BCSNN — No. 1 Florida didn’t play its cleanest game Tuesday night. It didn’t shoot particularly well early, struggled at the free-throw line for much of the game and committed enough turnovers to keep Florida State hanging around.

The Gators won anyway.

Led by another star performance from senior forward Thomas Haugh, Florida outlasted its in-state rival 81-72 before a sold-out crowd at the Donald L. Tucker Center, extending its winning streak over the Seminoles to six games and remaining unbeaten at 3-0 this season.

For Haugh, the victory carried extra significance. The preseason SEC Player of the Year, first-team All-American and projected NBA lottery pick finished his Florida State rivalry career a perfect 4-0, punctuating his final trip to Tallahassee with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“Yep, 4-0 against these guys,” Haugh said afterward with a smile. “Probably not going to be 5-0, either. I'm not going to be back next year.”

Florida (3-0) seized control midway through the first half and never surrendered the lead over the final 20-plus minutes, but Florida State made sure nothing came easily. The Seminoles repeatedly cut into the deficit, fueled by Sebastian Rancik’s game-high 23 points and a hostile atmosphere that challenged the defending national contenders from start to finish.

The Gators held only a 31-29 halftime lead after both teams struggled offensively. Florida shot 36.7% from the floor in the opening half, while Florida State connected on 38.7% of its attempts and missed all nine of its 3-point tries. Despite the uneven start, Florida emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, scoring the first six points of the second half to create separation.

Still, the Seminoles refused to fade. Florida State trimmed the deficit to 53-50 with 7:17 remaining, forcing the Gators to find answers. That's when sixth man Urban Klavzar provided the spark. After missing his first five shots of the game, all from beyond the arc, Klavzar scored eight consecutive points during a pivotal stretch, knocking down a three-pointer and adding five free throws to help Florida rebuild an eight-point cushion.

While Klavzar delivered timely offense, Florida closed the game at the foul line. The Gators made only four of their first 11 free throws, but transformed completely over the final minutes, going 26-for-30 from the stripe over the final 11:19 and making 17 straight at one point. Klavzar finished a perfect 7-for-7 from the line and scored 10 points despite his rough shooting start.

The supporting cast around Haugh was equally important. Boogie Fland added 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Alex Condon contributed nine points and 10 rebounds. Florida also dominated the glass, outrebounding Florida State 41-29, an advantage that repeatedly created extra possessions and prevented second-chance opportunities.

The anticipated frontcourt battle between Florida's Rueben Chinyelu and Florida State freshman Marcis Ponder never fully developed. Chinyelu helped anchor Florida's interior defense with eight points and six rebounds, while Ponder was limited to four points and three rebounds. Florida State coach Luke Loucks praised the physicality that has become a trademark of the Gators.

“They bully teams and are so physical on the glass,” Loucks said. “They're grown men who know how to win because they've done it.”

Florida's defense ultimately proved to be the difference. The Gators held Florida State to 43.5% shooting overall and just 4-of-19 from three-point range, repeatedly forcing difficult shots in the paint. Despite surrendering 17 points off 14 turnovers, Florida consistently answered every Seminole rally and never allowed the crowd to completely shift the game's momentum.

When the final horn sounded, Florida's players celebrated in front of a stunned rivalry crowd, securing a third consecutive victory in Tallahassee and continuing one of the nation's strongest starts. For Haugh, it was a fitting ending. Four games against Florida State. Four wins. One final trip to enemy territory.

And one more reason to smile.