analyzing the numbers from Florida basketball’s 20th victory, an upset victory over Auburn on the road

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season on the road, defeating the Auburn Tigers, a team ranked in the Top 10 of the nation. The 20th victory of the season for Florida was not just another win— it was a pivotal moment that captured the essence of what makes college basketball so thrilling: a road game, against a highly ranked opponent, with the stakes high for both teams. The Gators’ 75-70 triumph over Auburn on February 10, 2025, was a testament to their resilience, depth, and ability to execute under pressure.

In this article, we will break down the numbers that led to Florida’s 20th win of the season, analyzing key statistical categories and individual performances that were instrumental in securing this upset victory. From offensive efficiency and defensive statistics to standout player performances, every number tells a story about how Florida was able to topple a national powerhouse in front of a raucous Auburn crowd.

1. The Road to Victory: Game Overview

Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to set the stage. Auburn, led by Bruce Pearl, had been one of the top teams in the SEC and a Top 10 ranked squad for much of the season. Their high-flying offense, anchored by standout players like Zep Jasper and Johni Broome, had been a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Tigers had been nearly unbeatable at home, with their electric crowd providing a massive advantage in Auburn Arena.

However, Florida came into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Sitting just outside the NCAA Tournament bubble, a win over Auburn would bolster their resume and cement their place in the tournament picture. Todd Golden’s squad was playing with confidence, having won several key games in the SEC, and they had a standout performance in this one. Florida shot 48% from the field, hit 10 three-pointers, and played tight defense to stifle Auburn’s explosive offense in the second half.

2. Offensive Efficiency: Florida’s Balanced Scoring Attack

One of the key factors in Florida’s victory over Auburn was their offensive efficiency. The Gators finished the game with 75 points, shooting 48.1% from the field (25-52), including a 40% clip from three-point range (10-25). This was a well-executed offensive game plan, showcasing ball movement, spacing, and shot selection.

a. Three-Point Shooting: A Key to Florida’s Success

The three-pointer was particularly crucial in this game. Florida’s ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc kept Auburn’s defense on its heels. In contrast, Auburn, despite their prowess from long range, struggled to match Florida’s perimeter shooting. The Gators’ 40% shooting from three-point range was bolstered by Kyle Lofton and Will Richard, both of whom hit timely shots in key moments.

• Kyle Lofton, the senior point guard, had a massive impact, hitting 4-of-6 from deep, contributing 16 points and 5 assists. Lofton’s ability to orchestrate the offense and get his teammates involved while also being a scoring threat was critical.
• Will Richard also played a major role, scoring 15 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots under pressure helped keep Auburn’s defense honest.

3. Balanced Scoring from Multiple Sources

The Gators had four players score in double digits, which speaks to the balanced offensive attack they employed throughout the game. This depth made them difficult to defend and allowed them to weather Auburn’s runs in the second half.

• Colin Castleton, the team’s leader and centerpiece in the paint, contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His interior presence was crucial, both offensively and defensively. Castleton’s scoring came in a variety of ways, including mid-range jumpers and post moves that helped Florida maintain its lead throughout the contest.
• Alex Fudge, the athletic forward, chipped in 12 points and was a dynamic presence on both ends of the floor. He added a few key offensive rebounds and showed his ability to attack the rim, finishing with 3 steals on the defensive end.

Florida’s ability to spread the scoring around was a major factor in their success. While Auburn keyed in on Castleton and Lofton, Florida’s complementary players, like Richard and Fudge, stepped up when needed.

4. Auburn’s Struggles: Defensive Pressure and Shot Selection

While Florida executed well offensively, much of their success can be attributed to the defensive pressure they applied on Auburn. The Gators played a disciplined man-to-man defense, forcing the Tigers into tough, contested shots and limiting their fast-break opportunities.

a. Auburn’s Shooting Woes: Field Goal and Three-Point Percentages

Auburn, on the other hand, struggled to find a consistent rhythm. The Tigers finished with 70 points on 43% shooting from the field (26-60) and 31% from three-point range (7-22). They were held well below their usual offensive output, especially in the second half, when Florida’s defense clamped down.

• Johni Broome, Auburn’s star guard, had 18 points, but he shot just 7-of-17 from the field. Broome, known for his scoring ability, was stifled by Florida’s defense, which made him work for every shot.
• Zep Jasper, another key contributor, had 13 points but struggled with his shooting efficiency, going just 4-of-11 from the field and 1-of-4 from three.

The lack of offensive flow and poor shooting percentages were exacerbated by Florida’s defense, which contested most of Auburn’s shots and forced them into a series of bad looks late in the game.

5. Florida’s Defensive Dominance: Turning Points in the Game

Florida’s defense was a key reason they were able to secure this upset win. The Gators had to deal with Auburn’s explosive guards and the Tigers’ ability to score in transition, but they clamped down defensively when it mattered most.

a. Defensive Rebounds and Limiting Second-Chance Opportunities

One of Florida’s most critical stats was their ability to limit Auburn’s second-chance opportunities. The Gators finished the game with 35 total rebounds, including 28 defensive boards, while Auburn had just 28 total rebounds with only 7 offensive rebounds. The disparity in rebound numbers meant that Auburn had fewer opportunities to score on second-chance points, a critical factor for a team that relies on offensive boards to generate additional possessions.

• Colin Castleton led the team in rebounds with 8 and was instrumental in securing crucial boards in the second half. His ability to anchor Florida’s defense in the paint helped control the tempo and prevent Auburn from gaining momentum.

b. Steals and Turnovers

Another key statistic was Florida’s ability to force turnovers. The Gators finished the game with 8 steals, with Alex Fudge leading the team with 3 steals. These turnovers helped Florida get out in transition and score quick points in fast-break situations.

On the flip side, Auburn committed 14 turnovers, many of which came at crucial moments in the second half when they were trying to mount a comeback. Florida’s defensive pressure, particularly from Lofton and Fudge, disrupted Auburn’s offensive flow and prevented them from executing their usual fast-paced style of play.

6. Free Throws and Closing Out the Game

As the game neared its conclusion, Florida had a five-point lead with just under two minutes remaining. Auburn made a push, cutting the lead to 3 points after a late three-pointer by Broome. However, Florida showed poise and discipline, converting key free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

• Florida finished the game shooting 15-of-19 from the free-throw line (79%), with key players like Lofton, Castleton, and Richard stepping up and knocking down free throws in clutch situations.

Auburn, on the other hand, struggled to get to the line and only attempted 9 free throws, making 6. In a game where every possession mattered, Florida’s ability to capitalize at the charity stripe helped them maintain a comfortable lead and close out the game.

7. Player of the Game: Kyle Lofton

While there were several standout performances from Florida, the Player of the Game was undoubtedly Kyle Lofton. Lofton played a pivotal role in Florida’s offensive attack, finishing with 16 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. His 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc was crucial, and his leadership in running the offense was invaluable. Lofton’s ability to take control of the game, make key passes, and hit big shots helped Florida weather Auburn’s defensive pressure.

Lofton was also instrumental in closing out the game. His calm demeanor and clutch free throws in the final minutes helped keep Auburn from making a comeback.

 An Upset for the Ages

Florida’s 75-70 victory over Auburn was a complete team effort, with

balanced scoring, defensive pressure, and clutch play down the stretch. The Gators’ ability to execute their offensive game plan while stifling Auburn’s high-powered offense proved they could compete with the best teams in the country. With 20 wins now under their belt, Florida has significantly strengthened their case for an NCAA Tournament berth and can look forward to the final stretch of the regular season with newfound confidence.

For Florida, this upset victory will go down as one of the highlights of the season, and the numbers tell the story of a team that came together when it mattered most.