Haugh's Double-Doubles Drive Gators Past Hurricanes in Season Opener

Florida's No. 1 ranking was put to the test on Monday night as the Gators faced their in-state rivals in the season opener for both programs. The contest ended with a 77-67 victory for Florida, but the game was far from a formality, particularly during a tense stretch in the second half.

Thomas Haugh anchored the Gators' offense with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot-9 senior, who was named preseason Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, also recorded five offensive rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block. He did not turn the ball over and made four of his eight attempts from beyond the three-point line.

Miami’s Acaden Lewis, a transfer from Villanova, scored 24 points in his first game for the Hurricanes. Rueben Chinyelu contributed 14 rebounds and six points for Florida, a team that had suffered a loss at this venue against Iowa in the NCAA Tournament on March 22.

The Hurricanes challenged Florida's lead after taking the first eight points of the second half. Somto Cyril narrowed the margin to 53-51 with a dunk following a missed free throw by the Gators. Florida responded with a defensive surge, holding Miami without a field goal for five minutes. Urban Klavzar’s three-pointer extended the Gators' lead to 66-55.

The game was physical from the start, with the first eight minutes producing a tight battle. Florida broke away with a 9-0 run to take command of the game and never trailed again. The physicality continued throughout, resulting in two technical fouls and three fouls upgraded to flagrant calls.

Isaiah Brown provided a key boost for the Gators late in the first half, scoring on a putback dunk after a missed shot by Haugh to extend the lead to 44-32. Florida's depth allowed the team to maintain its advantage when Haugh was not on the floor.

Florida will host Jacksonville on Thursday night, while Miami prepares to host Wagner on Friday night.