In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 3 Florida basketball overcame a slow start to achieve a commanding 81-68 victory over No. 22 Mississippi State. The Gators opened the second half with a remarkable 17-0 run, showcasing their depth despite missing two starters. Denzel Aberdeen led the way for Florida, scoring 20 points, as the team rallied to secure the win on the road. Mississippi State struggled in the second half, unable to recover from the Gators’ explosive performance. Following the game, Florida coach Todd Golden praised his team’s resilience in the face of adversity and expressed confidence in their ability to contend for the league title.