7-foot-9 Canadian Olivier Rioux Debuts as No. 3 Florida Dominates North Florida
Alex Condon scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Micah Handlogten recorded his second double-double in as many games, helping No. 3 Florida bounce back from its season-opening loss with a commanding 104-64 victory over North Florida on Thursday night.
The game was so one-sided that Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 freshman walk-on and the world’s tallest teenager, made his collegiate debut. The 19-year-old Gators player received the evening's loudest ovation when he pulled off his warmup jersey and entered the game with 2:09 remaining, though he did not touch the ball.
After a narrow five-point defeat to 13th-ranked Arizona in Las Vegas, the Gators unveiled their national championship banner during pregame introductions and delivered a dominant performance in their home opener. Their defense stood out, showing why they are serious repeat contenders.
Key Player Performances
- Alex Condon: Dominated inside with 25 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals. This was a strong comeback after being outplayed by freshman Koa Peat in the previous game.
- Micah Handlogten: Added 17 points and 13 rebounds for his second straight double-double.
- Thomas Haugh: Contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Florida finished with a massive 64-24 rebounding advantage and outscored North Florida by 66-22 in the paint. The Gators improved to 1-1 overall, extended their streak to 35 consecutive home opener wins, and hold a perfect 12-0 record against the Ospreys.
“Rioux didn’t even touch the ball, but his presence electrified the crowd during his debut.”
North Florida, playing its first game under new coach Bobby Keenen, was unable to pose much challenge in its season opener.
Author’s summary: Olivier Rioux’s debut highlighted Florida's emphatic home opener victory, showcasing the Gators' depth and dominance on both ends of the court.