Gators head back to the SEC/ACC Challenge in Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. – Florida will look for its first road win of the 2024-25 season at Clemson on Thursday night. The 8 p.m. matchup is part of the SEC/ACC Challenge and will be broadcast on ACC Network.

The Gators maintain an even record of 4-4 heading into their ninth non-conference game. All four of Florida’s wins came at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, making Thursday’s contest an opportunity for Florida to secure its first road win of the season.

Clemson (5-2, 0-0 ACC)

HISTORY OF THE TAPE:

THE SERIES:

The overall series between Florida and Clemson is tied at 2-2. If there is an all-time tie, it will be determined on Thursday who has the lead.

GATORS x CLEMSON HISTORY:
The Florida Gators and Clemson Tigers have faced each other a total of four times in recorded history. The first contest came in 1985 when the Gators lost 69-65 at Clemson. From there, Florida secured their second all-time matchup, 67-66 at home, on December 15, 1986. With the series tied at 1-1, the Tigers and Gators met for the first time in neutral territory on December 2, 1988. Clemson defeated Florida 63-47.


The paths of the respective schools did not cross again until 35 years later, on March 23, 2023, which also marked the youngest duel in all-time history. In 2023, Florida clinched a spot in the WNIT quarterfinals with a 10-point win over the Tigers (73-63). Thursday’s trip marks Florida’s third appearance overall at Clemson.

REQUIREMENTS IN FLORIDA:

FLORIDA’S LAST TIME OUT:

The Gators last hit the hardwood on Monday night with a 75-48 win over the Hofstra Pride. The home win ended the Gators’ four-game losing streak and evened Florida’s record of 4-4.

Florida was led by freshmen on both ends of the field Me’Arah O’Neal and senior Ra Shaya Kyle. O’Neal and Kyle each recorded double-doubles in Monday’s matchup. Kyle scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, marking her fourth double-double of the season. O’Neal wasn’t far behind with 14 points and 10 rebounds, earning her first collegiate double-double.

Reynolds also reached double figures in scoring with 12 points in her first game at the O’Dome for the 2024-25 season. The Gators also now see a full starting lineup after working through some preseason and minor injuries.

GATOR QUICK RELEASE:

• Reynolds has reached double figures in scoring in three straight games (14 vs. Tulane, 15 vs. James Madison, 12 vs. Hofstra).
• The Gators have scored more than 20 points in 19 of 32 (59%) quarters played this season
• Florida is ranked No. 13 in the NCAA with a shooting percentage of 49.8
• Kyle has recorded four double-doubles in eight games this season
• Florida’s starting lineup is back at full strength as Reynolds returns at Florida State (Nov. 22) and O’Neal is eliminated against Tulane (Nov. 28).
• UF has four players averaging double-digit points: McGill (16.5), Kyle (16.3), Warren (16.3) and Reynolds (11.8).
• McGill is No. 24 nationally in assists and has dished out 44 assists in eight appearances
• The Gators are 1-0 since the SEC/ACC Challenge began in 2023

PROJECTED CLEMSON STARTERS:

ABOUT CLEMSON:

• The Tigers are coming off a 67-48 win over Kennesaw State
• In their last outing, Clemson shot 70.4 percent in the second half – a fourth all-time program record
• The Tigers’ starting lineup features only one underclassman, sophomore Hannah Kohn
• Clemson has two players averaging double-digit points: McQueen (14.4) and Moore (11.4).
• Moore also leads the Tigers with 49 total rebounds, an average of seven per game
• Clemson is No. 1 in the ACC with a shooting percentage of 81.4 percent
• Defensively, the Tigers are No. 11 in the NCAA in scoring defense (51.4).

FOLLOW THE GATORS:

SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Join the conversation: #GoGators