The term BTA gets overused a lot these days and has morphed into people using it for any standard win, but Florida’s dismantling of Texas A&M is what the origin of the phrase was meant for. 11 minutes into the showdown for first place in the SEC, the Aggies had two points.
Two.
They eventually scored more, but Florida simultaneously put the hammer down en route to a 86-67 win and took control of the top spot in the conference.
Florida takes the belt to Texas A&M
The concern coming into the game was Texas A&M’s three-point shooting prowess and whether their press would create problems for the Gators. Instead, Florida held Texas A&M to 1-14 shooting from three in the first half, and Florida allowed just three points all game off turnovers.
Ironically, it was Texas A&M who had more offensive rebounds than Florida, but the Gators also didn’t need second-chance points to lay the smackdown. Florida had their own offensive struggles in the first half, but it was forcing Texas A&M into foul trouble in the second half that allowed the Gators to pull away for good. Florida shot 16-18 from the free-throw line in the second half.
Five players for Florida had double-digit points, with Thomas Haugh leading the way with 22. Isiah Brown and Urban Klavzar both came off the bench to score 12 and 11 points, respectively.
One thing from our preview that did hold was Reuben Chinyelu. We had stated before the game, “Don’t be shocked if Rueben Chinyelu has another 15+ rebound game and imposes his will against the Aggies.”
Chinyelu had 15 rebounds.
What’s Next?
Florida isn’t just winning games; they are downright eviscerating teams. The Auburn game feels like a fluke in the grand scheme of things, and Florida's pathway to a regular-season SEC title is straightforward now.
Currently lingering around is Kentucky, and next Saturday’s showdown is bound to go a long way in determining the SEC. Prior to the Wildcats, the Gators will be in Athens on Wednesday to take on the fighting Mike Whites of Georgia.