Preview: Prairie View A&M Panthers vs. Florida Gators in NCAA Tournament

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging underdog meets a Southeastern Conference power when the Prairie View A&M Panthers face the Florida Gators in a men’s NCAA Division I tournament game Friday at Amalie Arena.

The 12th-seeded Panthers (19-17), winners of eight straight games, enter the postseason as one of the nation’s hottest teams. Their late-season run, culminating in a Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament title, has transformed a sub-.500 campaign into a March opportunity. They advanced with a 67-55 win at Lehigh in a First Four game Wednesday, led by Dontae Horne’s 25 points.

Prairie View will rely heavily on forward Cory Wells, a consistent force during the win streak. Over his last 10 games, Wells is averaging 15.6 points and has been a defensive anchor, recording multiple blocks in seven of those contests. He scored 19 points with three blocks in the victory at Lehigh.

They face a steep challenge against the fifth-seeded Gators (26-7), who boast a potent offense and a rugged schedule. Florida, which averaged 88.2 points per game during the regular season, is coming off a 91-74 loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament but had won seven of eight prior.

Florida’s frontcourt, led by forward Thomas Haugh, presents a major matchup concern. Haugh has been a versatile scorer and rebounder, posting 19 points and nine rebounds against Vanderbilt and averaging 17.7 points over his last six games. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim will be pivotal.

The game is a contrast in momentum versus pedigree. Prairie View’s confidence is at a peak, but they have not faced a team of Florida’s caliber this season. The Gators, playing in their home state, are heavily favored but must contain the Panthers’ rhythm and Wells’ interior presence.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 7:15 p.m. EDT Friday. The winner will advance to face the winner of the game between fourth-seeded UCLA and 13th-seeded College of Charleston in the second round on Sunday.