Florida
Oklahoma
GREENVILLE, S.C. (03/04/2026) — A dominant third-quarter performance propelled the Oklahoma Sooners to an 82-64 victory over the Florida Gators on Wednesday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, ending Florida's run in the SEC Tournament. After a tightly contested first half, the Sooners erupted after the break, leaving the Gators unable to recover.
How It Happened
The game started as a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and finishing the first quarter tied at 22-22. The Gators and Sooners remained locked in a close contest throughout the second period, with Oklahoma taking a slim 40-38 lead into halftime. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically in the third quarter. The Sooners opened the second half with a blistering 10-0 run to seize control. That surge was part of a larger 27-7 period that broke the game open for Oklahoma. The Gators struggled to find their offensive rhythm against the Sooners' intensified defense, leading to 24 turnovers that Oklahoma converted into 23 points.
Turning Point
The decisive moment came at the start of the third quarter. Oklahoma emerged from the locker room and immediately went on a 10-0 scoring run, extending their two-point halftime lead to 12 in less than three minutes. This offensive explosion, coupled with four consecutive missed shots by Florida, shifted all momentum to the Sooners and they never looked back. The Gators were outscored 27-7 in the period, a deficit from which they could not mount a comeback.
Star of the Game
While Oklahoma showcased a balanced scoring attack with four players in double figures, senior center Raegan Beers was a dominant force inside for the Sooners. She finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, making her presence felt in the paint on both ends of the floor. Freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez also had a strong performance with 17 points, while Zya Vann and Brooklyn Stewart contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively. For the Gators, sophomore guard Liv McGill was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 28 points. Me'Arah O'Neal was the only other Florida player to reach double figures.
What It Means
The loss eliminates the Florida Gators from the SEC Tournament. The Oklahoma Sooners, with their convincing victory, advance to the quarterfinals. The Sooners demonstrated their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity in the second half, a combination that will make them a tough opponent as the tournament progresses.