The South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team and the Florida Gators men’s basketball team have a storied rivalry in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with their matchups consistently delivering high-energy performances and dramatic finishes. In the 2024-25 season, their encounters have been marked by intense competition, showcasing standout players like Meechie Johnson for South Carolina and Walter Clayton Jr. for Florida.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the south carolina vs florida basketball score, individual player performance, and key statistics such as rebounds, assists, and turnovers from their recent games. By examining the gamecocks vs gators 2024 player stats, we aim to highlight the contributions of top performers and pivotal moments that shaped these thrilling contests.
Overview of the 2024-25 Matchups
The South Carolina Gamecocks and Florida Gators faced off twice in the 2024-25 regular season, with games on January 22, 2025, and February 15, 2025. These matchups were critical for both teams, as Florida aimed to solidify its position as a top SEC contender, while South Carolina sought to break a challenging losing streak in conference play.
The games were defined by contrasting styles: Florida’s high-powered offense, driven by efficient three-point shooting, clashed with South Carolina’s gritty defensive approach and reliance on key scorers like Meechie Johnson and Jacobi Wright. Below, we break down the south carolina vs florida basketball score and delve into the gamecocks vs gators player performance for each contest.
January 22, 2025: Florida 70, South Carolina 69
The first meeting of the season at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, was a nail-biter that came down to the final seconds. Florida, ranked No. 5, staged a comeback from a 14-point second-half deficit to edge out South Carolina 70-69. Will Richard emerged as the hero for the Gators, scoring a game-high 22 points, including a clutch driving layup with 4.8 seconds remaining. South Carolina’s Jacobi Wright attempted a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer, but it missed, sealing the Gamecocks’ fate.
For South Carolina, Meechie Johnson was a standout, contributing 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, though his efficiency was hampered by a 6-for-15 shooting performance. Collin Murray-Boyles added 14 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his physical presence in the paint. The Gamecocks shot an impressive 55% from the field in the first half but struggled to maintain their lead as Florida’s defense tightened in the final minutes.
On the Florida side, Walter Clayton Jr. chipped in 16 points, including four three-pointers, and added 4 assists. The Gators’ ability to hit 10 three-pointers as a team was a deciding factor, with their 38% shooting from beyond the arc keeping them in the game. Florida’s rebounding was led by Thomas Haugh, who grabbed 6 boards, though the team’s overall rebound stats were modest at 32 compared to South Carolina’s 35.
The game highlighted Florida’s resilience and South Carolina’s missed opportunities. Coach Lamont Paris later expressed frustration, noting that the Gamecocks “should have won” if not for a few critical miscues. This loss marked the beginning of a tough stretch for South Carolina, who fell to 0-6 in SEC play.
February 15, 2025: Florida 88, South Carolina 67
The rematch at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville was less competitive, as No. 3 Florida dominated South Carolina 88-67. The Gators pulled away in the second half, shooting an impressive 60% from the field and draining 14 three-pointers. South Carolina, hampered by a 14-minute field goal drought spanning the end of the first half and the start of the second, couldn’t keep pace with Florida’s offensive onslaught.
Jacobi Wright led the Gamecocks with 13 points and 4 rebounds, while Collin Murray-Boyles and Nick Pringle each contributed 12 points. Meechie Johnson struggled, scoring just 9 points on 3-for-10 shooting, a stark contrast to his performance in the January game. South Carolina’s top scorers showed flashes of brilliance, but their 41% field goal percentage and 7 turnovers in the second half underscored their struggles.
For Florida, Walter Clayton Jr. was electric, scoring 20 points, including five three-pointers, and dishing out 5 assists. Will Richard added 18 points, and Alex Condon chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds, bolstering Florida’s rebound stats with a 36-29 edge over South Carolina. The Gators’ assists and turnovers were a highlight, with 18 assists on 32 made field goals and only 9 turnovers, reflecting their cohesive offensive execution.
This game underscored Florida’s dominance in the SEC, improving their record to 22-3 overall and 9-3 in conference play. For South Carolina, the loss extended their SEC losing streak to 12 games, a program record, dropping their record to 10-15 overall and 0-12 in the SEC.
Key Player Performances
Meechie Johnson’s Impact for South Carolina
Meechie Johnson, a senior guard and Ohio State transfer, has been a cornerstone for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2024-25 season. Known for his scoring ability and clutch shot-making, Johnson’s stats against Florida highlight his importance to the team. In the January game, he scored 18 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and added 3 assists, though his 40% shooting reflected Florida’s defensive pressure. In the February matchup, Johnson’s output dipped to 9 points on 30% shooting, as Florida’s guards, including Walter Clayton Jr., limited his driving lanes.
Johnson’s season averages entering the February game were 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, with a 37% three-point shooting percentage. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates makes him a focal point of South Carolina’s offense. However, his inconsistency against top-tier defenses, as seen in the February loss, remains a challenge for the Gamecocks.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s Scoring Prowess for Florida
Walter Clayton Jr., a junior guard for the Florida Gators, has been a consistent scoring threat in the 2024-25 season. Against South Carolina, Clayton’s points were critical in both games. In January, he scored 16 points, hitting four three-pointers, and added 4 assists, showcasing his ability to stretch defenses. In February, he elevated his performance, dropping 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, including five three-pointers, and dishing out 5 assists.
Clayton’s season averages include 17.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, with a 39% three-point shooting percentage. His quick release and ability to score off the dribble make him a matchup nightmare for opposing guards. Against South Carolina, his ability to exploit defensive switches and knock down open shots was a key factor in Florida’s success.
Jacobi Wright’s Emergence for South Carolina
Jacobi Wright, a junior guard, has emerged as a reliable contributor for the South Carolina Gamecocks. His performance against Florida showcased his potential as a secondary scorer and playmaker. In the January game, Wright scored 10 points and added 3 assists, though his missed three-pointer at the buzzer proved costly. In February, he led the team with 13 points and 4 rebounds, displaying resilience despite the lopsided score.
Wright’s season averages include 10.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, with a 35% three-point shooting percentage. His ability to handle the ball and defend opposing guards has earned him significant minutes in Coach Lamont Paris’ rotation. Against Florida, Wright’s hustle and timely scoring provided a spark, though it wasn’t enough to overcome the Gators’ depth.
Florida’s Rebounding and Team Play
The Florida Gators’ basketball rebound stats have been a strength in the 2024-25 season, though their performance against South Carolina was mixed. In the January game, Florida was outrebounded 35-32, with Thomas Haugh leading the way with 6 rebounds. South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles and Nick Pringle controlled the glass early, but Florida’s defensive rebounding in the clutch limited the Gamecocks’ second-chance opportunities.
In the February game, Florida flipped the script, outrebounding South Carolina 36-29, with Alex Condon grabbing 8 boards. The Gators’ ability to secure defensive rebounds allowed them to push the pace and capitalize on transition opportunities. Florida’s assists and turnovers also stood out, with 18 assists and just 9 turnovers in the February game, reflecting their efficient ball movement and low mistake rate.
South Carolina’s Top Scorers and Supporting Cast
Beyond Meechie Johnson and Jacobi Wright, the South Carolina basketball top scorers include Collin Murray-Boyles and Nick Pringle. Murray-Boyles, a freshman forward, has been a revelation, averaging 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. His physicality and ability to finish through contact were evident in both games against Florida, where he combined for 26 points and 13 rebounds.
Nick Pringle, a senior forward, provides veteran leadership and rebounding prowess. Against Florida, he scored 12 points in the February game and added 5 rebounds, though his impact was limited by foul trouble. Other contributors, such as Zachary Davis and Ta’Lon Cooper, have provided depth, but South Carolina’s reliance on their top scorers has been evident in their struggles against elite teams like Florida.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
The south carolina florida basketball highlights from the 2024-25 season showcase the intensity of this SEC rivalry. In the January game, key moments included South Carolina’s 17-3 run in the first half, fueled by Meechie Johnson’s mid-range jumpers and Collin Murray-Boyles’ dunks. Florida’s response came in the second half, with Walter Clayton Jr.’s three-pointers and Will Richard’s game-winning layup stealing the show.
The February game featured Florida’s second-half dominance, with a 14-0 run sparked by Clayton’s back-to-back three-pointers and Alex Condon’s putback dunks. South Carolina’s highlight was Jacobi Wright’s early three-pointers, which briefly gave the Gamecocks a five-point lead. However, Florida’s relentless pressure and South Carolina’s prolonged scoring drought turned the game into a rout.
Statistical Comparison
To provide a clearer picture of the gamecocks vs gators 2024 player stats, let’s compare key metrics from both games:
- Scoring: Florida averaged 79 points across the two games, compared to South Carolina’s 68. The Gators’ three-point shooting (24-for-58, 41%) was a significant advantage over South Carolina’s (12-for-34, 35%).
- Rebounding: The teams were closely matched, with Florida holding a slight edge (68-64 total rebounds). South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles and Nick Pringle were effective, but Florida’s depth on the glass prevailed in February.
- Assists and Turnovers: Florida’s 33 assists and 18 turnovers across both games reflect their superior ball movement compared to South Carolina’s 24 assists and 19 turnovers. The Gators’ low turnover rate in February (9) was a key factor.
- Field Goal Percentage: Florida shot 49% overall (61-for-125), while South Carolina shot 44% (53-for-120). The Gators’ efficiency in the February game (60%) was a standout.
These stats highlight Florida’s offensive firepower and South Carolina’s defensive struggles, particularly in containing the Gators’ perimeter shooting.
FAQs on South Carolina Gamecocks Men’s Basketball vs Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Match Player Stats
1. What was the final score of the South Carolina vs Florida basketball games in 2024-25?
The south carolina vs florida basketball score for the January 22, 2025, game was Florida 70, South Carolina 69. For the February 15, 2025, game, Florida won 88-67.
2. Who were the top scorers for South Carolina against Florida?
The South Carolina basketball top scorers included Meechie Johnson (18 points in January, 9 in February), Jacobi Wright (10 in January, 13 in February), and Collin Murray-Boyles (14 in January, 12 in February).
3. How did Walter Clayton Jr. perform for Florida against South Carolina?
Walter Clayton Jr.’s points totaled 16 in the January game, with four three-pointers, and 20 in the February game, with five three-pointers, making him a key factor in Florida’s victories.
4. What were Meechie Johnson’s stats against Florida?
Meechie Johnson’s South Carolina stats against Florida included 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in January, and 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in February.
5. How did Florida perform in rebounds against South Carolina?
The Florida Gators’ basketball rebound stats showed 32 rebounds in January (led by Thomas Haugh with 6) and 36 in February (led by Alex Condon with 8), giving them a slight edge over South Carolina.
6. What was Jacobi Wright’s contribution to South Carolina’s performance?
Jacobi Wright’s South Carolina performance included 10 points and 3 assists in January, and a team-high 13 points with 4 rebounds in February, showcasing his growing role.
7. What were the key highlights of the South Carolina vs Florida games?
The south carolina florida basketball highlights featured Meechie Johnson’s scoring bursts and Collin Murray-Boyles’ dunks for South Carolina, while Walter Clayton Jr.’s three-pointers and Will Richard’s clutch layup defined Florida’s wins.
Conclusion on South Carolina Gamecocks Men’s Basketball vs Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Match Player Stats
The South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball vs Florida Gators men’s basketball match player stats from the 2024-25 season reveal a tale of two teams with contrasting fortunes. Florida’s high-octane offense, led by Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, proved too much for South Carolina’s gritty but inconsistent effort. Standout performances from Meechie Johnson, Jacobi Wright, and Collin Murray-Boyles gave the Gamecocks moments of brilliance, but their inability to sustain momentum and contain Florida’s three-point shooting led to defeats in both matchups.
The south carolina vs florida basketball score and gamecocks vs gators player performance underscore Florida’s dominance in the SEC and South Carolina’s ongoing challenges in conference play. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on these performances, with Florida eyeing a deep NCAA Tournament run and South Carolina aiming to regroup and end their SEC losing streak.
