Florida opened its national title defense with a record-setting 114-55 victory over Prairie View in the NCAA opening round. The top-seeded Gators, who were a 33.5-point underdog, put a significant advantage over their outmanned opponent despite a strong performance from Prairie View. The game marked the highest point total in an NCAA Tournament game by the Gators, with Rueben Chinyelu contributing nine points and 13 rebounds. The team's defense held Prairie View without a field goal for nearly six minutes, leading to an 18-0 run and a 60-21 halftime lead. The victory marks Florida's ninth consecutive win in Florida since a 2003 loss to Michigan State. They are now aiming to make it 10 straight in the Sunshine State against Iowa for a spot in the Sweet 16.