Gators hoops earns top grade from CBS Sports after SEC opening week

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Jan 11, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden talks to guard Alijah Martin (15) during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

It was an exciting opening week of Southeastern Conference play for the Florida basketball team despite seeing its 13-game winning streak snapped in the 2025 opener at the Kentucky Wildcats.

However, that loss was far from embarrassing, coming inside one of the most hostile environments in the sport. The Gators followed that up with one of the most lopsided victories over a No. 1 team in the history of the game — a 30-point dismantling of the Tennessee Volunteers on Tuesday.

Before the third game of the conference schedule against the Arkansas Razorbacks last Saturday, CBS Sports writer David Cobb published his weekly grades for the top 10 teams and beyond. The Orange and Blue, which ranks eighth on the list, earned a perfect A-plus grade for its efforts in the opening week of the new year.

“Florida dropped its SEC opener 106-100 in a banger at Kentucky. Invigorated by the poor defensive showing, the Gators returned home and bludgeoned No. 1 Tennessee on Tuesday. The utterly dominant showing validated the Gators as an SEC and national title contender after they played a relatively light non-conference schedule.”

Unfortunately, it is not all rainbows and sunshine in Gainesville.

“However, lingering in the background is the awkward reality is that coach Todd Golden is still awaiting the resolution of a Title IX investigation by the university in connection with accusations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and stalking.”

After the Gators’ road win at the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, one would assume that Florida is on its way to another top mark this week.

Next up for Florida

The Gators return home to host the Missouri Tigers on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Tipoff is slated for a late 9 p.m. ET start and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-hoops-earns-top-grade-153706227.html

Author : Gators Wire

Publish date : 2025-01-13 15:37:00

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