Gators Climb to No. 5 as They Gear Up to Face Improved Missouri

Gainesville: The Gators are in a new spot, ranked No. 5 for the first time since 2017. They’re feeling the pressure as they get ready to host Missouri. Coach Todd Golden mentioned how they’ve shifted from being the hunters to the hunted.

The Gators are 15-1 and have been playing great basketball, winning by an average of over 21 points. They even got a first-place vote in the latest poll. But the players are staying grounded, knowing it’s just a number.

They’ve been dominating on both ends of the court, ranking first in rebound margin and ninth in scoring offense. Walter Clayton Jr. has been a key player, even if he’s had a quieter couple of games recently. His assists have been impressive, especially a highlight alley-oop to Sam Alexis.

The team’s depth is a big strength, with players like Alijah Martin and Will Richard stepping up. Alex Condon has been on fire, earning co-SEC Player of the Week honors.

At home, the Gators have been tough to beat, winning 16 straight games. But Missouri is no pushover. They’ve improved under coach Dennis Gates, and the Gators know they need to stay focused.

Golden emphasized the importance of not getting complacent just because they’re at home. It’s going to be a challenging game, and the Gators are ready to rise to the occasion.