News

ATHENS, Ga. — The No. 14 Florida Gators are beginning to resemble the dominant force that captured the NCAA men’s basketball championship last season. A commanding 86-66 victory over Georgia on Wednesday night marked their fourth consecutive win, and a clear signal that the Gators are peaking at the right time.

After a rocky start to the season, including four losses before the holiday break – matching their entire loss total from their championship run – questions arose about Florida’s ability to contend for another title. However, a recent surge, with nine wins in their last ten games, has silenced doubters and propelled them to the top of the Southeastern Conference standings. The Gators’ current winning streak has been characterized by decisive victories, with an average margin of 19.67 points per game, according to data from the game.

“We stayed the course,” coach Todd Golden said after the win. “We kept working and practicing, and I think over the last month and a half, we’ve been playing some really good basketball.”

The foundation of Florida’s resurgence lies in its stifling defense and tenacious rebounding. Against Georgia, the Gators held their opponents to just 34.7% shooting from the field, limiting a high-scoring Georgia team to 25 of 72 attempts. Rueben Chinyelu contributed significantly to the effort, securing 20 rebounds during the game.

Defense Fuels Gators’ Turnaround

Golden emphasized the importance of defensive intensity and rebounding as key components of the team’s success. “As we’ve learned the last couple of weeks from our group, when we guard and rebound, we’re pretty tough to beat,” he noted. “Our team is getting to a point where enjoying and kind of owning the identity of being a defensive, gritty, physical, rebounding team.”

Guard Xaivian Lee, who led the Gators with 18 points, seven assists, and no turnovers against Georgia, echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We’re all locked into what the coaches are asking us to do on defense, and offensively I think we’re finding our groove too,” Lee said. “We’re seeing each other better on the court and, obviously, our size and athleticism seems to wear teams down at the conclude of games.” Fellow guard Boogie Fland added that the team is playing “extraordinary” defense, consistently adjusting to opponents’ runs and making possessions difficult.

Improved Shooting Complements Strong Defense

While defense has been the cornerstone of Florida’s recent success, the team likewise displayed an improved shooting touch against Georgia. Coming into the game ranked last in the SEC in 3-point shooting at 28.8%, the Gators connected on 10 of 26 attempts from beyond the arc (38.5%), including six of their first twelve tries.

Golden views 3-point shooting as a complementary asset rather than a primary focus. “Collectively as a staff and as a program, we think of our 3-point shooting as the cherry on top,” he explained. “We don’t wish that to be what makes us good or what we rely upon to be a good team. We want it to be a thing where if we are shooting ball well, we’re really hard to beat.”

The Gators (18-6, 9-2 Southeastern Conference) have won nine of their last ten games, with their only loss during that stretch coming at home against Auburn. Earlier in the season, Florida faced tough non-conference matchups against Arizona, Duke, and UConn – all currently ranked in the top six of the latest Associated Press poll – setbacks that Golden believes ultimately strengthened the team.

“A lot of people wanted to count us out and say we’re not last year’s team,” Golden said. “We handled that the right way. We were not pointing fingers. We were not blaming each other for the lack of success.”

As the Gators continue their pursuit of another championship, their commitment to defense, rebounding, and a team-first approach will be crucial. The team’s ability to maintain its current form and build upon its recent successes will determine whether they can replicate last year’s remarkable run.

What remains to be seen is how Florida will perform against a challenging SEC schedule and in the upcoming NCAA tournament. The team’s continued focus on the fundamentals and its unwavering belief in each other will be key to their success.

What are your thoughts on Florida’s chances of repeating as champions? Share your opinions in the comments below.

A new daily business and policy newsletter launched on February 8, 2026, aiming to address what its publisher calls “information overload” in the modern business world. The newsletter, spearheaded by Economy Editor Sofia Rennard, intends to provide curated analysis of complex issues for professionals seeking to stay informed without being overwhelmed by constant news cycles.

The launch comes as entrepreneurs and business leaders increasingly seek efficient ways to monitor both market trends and evolving policy landscapes. According to a report from Failory, a resource for startup founders, Notice now over 65 business newsletters competing for attention. Business.com highlights the growing popularity of newsletters focused on specific niches, citing Industry Dive’s offerings covering areas from groceries to waste management as an example of this trend.

Rennard argues that a successful newsletter must offer more than just headlines. “A well-chosen newsletter doesn’t just deliver headlines; it distills complexity, offering context and analysis that empowers informed action,” she stated in a press release. The newsletter will prioritize credibility, focusing on reporting from established organizations with transparent fact-checking processes. Coverage will concentrate on industries, regions, and policy areas relevant to its target audience, with an emphasis on in-depth analysis.

The necessitate for such a service is underscored by the sheer volume of data facing businesses today. The launch materials emphasize the newsletter’s role as an “early warning system,” flagging emerging trends and policy shifts before they fully impact businesses or investments. This proactive intelligence is intended to assist subscribers “work smarter, not harder.”

RAND Corporation also offers a policy-focused newsletter, “Policy Currents,” which provides highlights of research findings, commentary, and events. This suggests a broader trend of institutions recognizing the value of direct communication of research and analysis to a wider audience.

The effectiveness of the new newsletter remains to be seen, but its launch reflects a growing demand for curated information in a rapidly changing business and political environment. No specific subscriber numbers or financial projections have been released by Economy Editor as of February 14, 2026.