Overview
- Florida became the first defending NCAA men's champion to drop its season opener since 2003 Syracuse.
- The Gators led by 12 midway through the first half before the Wildcats surged ahead by halftime and never trailed again.
- Arizona’s Koa Peat posted 30 points with seven rebounds and five assists in a standout collegiate debut.
- Coach Todd Golden voiced frustration after the loss, saying, “We had a chance to jump on them, and they came back.”
- Florida shot 7-for-27 from three and struggled defensively, with new guards Xaivian Lee (14 on 5-for-17) and Boogie Fland (9) offsetting Thomas Haugh’s 27.