Gators Star Rueben Chinyelu Breaks Another Program Record in NCAA Tournament Win

Chinyelu recorded his program-record 19th double-double of the season in Florida's blowout victory over Prairie View A&M.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:34pm

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In Florida's 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M on Friday in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64, junior forward Rueben Chinyelu recorded his program-record 19th double-double of the season with a 13-point, 14-rebound effort. The previous record of 18 double-doubles in a season was held by Bob Smyth during the 1975-76 season.

Why it matters

Chinyelu's dominant performance this season has been a key factor in Florida's success, as the Gators look to defend their national championship. His ability to control the paint and clean up the glass has been crucial for a team with championship aspirations.

The details

Chinyelu tied the program record on March 3 with an 11-point, 16-rebound game against Mississippi State. In the win over Prairie View A&M, the Gators set program records for points (114) and assists (29) in an NCAA Tournament game, winning by 59 points, the second-largest margin of victory in tournament history. Florida out-scored Prairie View A&M 64-10 and out-rebounded them 54-20, with Chinyelu leading the way with 13 rebounds.

  • Chinyelu tied the program record on March 3.
  • Chinyelu broke the program record on March 17 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64 game.

The players

Rueben Chinyelu

A junior forward from Nigeria who has been dominant for the Florida Gators this season, averaging a double-double with 11.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

Bob Smyth

The previous holder of the Florida Gators' single-season record for double-doubles with 18, set during the 1975-76 season.

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators, who praised Chinyelu's performance in controlling the paint and glass against Prairie View A&M.

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What they’re saying

“Just having them reach out to me and saying how they feel really good just hearing his name called again, so that's just a big thing to me, and I really respect that and value that. I'm trying to just do whatever I can to just keep doing that and just paying homage to him.”

— Rueben Chinyelu

“He does a great job of wearing his opponents down. In the first half when we started getting stops, it felt like he was getting every defensive rebound, he was getting good outlets and getting us out in transition. But 14 and 13, I thought he did a really good job of controlling the paint and staying aggressive on the glass, and he's at his best when he's playing that way.”

— Todd Golden, Head Coach

“I would say defending champion, that's history. I would say like everybody could be on the same page as me telling that we don't care about that one. That one is gone. This is a new team so we're just going out there because the championship is right there to grab.”

— Rueben Chinyelu

What’s next

The Gators continue their quest for another national title on Sunday against nine-seed Iowa. Tip-off is slated for 7:10 p.m. with television coverage on TBS.

The takeaway

Rueben Chinyelu's dominant performance this season, capped by breaking the program record for double-doubles in a season, has been a key factor in Florida's success as they defend their national championship. His ability to control the paint and glass has been crucial for a team with championship aspirations.