Florida Gators Look to Bounce Back Against North Florida After Season Opener Loss

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 3 Florida Gators seek redemption as they host North Florida in their home opener Thursday at 8 p.m. after a disappointing loss to 13th-ranked Arizona. The Gators fell 93-87 in their first game of the season, held in Las Vegas on November 3. Coach Todd Golden scheduled the challenging matchup to gauge his new team’s capabilities.

Golden addressed media on Wednesday, reflecting on the team’s performance against Arizona. “Adversity… like losing one game early in the year? I guess,” he said, indicating the pressure surrounding the team’s high expectations after winning the national championship last season.

The Gators struggled against Arizona, a formidable opponent that had a strong and aggressive game. Arizona freshman Koa Peat scored 30 points, showcasing the strength of a top-five recruiting class. Despite the Gators’ talented roster, including four returning players from their championship team, they found themselves outmatched.

Preparing for North Florida (0-0), the Gators aim to improve. Golden highlighted the need for better execution and defense. “We got to play with great purpose,” he said. “We have a chance to correct things early before we start SEC play against Missouri on January 3.” He emphasized the importance of rebounding and guarding against drives to the basket.

In their prior meeting, the Gators dominated North Florida with a 99-45 victory in December 2024. The Gators are typically strong at home, holding a 34-game winning streak in home openers since 1991.

Florida’s forward, who scored a career-high 27 points in the opener against Arizona, will need support from his teammates to secure a win against North Florida. Additionally, Gators’ rookie guard faced challenges but showed resilience on the court. Coach Golden expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to recover and return to form.

With a focus on internal improvement, the Gators hope to silence any early-season doubters with a strong home performance. “It’s about us,” Golden concluded. “We need to tune out negativity and concentrate on our game plan.”