16. Florida (13-5)
The defending champions appeared to be righting wrongs that plagued them early in the season. They lost a few very winnable games and certainly regret some of those late moments against Duke and UConn, and really woe that rough loss at Missouri to kick off SEC play. However, Florida got a pair of ranked wins last week by double figures and kept that energy into this week.
These Gators nabbed their first road win of the season on Tuesday, winning 96-79 in an impressive showing at Oklahoma. Thomas Haugh had 21 points and 7 rebounds while Rueben Chinyelu continued a brilliant season with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Florida really showed up on Saturday with a statement, getting a 98-94 road win against Vanderbilt. Chinyelu and Xaivian Lee had 20 points apiece, with the latter putting together perhaps his best effort of the season against the Commodores.
Three of the last four efforts for the Gators have resulted in ranked wins and this team is squarely back in the national attention. Those early losses dulled the potential for this team but Florida’s talented lineup is certainly realizing that potential once again, especially if Lee and this backcourt pulls their weight more consistently. After two strong road wins, this team stays put in Gainesville next week by welcoming LSU and Auburn.