Florida 70-69 South Carolina (January 22, 2025) Game Recap

COLUMBIA, S.C.–Will Richard scored with 4.8 seconds to lift No. 5 Florida–by 14 points–to South Carolina in the second half on Wednesday night, 70-69.

Richard finished with 22 points for the Gators (17-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference). He drove left of the top of the key and placed himself on the starting grid.

Jacobi Wright’s desperation 3-pointer was off the mark as South Carolina (10-9, 0-6) continued its worst start in SEC play since the 2013-14 season.

Walter Clayton Jr. had 16 points for the Gators – who trailed 52-38 with 12:46 to play – and set the program record with a 3-pointer in his 42nd straight game.

snack

Florida: The Gators have Han Uneben, with a win over then-ranked Tennessee and a loss to Missouri at home two games ago.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks have never started 0-7 in SEC play, but that’s what No. 14 Mississippi State took to Columbia on Saturday.

Key moment

Florida was up by 13 points with under nine minutes to play, forcing three straight turnovers on the rebound that led to baskets that cut it to 58-51. The Gamecocks couldn’t settle down after that.

Key Stat

Florida outscored South Carolina 22-0 on fast break points.

Next up

Both teams are back in action on Saturday. Florida returns home to face Georgia and South Carolina faces No. 14 Mississippi State.

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