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, leading No. 3 Florida to a commanding 104-64 victory over North Florida on Thursday night.
The game was so one-sided that 7-foot-9 walk-on Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, made his collegiate debut. The 19-year-old Gators freshman received the loudest ovation when he took off his warmup jersey and entered the game with 2:09 remaining, although he did not touch the ball.
Gators Rebound Strongly After Season Opener Loss
After a close five-point loss to No. 13 Arizona in Las Vegas, the Gators unveiled their national championship banner during pregame introductions before delivering a dominant home opener performance. Their defense was especially impressive, showcasing their status as repeat contenders.
Condon, who was outplayed by freshman Koa Peat three nights earlier, bounced back impressively by contributing four assists, three blocks, and two steals inside the paint.
Team Dominance in Rebounding and Scoring
- Florida finished with a 64-24 edge in rebounds.
- The Gators outscored the Ospreys 66-22 in the paint.
- Handlogten contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds.
- Thomas Haugh added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Florida improved to 1-1 on the season, secured their 35th consecutive home opener victory, and extended their record against North Florida to 12-0.
“It was so lopsided that 7-foot-9 walk-on Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, made his collegiate debut.”
North Florida, now coached by Bobby Keenen, struggled significantly in their season opener, failing to be a competitive factor against the Gators.
Summary: Florida showcased a powerful performance with strong defense and rebounding, highlighted by Olivier Rioux’s memorable debut and key contributions from their star players.