A classic showdown awaits in Jacksonville, Florida, on Sunday, Nov.16th. These two Florida teams haven’t faced one another since the 2019 season, and this state rivalry can end up being a statement win for the Hurricanes.
This matchup is an early test for both teams, as the defending national champions face a 3-0 Miami team. This will not be an easy task for Miami to pull off an upset, but as Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas stated:
“But I’m also not going to sit here and be Joe coach, and not think there’s any extra emotion in the game against Florida, and understand this in-state rival and defending national champions. So part of me and my staff’s job this week is just trying to keep it as normal and as consistent as possible, to where it’s just another game, in that sense, but also understanding that there is going to be some emotion tied into the game because it is our first opportunity against another hot major conference team on national TV. So understanding that’s going to be a part of it.”
There will always be high emotions when Florida colleges play one another, in any sport. This matchup on Sunday is no exception, as the Hurricanes will look to bring exciting basketball back to Miami, following their 2022-2023 Final Four appearance. Since the loss to UConn in the Final Four, Miami has yet to make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the success happening in Gainesville makes this matchup all the more worth it.
The time is now to buy your tickets to the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown coming to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena November 16!
🎟️ Tickets:https://t.co/8WwElYyics pic.twitter.com/pkSJKIfpew
— VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena (@VyStarVetArena) September 24, 2025
Florida’s Biggest Challenge Ahead
The biggest challenge Florida attempts to overcome is the loss of its “Big 3”. Coach Lucas said it best:
“I think that’s the biggest thing, like all these teams this year. You have some retention, but then you also have so much new, you know they lost three premier guards to the NBA, and two premier guards to the portal […]”
This year’s Florida team is more reliant on bigs, with Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon leading the way so far this season. Against an opponent like Miami, Florida will need the guards to step up in the backcourt. In the matchup against Florida State, we were able to see guard Boogie Fland have a greater impact, and more eyes will be on Fland moving forward.
Every guard on this year’s Florida roster inherits enormous shoes to fill, as the legacy left by Will Richard, Walter Clayton Jr., and Alijah Martin has become a defining chapter in not only the basketball program’s history, but in the University of Florida’s athletic program as a whole.
Impact Players
The Hurricanes will be heavily relying on forward Malik Reneau, who will face quite the challenge against this Florida frontcourt. However, Reneau is currently averaging 21.3 points and six rebounds while shooting 63.9 percent from the field. In fact, he recorded his first double-double for the Canes in the win over Stetson.
Aforementioned, Boogie Fland will be featured as a key player in this matchup. The frontcourt is not a concern for Florida, as we have seen how capable the bigs are; however, the guard room is where it will be a make-or-break for the Gators. Currently, the two starting guards for Florida are Xaivian Lee and Fland. On a positive note, both guards are averaging double digits in points so far. However, the shooting percentages are the most glaring issues that could be a defining factor for Sunday’s matchup.
Florida’s head coach, Todd Golden, did mention he is not concerned just yet about these issues, stating:
“I have plenty of faith that X-Lee will start knocking them down. He’s close to a career 36-37% 3-point shooter, has made a lot of tough shots in his career, getting comfortable playing off the ball and just being shot-ready on the catch.”
With the overall history between these two teams, Florida leads the series 46-23, which is the recorded head-to-head total since the 1927-1928 season. The last matchup between the two was the 2019-2020 season, where Florida won 78-58.
A Sunshine State showdown ☀️
The Canes renew the rivalry 🆚 Florida on Nov. 16 in Jacksonville 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gVYMEAtMEa
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) July 11, 2025
Prediction
Two Florida teams facing off is always going to make for an exciting game; however, it should not come as a surprise when Florida does end up winning by a 10-point margin. Florida is third in the country for rebounding, and compared to Miami’s frontcourt, there is just that edge in terms of size and veteran experience.
Game Details
What: Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 10 Florida Gators
Where: Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
When: Sunday, November 16th, 8:30 ET.
Watch: ESPN
