Florida Defeats Miami 77-67 Behind Hauck's 19-Point Effort
The Gators used a stifling defensive stretch to pull away from the Hurricanes in their season opener at Benchmark International Arena.
By Larissa Shah ·
No. 1 Florida defeated No. 14 Miami 77-67 on Monday night to open the season for both teams.
The Gators entered the game carrying a loss from their last visit to Tampa, a second-round NCAA Tournament defeat to Iowa on March 22. Thomas Hauck, the preseason Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, controlled the contest from the opening tip. The 6-foot-9 senior recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds while adding five offensive boards, four assists, two steals, and one block. He shot 4 of 8 from beyond the arc and did not commit a turnover. Rueben Chinyelu provided support with six points and 14 rebounds.
Miami stayed competitive early in the second half, scoring the first eight points of the period. The Hurricanes cut the Florida lead to 53-51 after Somto Cyril dunked following a missed free throw. Acaden Lewis, a transfer from Villanova, led Miami with 24 points in his first game for the program. However, Florida responded with a defensive stop that lasted five minutes. The Gators held Miami without a field goal during that stretch. Urban Klavzar then hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 66-55. Earlier, Isaiah Brown secured a putback dunk after a Hauck miss, giving Florida a 44-32 lead late in the first half. Florida took command with a 9-0 run after a tight start, never trailing again.
The physical nature of the in-state rivalry showed on the scoreboard. Officials assessed two technical fouls and three fouls were upgraded to flagrant during the contest. Florida retained its core roster for another year, relying on muscle and effort to secure the win.
Florida hosts Jacksonville on Thursday night. Miami hosts Wagner on Friday night.
