Florida Bounces Back With Convincing Win Over Arkansas, 90-68

The Florida Gators secured a convincing Southeastern Conference victory on Saturday as they bested the visiting Arkansas Razorbacks in Gainesville, 90-68. Performing on the heels of an ugly 18-point loss to the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford (Miss.) Wednesday, the Gators showed little fatigue from the disheartening show. They started the contest hot against the Razorbacks, whose sluggishness continued, and never looked back. Despite falling down 7-5 in the first few minutes of action, Florida flipped the switch at the 17:12 mark, reeling off an impressive 22-2 run over the ensuing 6:41. The onslaught of points and defensive fortitude resulted in a 19-point lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the first half. Arkansas cut the UF lead late in the first half to as little as nine, but the Gators weathered the storm. They entered the halftime break leading by 13, 46-33. When the second half commenced, Florida maintained the elite form. The lead reached as much as 23, allowing the Gators to cruise to the much-needed blowout win.

Riley Kugel and Alex Condon’s efforts off the bench provided the Gators a notable spark, aiding the unit’s success on both ends of the floor throughout the evening. The star sophomore found a sustainable rhythm following a contest where he saw just four minutes of action — with a prominent rim-attacking offensive presence in halfcourt sets and transition. His high-level scoring skillset returned to full form as he played comfortably and intentionally, knocking down two triples on the day. He finished with a team-high 20 points, five rebounds, one block and two steals. Condon, meanwhile, anchored the team’s defensive showing and 48-31 victory on the boards. He posted 10 rebounds and three blocks, including six and three in the first 20 minutes, to catalyze the needed uptick in physicality from the Florida frontcourt.

As a result, they led Florida in plus/minus heading into the halftime break, sitting at +16 and +19, respectively. Guard Zyon Pullin passed Kugel by in the category in the second half, but the duo remained as No. 1 and 3 in the squad’s 22-point win. Five Gators finished with double-digit points — Kugel, Pullin, Will Richard, Walter Clayton Jr., and Tyrese Samuel. Samuel posted his seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 boards. Following the bounce-back win to get in the win column in SEC play, the Gators will hit the road to Knoxville for a Tuesday night showdown with the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers in their next outing.