Florida vs. uconn

The one seeded Florida Gators defeated the eight seed UCONN Huskies 75-77 in the second round of March Madness. 

Florida dominated Norfolk State 69-95 in the first round, while the Huskies beat Oklahoma 67-59 in a defensive battle. 

UCONN came into this season off of two straight national championships. Although they were only an eight seed, the Gators had their work cut out for them. Head coach Dan Hurley has enough experience in big games to have the Huskies prepared to battle for a spot in the sweet sixteen. 

The first half saw the teams going back and forth. This game offered stellar defense by both Florida, and UCONN. The Huskies showed why they were two time defending national champions as they kept Florida’s high powered offense in check as the half ended at 31-31. This was not the half that many fans were expecting as ESPN Bet had Florida as nine and a half point favorites. 

The second half saw the Huskies take a quick six point lead. Both teams started to hit their shots, but Uconn continued to hold onto the lead. Florida battled, and eventually took their first lead of the half with just under three minutes to go off of a Walter Clayton JR. three pointer. The lead got all the way up to eight points for the Gators with only 21 seconds left. 

Two made free throws for Liam McNeeley gave the Huskies hope with nine seconds left, and a 75-72 score. Thomas Haugh got sent to the line for the Gators and knocked down both free throws to extend the lead to 5. 

McNeeley knocked down another three as time expired to make it a 75-77 final score. 

Walter Clayton JR. had 23 points for the Gators. The trio of Clayton, Alijah Martin, and Will Richard combined for 56 points in the win for the Gators. No other player had more than seven. 

The Huskies were led by Liam McNeeley who had 22 points. They had eight players who scored at least four points.

Mason Garcia

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Associate Writer