Following Florida’s dominant 85-63 victory over Oklahoma, Gators head coach Todd Golden addressed the media, offering his thoughts on the team’s performance, key moments, and areas of improvement.
Golden began by expressing pride in how his team responded after their recent loss to Tennessee. He emphasized that the defeat did not shake the team’s confidence but instead reinforced their focus on fundamentals—defense, rebounding, and ball movement. He praised the players for their high-energy start, particularly on the defensive end, where they held Oklahoma to around 27% shooting in the first half.
One of the key talking points was Florida’s offensive efficiency, especially during a crucial first-half stretch where they drained six consecutive three-pointers. Golden highlighted the importance of ball movement and unselfish play, which allowed the team to generate open looks from beyond the arc. He credited players like Walter Clayton Jr., who led the team with 18 points, and Urban Klavžar, who provided a spark off the bench with a career-high 10 points.
Golden also discussed the team’s strategy against Oklahoma’s undersized lineup, explaining how the Gators focused on taking advantage of mismatches and controlling the boards. He acknowledged that the Sooners’ style of play required defensive adjustments, but he was pleased with how his team responded.
A notable moment in the game was Golden’s decision to intentionally foul late in the first half to regain possession. He explained that it was a calculated move, showcasing his analytical approach to coaching.
Looking ahead, Golden stressed the importance of consistency and maintaining intensity for the full 40 minutes. He believes that if the Gators can continue executing their game plan with discipline, they will be in a strong position as they prepare for their next matchup against LSU.
Overall, Golden’s postgame comments reflected a balanced assessment—celebrating the team’s strengths while recognizing areas for contin
ued growth.
