The Florida Gators men’s basketball team is set to face off against Duke in the SEC-ACC Challenge on December 2 at 7:30 p.m., broadcasted on ESPN. It marks an important game for the Gators, especially as the defending national champions, yet the matchup raises eyebrows as many believe Florida should have hosted the game in Gainesville instead.
With a grueling non-conference schedule that includes over 12,000 air miles, the Gators’ journey will take them across the nation, including stops in Las Vegas, San Diego, Raleigh, and New York City. This extensive travel contrasts sharply with their history against Duke — a team they have only beaten 3 times in their 16 encounters, with the last victory dating back to the 2000 Sweet 16.
The decision to have Florida play at Cameron Indoor Stadium instead of at home is seen as a missed opportunity for local fans to witness a high-profile game in Gainesville. The Gators previously played at Duke in 1998, suffering a significant loss, and they have not hosted the Blue Devils since 1938. Despite Florida’s impressive championship status, the powers within the SEC and ACC have opted for consistency in their scheduling, which has led to Florida not getting the home game it rightly deserves.
Struggles are evident for the Gators so far this season, holding a 5-2 record with notable setbacks against ranked teams like Arizona and TCU. However, standout performances, particularly from Princeton transfer guard Xaivian Lee, who scored 20 points in a recent victory over Providence, show glimpses of Florida’s potential. This season mirrors the tumultuous start Florida faced in the 2006-07 season, yet they rallied to secure their second national title that year.
Looking ahead, Florida faces formidable challenges against teams like Duke and UConn, which may lead to multiple non-conference losses. Nevertheless, with a strong performance in the SEC, the Gators may still position themselves favorably for the NCAA tournament, where factors like travel could be considered.
As the team prepares for this monumental matchup, fans and analysts alike hope it won’t be another 87 years before Duke visits Gainesville again, recognizing the passion and loyalty of the Rowdy Reptiles who support their team.