Florida Dominates Saint Francis in a Blowout Victory: A Game Recap
It was a night of resounding success for the No. 23 Florida Gators, as they crushed Saint Francis with a final score of 102-61 on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. After a tough non-conference schedule, the Gators found a much-needed respite at home, showcasing their dominance from start to finish.
Key Players Shine:
Xaivian Lee led the charge with an impressive 18 points, while Alex Condon contributed 14 points to the scoreboard. The Gators' offensive prowess was evident early on, as they sank 15 of their first 20 shots, quickly establishing a commanding 20-point lead. This allowed Coach Todd Golden to give his bench players valuable playing time, a testament to the team's depth and skill.
A Moment for the Record Books:
But here's where it gets interesting: the crowd erupted in chants for 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux! The world's tallest teenager, towering over his opponents by 15 inches, made his collegiate debut in the final minutes, even managing a dunk for his first field goal. Rueben Chinyelu added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar each scored 11 points, further solidifying the defending national champions' victory.
Saint Francis Struggles:
Unfortunately, it was a different story for Saint Francis (2-10), who faced their seventh loss by at least 25 points this season. Ranked 361st out of 365 Division I teams by KenPom, they were the lowest-ranked team to visit the O’Connell Center in the KenPom era. The Red Flash, facing a 45 ½-point underdog status, trailed by as much as 25 points in the first half. Skylar Wicks, a senior playing for his fifth school, led Saint Francis with 22 points, taking 22 of the team's 63 shots.
What's Next?
- Saint Francis will host Robert Morris on Saturday.
- Florida will host Colgate on Sunday.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
Do you think the scheduling disparity significantly impacted the game's outcome? Was it fair to pit such a highly-ranked team against one so low in the rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
