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No. 9 Florida, Arizona State Square Off in Holiday Hoopsgiving Clash
The stage is set for a showdown in Atlanta as No. 9 Florida (9-0) and Arizona State (8-1) bring their high-powered squads to the Holiday Hoopsgiving event on Saturday. Both teams are coming off extended breaks due to final exams and will look to maintain their strong starts in a matchup that promises plenty of excitement.
Florida’s Balanced Dominance
The Gators are off to their best start since their 2005-06 championship season, sitting at 9-0 for only the third time in program history. They last played on Dec. 4, when they handed Virginia a rare defensive letdown in an 87-69 victory during the SEC/ACC Challenge. The 87 points were the most the Cavaliers had allowed in nearly three years.
Florida’s defensive pressure has been a key to its success, with opponents averaging 13.9 turnovers per game, leading to 17.8 points off turnovers. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who leads the team in scoring at 18.4 points per game, emphasized the team’s defensive mindset.
“It’s defense to offense,” Clayton said. “We want our offense to feed off our defense. That’s been our emphasis this year.”
In addition to Clayton, Florida boasts strong contributions from 6-foot-11 center Alex Condon, who averages 13.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Condon has showcased his versatility by shooting 58.7 percent from the field, including 46.2 percent from 3-point range. Alongside Condon, Rueben Chinyelu adds a physical presence inside, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game.
Arizona State’s Youthful Energy
The Sun Devils come into the matchup with momentum after a dominant 90-53 win over San Diego on Dec. 3. Led by standout freshmen Joson Sanon and Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State has shown flashes of brilliance but also has areas to tighten up, particularly in handling the ball. The team averages 12.7 turnovers per game, a potential weakness against Florida’s aggressive defense.
Sanon leads the Sun Devils in scoring at 15.9 points per game, while Quaintance controls the boards with an 8.0 rebound average. Despite coming off the bench in recent games, Sanon has been a crucial spark for the team.
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“He’s basically a starter,” Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley said of Sanon. “He’s gonna play 30-plus minutes. I need him in the game, so he’s gonna be in the game a lot.”
Basheer Jihad, a Ball State transfer, adds 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, though he has struggled with turnovers, committing a team-high 28. Jihad’s ability to protect the ball will be critical against Florida’s press.
Key Matchups
- Walter Clayton Jr. vs. Arizona State’s Perimeter Defense: Clayton’s ability to score and create plays makes him a focal point for the Gators’ offense. Arizona State will need to limit his effectiveness to stay competitive.
- Alex Condon vs. Jayden Quaintance: The battle in the paint between Condon and Quaintance will play a major role in controlling the boards and second-chance opportunities.
- Florida’s Defense vs. Arizona State’s Turnovers: With the Gators excelling at converting turnovers into points, the Sun Devils must prioritize ball security to avoid falling behind early.
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What to Watch
- Florida’s Historic Start: Can the Gators extend their unbeaten streak and continue their best start in nearly two decades?
- Sanon’s Spark: Will Joson Sanon’s energy off the bench help Arizona State stay competitive against a disciplined Florida team?
- Rebounding Battle: With both teams featuring strong frontcourt players, the fight for control on the glass could determine the outcome.
Outlook
Florida enters the game as the clear favorite, with a balanced roster and momentum from a statement win over Virginia. Arizona State, however, brings youthful energy and a knack for competing against tough opponents, making this an intriguing test for both squads. If the Sun Devils can limit their turnovers and execute offensively, they have the potential to push the Gators. Ultimately, Florida’s depth and defensive prowess should give them the edge in what promises to be a high-energy clash in Atlanta.
