You’re probably staring at the clock, wondering exactly when to flip the channel or head over to the O'Dome. We've all been there—scrolling through endless schedules trying to find the one start time that actually matters today. If you're looking for the answer to what time is the florida game, here is the deal: the Florida Gators women's basketball team faces off against the Missouri Tigers today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET.
It's a home game at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville. Honestly, this is a big one. The Gators are currently 12-8 and, let’s be real, they’ve been struggling lately. They are coming into this matchup on a five-game losing streak. Missouri isn't exactly a cakewalk either, sitting at 13-7 and coming off a dominant win against Arkansas.
Where to Catch the Action Today
If you aren't planning on heading to the arena to feel the AC and hear the band in person, you’ll need to find it on your screen. The game is being broadcast on SEC Network +.
Now, don't get that confused with the regular SEC Network channel you might have on your cable box. SEC Network + is the digital streaming platform. You can access it through the ESPN app or on WatchESPN. Basically, if you have a TV provider that includes the SEC Network, you should be able to log in with those credentials and stream the game. If you're a cord-cutter, services like Fubo or Hulu + Live TV usually give you the access you need to get into the app.
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Key Players to Watch
When the ball tips at 2 p.m., keep your eyes on Liv McGill. She has been an absolute force for Florida this season, averaging 23.2 points per game. She’s not just a scorer, though; she’s pulling down over five rebounds and dishing out nearly six assists a night. She is the engine.
Then you have Me’Arah O’Neal, who is putting up nearly 14 points and 7.3 rebounds. On the Missouri side, Grace Slaughter is the one to circle on the scouting report. She’s averaging over 18 points and is a major reason why the Tigers are looking dangerous right now.
What About the Men’s Team?
If you were actually looking for the men's basketball start time, you actually just missed a thriller. The 19th-ranked Florida men’s team played yesterday, Saturday, January 17, and it was a total cardiac event.
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They took down No. 10 Vanderbilt in Nashville with a final score of 98-94. Xaivian Lee, the transfer from Princeton, hit a massive step-back three with less than a minute left to seal the deal. That win actually pushed the Gators into first place in the SEC standings. Their next game isn't until Tuesday, January 20, when they host LSU at 7 p.m. ET.
Looking Ahead to Football Season
Since it's January, it's never too early to talk football, right? The 2026 Florida football schedule has already been released, though specific kickoff times won't be set until much closer to the season. The Gators open up at home in The Swamp on September 5, 2026, against Florida Atlantic.
One of the most interesting dates on that calendar is October 31. Usually, the Florida-Georgia game is in Jacksonville, but for 2026, they're taking the show to Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It's the first time that rivalry has hit Atlanta since 1915.
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Why Today’s Game Matters
Coming back to today's 2 p.m. tip-off against Missouri: this is a "must-win" for the women's program if they want to get their season back on track. A five-game slide in the SEC is brutal. Missouri has a high field goal percentage (around 45.5%), so the Gators' defense, led by Laila Reynolds and O’Neal’s shot-blocking, has to be sharp.
If you are a betting person or just a stats nerd, watch the turnover battle. Missouri is one of the best in the country at taking care of the ball, while Florida has been a bit loose with it lately, averaging over 16 turnovers per game. If the Gators want to win, they have to value every possession.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your login: Before 2 p.m. hits, make sure your ESPN app is updated and your TV provider login actually works. There's nothing worse than missing the first quarter because of a "password reset" loop.
- Grab tickets: If you're in Gainesville, tickets are still available on the secondary market for around $25 if you want to catch the atmosphere live.
- Mark the calendar: If you're following the men's team, set an alert for Tuesday night at 7 p.m. for the LSU game.
- Watch the stats: Keep a tab open for live stats on FloridaGators.com if you can't watch the stream; the play-by-play is usually faster than the broadcast delay.