TAMPA - The Florida Gators are gearing up to kick off their 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament journey, facing Prairie View A&M in the first round. The Panthers, who recently triumphed over Lehigh 67-55 in the First Four, come into this matchup with some serious momentum.
Prairie View A&M's turnaround story is one for the books. After a challenging season last year with only five wins, they've defied the odds to become the third team since the tournament expanded in 1985 to notch an NCAA tournament win following a five-win season. This puts them in the company of Iowa State and Fairleigh Dickinson, both of whom made impressive runs after similar beginnings.
This season, the Panthers have been on a tear, winning nine of their last ten games and clinching the SWAC tournament as the No. 3 seed. They're riding high and ready to challenge the top-seeded Gators.
Florida, with a 26-7 record, dominated the SEC, securing the regular season championship with games to spare. They've been battle-tested, boasting 12 victories against Quadrant 1 teams in the NET Rankings, placing them fourth in the nation in that regard.
Coach Todd Golden expressed excitement about playing in Tampa, highlighting the home-court advantage and the strong support from Gators fans. "Being home here in Tampa is great for us," Golden said. "We’ve had fantastic support all year, and with the games in Tampa, we’re expecting a great crowd to back us up."
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcast on TNT and available for streaming on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial for newcomers. The commentary team includes Tom McCarthy, Candace Parker, Dan Bonner, and AJ Ross, bringing the game to life from Benchmark International Arena.
The matchup is set for Friday, March 20, at 9:25 p.m. E.T., promising an exciting evening of basketball.
Looking back at the Gators' season, they've had some thrilling games, including a nail-biter against Florida State and a dominant win over Alabama. Despite a few setbacks, like close losses to Duke and UConn, Florida has shown resilience and skill, setting the stage for what could be a deep tournament run.
With the stage set in Tampa, the Gators are ready to showcase their talent and make a strong push in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown as Florida aims to continue their impressive season against a determined Prairie View A&M squad.