7-foot-9 Canadian Olivier Rioux Makes Collegiate Debut 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 two 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 college debut. The 19-year-old freshman received the loudest ovation of the night when he removed his warmup jersey and entered the game with 2:09 remaining, although he did not touch the ball.
After a five-point loss to 13th-ranked Arizona in Las Vegas, the Gators introduced their national championship banner during pregame ceremonies and then dominated in their home opener. They showed strong potential to repeat as contenders, especially on defense.
Key Performances and Stats
- Condon controlled the inside, adding four assists, three blocked shots, and two steals, bouncing back from being outplayed by freshman Koa Peat three nights earlier.
- Florida finished with a 64-24 rebound advantage and outscored North Florida 66-22 in the paint.
- Handlogten contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds.
- Thomas Haugh added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
The Gators improved to 1-1 on the season, notching their 35th consecutive home opener victory and extending their record against North Florida to 12-0.
North Florida’s Struggles
North Florida, playing its first game under new coach Bobby Keenen, struggled throughout and had little impact on the contest.
"Rioux didn’t even touch the ball but received the loudest ovation of the night when entering the game with 2:09 to play."
Summary: Florida’s dominant win featured strong team defense and key contributions from Condon and Handlogten, highlighted by Olivier Rioux’s debut as the world’s tallest teenager.