TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Gators’ bid for back-to-back national championships came to a stunning conclude Sunday, falling 73-72 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The defeat marks a dramatic conclusion to a March Madness run that included a viral moment for Florida’s 7-foot-9 center, Olivier Rioux.
The Gators, a No. 1 seed in the South Region, were unable to overcome a late three-pointer by the Hawkeyes with just 4.5 seconds remaining. The loss prevents Florida from building on their 2025 championship victory.
Even as the team’s tournament journey concluded prematurely, the appearance of Rioux, a redshirt freshman from Quebec, captivated audiences nationwide. The Canadian big man made his collegiate debut in the first round, contributing to a dominant 114-55 victory over Prairie View A&M. He scored his first collegiate points in that game, a moment that followed a series of firsts for the towering athlete.
Rioux previously became the tallest player to appear in a college basketball game (November 6 against North Florida), the tallest to score (November 21 against Merrimack), and the tallest to make a field goal (a dunk against Saint Francis on December 17), according to records. He also holds the SEC record for the tallest player to score in an SEC game, achieving that feat against Alabama on February 1.
Despite not seeing action against Iowa, Rioux’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. A photograph of the Florida center standing next to Prairie View A&M’s 6-foot-8 forward Hassane Diallo, with Diallo looking up in astonishment, quickly went viral, showcasing the sheer size difference between the two players. The image generated widespread reaction on social media, highlighting Rioux’s unique presence in the sport.
Rioux’s limited but impactful appearances have quickly made him a fan favorite. During the first-round victory, Florida fans enthusiastically chanted “We want Ollie!” prompting head coach Todd Golden to insert the center into the game with just over a minute remaining. Rioux responded with a dunk, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
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The tournament also saw participation from nine other Canadian players, but all teams featuring those athletes were eliminated before reaching the Sweet Sixteen. Rioux’s brief but memorable March Madness experience adds to a growing narrative surrounding the uniquely gifted athlete.
At 20 years old, Rioux continues to develop as a basketball player, and his presence on the court undeniably draws attention. His journey from being the world’s tallest teenager, as recognized by Guinness World Records, to becoming a collegiate athlete has been closely followed by fans and observers alike. While Florida’s championship aspirations were dashed this year, Rioux’s story is far from over.
The Gators will now glance to regroup and prepare for the 2027 season. The team’s performance in the coming months will be closely watched, as they aim to return to the NCAA Tournament as contenders. Rioux’s continued development will undoubtedly be a key factor in their future success.
Florida’s next steps will be determined in the coming weeks as the coaching staff evaluates the team’s performance and prepares for the offseason. Fans can stay updated on team news and schedules through the official Florida Gators athletics website.
