The Florida Gators have advanced to the Final Four for the first time in 11 years, thanks to a dramatic comeback victory over Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. The game was a tightly contested contest for most of the evening, with the Red Raiders taking a 67-57 lead over Florida, which was the Gators’ largest deficit of the entire tournament.
However, instead of backing down, the Gators turned to their star players, Walter Clayton Jr. and Thomas Haugh, who combined for 50 points to lead their team to victory. Down 71-61 with 5:24 left, Clayton Jr. hit his first 3-pointer of the night, and then added a layup two minutes later to cut Texas Tech’s lead to seven.
From there, Haugh, who had sparked Florida’s offense most of the evening, hit a pair of 3-pointers to make the score 75-72 with 2:27 left. And Clayton Jr. answered with a step-back 3-pointer with 1:47 left to tie the game. A turnaround 3-pointer a possession later gave Florida a 78-77 lead, its first lead in nearly 16 minutes.
The Gators used an 18-4 run over the final three minutes to advance to the Final Four, with Clayton Jr. finishing with 30 points, his second 30-point game of the year, and Haugh finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Key Factors in the Gators’ Victory
The Gators struggled to stop the Red Raiders’ early 3-point shooting, but they were able to overcome this challenge through timely shots and consistent free throw shooting. Florida shot 25-for-27 from the charity strike, including a perfect 6-for-6 in the game’s final minute.
Clayton Jr. was particularly impressive from the free throw line, going 13-for-14, which accounted for the second-most makes and attempts in a game in his career. The Gators also benefited from the strong performances of Haugh, who provided a spark off the bench with his 3-point shooting and rebounding.
Challenges Faced by the Gators
Despite their victory, the Gators faced several challenges throughout the game. They struggled to stop the Red Raiders’ early 3-point shooting, and they also committed 12 turnovers, which marked their fourth-straight game with double-digit turnovers and led to 22 points for Texas Tech.
However, the Gators were able to overcome these challenges through their strong performances on offense and defense. They were able to make timely shots and convert free throws, which ultimately helped them secure their spot in the Final Four.
What’s Next for the Gators
The Gators will now face off against the winner of the matchup between Auburn and Michigan State in the Final Four. The game promises to be an exciting and closely contested contest, with both teams looking to emerge victorious.
The Gators will need to continue their strong performances on offense and defense if they hope to advance to the championship game. With their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
The Florida Gators’ victory over Texas Tech was an exciting and dramatic comeback, with the team overcoming a 10-point deficit in the final 5:24 to secure their spot in the Final Four. The game was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, and it showcased the strong performances of Walter Clayton Jr. and Thomas Haugh.
As the Gators move forward in the tournament, they will need to continue their strong performances on offense and defense. With their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament and compete for the championship.
