Florida Women's Basketball Falls to Texas in Front of Shaq

Me'Arah O'Neal's standout performance couldn't lift the Gators over the Longhorns

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Florida women's basketball team hosted No. 4 Texas on Thursday, with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal in attendance to watch Me'Arah O'Neal, his daughter, put on a show for the Gators. Despite Me'Arah's impressive performance, Florida ultimately fell to the Longhorns.

Why it matters

This game was a high-profile matchup between two top SEC teams, drawing the attention of a basketball icon like Shaquille O'Neal. Me'Arah O'Neal's strong showing also highlighted her potential as a rising star in women's college basketball.

The details

Me'Arah O'Neal, the daughter of Shaquille O'Neal, had a standout game for the Gators, showcasing her versatility and skill. However, the Longhorns proved to be too much for Florida, handing the Gators a defeat in the SEC showdown.

  • The game took place on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Me'Arah O'Neal

The daughter of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, who put on a strong performance for the Florida women's basketball team.

Shaquille O'Neal

The NBA Hall of Famer and basketball icon who was in attendance to watch his daughter play.

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What they’re saying

“Me'Arah is skilled. She's very versatile.”

— Shaquille O'Neal

The takeaway

This game showcased the growing talent in women's college basketball, with Me'Arah O'Neal's performance drawing the attention of a legendary NBA player like Shaquille O'Neal. The Gators' loss to the Longhorns highlights the competitiveness of the SEC, as they continue to build towards a successful season.