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Florida Gators Surge into March Madness Contention

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 8:00 GMT by New York Post
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

Gainesville, FL - February 23, 2026 - As the college basketball season enters its crucial final stretch, all eyes are turning towards March Madness. While perennial powerhouses dominate the conversation, a team quietly ascending and demanding attention is the University of Florida Gators. Following a season of inconsistency, Florida is demonstrating a late-season surge that shouldn't be dismissed, potentially positioning them as a legitimate threat in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

The Gators' recent form is a stark contrast to their earlier struggles. A resounding 87-72 victory over a typically formidable Kentucky Wildcats squad on Saturday served as a powerful statement. It wasn't just the win itself, but how they won - with a level of urgency, desperation, and collective execution that had been absent for much of the year, according to head coach Todd Golden. "We're playing like a different team than we were in December or January," Golden stated post-game, highlighting the significant transformation. "The level of urgency and desperation, the care with which we're playing, the execution, the rebounding, the defense -- we're at our best."

This improvement isn't attributable to a single factor, but a confluence of positive developments. Perhaps the most significant has been the dramatic overhaul of their defensive strategy. Over the last nine games, the Gators have become a defensive powerhouse, limiting opponents to just 65.8 points per game and holding their last four adversaries under the 75-point mark. This commitment to stopping the opposition is the foundation upon which their recent success is built.

Beyond defense, Florida's offensive rhythm has also undergone a marked improvement. Early in the season, the Gators often appeared stagnant, struggling to establish a consistent offensive flow. Now, they are showcasing impressive ball movement, recording 20 or more assists in six of their last seven contests. This unselfish play, epitomized by making the "extra pass," fosters team cohesion and creates more scoring opportunities. Golden emphasized, "We're sharing the ball. We're making the extra pass. We're playing together as a team." This increased fluidity makes them a far more dangerous opponent than they were just a few weeks ago.

The Gators aren't just benefiting from systemic improvements; individual players are stepping up at the right time. Senior forward Colin Castleton is experiencing a late-career renaissance, consistently dominating in the paint. He's averaging an impressive 19.6 points and 9.3 rebounds over his last nine games, becoming the focal point of the Florida offense. Furthermore, the emergence of freshman guard Kamari Lands is adding a crucial dimension to the team. Lands is contributing 11.7 points per game over the last seven games, providing valuable scoring support and relieving pressure from Castleton. This blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy is proving to be a potent combination.

Currently ranked No. 15 in the latest AP poll, Florida has an opportunity to climb further. Upcoming games against Arkansas and Tennessee will serve as critical tests, allowing them to solidify their position and potentially improve their seeding in the NCAA tournament. These games will be closely watched by tournament selection committees and analysts alike.

While a national championship may seem ambitious for the Gators, dismissing their potential for a deep tournament run would be a mistake. The combination of improved defense, fluid offense, and rising star power makes them a legitimate threat to upset higher-seeded teams. Several bracketology experts are already beginning to acknowledge Florida's potential for a surprising run, citing their late-season momentum as a key indicator. They aren't necessarily the favorites, but they are quickly becoming a team that opponents won't want to face.

Golden's confidence is palpable. "We're playing with a lot of confidence right now," he asserted. "We know we can beat anyone in the country." That confidence, combined with their recent performance, suggests that the Florida Gators are a team to watch as March Madness approaches - a team capable of making a significant impact and potentially exceeding expectations. The question isn't if they'll make the tournament, but how far they'll go.