In a highly anticipated SEC/ACC Challenge matchup, the No. 13 Florida Gators remained unbeaten with a dominant 87-69 victory over Virginia. Walter Clayton led the way with 27 points, while Alex Condon contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. The Gators improved to 9-0, matching their best start since their 2005-06 national championship season. Coach Todd Golden praised his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to outscore opponents by a significant margin in each game.
Florida capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off 15 from Virginia. Despite a competitive start, the Gators showcased their talent and depth, ultimately pulling away in the second half. Alijah Martin and Denzel Aberdeen also made significant contributions with 16 and 12 points, respectively.
For Virginia, Elijah Saunders led with 19 points, while Isaac McKneely added 12 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists. The Cavaliers have faced tough losses in their three most challenging games, falling by double digits each time.
A key moment in the game was a 15-0 run by the Gators fueled by three-pointers that turned the tide in their favor. Florida’s defensive effort was notable, recording nine steals to bring their total to 74 in nine games.
Looking ahead, Florida will face Arizona State on December 14 at the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta, giving fans another chance to see the undefeated Gators in action. The team’s strong start and impressive performances have instilled confidence for the remainder of the season.
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