ChompTalk.com

With SEC play in full swing, every game matters. And the pressure was on for Todd Golden and the Florida Gators (12-6) to regain momentum after a crushing loss in Knoxville last week.

But the pressure did not seem to phase the Gators. Despite their opponent, the Missouri Tigers (8-10), being winless in conference play, the Tigers came ready for a fight. However, Florida relied on their trademark rebounding prowess and steady shooting to eventually pull ahead. The Gators did eventually pull away, winning 79-67.

The first half was a back-and-forth duel between both teams, as the two sides traded leads multiple times early. At the end of the first twenty minutes, the Gators were up three, but still had work to do if they wanted to secure their second conference win of the season.

But when the second half started, it was familiar faces that helped give the Gators a lead they would not concede in the final 17 minutes of the contest.

Leading the Gators in scoring was forward Tyrese Samuel, who continued his strong season with a 17 point performance. Samuel, who has notably struggled from the free throw line this season, did shoot 7-12 from the stripe.

Including Samuel, all five of the Gator starters scored in double digits, with guard Walter Clayton Jr. (15), guard Will Richard (13), guard Zion Pullin (11), and center Micah Handlogten (10).

Handlogten also played a crucial role in the rebounding matchup, racking up 12 boards. Guard Riley Kugel also had seven rebounds off the bench, as the Gators out rebounded the Tigers 40-27. In fact, no players on Missouri had five or more rebounds in the entire contest.

The Gators also found success beyond the arc, shooting just under 41% from three in the contest (9-22). Clayton Jr., Richard, and Kugel all had multiple three pointers in the game.

However, it was not all perfect for the Gators. Despite a better defensive effort overall compared to Tuesday’s matchup, the matchup with Missouri marked the second straight game the Gators had allowed an opposing player to score 35 or more points.

On Saturday, that player was Missouri guard Tamar Bates, who scored 36 points while shooting 13-21 from the field. While the Gators were able to withstand the junior’s offensive barrage, they must tighten up in order to keep themselves on a winning track.

With another tally in the win column, the Gators will now head home for a Wednesday night matchup with the Mississippi State Bulldogs (13-5).