Florida basketball is starting to look like the team everyone expected when they were sitting comfortably inside the top 10 earlier this season. Tuesday night’s 96-79 road win over Oklahoma wasn’t just a victory - it was a statement. That’s three straight wins over SEC opponents now, and this one came with a level of control and confidence that suggests the Gators might be rounding into championship form at just the right time.
Thomas Haugh Sets the Tone Early
Thomas Haugh wasted no time making his presence felt. He poured in 12 of his 21 points in the first half, helping Florida build a commanding 22-point lead that Oklahoma never came close to erasing.
Haugh’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers - it was about timing and energy. Every time Florida needed a spark, he delivered.
Whether it was a timely three, a momentum-shifting dunk, or a hustle play that got the bench on its feet, Haugh was everywhere.
His versatility jumps off the screen. He’s the kind of player who can stretch the floor, battle in the paint, and finish through contact - all while playing with a motor that doesn’t quit. If he keeps this up, it’s hard not to imagine his name being called early in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Rueben Chinyelu Owns the Paint
Then there’s Rueben Chinyelu, who continues to be a force in the frontcourt. He logged his ninth double-double of the season with a season-high 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Chinyelu’s game is built on effort, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. He doesn’t just rebound - he controls the glass.
He doesn’t just defend - he deters. And against Oklahoma, he was everywhere Florida needed him to be.
By halftime, Chinyelu was already +20 in the box score with eight rebounds, evenly split on both ends of the floor. Oklahoma had no answers inside.
The Sooners shot just 29% from the field in the first half, and much of that had to do with Florida’s interior defense. Micah Handlogten and Alex Condon each added a pair of blocks, and the Gators’ length and physicality made life miserable for anyone in crimson trying to finish at the rim.
Boogie Fland Continues to Ascend
Boogie Fland followed up his breakout performance against Tennessee with another strong showing - 15 points on 7-of-16 shooting, plus seven assists and five boards. He’s starting to look more and more like the guard Florida envisioned when they brought him in. His ability to create off the dribble, find open teammates, and knock down shots when needed gives the Gators a dynamic edge in the backcourt that was missing earlier in the season.
Fland’s emergence has helped balance out Florida’s attack. With Haugh and Chinyelu anchoring the frontcourt and Fland finding his rhythm on the perimeter, this team suddenly looks deep, versatile, and dangerous.
Florida’s Frontcourt is a Problem - and That’s by Design
Oklahoma tried to attack the paint early and often, but it was clear from the jump that they didn’t have the size or strength to hang with Florida’s bigs. The Gators dominated the interior in a way that felt almost old-school - think ‘90s NBA physicality with a modern twist. Handlogten doesn’t even need to block a shot to alter it, and Chinyelu might be the hardest-working big man in the SEC right now.
The Sooners stuck to their game plan of driving the lane, but it never really got off the ground. Florida’s size and defensive discipline shut down those lanes before they even opened.
This wasn’t just about rebounding - it was about owning the paint on both ends. And when the Gators play like that, they’re tough to beat.
A Team Hitting Its Stride
It’s taken nearly 20 games, but Florida is starting to play like the reigning national champions they are. The chemistry is clicking, the roles are defined, and the confidence is building.
The Gators aren’t forcing things anymore - they’re letting the game come to them. That’s a sign of a team that’s starting to trust the process and each other.
Last year’s title run didn’t come without its bumps - losses to Georgia and Missouri raised plenty of eyebrows. But once things clicked, Florida became unstoppable. Now, with the backcourt rounding into form and the frontcourt continuing to dominate, it’s fair to wonder if we’re seeing the beginning of another deep run.
There’s still work to do. Xaivian Lee is still searching for consistency, and the bench rotation is evolving. But with guys like Urban Klavzar stepping up and Handlogten providing steady minutes, the depth is starting to show.
Vanderbilt Up Next - A Real Test
Next up is undefeated Vanderbilt - a matchup that should tell us even more about where this Florida team stands. If they bring the same energy and execution they showed against Georgia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, they’ll be tough to handle.
Confidence is contagious, and right now, this group is playing like a team that knows exactly who it is. Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard bring the swagger, the frontcourt brings the muscle, and the guards are starting to bring the balance. If Florida keeps this up, the rest of the SEC better take notice - because the Gators are heating up, and they might just be getting started.