Scoring & Shooting Performance
Head-to-Head Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Florida Gators | Arizona Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 87 | 93 |
| Total Rebounds | 39 | 41 |
| Assists | 18 | 17 |
| Turnovers Forced | 13 | 15 |
| Field Goals Made | 37-86 | 30-61 |
| Halftime Score | 46 | 50 |
Standout Individual Performances
Shooting Efficiency Comparison
Game Flow & Critical Moments
First Half: Florida’s Early Dominance
The Gators built a commanding 12-point lead with 9:54 remaining in the half, hitting 11 of their first 16 shots. However, Arizona applied defensive pressure and erased the deficit through a 32-16 run, entering halftime trailing 50-46.
Halftime: Momentum Shift
Arizona shot 50% from the field in the first half. The Wildcats clamped down on Florida defensively, holding the Gators to 5-for-16 shooting over the final portion of the half while executing their offensive sets with precision. Paint scoring proved pivotal early: Arizona managed to stay within 4 despite Florida’s hot shooting.
Second Half: Arizona Takes Control
The Wildcats extended their lead to 9 points (59-50), their largest of the game. Florida struggled from beyond the arc (7-27 for 26% overall), while Arizona’s free-throw shooting (31-38 for 81.6%) proved invaluable. The paint advantage continued with Arizona outscoring Florida 50-46 for the full game.
Final Moments: Gators Mount Comeback
Florida cut the deficit to 3 points (85-88) with 1:00 remaining. Boogie Fland received an inbound steal and launched a wide-open 3-pointer from the corner with 35 seconds left, but the shot fell short. Koa Peat sealed the victory with free throws, hitting 3 of 4 in the final 25 seconds. Final: Arizona 93, Florida 87.
Explore Team Profiles
No. 3 nationally • Defending NCAA Champion • First loss in season-opening run
36-4 record • Defeated Houston 65-63 for national title • 12-game winning streak to close season
Boogie Fland (Arkansas transfer) & Xaivian Lee (Princeton transfer) replaced departed starters Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin
Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, Micah Handlogten return with playoff experience
Home opener vs. North Florida on Thursday, November 6, 2025
Backcourt integration and three-point shooting (26% in this game) areas requiring refinement
No. 13 nationally • Hall of Fame Series champions • Season-opening victory over defending champ
Fifth-year head coach • Led Arizona to Sweet Sixteen last 2 seasons (2024, 2025) • 22-13 vs. AP Top 25 teams
Top-5 recruiting class • McDonald’s All-Americans • Koa Peat scored 30 in debut (2nd most by Arizona freshman)
Jaden Bradley (Sr., 27 PTS) • Anthony Dell’Orso (Sr., 6’6″ wing) • Motiejus Krivas (7’2″ center)
Home opener vs. Utah Tech on Friday, November 7, 2025 at McKale Center
Interior dominance (50 paint points) • Free-throw discipline (81.6%) • Young talent integration with veteran leadership
Age 39 • Youngest national championship coach since Jim Valvano (1983) • 76-33 at Florida over 3 seasons
6-year, $40.5 million extension (May 2025) • 133-69 overall record in 6 seasons
Fifth-year coach • Historic conference tournament titles and Sweet Sixteen runs • Manages elite and veteran talent
22-13 against AP Top 25 opponents in his Arizona tenure • Built sustainable program with recruiting excellence
Golden: Up-tempo offense, young talent development • Lloyd: Interior-focused, defensive physicality
Season opener featured two programs with championship pedigree and distinct coaching philosophies converging in Las Vegas
Game Coverage Summary
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