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Prairie View Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Gators Dominate Prairie View A&M in NCAA Tournament
Gators cruise to blowout victory in first-round matchup
Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:26pm
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The Florida Gators men's basketball team handily defeated the Prairie View A&M Panthers in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday. The Gators imposed their will throughout the game, leading by double digits for most of the contest and cruising to a decisive victory.
Why it matters
The Gators' dominant performance sets them up well for a deep tournament run, as they look to capture their first national championship since 2013. For Prairie View A&M, the loss ends their season after earning an automatic bid by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.
The details
Florida jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, outscoring Prairie View A&M in both halves. The Gators' stifling defense held the Panthers to just 38% shooting from the field, while their balanced offensive attack saw four players score in double figures.
- The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
The players
Florida Gators
The men's basketball team from the University of Florida, a Division I program that competes in the Southeastern Conference.
Prairie View A&M Panthers
The men's basketball team from Prairie View A&M University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) that competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
What they’re saying
“Our guys came out focused and ready to play. We knew Prairie View A&M would be a tough opponent, but we were able to impose our will and get the job done.”
— Mike White, Head Coach, Florida Gators
What’s next
The Gators will advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the winner of the game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the UC Irvine Anteaters.
The takeaway
Florida's dominant performance in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament demonstrates their potential to make a deep run and contend for the national championship. The Gators' balanced scoring, stifling defense, and tournament experience make them a formidable opponent for any team they face going forward.
