Gainesville, Florida, November 7, 2025
In their season opener, the Florida Gators men’s basketball team achieved a resounding victory over the North Florida Ospreys, winning 104-64. Junior forward Alex Condon starred with a double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Gators showcased their depth with multiple players contributing significantly. This win follows the unveiling of their national championship banner, marking a triumphant return to Exactech Arena.
Gainesville, Florida – Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Dominates North Florida in Home Opener
In their home opener on November 6, 2025, the Florida Gators men’s basketball team secured a decisive 104-64 victory over the North Florida Ospreys at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Florida. This win marked the Gators’ first home game following their national championship banner unveiling.
Key Performances
Junior forward Alex Condon led the Gators with a double-double, recording 25 points and 10 rebounds. Senior center Micah Handlogten also contributed significantly, adding 17 points and 13 rebounds. The team showcased depth, with Thomas Haugh, Boogie Fland, and Xaivian Lee each scoring 10 points. Notably, Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-foot-9, made his collegiate debut, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history.
Game Highlights
The Gators demonstrated dominance from the start, overcoming an early 10-9 deficit to establish a commanding lead. They outperformed the Ospreys in several key areas, including rebounds (b)64-24) and points in the paint (b)66-22). Despite a challenging night from beyond the arc, shooting only 18.8% from three-point range, Florida’s efficient two-point shooting (69%) and aggressive defense secured the win.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Gators improve to 1-1 on the season. They will look to build on this performance as they prepare for their upcoming games, aiming to continue their strong play throughout the season.
Background
The Florida Gators entered the 2025-2026 season as the defending national champions, having secured the title in the previous year. Their home opener against North Florida was a significant event, highlighted by the unveiling of their national championship banner, symbolizing their achievements and setting the tone for the season ahead.
About the Florida Gators
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team represents the University of Florida in NCAA Division I basketball. They compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and have a storied history, including multiple national championships and conference titles. The team is known for its competitive play and strong fan base.
About the North Florida Ospreys
The North Florida Ospreys men’s basketball team represents the University of North Florida in NCAA Division I basketball. They compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference and are recognized for their competitive spirit and contributions to college basketball.
Recent News
- Florida Gators’ National Championship Banner Unveiling – The Gators celebrated their recent national championship with a banner unveiling ceremony before the game against North Florida.
- Olivier Rioux’s Historic Debut – Olivier Rioux made his debut as the tallest player in college basketball history, standing at 7-foot-9.
- Upcoming Games – The Gators are set to face the Kentucky Wildcats in their next matchup, continuing their season with high expectations.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Florida Gators vs. North Florida game?
The Florida Gators defeated the North Florida Ospreys with a final score of 104-64.
Who led the Florida Gators in scoring during the game?
Junior forward Alex Condon led the Gators with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
What notable event occurred before the game?
Before the game, the Gators unveiled their national championship banner, celebrating their previous season’s success.
Who is Olivier Rioux?
Olivier Rioux is a 7-foot-9 center who made his collegiate debut during the game, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history.
What is the Florida Gators’ next game?
The Gators are scheduled to play against the Kentucky Wildcats in their upcoming matchup.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Florida Gators 104, North Florida Ospreys 64 |
| Leading Scorer | Alex Condon with 25 points and 10 rebounds |
| Historic Event | Unveiling of the national championship banner |
| Notable Debut | Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball history at 7-foot-9 |
| Next Opponent | Kentucky Wildcats |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (November 6, 2025, 7:30 PM): The Lexington Police Department is seeking public assistance to locate a man wanted on multiple charges, including assault and terroristic threatening, urging residents to report any sightings for community safety. View on X
- @WKYT (November 5, 2025, 10:52 PM): Crews responded to a shooting near a Lexington park, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns in local neighborhoods. View on X
- @heraldleader (November 4, 2025, 11:30 PM): Several Lexington schools were placed on heightened alert Tuesday due to nearby police activity, impacting community and student safety. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 3, 2025, 2:00 PM): One person was injured and a suspect arrested following an overnight shooting on Boxwood Drive, as Lexington police continue investigations into local violence. View on X
- @WKYT (November 3, 2025, 9:40 AM): Officers arrested a suspect in an overnight shooting in Lexington, providing an update on efforts to maintain public safety. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 1, 2025, 6:00 PM): Lexington police responded to a disorderly incident involving a weapon downtown, resulting in three injuries and raising concerns about urban public safety. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 2, 2025, 7:00 PM): A pedestrian is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car in Lexington, underscoring traffic and emergency response issues. View on X
- @WKYT (November 3, 2025, 12:20 PM): One resident has been displaced following a house fire in Lexington, with the fire department managing the emergency response. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 3, 2025, 11:31 AM): The Lexington Fire Department reports one person displaced after an early morning fire on Lyndhurst Place, affecting local housing and safety. View on X
- @WKYT (November 3, 2025, 2:52 PM): Police have identified the suspect in a recent Lexington shooting, offering further details on the investigation to inform the community. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mark Stoops Cleared of Wrongdoing Amid Financial Challenges
Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Injury Updates
Kentucky Wildcats Prepare for Valparaiso Beacons Showdown
Gators Secure Dominant Home Opener Against Ospreys
Kentucky Wildcats Women’s Basketball Team Achieves Historic Victory
Kentucky Wildcats to Face Morehead State in Season Opener
Kentucky Defeats Auburn, Ending Four-Game Losing Streak
Florida Gators Named Preseason All-SEC
Texas Longhorns Outlast Kentucky Wildcats in Overtime Thriller
John Clay Retires from Sports Journalism After 40 Years
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
