No. 6 Florida vs no. 1 auburn
The Florida Gator Traveled to Auburn to face the number one ranked Tigers at Neville arena on Saturday.
Florida came into the matchup with a 19-3 record, but dropped their last game to Tennessee with a score of 64-44. The loss dropped them to fourth in the SEC standings with a 6-3 record.
Auburn came in riding a 14 game winning streak, and a 21-1 overall record. Their last loss came on December fourth against Duke.
The game started off slow with both teams missing playing lockdown defense, and forcing turnovers. Auburn however found their stroke as the half went on, allowing them to take a 20-11 lead with twelve minutes to go in the half.
After early struggles, Florida found their shooting touch. The Gators went on a 20-7 run in the last five minutes of the half to go into the locker rooms as 48-38 Gators. The surge was led by Senior guard Walter Clayton JR., who finished the half with a team leading 16 points.
Auburn spread the ball out in the half. Eight of their nine players scored at least one point, and only one player was in double digits. Senior guard Miles Kelly scored 12 for the Tigers to lead them in scoring for the half.
The second half saw plenty of momentum shifts from both teams as Auburn attempted to climb back into the game. Auburn even got back within ten points, making the score 76-67.
The Gators were able to hold the Tigers at arms length for the remainder of the game. They went on an 8-2 run to extend their lead back to double digits at 84-69. The tigers finished the game strong, but it proved too little too late as they lost 90-81.
The gators were led by Walter Clayton JR. He put together a 19 point nine assist performance, while playing every minute of the game coming off of his injury in the Tennessee game. Sophomore center Alex Condon also chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Gators.
Auburn was led by Miles Kelly who scored 22 points, while Johni Broome had a double-double with 11 rebounds for the Tigers.
The loss dropped Auburn to 21-2, and 9-1 in conference play. Florida improved their record to 20-3, and 7-3 in conference play. Florida will take on Mississippi State Tuesday. Auburn Will travel to Vanderbilt to take on the Commodores Tuesday.
Mason Garcia
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Writer
