Florida made program history by defeating No. 1 Auburn 90-81 in its home court on Saturday, marking the first true road win over a top-ranked team this season for the sixth-ranked Gators. The victory was also their first home loss and SEC loss of the season for the Tigers.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. led the way with 19 points and nine assists, playing all 40 minutes after missing the previous game due to an ankle injury. The Gators dominated the second half, scoring 20 of the first 29 points. Auburn struggled to contain Florida’s offense, which had 22 assists on 31 made baskets.
The Tigers’ Johni Broome was held in check by Florida’s defense, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds despite missing 11 of 19 shot attempts. Coach Bruce Pearl said his team did not prepare well for the game, and they were outplayed by Florida both mentally and physically.
Florida’s win marked a significant milestone, as it is the fifth team in AP poll history to have a home and road win over an AP No. 1 opponent in the same season. The Gators’ bench also stepped up, hitting 13 three-point shots at their best mark in SEC play this season.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/43753947/no-6-florida-upends-another-no-1-ends-auburn-win-streak