Arizona Vs Florida 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 11/3 5pm TNT

The 2025-26 men's college basketball season opens with championship stakes as No. 13 Arizona takes on No. 3 Florida, the reigning national champions, Monday night at T-Mobile Arena (7:00 p.m. ET, TNT/truTV). The Gators return battle-tested after a 65-63 title-game thriller over Houston last April, bringing back 6-foot-10 forward Reuben Chinyelu (6.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 59.9% FG) and surrounding him with high-impact transfers. Arizona counters with a 24-13 Sweet 16 team that kept key pieces—Tobe Awaka (18 points in a 113-42 exhibition rout of Embry-Riddle) and point guard Jaden Bradley—while landing the nation's No. 2 recruiting class, headlined by five-star forwards Koa Peat and Bryce James. Florida enters as 3.5-point favorites (over/under 159.5) and holds a 3-1 series edge, including a 78-77 nail-biter in 2003.

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd downplayed the hype but praised his group's depth: "We've got guys who can score at every level; it's about staying connected for 40 minutes." Florida's Todd Golden, a Tucson native, echoed the respect: "They play similarly to us offensively... I understand that it's going to be a really difficult game." Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. pointed to Florida's size advantage—three starters 6-foot-10 or taller—as the X-factor against Arizona's guard-heavy attack. Yet the Wildcats' No. 2-ranked transfer portal haul and 71-point exhibition margin suggest they can hang. Oddsmakers and analysts lean Gators by 4, but one early-season upset could rewrite the entire preseason narrative.

Both programs view this neutral-site blockbuster as a measuring stick. Florida aims to prove last year's crown was no fluke; Arizona wants to announce its reloaded roster belongs among the elite. With two top-15 teams, elite big men, and future pros on both sides, expect a physical, high-stakes affair that could preview March matchups down the road. Tip-off is set, and the road to another title begins here.

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Florida! 

BEARDOWN!!!

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https://x.com/TheAndyKatz/status/1983919571049263520?t=3TLU7GOKcrFzDHSdpKfuJg&s=19

For the last month, as I wander around FL, ever time I see somebody wearing gator gear I say, "Can't wait for Nov 3." I keep getting dumb blank/confused stares. Then they ask "Is that the FL/GA game?" or "Do we play FL St?" I shake my head and remind them that they open their national championship defense that day. More confusion ensues. They typically have no clue what I'm talking about. I then remind them that FL is longer a football school and that they have been promoted to a basketball school. There's no more confusion, just anger. These fans don't deserve the program they have. They need to lose on Monday.

Will Trilly Donovan be in attendance?

One of the best games I saw in McKale was in '12 when we beat #5 Florida. Be great if we could kick off this season with a similar outcome.

I think FL is underestimating how difficult it is to replace what they lost in their backcourt, esp in Clayton. I trust Bradley to more than hold his own vs Boogie. We'll need Krivas, Awaka and Koa to hang tough with what everyone says 'is the best frontcourt in the nation.' Tommy rolled the dice with freshmen this year, we'll see if it works. Push the pace, fight for every rebound. Imo, we play best when we play fast. Can't wait for this game!

Btw, Lloyd's record with Arizona in Vegas is 10-2. GO CATS!!

Good post, Deb.

We can't allow Krivas or Awaka to get j to early foul trouble. Otherwise, I think we match up well with the Gators, assuming our backcourt hits a few outside shots.

I think our backcourt will have an advantage and will have to win the game. I just keep coming back to how are we going to score inside on set plays. Krivas is too slow, and Koa and Tobe are too short. The guards need to beat their man to set them up for easy buckets and they will have to get those offensive rebounding put-backs. Our SF's will have to contribute by hitting some 3's.

Tom has made it very clear that rebounding is important but boxing out to rebound isn't worth the hassle. Just follow the ball and completely disregard the player you're assigned to. Then, hope you're lucky enough that the ball bounces to you and not the guy you just ignored. We should have multiple championships by now with that level of brilliance.

It is an I'll believe it when I see it game. Tommy hasn't learned how to mix up his system yet. If Rebounding is going to be the point of emphasis, than Run and Gun is not happening because "Krivas" isn't "Jokic".

So he better be coaching up the long "outlet pass"

Quote from: Deb on October 31, 2025, 07:26:38 AMOne of the best games I saw in McKale was in '12 when we beat #5 Florida. Be great if we could kick off this season with a similar outcome.

I think FL is underestimating how difficult it is to replace what they lost in their backcourt, esp in Clayton. I trust Bradley to more than hold his own vs Boogie. We'll need Krivas, Awaka and Koa to hang tough with what everyone says 'is the best frontcourt in the nation.' Tommy rolled the dice with freshmen this year, we'll see if it works. Push the pace, fight for every rebound. Imo, we play best when we play fast. Can't wait for this game!

Btw, Lloyd's record with Arizona in Vegas is 10-2. GO CATS!!

100% Deb !!