The Florida Gators are turning heads as they dive into week 17 of college basketball, with their No. 7 men's team showing they're more than ready for the playoffs.
Fresh off a victory against Ole Miss, the Gators have extended their winning streak to seven games within the SEC, boosting their conference record to an impressive 11-2.
Forward Alex Condon captured the team's spirit, saying, “I think we like playing on the road a little bit better. It gets everyone juiced up. Everyone is fired up always.”
The Gators are heating up at just the right time. After a shaky start, they’ve found their groove heading into the tournament. The last time Florida was this dominant was during the 2013-2014 season, where they went undefeated in conference play.
That team, under the guidance of Billy Donovan, entered the tournament as a No. 1 seed and made it all the way to the Final Four, only to be stopped by the eventual champions, the University of Connecticut. Donovan's tenure was marked by two National Championships and three title game appearances.
Fast forward to the 2024-2025 season, and Florida showed how catching fire late can propel a team through March. They carried their conference momentum straight into a championship run, proving that when the Gators start clicking against SEC opponents, they’re built for deep postseason journeys.
This year, the Gators are once again building momentum, holding the top spot in the SEC. A seven-game conference winning streak is no small feat, especially in a league brimming with competitive programs. Their resurgence after a tough start sets them up well for a potential conference title.
Each victory isn't just a step up in the standings; it's a testament to their growing chemistry, confidence, and mutual trust-key ingredients for any serious postseason contender.
As they prepare to face Texas on Wednesday, the Gators aim to keep their streak alive.
Coach Todd Golden acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “I think they’re top seven in America offensively, and they’ve played really good ball, beating some of the best teams in our league. So, for us to go in there and get the win, we’re going to have to play really well.”
Consistent success in the SEC has always been a significant hurdle, and this streak feels like more than just a fleeting run of form. It’s shaping up to be the kind of momentum that could make the Gators a formidable force come March Madness.