Three takeaways from Florida’s big win over UNC at Jumpman Invitational

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 17: Alijah Martin #15 of the Florida Gators reacts in the second half of his game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Jumpman Invitational at Spectrum Center on December 17, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

Although there was some doubt throughout the second half, the Florida Gators came away with an 11th-straight victory Tuesday night against the North Carolina Tar Heels, 90-84, at the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte.

The Gators led by as much as 17 in the first half, but a 10-0 run after the break made it a completely new ball game. In the end, a pair of clutch offensive rebounds proved to be the difference as Florida pulled ahead in the final minutes. Thomas Haugh and Will Richard both sunk a pair of free throws to turn a two-point lead into a six-point win.

Richard led Florida with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting (3-of-5 from three), followed by a 19-point night from Alijah Martin and 12 from Walter Clayton Jr. North Carolina’s RJ Davis led all scorers with 29 points.

It’s the first close game for Florida through 11, and turnovers, three-point shooting and rebounds played a big role in the comeback for North Carolina. Still, a win’s a win. Let’s break down the most important moments from the victory.

Size matters

North Carolina is an undersized team, and it became apparent early that Florida could exert its will in the paint. Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon played with great energy in the opening minutes, setting the tone for the evening. Chinyelu grabbed three offensive boards and Condon finished the half with six overall.

The Gators actually lost the offensive rebound battle in the first half, 9-6, but some of those can be chalked up to the Tar Heels’ abysmal three-point percentage (13%). Overall Florida won the battle on the boards, 25-21, in the first half and 21-15 in the second. After the break, the big turnaround came on the offensive glass; Florida won that battle 10-4, including…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-takeaways-floridas-big-win-025536061.html

Author : Gators Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-18 02:55:00

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