No. 23 Florida Gators Host Colgate Raiders in Sunday Showdown
The No. 23 Florida Gators will face off against the Colgate Raiders this Sunday at noon ET in Exactech Arena, Gainesville. Florida seeks to build momentum before the holiday break after a dominant 102-61 win over Saint Francis, while Colgate looks to bounce back following an 85-77 loss at St. Bonaventure.
Florida enters the contest with a 7-4 record, showcasing strong performances from stars like Thomas Haugh and Xaivian Lee. Haugh leads Florida with 17.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Lee has improved dramatically, averaging 20.3 points with 54.5% shooting over the past three games. The Gators emphasize rebounding, ranking second nationally in offensive rebounds at 42.8% and leading the SEC defensively with 24.6% defensive rebounding.
Colgate, sitting at 6-5, comes into the game with a reputation for efficiency and ball control. The Raiders rank 35th nationally in turnover percentage, committing turnovers on only 14.4% of possessions. They boast a strong shooting touch, hitting 50.1% of field goals and 33.8% from beyond the arc. Key scorers include guard Jalen Cox who averages 16 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, and forwards Andrew Alekseyenko and Sam Wright who shoot above 56% in two-point areas.
Statistical Comparison
| Statistic | Florida | Colgate |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 83.8 Points | 77.5 Points |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 45.1% | 50.1% |
| 3-Point Percentage | 27.8% | 33.8% |
| Scoring Defense | 71.8 Points Allowed | 72.1 Points Allowed |
| Defensive Field-Goal Percentage | 40.1% | 41.3% |
| National Ranking (KenPom) | 13th Overall | 167th Overall |
| Offensive Efficiency (KenPom) | 29th | 147th |
| Defensive Efficiency (KenPom) | 11th | 208th |
Florida’s national ranking in offensive and defensive efficiency makes them favorites, but Colgate’s ability to limit turnovers and shoot efficiently poses a challenge. Florida’s advantage in rebounding and pace control is a critical edge expected to influence the game’s tempo.
Coach Todd Golden needs just one more win to climb into sole possession of eighth place on Florida’s all-time wins list. The game marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams and is framed as a potential "trap game," given Colgate’s strong position in college basketball rankings relative to other non-power conference teams Florida has faced.
Coverage begins at noon on SEC Network+ with commentators Ryan Urquhart and Patric Young. Fans can also listen via the Gator Sports Network with Sean Kelley, Brian Hogan, and Steve Egan.
With momentum on the line and both teams looking to solidify their positions before the holiday break, Sunday’s matchup promises competitive college basketball at its best.
Read more at: floridagators.com-
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