The Florida Gators are hitting their stride at just the right moment.
On Saturday, the defending national champions showcased their prowess with a commanding 94-75 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. This win marks their seventh consecutive triumph and their 12th in the last 13 games-a clear indication that the Gators are in peak form.
Junior forward Alex Condon was the standout performer, racking up 24 points on an impressive 9-of-13 shooting. Meanwhile, senior guard Xaivian Lee delivered his first double-double of the season, contributing 11 points and dishing out 10 assists, highlighting the depth and versatility of this Gators squad.
While a win against Ole Miss might not seem earth-shattering on its own, it's the broader context that makes it significant. The Gators have been steamrolling through opponents, averaging 89.9 points and securing victories by an average margin of 21.6 points during their current seven-game winning streak.
One of the keys to Florida's resurgence has been their newfound proficiency from beyond the arc. Heading into Saturday, the Gators were ranked a lowly 355th out of 365 Division I teams in three-point shooting percentage. However, they flipped the script against the Rebels, hitting 50 percent of their threes (11-of-22) and making at least 10 three-pointers in three of their last four outings.
Defensively, Florida is a force to be reckoned with. According to KenPom, they rank fourth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Their impressive length, with three key players standing 6-foot-9 or taller, allows them to effectively challenge shooters and control the paint, making life difficult for opposing offenses.
If the Gators can maintain their perimeter shooting, they will be a formidable opponent in March and early April, positioning themselves as strong contenders to defend their national title. Even with potentially tough matchups ahead, their balanced attack gives them a legitimate shot at glory.
The NCAA selection committee recently unveiled its current top 16 teams, placing Florida as a 3-seed in the Midwest region. This bracket includes last year's runner-up, the Houston Cougars, and the projected top overall seed, the Michigan Wolverines. With the way Florida is playing, they're poised to make a deep run and perhaps add another chapter to their storied legacy.