The anticipation is building as the Florida Gators (No. 3) are set to kick off their 2025-26 season against the Arizona Wildcats (No. 13) this Monday night at 7 p.m. ET in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. Both teams come into this game with records of 0-0, and the matchup is part of the Hall of Fame Series, which will feature exciting events in cities like Baltimore, Los Angeles, Boston, and Phoenix. Following the Gators and Wildcats, Villanova will take on No. 8 Brigham Young in a double-header that promises thrilling basketball action.

The Gators and Wildcats share a competitive history, with the series tied at 2-2. Their last meeting was a memorable one, as Florida edged out Arizona 78-72 in overtime back on December 7, 2011. This matchup is not just another game; it’s a chance for both teams to set the tone for their seasons against a ranked opponent.

Game Highlights and Player Performances

As the game unfolds, Florida has shown some impressive moments. In the second half, Xaivian Lee made his mark by hitting two three-pointers and contributing a total of 12 points. However, the Gators faced challenges early, allowing Arizona to build a lead. They had a strong start with a 12-point lead, but the Wildcats quickly responded with a 13-2 run, closing the halftime gap with a score of 50-46.

During the game, Thomas Haugh emerged as a standout player, leading Florida with 23 points and making an impressive 12 of 14 free throws. The Gators displayed resilience, tying the game at 67-67 after a 7-0 run, but as the clock wound down, Arizona held a slight edge at 79-75 with just 3:50 left in the game. The rebounding battle has been tough, with Florida being out-rebounded 21-12, facing a stretch of 4:10 minutes without a field goal, which makes their comeback even more commendable.

Projected Starters and Coaching Achievements

Fans can look forward to seeing some exciting projected starters on both teams. Florida is expected to feature Alex Condon, who is a first-team preseason All-American, along with Thomas Haugh and the newly formed backcourt duo of Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee. Arizona will counter with key players like Jaden Bradley and freshman standout Koa Peat.

Coaching plays a significant role in this matchup. Florida’s Todd Golden boasts an impressive record of 76-33, having led the Gators to a national championship in 2025. On the other side, Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd has a solid 112-33 record, with his team reaching the Sweet 16 last season. The tactical battle between these two seasoned coaches will be a highlight to watch.

Broadcast and Additional Information

For those eager to catch the game, it will be broadcast live on TNT, featuring commentators Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, and Andy Katz. Fans can also tune in to the Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD for radio coverage. As the Gators embark on their season journey, they will face significant travel ahead, with a road mileage of 12,948 miles for upcoming games.

This game against Arizona marks an important chapter for Florida, who aim to build on their impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins against ranked teams. With a blend of returning talent and fresh faces, the Gators are ready to make their mark this season. For more detailed insights and updates, fans can check out the live blog of the game and further coverage on the Florida Gators’ official site.