A new season means a new opportunity for an SEC title run, especially after an SEC Coaches poll puts the Gators at No. 3 before their Monday matchup.
Florida’s viral injury bug has opened the door for many players anchored to the end of the bench to establish a role within the team, quickly transforming a squad with glaring personnel deficiencies into one of the deepest in the SEC.
Following an arm injury, Smith, who made 25 points in her 35 minutes of gameplay, was on the bench, and the Gators knew they had to go on without Sunday’s key player.
The No. 6 Longhorns claimed the ITA Kickoff Tournament’s throne, but the No. 9 Gators didn’t go out begging on their knees.
Ole Miss boasts a 6-2 home record, while Florida owns a 1-4 road record.
In a meet 330 days in the making, Florida walked away from the Carolina Challenge T-third place with four victories.
The No.8 women and No.5 men won 215-84 and 158-142, respectively.
In total, 24 of UF’s contests will be played outside the SEC.
Payne’s dominance belied the key to Florida’s success against the Bulldogs, scoring 52 points in the paint en route to a 92-84 victory Saturday night.
Expectations are high for the Gators as last season was cut short, leaving them with a 6-2 record.
Skaggs snatched the all-around meet title, carrying Florida to another top-10 victory.
A win on Saturday is important in escaping mid-table congestion in the SEC and avoiding any blemishes before a looming Selection Sunday.
This meet will be the Gators’ first competition since the COVID-19 pandemic halted the 2020 season.
The No. 8 women’s team and No. 5 men’s team are facing No. 23 Auburn.
Florida will compete in 17 regular season games, but the first eight will be on the road.
Eleven graduating Gators were called up to the pool walkway Wednesday.
The Gators depth shined through Tuesday and was the driving force behind one of Florida's biggest upsets.
Florida will only play two games against the Seminoles this season after the Jacksonville contest set for March 30 was canceled Thursday.
With eight conference games remaining, Florida women’s basketball looks to continue its winning streak heading into the SEC Tournament.
The Gators will take on the Razorbacks at 8 p.m. Friday.
Solutions by The State News
