Florida men’s basketball team escapes LSU comeback, 82-80

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – The UF Men’s Basketball defeated LSU 82-80 in a close game that came down to the wire. After a statement victory over the No. 12 Auburn on Saturday, Florida looked to keep the momentum up. Despite blowing a 20-point lead in the second-half, the Gators were able to walk away with a win and claimed their seventh SEC victory of the year.

Florida was led by Walter Clayton Jr. who finished with 21-points on the night. Tyrese Samuel followed with 15, seven rebounds and three assists. UF standout Zyon Pullin remained consistent with 14 points, four assists, three rebounds plus two three-pointers.

UF controlled a majority of the first half, taking a 48-34 lead at halftime. Florida continued to add to its lead in the second half, executing 10-0 in the first five minutes to claim a 20-point advantage over LSU. This was UF’s largest lead in the game.

The Tigers then started to make their comeback, chipping away the lead going on a 12-2 scoring run. Florida struggled to get the ball through the net, missing 10 or 11 shots, allowing LSU to close the gap.

LSU’s Tyrell Ward hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game at 78 with 1:29 left on the clock. Samuel hit one of two free throws to take a one-point lead 79-78. The Tigers got the ball back with 38.2 left on the clock with the chance to go ahead. However, Pullin stripped Tigers Jalen Cook that chance and passed to Clayton Jr. for the layup. The Gators took a 3-point lead. Out of a timeout, the Tigers got an easy layup from Wright with just 11 seconds left, then fouled Condon, who hit one of two free throws. LSU tried to comeback but missed the layup to tie the game.

The Gators claimed their sixth win in seven games and are 10 games over .500 for the first time in February since 2017.

Florida will play Georgia on the road this Saturday. The Bulldogs have lost the their last five games, it opens up a good opportunity for the Gators to get a road win.

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