19 Points, 10 Rebounds: Thomas Hauck Leads Florida to 77-67 Win Over Miami
The senior forward went 4-for-8 from deep in the season opener as the Gators used a 9-0 run to take command of the game.
By Chloe Martin ·
Thomas Hauck scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead No. 1 Florida to a 77-67 victory over No. 14 Miami on Monday night. The game marked the season opener for both programs at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.
Hauck, the preseason Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, played a physical game against the Hurricanes. The 6-foot-9 senior recorded five offensive boards, four assists, two steals, and a block. He did not commit a single turnover and made four of his eight attempts from beyond the arc.
Rueben Chinyelu provided support on the glass for Florida, collecting 14 rebounds and adding six points. The Gators improved their record at this venue after a loss to Iowa here on March 22 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Acaden Lewis, a transfer from Villanova, scored 24 points in his first game for Miami. The Hurricanes kept the score close through the first half and into the second. Miami scored the first eight points of the second half and narrowed the deficit to two points at 53-51 after Somto Cyril dunked over a missed free throw.
Florida responded with defensive pressure. The Gators held Miami scoreless from the field for a five-minute span. Urban Klavzar’s three-pointer extended the lead to 66-55. Earlier, Isaiah Brown secured a putback dunk off a Hauck miss to help build a 44-32 advantage late in the first half.
The contest remained tight for the first eight minutes before Florida built a 9-0 run. The Gators never trailed again after that sequence. The matchup featured physical play, with two technical fouls and three flagrant fouls called during the game.
Florida hosts Jacksonville on Thursday night. Miami plays Wagner on Friday night.
Source: ClickOnDetroit WDIV
