{"id":180964,"date":"2026-02-26T08:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T08:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/180964\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T08:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T08:59:09","slug":"florida-basketball-prevails-late-after-texas-longhorns-hot-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/180964\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida basketball prevails late after Texas Longhorns’ hot start"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated Feb. 25, 2026, 9:56 p.m. ET<\/p>\n

The No. 7 Florida Gators<\/a> (21-6, 12-2 SEC) battled the Texas Longhorns<\/a> (17-10, 8-6) in a tense road showdown at the Moody Center on Wednesday night, with postseason positioning and SEC pecking order implications on the line. The Orange and Blue pulled away late behind stellar shooting and a flurry of blocked shots for an 84-71 victory.<\/p>\n

The win keeps Florida<\/a>\u2019s SEC title hopes intact and provides valuable insight into how this team responds under pressure while maintaining its two-game cushion over Arkansas in the conference race.<\/p>\n

Here are three key takeaways from a competitive tilt that juxtaposed disciplined execution with moments of mystery for the defending national champions.<\/p>\n

Front-court rim protection can mask Florida’s lapses<\/p>\n

Florida’s front-court defense emerged as the stabilizing force through the stretch run. After a shaky start and some sloppy offensive possessions, the Gators ramped up interior pressure \u2014 finishing the night with 11 blocked shots that disrupted Texas’ rhythm and allowed Florida to recover from early miscues.<\/p>\n

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That rim protection helped cover a night that included 9 turnovers, giving Florida multiple second chances on both ends that ultimately swung the momentum. The Gators didn’t allow a field goal for the final 7 minutes.<\/p>\n

The Gators can overcome adversity & win ugly<\/p>\n

This wasn’t Florida’s cleanest performance, but it was effective. Thomas Haugh, the team’s usual scoring catalyst, started just 1-for-4 from the field and play through a turned ankle and foul trouble.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Rueben Chinyelu battled foul trouble, forcing lineup adjustments for Golden’s squad. Lee also struggled early before exploding late in the 2nd half with a host of 3-point baskets \u2014 including a dagger with three minutes remaining to gash the Longhorns deficit wider. The win is a testament to Florida’s depth and toughness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Florida will go as far as Alex Condon takes them<\/p>\n

From the opening tip, Alex Condon set the tone for Florida. Condon started the contest a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, providing consistent scoring and stability when Texas mounted an 8-0 which briefly cut the Florida lead to single digits, Condon’s scoring efficiency gave the Gators an anchor.<\/p>\n

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