Florida has emerged as the top-seeded team in the West Region as they aim to rectify the disappointment of last year’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament.
The Gators, boasting a record of 30-4, are set to commence their campaign against No. 16 Norfolk State in Raleigh, North Carolina. A promising run could see them face the reigning two-time champions, UConn, in the second round. Meanwhile, the eighth-seeded Huskies will kick off against No. 9 Oklahoma in a West Region competition that will ultimately wrap up in San Francisco.
In the previous season, coach Todd Golden’s Florida team was eliminated in the first round by Colorado. This year, however, the fourth-ranked Gators have cemented themselves as one of the most balanced teams on the national stage. They have achieved the top rank in offensive efficiency according to KenPom ratings and hold the tenth position defensively.
Their remarkable success was highlighted with a sweep in the SEC tournament, defeating No. 21 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama, and No. 8 Tennessee over three consecutive days. This triumph marked their first SEC tournament victory since 2014.
In addition to Florida, the West Region boasts other formidable teams: the second-seeded St. John’s, fresh off their first Big East tournament victory since 2000, alongside No. 3 Texas Tech, No. 4 Maryland, and No. 7 Kansas.
