Arizona, Florida and college basketball
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The No. 3 Florida Gators were handed their first defeat of the season by the No. 13 Arizona Wildcats on Monday, with the Gators losing, 93-87, in Las Vegas. Despite the loss, several players still impressed for the Gators against the Wildcats. On the other hand, a couple of others left much to be desired in the season opener.
The wait is over. Florida men’s basketball will tip off its season Nov. 3 and begin its quest for back-to-back national titles against the No. 13 Arizona Wildcats.
Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux isn't playing for defending champion Gators originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Florida has the tallest player in college basketball. But right now, Olivier Rioux is spending the season opener on the sideline.
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Florida basketball vibes: How we're feeling about the Gators entering the 2025-26 campaign
The Gators Wire staff offers their respective vibes heading into the 2025-26 campaign as Florida basketball looks to defend its national title.
The Gators begin their title defense in Las Vegas against Arizona, and they should have little issue covering this two-bucket spread. The day has finally arrived — college basketball is BACK and there’s a marquee game between the No. 3 Florida Gators and No. 13 Arizona Wildcats in Las Vegas for the Hall of Fame Series.
Thomas Haugh scored 27 points, but it wasn't enough as Arizona's Koa Peat and Jaden Bradley combine for 57 points.
The No. 3 Florida Gators begin their title defense against No. 13 Arizona Wildcats tonight at T-Mobile Arena, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET on TNT.
In CBS Sports' 2026 Final Four projections, Florida basketball is backed by just one expert despite coming off a national championship victory.
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