In a highly anticipated in-state rivalry, Florida vs Miami FL captured national attention Sunday as the No. 10 Florida Gators defeated the previously undefeated Miami Hurricanes, 82–68, in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown. This marked the first meeting between the two programs since 2019—and Florida made it count.
Historic Rivalry Rekindled
The Florida vs Miami FL matchup has deep roots. The series dates back decades, with Florida holding a historical edge. The 2025 meeting at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville was especially charged: Florida (2–1) came in ranked No. 10, while Miami (FL) entered at a perfect 3–0.
For Florida, this win continues their momentum; for Miami, it’s a rare meeting that ended in disappointment. Given that they hadn’t played in several seasons, the return of this rivalry adds fresh energy to both programs.
Game Breakdown: Key Moments & Standout Performers
First Half: Miami’s Early Resistance
Miami came out strong, trading buckets with Florida in the early stages. The Hurricanes, led by forward Malik Reneau, showed poise and athleticism. Reneau led all scorers with 22 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out late. Alongside him, Tru Washington added 16 points, and Trey Donaldson chipped in with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.
However, Miami’s free-throw shooting was a glaring weakness—they made only 15 of 27 attempts, undermining late-game opportunities.
Second Half: Florida Takes Control
Florida flipped the script after halftime, leaning on its frontcourt to dominate the glass and impose physicality. Alex Condon led the Gators with 19 points and 7 rebounds, fouling out with about 5 minutes remaining. Thomas Haugh contributed a balanced line of 17 points, 8 boards, and 3 assists, while Rueben Chinyelu secured a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds before his own foul trouble.
Guard Urban Klavzar added 15 points, drilling four triples when Florida needed momentum the most. That second-half surge put the Gators firmly in control, and Miami wasn’t able to respond.
Strategic Analysis: What the Win Means
Florida’s Size Advantage Paid Dividends
One of Florida’s clearest advantages was its size. With Haugh and Chinyelu dominating on the boards, the Gators turned rebounds into second-chance opportunities. Their physicality was an X-factor—Miami struggled to contend with Florida’s length and presence in the paint.
Miami’s Offensive Talent, But Execution Issues
Miami showed its offensive potential through Reneau, Washington, and Donaldson, but inefficiencies under pressure exposed cracks. The low free-throw percentage was surprising for a team that relies on high-leverage scoring. Moreover, when Florida’s defense tightened in the second half, the Hurricanes lacked a reliable secondary scorer to step up.
Coaching & Game Plan
Florida’s coaching staff deserves credit for the halftime adjustments. Recognizing Miami’s fast-paced offense, the Gators slowed things down, prioritized high-percentage shots, and leaned on their veteran bigs to wear down the Hurricanes.
Miami’s coach acknowledged the challenge ahead: his team’s “blood, sweat, and tears” would be tested. The early lead was erased because his team couldn’t match Florida’s physicality in the second half.
Broader Implications
For Florida
This win does more than break a recent cold streak in the rivalry: it reaffirms Florida’s status as a national contender. Starting the season 3–1 with a signature in-state victory helps build resume strength and team identity.
For Miami (FL)
Despite the loss, there are bright spots. Miami’s quick pace, aggressive scoring, and youthful core show promise. But to consistently challenge top-tier teams, they’ll need to improve discipline (especially from the free-throw line) and find reliable scoring beyond Reneau.
Rivalry Impact
Rivalry games like Florida vs Miami FL matter beyond the scoreboard. They energize fan bases, influence recruiting battles, and build legacy. With this game returning after a long hiatus, both programs have re‑ignited a storied matchup that could become a marquee non-conference fixture again.
Looking Ahead
- Florida will aim to build on this momentum and sustain its early-season surge.
- Miami must regroup quickly, address execution flaws, and rebound in its next contests.
- The rivalry’s revival may lead to more regular high-stakes matchups, potentially fueling future scheduling and recruiting strategies.
Credit: SportBuzzHub.com
Date: November 17, 2025
