Florida Gators Guards Preview Matchup Against Iowa

Florida's backcourt discusses strategy for Round of 32 game against 9-seed Iowa

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:49am

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The top-seeded Florida Gators are set to face off against the 9-seed Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Florida guards Isaiah Brown, Boogie Fland, Xaivian Lee, and Urban Klavzar met with the media to preview the matchup, discussing Iowa's style of play, the importance of composure, and the advantage of having a strong Gator fan presence at the neutral site game.

Why it matters

This is a crucial matchup for the Gators as they look to advance in the tournament and potentially defend their national championship. Florida's up-tempo guard play will be tested against Iowa's deliberate, half-court style, making the mental aspect of the game just as important as the physical.

The details

The Gators are led by their deep and talented backcourt, with Fland, Lee, Klavzar, and Brown all playing key roles. They know they'll need to contain Iowa's star player, Bennett Stirtz, while also imposing their own fast-paced style of play. The Gators will look to get out in transition and force the tempo, but they also understand the need to remain composed in the half-court when the game slows down.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM ET.

The players

Boogie Fland

A key guard for the Florida Gators who had an efficient 6-for-6 shooting performance in the team's first-round win.

Xaivian Lee

A starting guard for the Gators who emphasizes the importance of composure and execution in the half-court against Iowa's deliberate style of play.

Urban Klavzar

A guard for the Gators who is relishing the opportunity to play in front of the large contingent of Florida fans at the neutral site game.

Isaiah Brown

A guard who has taken on a larger role this season after learning behind several NBA players a year ago, and is now looking to make the most of his chance to contribute in the tournament.

Bennett Stirtz

Iowa's star player who the Gators will need to contain in order to advance.

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What they’re saying

“They're a good team. Bennett is a great player. Just got to contain him, no threes, and all team defense.”

— Boogie Fland, Guard

“Yeah, what he said, I think we've got to do what we do and get defensive stops and try and get out in transition because that's how we play the best, and everything opens up a little more. We're just going to try to play our game.”

— Urban Klavzar, Guard

“Definitely a physical team. Got to be ready for the fight. We've got to bring it to them, definitely got to be composed, like X said, and just play with great purpose.”

— Boogie Fland, Guard

What’s next

The winner of the Florida-Iowa matchup will advance to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Florida's experienced and talented backcourt will be key as they look to impose their up-tempo style on Iowa and advance deeper into the tournament. The Gators' ability to remain composed and execute in the half-court could be the difference against the Hawkeyes' deliberate approach.