Florida Tops Miami 77-67 in Season Opener
Thomas Haugh recorded a double-double in the Gators' win over their in-state rivals on Monday.
By Andrew Bennett ·
The No. 1 Florida Gators defeated the No. 14 Miami Hurricanes 77-67 on Monday night at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The contest served as the season opener for both programs.
Thomas Haugh led the Gators with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot-9 senior also recorded five offensive boards, four assists, two steals, and one block. He did not commit a turnover and made four of his eight three-point attempts. Rueben Chinyelu contributed six points and 14 rebounds for Florida.
Miami's offense was led by Acaden Lewis, a transfer from Villanova, who scored 24 points in his first game for the Hurricanes. Somto Cyril helped keep the score close by dunking over a missed free throw to cut Florida's lead to 53-51 early in the second half.
The first half began tightly, with both teams trading baskets during the opening eight minutes. Florida took control with a 9-0 run that put them ahead for the remainder of the game. Late in the first half, Isaiah Brown added to the lead with a putback dunk after a Haugh miss, extending the advantage to 44-32.
In the second half, Miami scored the first eight points to stay within striking distance. Florida responded with defensive pressure, holding the Hurricanes without a field goal for five minutes. Urban Klavzar then hit a three-pointer to extend the Gators' lead to 66-55.
The physical nature of the in-state rivalry showed in the box score. Officials assessed two technical fouls and upgraded three regular fouls to flagrants. Florida had not lost at Benchmark International Arena since a second-round NCAA Tournament game against Iowa on March 22.
Florida will host Jacksonville on Thursday night. Miami will host Wagner on Friday night.
