Florida shows championship composure in Austin as second-half surge seals a big conference win
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team delivered a strong statement performance on February 25, 2026, defeating Texas 84–71 at the Moody Center. In a tightly contested game for most of the night, the No. 7-ranked Gators used a dominant late run and red-hot shooting to pull away and reinforce their position as one of the top contenders in the SEC and nationally.
Florida vs Texas: Game Summary
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 39 | 32 | 71 |
| Florida | 36 | 48 | 84 |
Florida improved to 22–6 overall with the victory, while Texas dropped to 17–11.
Second-Half Surge Turns the Game
Texas actually held a 39–36 halftime lead, shooting efficiently and matching Florida’s physical play. However, the game changed dramatically in the final minutes.
With 7:27 remaining, Texas led 64–61 after a layup by Jordan Pope. From that point forward:
- Texas did not make another field goal
- Florida closed the game with a decisive scoring run
- The Gators shot 65.4% in the second half
- Overall shooting reached 59.3% for the game
This late execution showed the experience and composure of a team built for postseason success.
Key Players Who Made the Difference
Florida’s balanced attack and frontcourt strength played a major role in the win.
Standout Performers – Florida
- Alex Condon – Efficient inside scoring, strong presence early (11 points on perfect first-half shooting)
- Boogie Fland – Hit a crucial three-pointer to extend the lead into double digits
- Frontcourt Unit – Controlled rebounds and protected the rim with multiple blocks
Florida’s size and physicality became the deciding factor as the game progressed.
Turning Point of the Night
The decisive moment came midway through the second half:
- Texas led 64–61
- Florida responded with a 7–0 run in just over a minute
- Momentum shifted completely
- The Gators never looked back
This stretch highlighted Florida’s ability to respond under pressure — a key trait of championship teams.
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Texas | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 50% (1st half) | 59.3% overall |
| Second Half FG% | Cold finish | 65.4% |
| Rebounding Edge | Competitive early | Florida controlled late |
| Paint Presence | Limited late | Dominant interior play |
Florida’s efficiency and interior strength wore Texas down in the closing minutes.
Season Impact and SEC Picture
- Florida now stands at 22–6 overall
- The win keeps the Gators near the top of the SEC standings
- As defending national champions, they continue to look like a serious March contender
- Texas, meanwhile, faces pressure as the loss pushes them closer to the NCAA tournament bubble
Upcoming Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| March 1 | Arkansas |
| March 4 | Mississippi State |
Florida will look to maintain momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.
This win showed Florida’s strength on the road, strong second-half performance, efficient scoring, solid defense, and calmness under pressure. If they continue this form, the Gators will be one of the most dangerous teams heading into the postseason.
