Trending Now - Gators' Leading Scorer Sidelined for Matchup Against Mississippi State

WHO:

Florida Gators basketball team

Thomas Haugh, forward and leading scorer for the Gators

Micah Handlogten, center starting in place of Haugh

Chris Harry, coach of the Gators

Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball team

WHAT:

The Gators defeated Mississippi State 108-74 on March 3, 2026.

Haugh sat out the game as a precaution due to an ankle injury.

Haugh leads the Gators with an average of 17.1 points and ranks third on the team with 6.0 rebounds.

The Gators clinched the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship with this victory.

Six players scored in double figures for the Gators, with Condon scoring 26 points.

The Gators shot 55% from the floor and recorded 25 assists against five turnovers.

The Gators improved their record to 24-6 overall and 15-2 in the SEC.

WHERE:

O'Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida

Mississippi State, home game location

WHEN:

Game played on March 3, 2026

Haugh injured his ankle in early February 2026.

The Gators' next game is scheduled for March 5, 2026, against Kentucky.

WHY:

Haugh was rested as a precaution due to his ankle injury.

The Gators needed a win to secure the outright SEC title.

HOW:

The Gators went on an 18-0 run during the game, with contributions from multiple players.

The Gators clinched the SEC title by halftime due to Georgia's defeat of Alabama.

The Florida Gators basketball team secured the Southeastern Conference championship with a decisive 108-74 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on March 3, 2026, even as leading scorer Thomas Haugh sat out due to an ankle injury. In his absence, the Gators showcased their depth, with six players scoring in double figures, including Condon, who led the team with 26 points, while the team shot an impressive 55% from the floor. With this win, the Gators improved their overall record to 24-6 and will face Kentucky next on March 5, 2026.