By Kenneth Cross
GAINESVILLE – Alabama’s return of Charles Bediako was the lead story going into the No. 19 Florida Gators’ 100-77 domination of Alabama. Despite the Gators’ ascension through the season, Florida seemed to be ignored last week, but the consistency of high energy and exemplary execution gave the Gators a high level of strength and determination to make a convincing statement.
Center Alex Condon led Florida with 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Swingman Tommy Haugh scored a layup and a three-point field goal to push a 15-5 run into a 41-30 lead with 3:07 left before halftime.
Condon took command with seven points in the next 4:35, scoring on a hook shot in the lane with 39 seconds left before halftime. He capped nine of his 25 points by scoring on another hook to punctuate the Gators’ 16-0 run, which gave Florida a 58-36 lead with 15:37 to play.
Florida outscored Alabama, 72-26, in the paint as Haugh finished with 22 points and five rebounds, and Rueben Chinyelu recorded his 13th double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds.
“Eleven stops, and yes, we’re at our best when we’re able to get clean rebounds, get out in transition, and play that way,” said Florida coach Todd Golden. “And I think that was a very valuable lesson we learned last week against Auburn, that when we don’t play with the fire and intensity on the defensive end that allows us to play that way, we’re not as good.”
The Gators’ ambition and fire showed on the tipoff and were relentless for the entire 40 minutes as Florida clearly had an overall advantage in every facet of the game.
Florida’s first turnover did not occur until 16:58 remained in the game. The Gators outscored the Crimson Tide, 25-0, off turnovers, and forced 18 turnovers while they committed only two turnovers in the game.
“We were plus 11 on the glass,” said Golden. “We were plus 16 on the turnover battle. Like, that’s 27 additional possessions right there that we’re able to take advantage of.”
Bediako Overmatched in the Paint: Too much of the buildup to this game centered on the return of center Charles Bediako, though Tennessee controlled him, especially on the boards, in the Vols’ 79-73 win.
Bediako spent two seasons in the NBA’s G-League with a two-way contract between San Antonio and Austin. Alabama appealed to a judge in Tuscaloosa to allow him to be able to play again for the Crimson Tide.
The Gators’ defense also controlled the paint. Bediako was unprepared for his matchup with Chinyelu, fouling out with 2:10 remaining with only six points, but he had seven rebounds for the Crimson Tide.
“He’s just another player,” said Chinyelu. “We just go out there and do what we need to do.”
Florida outrebounded Alabama, 44-33, as the Gators continue to lead college basketball with 46 rebounds per game. Florida outscored Alabama, 15-9, on offensive rebounds as the Gators chomped 15 sticklebacks.
Chinyelu possesses incredible defensive footwork as he worked Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway by moving into their paths in a half-court defensive situation late in the first half.
“I’m just showing everyone how versatile I am defensively and just doing what I am supposed to be doing to make sure my team is in a good spot, Chinyelu commented. “It just feels good to make an impact for my team.”
Meanwhile, the Gators’ Student section ushered the big center with chants of “G-League Dropout” throughout the afternoon.
Fland Ignited Gators in Stopping Philon: Philon leads the SEC with 21.6 ppg, and he shoots 38.3 percent from behind the three-point line.
Defensively, Philon was Boogie Fland’s overall assignment on defense. He held Philon to 14 points as he was 5-of-13 from the floor while committing five turnovers with three assists in 30 minutes.
“I think it gave us some juice,” said Fland of his defensive commitment. “Coming out with that effort. It was definitely a team effort, and I could not have done it without these guys. That’s my mentality – execute the gameplan and stay doing what we need to do.”
Holloway leads the SEC with a 45.2 percent three-point field goal percentage. He led Alabama with 19 points and was 7-of-12 from the floor and made three triples in 27 minutes.