7-foot-9 Canadian Rioux sees game action as No. 3 Florida routs North Florida

7-foot-9 Canadian Rioux Sees Game Action as No. 3 Florida Rout North Florida

Alex Condon scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Micah Handlogten earned his second consecutive double-double as No. 3 Florida rebounded from a season-opening loss with a dominant 104-64 victory over North Florida on Thursday night.

Olivier Rioux’s Memorable Debut

The highlight of the lopsided game came when 7-foot-9 freshman walk-on Olivier Rioux, known as the world’s tallest teenager, made his collegiate debut. The 19-year-old received the loudest cheer of the night when he removed his warmup gear and checked into the game with just over two minutes remaining.

Although Rioux didn’t touch the ball, his brief appearance marked a significant personal milestone.

Gators’ Strong Rebound Performance

Following a close five-point defeat to No. 13 Arizona in Las Vegas, the Gators returned home to unveil their national championship banner before the game, then showcased their balanced attack and defensive dominance. Florida appeared far more like a title contender in this outing.

Stats and Highlights

Dominant Record Continues

Florida (1-1) captured its 35th straight home opener and improved to 12-0 all-time against the Ospreys. North Florida (0-1), led by new head coach Bobby Keenen, struggled throughout its first game of the season and was never a significant threat.

“It was so lopsided that 7-foot-9 walk-on Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, made his collegiate debut,” reported the Associated Press.
Author’s Summary

Florida bounced back in powerful fashion, showcasing dominance on the boards and welcoming 7-foot-9 freshman Olivier Rioux to college basketball in a standout home opener.

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TSN TSN — 2025-11-07

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