Florida Basketball vs. Ole Miss: Gators Look to Conquer the Court in Oxford

Florida basketball is looking to stay hot this weekend on the road. 

The Gators are heading to Oxford to face Ole Miss on Saturday. They’re No. 12 in the nation, as “hot” as ever, riding a six-game win streak. Across the court, the Rebels are eight losses deep. 

Most recently, Florida (20-6, 11-2 SEC) took on South Carolina at home Tuesday night. The Gators ultimately won 76-62, but the result doesn’t tell all. Florida held the lead for all but 53 seconds and entered the second half already up 10. 

Some players made their mark and hope to do the same against the Rebels. Rueben Chinyelu continues to hold his place as a key offensive and defensive piece for Florida, earning his 16th double-double of the season. He is currently the SEC leader in rebounding and has been a defensive force, thrusting himself into the National Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Alex Condon also put a great one in the books against SC. He led Florida in scoring with 20 points, adding another 10 rebounds. He’s no slouch either, sitting at seven double-doubles this season. On top of that, Condon made all of his six free throws — an abnormality for him. He and Chinyelu figure to threaten a weaker Ole Miss front court.

Thomas Haugh, who has been an impact player for the Gators this season, contributed 10 points against the Gamecocks, nine of which came on 3-pointers. His ability to put pressure on Ole Miss’ perimeter, balancing Florida’s frontcourt-heavy attack, will be crucial.

Ole Miss (11-15, 3-10 SEC) won’t roll over, though. The Rebels fell to the Aggies 80-77, tacking on to their myriad of losses. But the way the Rebels lost may be what hurts the most. Entering the second half, they were leading by five. The turning point came in the last three minutes, when Texas A&M scored nine unanswered points.

Despite the ending, Ole Miss’ primary offensive threats, AJ Storr and Malik Dia, had notable games. Both left the court with their second consecutive showing of at least 20 points. They’ll be at the forefront of Florida’s scout, and if the Gators can force the Rebels offense to expand beyond its two leading scorers, it should be a long night.

The Gators and the Rebels will face off at noon on Saturday.

Category: Basketball, Feature Sports News, Gators Men's Basketball