 11-0, but the victory was hard-fought. Despite leading by 17 points in the first half, Florida found themselves trailing 81-77 with just over four minutes left in the game. However, a determined 13-3 run in the final moments secured their win.
Senior guard Will Richard played a crucial role, scoring on a putback to give Florida a lead at 86-84 with just under a minute to go. After North Carolina’s RJ Davis missed a critical three-pointer, Florida worked the shot clock down before Alijah Martin’s attempt from beyond the arc missed. Fortunately, forward Thomas Haugh’s hustle on the rebound played a pivotal part, as he was fouled and made two free throws, putting the Gators ahead 88-84.
Richard was a standout performer, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 22 points, while Martin contributed 19 points. Davis led the Tar Heels with 29 points. With this win, Florida recorded their first victory over North Carolina since 2000, improving their all-time series record against the Tar Heels to 3-4.
This game marked Florida’s first single-digit win of the season, having won their previous ten games by an average margin of 21.1 points.
Key takeaways from this thrilling matchup include:
Florida’s Electric Start: The Gators charged out of the gate with a 10-0 run, showcasing their offensive prowess and silencing the UNC crowd. They demonstrated solid shooting early on, leading by as many as 17 points before halftime, where they held a 46-34 advantage.
Second Half Struggles: Unfortunately, the Gators faltered at the beginning of the second half, allowing North Carolina to make an 11-0 run that significantly narrowed their lead.
Turnover Troubles: Florida struggled with ball control, committing 17 turnovers that led to 24 points for the Tar Heels, highlighting an area that the team will need to improve going forward.
Overall, this hard-fought victory illustrates Florida’s resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. As they move through the season, continued focus on controlling turnovers and maintaining momentum in the second half will be essential for their success. With the Gators remaining undefeated, fans have plenty to be hopeful about as the team progresses in the season.