Walter Clayton Jr. totaled 21 points despite 6-of-18 shooting, including 4-for-13 from 3-point range, to lead No. 18 Florida to a 75-58 victory over Wake Forest on Thursday afternoon in the semifinals of the ESPN Events Invitational at Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Clayton was one of four players who scored in double figures for Florida, which remained unbeaten and continued its best start in the past 12 seasons.
The Gators (7-0) advanced to the championship game of the tournament, where they will face Wichita State on Friday afternoon. The Demon Deacons (6-2) had a brief two-game winning streak snapped and will play Minnesota in the consolation game.
Tre’Von Spillers recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead Wake Forest while Hunter Sallis and Cameron Hildreth each scored 15 points.
It was a game of runs as Wake Forest jumped out to a 20-11 edge with 10:23 remaining in the first half thanks to Sallis and Spillers.
The Gators answered with a 12-2 surge sparked by Will Richard, who had 11 of his 14 points in the first half, and helped Florida lead 32-28 at halftime.
Florida scored the first 10 points of the second half before the Demon Deacons cut the deficit to 50-44 with 10:33 remaining.
But another 9-0 run sparked by Martin helped the Gators stretch the lead to double digits for good with 2:46 left in the second half.
Alijah Martin finished with 16 points, Richard scored 14 and Alex Condon totaled 12 points and eight rebounds for the Gators.
Florida controlled the rebounding edge which gave it a huge edge and ability to go on those aforementioned scoring runs. The Gators outrebounded Wake 44-30 and 15-8 on the offensive glass.
Florida’s defense also played a huge part as it totaled 10 steals overall and scored 21 points off 13 Wake Forest turnovers overall. The Demon Deacons struggled from the floor, shooting 37.5 percent and were only 3 for 20 from 3-point range.
Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes was ejected after being issued a pair of technical fouls with 2:42 left.
–Field Level Media
