Florida secured a dominant victory over Prairie View A&M, winning 114-55 at Benchmark International Arena.
Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 centre for Florida, made an appearance, towering over his opponents. At 6-foot-8, Prairie View A&M forward Hassane Diallo was a full foot shorter than Rioux. The height difference between Rioux and Diallo went viral.
Rioux’s Impact and Fan Favourite Status
Rioux, who was previously the world’s tallest teenager, has played sparingly throughout the year. He has become a fan favourite. The Florida crowd often chants Rioux’s name at head coach Todd Golden when the Gators are comfortably ahead late in games, hoping to see him in action.
The crowd erupted when Rioux entered the game with approximately two minutes remaining. The excitement intensified when he slammed home a put-back dunk, scoring his first career NCAA tournament points as fans chanted “Oli! Oli!”
Historic Victory for Florida
Florida’s victory was historic, with the 59-point margin being the second-largest in NCAA tournament history.
Prairie View A&M’s head coach Byron Smith, when interviewed during the game with his team down by 30, said they needed divine intervention to slow down Florida. Prairie View A&M did not get any help, and the defending champions steamrolled their way into the second round.
Looking Ahead
No. 1 Florida are set to face No. 9 Iowa. Gator fans will be hoping for another chance to see Rioux in action.