FAU switch Alijah Martin sees Remaining 4 potential in UF

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GAINESVILLE — Florida capturing guard Alijah Martin is aware of a Remaining 4 group when he sees one.

The FAU switch acknowledges one thing acquainted within the No. 21 Gators, 93-68 winners Friday evening towards Southern Illinois within the O’Connell Middle.

Whereas it’s too early to inform, Martin mentioned Todd Golden’s unbeaten squad (6-0) could be even higher than the 2023 Owls Martin helped to a shocking postseason run.

Florida guard Alijah Martin got here 2 level sshy of his career-high with a 32-point evening towards Southern Illinois Nov. 22 in Gainesville (AP Picture/Alan Youngblood)

“We’re greater, extra athletic,” Martin mentioned. “No discredit to my outdated group, however I actually like this group. I believe we will do one thing particular.”

Martin had a particular evening towards the Salukis (2-3). The 6-foot-2, 215-pound fifth-year senior completed with 32 factors, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and simply 1 turnover.

Martin’s 8 3s — on 13 makes an attempt — tied his season whole after 5 video games.

“He was nuclear tonight,” Golden mentioned. “Actually pleased for him. He’s placing in plenty of work, plenty of additional time, and he treats this like knowledgeable.”

Martin completed 2 factors shy of his profession excessive set as an FAU sophomore on March 5, 2022, towards FIU. As a junior, he was pivotal within the Owls’ historic season, a shocking run that included a 76-74 win in Gainesville throughout Golden’s third sport with the Gators.

When FAU coach Dustin Could left for Michigan in March, Martin headed 4 hours north to present the Gators an explosive and veteran perimeter presence together with a suffocating defender.

A dozen steals within the first three video games showcased his defensive prowess. Towards Southern Illinois, Martin took over on the offensive finish, scoring 7 straight factors throughout a 16-0 run that broke open a 19-15 sport.

“We began getting in a stream,” sophomore ahead Thomas Haugh mentioned. “Our group’s simply tremendous deep, and all people performs tremendous arduous and is actually unselfish. That helped us construct that lead.”

Florida led by as many 30 factors at 76-46 as Martin continued his scoring assault, highlighted by 4 consecutive 3s within the second half.

The 22-year-old Mississippi native mentioned plenty of arduous work and his teammates’ assist helped him get into the zone.

“They poured life into me these previous couple of weeks, having me capturing the ball,” he mentioned. “Everyone informed me to remain assured, keep prepared.”

Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) drives past Southern Illinois guard Davion Sykes, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Youngblood)
Florida guard Alijah Martin (15) drives previous Southern Illinois guard Davion Sykes, proper, in the course of the second half of an NCAA faculty basketball sport Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Picture/Alan Youngblood)

He was prepared Friday evening as a reported crowd of 9,533 regarded on.

Martin is the brand new child on the block, however confirmed he will be the main man in a well-entrenched backcourt led by seniors Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, who mixed for 33 factors throughout Tuesday evening’s win towards Florida A&M.

With Clayton and Richard a mixed 5-of-18 capturing for 12 factors, Martin picked up the slack. Haugh added 19 factors, together with 4 blocked photographs, because the Gators’ depth shined throughout their sixth straight win by at the very least 15 factors.

“Pumped the best way we performed,” Golden mentioned. “Actually thought our guys did an excellent job begin to end tonight.”

Edgar Thompson will be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Up subsequent …

Florida vs. Wake Forest

When: 2:30, Thursday, ESPN Occasions Invitational in Kissimmee

TV: ESPN

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