Florida Atlantic standout Alijah Martin, who helped propel the Owls to the Final Four in 2023, is moving about 300 miles north to play at Florida. The 6-foot-2 guard formally signed with the Gators on Monday and is expected to become an immediate starter for coach Todd Golden in Gainesville. Martin, a graduate transfer, has one year of eligibility remaining.
Will Richard scored 21 points and No. 24 Florida secured its eighth win in its past 10 games with a 77-64 rout of Vanderbilt on Saturday. Walter Clayton Jr. had 19 points for the Gators, who shot 46.7% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range. Tyrese Samuel had 15 points.
How Florida won was the most surprising part of its latest upset. Riley Kugel scored 22 points, Walter Clayton Jr. added 20 and the Gators dominated No. 12 Auburn 81-65 on Saturday to put themselves in position to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years. Florida (16-7, 6-4 Southeastern Conference) extended its home-winning streak against the slightly favored Tigers (19-5, 8-3) to 15 and picked up its second Quad 1 victory in two weeks.