Thomas Haugh delivered a commanding performance in his final collegiate season, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to guide No. 1 Florida to a 77-67 victory over No. 14 Miami on Monday night. The 6-foot-9 senior, who was projected as a lottery pick before committing to stay in the SEC, showcased his all-around impact by adding four assists, two steals, and a block while committing zero turnovers. His efficiency from beyond the arc, hitting four of eight three-point attempts, provided the offensive spark that kept the Gators ahead in their season opener at Benchmark International Arena.
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Rueben Chinyelu anchored the Gators’ frontcourt with 14 rebounds and six points, helping Florida bounce back from a recent loss at the same venue to Iowa in the NCAA Tournament. Despite Miami’s Acaden Lewis scoring 24 points in his debut for the Hurricanes, the visitors struggled to maintain consistency. Miami briefly threatened to take control by scoring the first eight points of the second half, cutting the deficit to 53-51 after Somto Cyril’s dunk, but the Gators’ defensive intensity quickly neutralized the surge.
Florida sealed the win with a suffocating defensive stretch, holding Miami without a field goal for five minutes to build a decisive lead. Urban Klavzar’s three-pointer extended the advantage to 66-55, effectively ending the game’s competitive tension. The result marks a strong start for the top-ranked Gators, who demonstrated the depth and defensive discipline required to defend their national title aspirations against a resilient Miami squad.
Source: Yahoo Sports
