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Chris Will, News4JAX Reporter, Jacksonville
Published:
Chris Will, News4JAX Reporter, Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Basketball fans across the area flocked to their favorite spots to watch the Florida Gators game and many other matchups this evening.
The orange and blue spirit was illuminated at Sneakers Sports Grille in Jacksonville Beach on Friday night.
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Lynne Minkel, a Gator fan, expressed her hopes for the team.
“Live or die by those threes. I don’t want them to use all the threes now; I want them to make it further in this tournament,” she said.
The enthusiasm was palpable as dozens gathered at the bar and grille to embrace the madness of March.
“We’re watching the Gators win,” Lynne said, sharing the experience with her friend Carol, who was watching Florida basketball for the first time.
“What do you think of what you’ve seen so far?” News4JAX asked Carol.
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“So far, I like what I’m seeing. I always like it when they score high and stay that way,” Carol said.
Florida got off to a hot start and cruised through the game.
“How far do you think this team can go?” News4JAX asked Lynne.
“Oh, I think they can go all the way,” she said.
While that question may be tough to answer, some in the restaurant were confident.
Phil Mathis, another Gator fan, shared his plans. “Well, I’m going out on Thursday to San Antonio. I’ll be there, fly back Tuesday with the national championship.”
Florida is one of the favorites, but as with any tournament, unpredictability reigns.
Carol had a simple message for the team: “Stay positive and keep looking straight ahead to the next one.”
And, of course, the crowd echoed, “Go Gators!”
Game times for Sunday will be announced after today’s games finish. Florida will face either UConn or Oklahoma.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
Chris Will has joined the News4JAX team as a weekend morning reporter, after graduating from the University of Florida in spring 2024. During his time in Gainesville, he covered a wide range of stories across the Sunshine State. His coverage of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award.
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