ChompTalk.com

The No. 24 Florida Gators (20-8, 10-5) had the quintessential “trap game” at home this Wednesday as they faced the Missouri Tigers (8-20, 0-15).

At moments, it felt like the Gators might fall right into that trap, and things took a turn for the worst when the team’s leading scorer this season, junior guard Walter Clayton Jr., fouled out of the game with 14 minutes remaining.

But the Gators faced the adversity head on, relying on steady shooting and a solid defensive effort to eventually prevail 83-74. It was Florida’s ninth win in its last 11.

For Florida, senior forward Tyrese Samuel was nearly unstoppable. He shot 12-16 from the field, and set career highs in both points with 28 and rebounds with 10.

Alongside Samuel, senior guard Zion Pullin bounced back from his worst game of the season this past weekend to score 21 points while shooting four of five from beyond the arc.

Gators sophomore center Micah Handlogten racked up his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Clayton had 13 points when he fouled out of the contest.

Missouri received strong play from their trio of starting guards, all of whom scored 15 or more points in the contest. Senior guard Sean East II lead the Tigers with 20 points, while senior guard Nick Honor added another 18 points and junior guard Tamar Bates scored 15 points.

The real differences in the game came from beyond the arc, where the Gators struggled in the first half. However, in the second half, Florida shot five for eight from three. Meanwhile, Missouri struggled to get it going from the three point line, shooting an overall four for 18 from beyond the arc.

The Gators also out-rebounded the Tigers 38-27. Florida also grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to Missouri’s seven.

Now sitting with 20 overall wins, as well as 10 conference victories, the Gators will head back on the road to face the No. 18 South Carolina Gamecocks (22-5, 10-4) Saturday at noon.