When Texas guard Jordan Pope sank a layup to give the Longhorns a 64-61 lead late in the second half against Florida, it seemed like the Gators were in for a nail-biter. But what unfolded next showed why Florida is climbing to a No. 2 seed in CBS Sports Bracketology and why they're a serious threat to repeat as national champions.
The Gators unleashed a 23-7 run, flipping a deficit into a commanding 84-71 victory. This stretch of near-flawless basketball sends a clear message to the rest of college hoops: Florida is coming.
Florida's Achilles' heel this season has been inconsistent 3-point shooting. They've compensated with elite offensive rebounding, interior dominance, and strong defense.
But now, their long-range game is heating up. After hitting 10 or more threes just twice in their first 23 games, they've done it three times in the last five.
Last night's 8-for-18 performance, a solid 44.4% from deep, showcased their growing accuracy. With Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee finding his rhythm, the Gators are close to firing on all cylinders.
Bracketology Top Seeds
East: Duke
Midwest: Michigan
West: Arizona
South: UConn
No. 2 Seeds: Illinois, Iowa St., Florida, Purdue
Check out the full field of 68 at the CBS Sports Bracketology hub.
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Florida
- CBS Sports Bracketology: No. 2 seed
- WAB rank: 7
- KenPom rank: 5
Florida has been knocking on the door of a No. 2 seed, and their recent 84-71 win at Texas solidified their position. With a record of 22-6 (13-2 SEC) and 13 wins in their last 14 games, the Gators combine top-eight results-based metrics with top-five predictive metrics. Their push for a repeat title is gaining momentum.
Virginia
- CBS Sports Bracketology: No. 3 seed
- WAB rank: 13
- KenPom rank: 14
Virginia is riding a nine-game winning streak into Saturday's clash at Duke, recently earning a No. 3 seed after a dominant win over NC State. Under first-year coach Ryan Odom, they boast elite rebounding, shot-blocking, and 3-point shooting. A win at Duke could propel them even higher.
UCF
- CBS Sports Bracketology: No. 8 seed
- WAB rank: 25
- KenPom rank: 46
After starting February with three losses, UCF has rebounded with three straight wins, including a notable road victory over BYU. They excel in results-based metrics but have struggled with predictive ones. At 20-7 (9-6 Big 12), they're in a strong position under coach Johnny Dawkins.
Saint Mary's
- CBS Sports Bracketology: No. 10 seed
- WAB rank: 27
- KenPom rank: 24
Despite a convincing win over Santa Clara, Saint Mary's has an unusual resume. They remain 0-3 in Quad 1 games but are 8-1 in Quad 2, averaging as a top-30 team. Heading into a showdown with Gonzaga, they're on a seven-game winning streak.
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Auburn
- CBS Sports Bracketology: No. 10 seed
- WAB rank: 42
- KenPom rank: 37
Auburn snapped a five-game skid against Kentucky but stumbled again against Oklahoma. With a 15-13 record (6-9 SEC), they face must-win games against Ole Miss and LSU. Despite a tough schedule and key victories, Auburn is on shaky ground after losing six of their last seven.
Clemson
- CBS Sports Bracketology: No. 10 seed
- WAB rank: 38
- KenPom rank: 41
Clemson is echoing their 2023 collapse, dropping four straight, including a home loss to Florida State. At 20-8 (10-5 ACC), they face crucial games against Louisville and North Carolina. Another slip could make the ACC Tournament tense.
Indiana
- CBS Sports Bracketology: Next Four Out
- WAB rank: 49
- KenPom rank: 43
Indiana's recent losses to Illinois and Purdue are understandable, but a home defeat to Northwestern hurts. With tournament hopes on the line, they'll host Michigan State, who will have less rest after playing Purdue.
USC
Eric Musselman seemed like a perfect fit for USC, but the Trojans are at risk of missing the NCAA Tournament again. With a Saturday game against Nebraska, they've lost four straight and sit at 18-10 (7-10 Big Ten). Their results-based metrics are on the fringe, and their predictive metrics have plummeted, indicating a turnaround isn't likely.