TAMPA - The Gators are gearing up for their 2026 NCAA Tournament opener against Prairie View A&M, and there's plenty to unpack.
After a decisive 67-55 victory over Lehigh in the First Four, the Panthers (19-17) are riding a wave of momentum. Their journey from a mere five wins last season to this point is nothing short of remarkable. In fact, they join an exclusive club as the third team since 1985 to notch a tournament win after such a challenging previous season.
Florida's head coach, Todd Golden, isn't taking them lightly. "They have a really good team," he noted.
"They're gritty, tough, and they play a unique defensive style that aims to disrupt and force turnovers. Plus, with six seniors on the roster, including a couple of grad students, they bring a level of maturity and experience that's hard to overlook."
The Panthers have been on fire, winning nine of their last ten games and clinching the SWAC tournament as a No. 3 seed. It's clear they're not just happy to be here-they're ready to compete.
On the flip side, the top-seeded Gators (26-7) are coming off a stellar season, having secured the SEC regular-season title with room to spare. With 12 wins against Quadrant 1 teams in the NET Rankings, Florida is ranked fourth nationally in that category, showcasing their strength against top-tier competition.
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will tip off at 9:25 p.m. ET on Friday, March 20, and will be broadcast on TNT.
If streaming is more your style, Sling has you covered. The commentary team includes Tom McCarthy, Candace Parker, Dan Bonner, and AJ Ross, promising an engaging viewing experience from the Benchmark International Arena.
Florida's journey through the 2025-26 season has been a rollercoaster, with impressive wins against teams like Kentucky and Alabama, and narrow losses to powerhouses like Duke and UConn. Their resilience and ability to bounce back have been tested, but they've consistently risen to the occasion.
As the Gators prepare to face Prairie View A&M, they're not just looking to advance-they're aiming to make a statement. With the stakes this high, every play, every possession will matter. Basketball fans, buckle up; this tournament matchup promises to deliver all the excitement and drama March Madness is known for.