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NCAA Basketball: Florida, Kansas, Michigan rise in latest top 25 power rankings

Jan 7, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Will Richard (5) makes a layup against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Jan 7, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Will Richard (5) makes a layup against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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5. Florida (15-1)

After running off 13 straight wins to open the season, these Gators had a major challenge and fell at Kentucky in quite the shootout. Feasting on a nonconference schedule that wasn’t exactly full of challenges, some expected the Gators to take a step back once SEC play got going, but this week just showed that this team is for real, especially after scoring 100 in that loss in Lexington.

Tuesday was a historic performance, as Florida won 73-43 against #1 Tennessee, feasting on the Volunteers and handing them their first loss of the season. Alijah Martin scored 18 while Denzel Aberdeen added 16 points off the bench. The Gators took care of things on the road on Saturday, winning 71-63 against a talented Arkansas team. Martin had 14 points to lead the Gators while three other starters had 12 points in the win.

Three tough challenges opened SEC play for Florida and they really showed up for all three, even if their defense wasn’t on display against Kentucky. A fast start to the season has only continued to mature and Todd Golden’s squad looks like it can compete and potential win this jam packed SEC race. They’ll have to keep showing their strength week after week, though they’re at least staying in Gainesville with contests against Missouri and Texas next week.