ChompTalk.com

Backed by 26 points from Walter Clayton, the Florida Gators defeated Merrimack 77-57 Tuesday in the first matchup between the two programs.

Clayton led the charge, making ten of his fifteen attempts, including 4-7 from three-point range, for the Gators, who struggled early to make shots and turned the ball over far too frequently to get into a rhythm during the first half of play.

Florida utilized a 20-0 run in the second half to pull away from the first year Division I school from Massachusetts.

Despite the twenty point final spread, this one was anything but easy for the Gators. The Warriors led by as many as ten points (multiple times) as late as with 7:54 remaining in the first half. Thomas Hough brought Florida to within eight following a layup. Florida completed the first half on a 19-10 run to climb back to within one point by the break.

Clayton opened the scoring in the second half with a layup that put Florida on top. The Warriors fought back and took a 37-34 advantage following a Samba Diallo bucket. The Gators’ 20- run occurred immediately after with Clayton and Zyon Pullin each scoring eight points during the spurt.

Clayton finished with a game high 26 points while Tyrese Samuel finished with 11 and seven boards. Pullin added 10 points.

Freshman Alex Condon had a career night as he came away with twelve points and 16 rebounds.

Florida will take on Richmond Saturday as part of the Organge Bowl Classic in Sunrise, FL.