Is Arkansas A Trap Game?

[108]

A quick turnaround, after an emotional hard fought Saturday night game where we consumed a lot of energy trying to stop Henderson and company?

We should move up in the polls again..

I think Billy's biggest job this year is fighting off complacency. We will be getting every teams best shot and not coming to play mentally could cost us a game we should normally win.

Anyways, the sign of a good team is keeping their heads focused and prepared each and every game.

Go Gators!!!

[ApexNC]

At this point, I think all games are trap games for the Gators. Should be favored in every game until maybe Final Four if we're fortunate enough to be there.

[InstiGATOR1]

UAR is not quite a trap game as UF plays Mississippi State next after UAR. MSU might be more of a trap game as UF will be heavily favored with UK looming.

What UAR is is the first game several people including me picked as a potential first loss when evaluating the SEC slate before it started. So it is a potential stumbling block as a road game against a team with some talent.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Our basketball teams over the last five years have seemed to have had a certain theme: if we weren't shooting particularly well, against a team that happened to be more physical than we were inside, we seemed to get caught with our pants down in conference play. Teams like Tennessee, Georgia, a loss against a Miss St here and there, Kentucky, we just seemed to get caught periodically.

But this team is different. They swarm ballhandlers, they get it done in a variety of ways, they can be physical, they can score down low, and if Boynton-and others-aren't getting it done shooting it from outside, it seems Rosario or Young or Murphy provide that spark that seemed to have been missing at times over the last few years. They're just different. This team has bought into Donovan's concept of putting the team above themselves.

It's going to be hard for Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, or anybody to catch this Gator team sleeping. Anybody who knocks these boys off in conference play, will have earned it for a full forty minutes. Belee dat.

[lean_gator]

I expect the same result as last years game....

[fox]

I haven't seen one player take the night off yet.

[oneatatime]

only if we are looking ahead to Kentucky, a week from Tuesday

Arky isn't a great team, but they play well at home

[Angaza]

Arkansas are world beaters at home but suck on the road. As with most teams we will play this year, each game is hyped and will draw a loud, huge crowd. Our team is mature and experienced enough to know how to deal in these situations. I still wouldn't be surprised if the team drops a game in conference play. It's pretty hard to run the table, even in a subpar conference.

[Bear1974]

As said - at this point in the season - any game could be a trap game.

I think the style of play is very conducive to UF playing very well against the Piggies who just like to go up and down the court and throw up 50 billion shots thus they could care less about the quality of the shot so unless they are shooting over 50% from the field Tuesday then one would think UF should be ok.

And Mississippi St is just a snake bitten team with no depth.

If you looking at traditionally over the years the team that would provide in theory the trap game it would be the UTooth in Knoxvegas.

[gatorbogey]

the good news is that arkansas ripped tennessee at home. so that should get everyone's attention. hogs are good at home. we'll need a good game at both ends of the court.

still have alot to work on and improve upon, too!

[kygator]

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/001/384/Atrapitis.gif

[rserina]

I hate playing there. They have a good crowd at home and their style of play is a challenge. They play a ton of kids, put pressure on you defensively, and get up and down the floor offensively. It is a game we could easily lose if w don't take care of the ball or if we give them too many good looks from the arc (they don't shoot well, but they sure as hell aren't afraid to take shots).

But we have played pretty well in up-tempo games this season. If we force them to execute in the half court and if we take of the ball against their pressure, I think we should be fine.

[GatorJeff]

Other than the Kansas State game, the Gators have found a way to play with great focus and energy every game. I expect that to continue.

[GatorNation850]

Nope

[UFreak]

I think it would be a logical place for a letdown performance. But I thought similarly about South Carolina.

[rserina]

I think it would be a logical place for a letdown performance. But I thought similarly about South Carolina.
Sure, but that the time you were emotionally distressed at the news of Lance Armstrong doping, so your response was understandable. You are more clear headed this time around.

[UFreak]

Sure, but that the time you were emotionally distressed at the news of Lance Armstrong doping, so your response was understandable. You are more clear headed this time around.

:)

[appgator]

Ark is the hottest team in the country rt now. Hands down a huge challenge on the road. This is what Im preaching to my team rt now if im Coach. Im pulling every positive attribute / qoute and press release. And I am doing this for every single opponent left on my schedule.

This team goes as far as it WANTS. And I see alot of want in this team. Top to Bottom this team is hungry. Just look at the effort and energy the scrubs give us at the end of some of the lopsided wins. Coach has em on a Different emotional level imho. I will also say this. I remember reading a good article detailing the offseason conditioning drills. ie waking up the neighbors puking and having the cops called at like 8am lol. ALL that work is paying off in a huge way rt now. UF is simply one of the best conditioned teams in the country. The Az loss and the Kstate loss were huge learning environments. We will lose a few tween now and Ncaa's imho. But with road trips to UK, Mizzou, UT, Ark... And the SEC Tourney. I could see 2-3 in there. But they will be EARNED wins for those teams thats for sure. NO QUIT in this team and I like it. Also, Prather has yet to contribute and I think Boyntons best ball is still to come.


John

[gogators73]

IMO this is going to be a very tough game.

I know Arkansas isn't that great but they are good enough to be a challenge when at home for us.

I pray we just go up 10-0 right away.

[number1]

And hopefully we aren't outshot from the freethrow line 21-3.

[number1]

IMO this is going to be a very tough game.

I know Arkansas isn't that great but they are good enough to be a challenge when at home for us.

I pray we just go up 10-0 right away.

Yes, get off to a quick start to put away any hopes of an upset.

[ufgator4ever]

Trap game? not sure what that is, but any game at arky takes a good effort to win.

[tommyuf21]

They are definitely a team that is in the upper half of the SEC, so yes they can beat us.

They can also show up with a crap game and we could blow them out.

[themistocles]

Yes, Arkansas ia a trap game, for the simple reason that every conference game for every team is a trap game.

On the other hand, is Arkansas a likely win - also Yes, because this is a very experienced, very balanced and very high quality team.

So, the clear answer is Yes and No.

[InstiGATOR1]

UAR has been terrible from the arc. They have been worse from the arc than they probably actually are. Here is their lineup:

Young 6'3" 200 lbs: 28.4 MPG, 16.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.0 TPG and 21.4% from the arc.
Wade 6'2" 175 lbs: 22.7 MPG, 6.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 TPG and 27.6% from the arc.
Scott 6'3" 205 lbs: 16.3 MPG, 5.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 TPG and 31.6% from the arc.
Powell 6'7" 240 lbs: 25.7 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.7 TPG and 44.4% from the arc.
Mickelson 6'10" 240 lbs: 19.0 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.9 TPG, and 16.7% from the arc.

So UF matches up with their three guards.. It should make for a goo

[lean_gator]

I am not understanding the Arky fear here. They just got blown out by South Carolina in Arky last week by 20 points. I'm telling you, expect the same result as the game @ Arkansas last year, which was 98-68.

[InstiGATOR1]

I am not understanding the Arky fear here. They just got blown out by South Carolina in Arky last week by 20 points. I'm telling you, expect the same result as the game @ Arkansas last year, which was 98-68.

That game was at SoCar not a home game for UAR.

I think it is not fear of UAR but a healthy respect for the opponents. That is a good way to avoid over looking an opponent also this is the way we hope the team views them.

In addition this is about where people in the preseason threads started picking the first UF loss. I know this is where I picked in in that thread and some other posters did too.

[gator1986]

No game is a trap game, I'm going to be cocky sorry, if Florida loses one SEC game... That's bad

[madgator]

are we going to have something along this topic before every game?


at some point we are going to lose and we will lose again with certainty.

[HALLGATOR]

To me a trap game is one you go into complacent and not prepared to play. A team can lose a game even if they are prepared and have their heads screwed on right. Sometimes the other team plays exceptionally well and things just don't go your way. So to say a loss is a loss because it was a trap game is not always accurate. It this team continues to play like they have been so far in league play they are going to be very hard to beat.

[rserina]

No game is a trap game, I'm going to be cocky sorry, if Florida loses one SEC game... That's bad
If our defending national champions lost three games in a 16-game season, why is losing a single game in 18 league contests bad?

[lean_gator]

That game was at SoCar not a home game for UAR.

I think it is not fear of UAR but a healthy respect for the opponents. That is a good way to avoid over looking an opponent also this is the way we hope the team views them.

In addition this is about where people in the preseason threads started picking the first UF loss. I know this is where I picked in in that thread and some other posters did too.

Who cares if the fans overlook the opponent. Blowout. Somebody get your "is Miss St a trap game" thread ready.

[Tebowism0823]

No it's not. I understand these threads but I dislike them at the same time. I know its not done on purpose but I always feel like these threads are doubting our young men before they have even played. It shows a lack of confidence in Donovan and our team that they'll be ready. Could we lose, sure. Will it be because this team isn't ready or looking ahead? No. This team is special.

[gatorbogey]

personally, i like these threads. it's probably more for us fans. especially since it seems whenever the fan base gets over confident and 'full of ourselves' it permeates to the team and they fall flat. i like us to have an edge. sense of urgency. play w/ the proverbial 'chip'.

last year in the insider forum we had a few of these types of 'beware' threads. it started w/ the virginia opening round game and after that big win, we started 'beware' thread for each game mostly out of superstition. almost got us to the final four though. it's good mojo, imo. keeps us grounded. and talking about that next game.

[GothamGator]

This might be the toughest conference game so far because it is on the road, and Arkansas is a good team. This is not the game we can take easily.

[rserina]

personally, i like these threads. it's probably more for us fans. especially since it seems whenever the fan base gets over confident and 'full of ourselves' it permeates to the team and they fall flat. i like us to have an edge. sense of urgency. play w/ the proverbial 'chip'.

last year in the insider forum we had a few of these types of 'beware' threads. it started w/ the virginia opening round game and after that big win, we started 'beware' thread for each game mostly out of superstition. almost got us to the final four though. it's good mojo, imo. keeps us grounded. and talking about that next game.
Sort of like a sports training montage for fans:

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/153324/sports-training-montage

[gogators73]

If our defending national champions lost three games in a 16-game season, why is losing a single game in 18 league contests bad?

Because that year the SEC had a 6 seed (Vandy), 12 seed (Arkansas), 5 seed (Tennessee), and 8 seed (Kentucky).

We MIGHT have one team seeded higher that's an 8 seed or higher besides us this year.

[SmootyGator]

Like MadGator said, we're going to lose a game this season. It will be a game we should win. We play 18 SEC games, the chances of us having at least one down game are extremely high, if not certain. When we lose that game, there will be all kinds of talk about how we didn't prepare, or we were looking ahead. This will almost undoubtedly not be the case, but many posters on the board will think it is.

The fact is we have an OUTSTANDING team, and Billy is an OUTSTANDING coach. If (when) we lose, it will because we had an off night, and the team we played better than they normally do. This happens in basketball. It's the nature of the beast, and what makes March Madness so eff'ing awesome!!!

[Tebowism0823]

personally, i like these threads. it's probably more for us fans. especially since it seems whenever the fan base gets over confident and 'full of ourselves' it permeates to the team and they fall flat. i like us to have an edge. sense of urgency. play w/ the proverbial 'chip'.

last year in the insider forum we had a few of these types of 'beware' threads. it started w/ the virginia opening round game and after that big win, we started 'beware' thread for each game mostly out of superstition. almost got us to the final four though. it's good mojo, imo. keeps us grounded. and talking about that next game.

Yeah I was part of those threads. There was just too many "the sky is falling" posts for me. This one is a little more tamed.

[rserina]

Because that year the SEC had a 6 seed (Vandy), 12 seed (Arkansas), 5 seed (Tennessee), and 8 seed (Kentucky).

We MIGHT have one team seeded higher that's an 8 seed or higher besides us this year.
And we lost to a 5-11 LSU team. And all three losses were by double digits. The fact that Kentucky as a 8-seed and Arkansas was a 12-seed really has no bearing on those three losses. Nor does one potential loss (as the poster said) indicate something "bad." If that were the case, then getting pretty well dominated in three games (whether it as against a 5-Tenessee, a 6-Vandy, each of which got an appreciable boost in seeding precisely because they beat us, or a 5-11 LSU team) would indicate something similar. Had he made a qualification like, "if we lose to Auburn or to Vandy at home," then that at least would be food for thought, but the simple fact that we may lose a game at #17 Mizzou in Columbia or an improving and likely to be ranked UK hardly makes me worry about the team.

[wci347]

Even though we are basically an 8 deep squad, the versatility of several players makes it seem like we are deeper, it also causes confusion for other teams on defense and offense. The return of Yeguete has also taken a load of pressure off of Murphy and Young. When he was out last year, we wore those two down more. This year they are getting quality minutes on the bench to rest.

[Brewski]

.

[Bradass]

Even though we are basically an 8 deep squad, the versatility of several players makes it seem like we are deeper, it also causes confusion for other teams on defense and offense. The return of Yeguete has also taken a load of pressure off of Murphy and Young. When he was out last year, we wore those two down more. This year they are getting quality minutes on the bench to rest.

If only we had Will for the tourney last year... :cry:

Now that we have Prather back, let's hope for no more injuries the rest of the year!

[gulfgator]

This might be the toughest conference game so far because it is on the road, and Arkansas is a good team. This is not the game we can take easily.

Exactly, this game isn't going to be difficult because it's a trap game(which it isn't), It's difficult because like so many NCAA teams, Ark is a completely different animal at home. They have only lost one game at home and have won in convincing fashion in most of their home games.

IMO, this is potentially the toughest game UF has had since K St. and if UF wins convincingly, this would be the best win of the year...so far

[108]

To me a trap game is one you go into complacent and not prepared to play. A team can lose a game even if they are prepared and have their heads screwed on right. Sometimes the other team plays exceptionally well and things just don't go your way. So to say a loss is a loss because it was a trap game is not always accurate. It this team continues to play like they have been so far in league play they are going to be very hard to beat.

yea, just worried about the mental complacency

but if it happens, it happens, pointless to worry about it i guess

and don't want to jinx them :joecool:

[maxgator]

Ark is the hottest team in the country rt now. Hands down a huge challenge on the road. This is what Im preaching to my team rt now if im Coach. Im pulling every positive attribute / qoute and press release. And I am doing this for every single opponent left on my schedule.

This team goes as far as it WANTS. And I see alot of want in this team. Top to Bottom this team is hungry. Just look at the effort and energy the scrubs give us at the end of some of the lopsided wins. Coach has em on a Different emotional level imho. I will also say this. I remember reading a good article detailing the offseason conditioning drills. ie waking up the neighbors puking and having the cops called at like 8am lol. ALL that work is paying off in a huge way rt now. UF is simply one of the best conditioned teams in the country. The Az loss and the Kstate loss were huge learning environments. We will lose a few tween now and Ncaa's imho. But with road trips to UK, Mizzou, UT, Ark... And the SEC Tourney. I could see 2-3 in there. But they will be EARNED wins for those teams thats for sure. NO QUIT in this team and I like it. Also, Prather has yet to contribute and I think Boyntons best ball is still to come.


John

Channeling your inner les miles eh? Nice.

[orlandogator]

They have a winning record at home but they do just as expected, they beat those who arent considerd as good and they lose to ranked teams. They do play deep into the bench though to keep people fresh.

I just think if Florida comes out with defensive intensity, we should win strong. They can put points up though and have not been held to that magical '50' yet this year.

[UFSECKINGS]

They played Cuse pretty tough, I still think we coast though.

[Brewski]

10.5 point spread. I thought it would be bigger, but I'd take a double digit win.

[gatorbogey]

via sagarin:
1 Florida = 94.47 18 2 77.52( 25) 2 2 | 4 2 | 93.39 2 | 95.89 1

63 Arkansas = 80.30 13 8 73.55( 128) 0 3 | 1 4 | 79.49 73 | 81.05 58

HOME ADVANTAGE=[ 3.43]

gators by 11.4 pts

[gatorr4life]

I have a feeling we run into a buzz saw. Though my father begs to differ. He said "we're the buzz saw".

[regurgigator]

The OP is not asking if we're due for letdown is he? :joecool:



Hope so. It worked before....:nervous smile:

[Donzo]

A quick turnaround, after an emotional hard fought Saturday night game where we consumed a lot of energy trying to stop Henderson and company?

Geez O' Petes....

[fox]

We find out if this team buys into the hype or not.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Murphy is the matchup nightmare for Arkansas tonight. He has a 3 inch height advantage inside and will be able to shoot over his defender from 3 as well.

I look for Scottie to be on BJ all evening and hopefully make life more difficult for him than usual.

A lot of this depends on the mental focus, which is the biggest challenge with guys this age, especially when they beat the snot out of them last year on their home court and have a much higher "ranking" this year.

I just have a different feeling about this team. The upper classmen seem so focused, especially KB. He hasn't shot as well this year, but he's done a lot of other things very well and has elevated his game and focus, imo.

We shall see tonight!

[rserina]

We find out if this team buys into the hype or not.
How does that have anything to do with it? If we didn't buy into the hype when we were #4, why would we do it at #2?

If we lose this game, it is because we travel to a tough venue and face a team that plays very well there, not to mention one that A) forces turnovers, B) uses full court pressure, and C) is unafraid of shooting contested threes, all things that we have struggled with at times. If we win, I personally think it is further confirmation that we are as good--or better--than our ranking says.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

How does that have anything to do with it? If we didn't buy into the hype when we were #4, why would we do it at #2?

If we lose this game, it is because we travel to a tough venue and face a team that plays very well there, not to mention one that A) forces turnovers, B) uses full court pressure, and C) is unafraid of shooting contested threes, all things that we have struggled with at times. If we win, I personally think it is further confirmation that we are as good--or better--than our ranking says.

Rep.

I agree here completely. It will be a great test to see how we handle the pressure. They seem to be relentless full court, especially at home.

If we win, as you said, it just reinforces that this team is the real deal and it will be a much better win than most people in the country realize.

[iam4uf]

Arkansas probably has a top ten RPI at home this year. It's going to be tough tonight.

[tilly]

Not a trap game. This team will throttle the teams they should throttle. I see no signs of complacency on this team.

[ReggieNelson]

i am worried about their full court pressure

[rounds]

Hogs SEC mov @ home is 15.5. BJ torched us for 31 last year. Powell apg ~16 for an inside presence. Deep bench, pressing team,typical refs= tough game

[regurgigator]

i am worried about their full court pressure

I'm looking forward to seeing how we handle it. It's not our strong suit, but I think we've shown a lot of improvement since Arizona.


I think they will also test our fast-break defense. As I recall from last year, BJ Young was a one-man fast break a lot of times, so whoever is back is going to try to have to pick him up quickly and slow him down. It won't just be up to Wilbekin.

[gator7_5]

Yes! Lol.

[lean_gator]

I am not understanding the Arky fear here. They just got blown out by South Carolina in Arky last week by 20 points. I'm telling you, expect the same result as the game @ Arkansas last year, which was 98-68.

Ok, so maybe I was wrong.

[UFLAW81]

Trap is exactly right!!!
Whew...........

[GatorNation850]

Nope

I was wrong too

[ufgator4ever]

I sure hope the Final Four is at the Odome, cuz the gators suck anywhere else

I think its at the georgia dome, which is the super-sized odome.

[108]

Had a bad feeling about this game


Early second half will determine if we can squeak it out

it's too bad UF couldn't take advantage when Ark went cold

[raidsgt]

I sure hope the Final Four is at the Odome, cuz the gators suck anywhere else

Hopefully I'm having a case of premature posting!!!!!!!
Need to own the 2nd half..

[trufloridagator]

I sure hope the Final Four is at the Odome, cuz the gators suck anywhere else

We didn't suck at Zona, LSU, UGA, FSU, Tampa, Sunrise, Yale, TAMU, MSU.

Couldn't be more off base.

[ovillegator]

This isn't a trap. It's a massacre.

But just one game.

[GatorNation850]

This isn't a trap. It's a massacre.

But just one game.

Yeah we will be ok I think we could still win this game

[raidsgt]

We didn't suck at Zona, LSU, UGA, FSU, Tampa, Sunrise, Yale, TAMU, MSU.

Couldn't be more off base.

Sorry I was sarcastically noting how all the L's have been on the road.

Wasn't goin all stats and facts... bball is casual viewing for me..

[gatordavisl]

Young people can be so predictable. They were not ready for #2.

[KronoGator]

I really hate Arkansas.

[1gatorbear]

We obviously not the #2 team in the country.

[raidsgt]

Can we just call SKUNK

[regurgigator]

Young people can be so predictable. They were not ready for #2.

What's not predictable is a team that has struggled to hit outside shots hitting 7 of their first 9 3-pointers with most of those being well contested.

[Swampmaster]

UF--a top 10 type team, but not final 4 material---weak inside game, inconsistent guard play on offense, etc.

[Brewski]

UF--a top 10 type team, but not final 4 material---weak inside game, inconsistent guard play on offense, etc.

Heya, chicken little has arrived.

Seriously, Will was hurt and Patrick was in foul trouble. To call us weak inside is a bit of a stretch. The boys will snap back. They still have final 4 potential.

[phatGator]

I have a feeling we run into a buzz saw. Though my father begs to differ. He said "we're the buzz saw".

You called that right. Have any stock picks for us? :-)

The silver lining is that it seems the Gators learned from AZ and KSU and played much from then on. Maybe the same can happen now with the SEC + NCAA tournaments approaching.

[SmootyGator]

Heya, chicken little has arrived.

Seriously, Will was hurt and Patrick was in foul trouble. To call us weak inside is a bit of a stretch. The boys will snap back. They still have final 4 potential.

Exactly. It isn't our strength, but it definitely isn't a weakness.

[fox]

How does that have anything to do with it? If we didn't buy into the hype when we were #4, why would we do it at #2?

If we lose this game, it is because we travel to a tough venue and face a team that plays very well there, not to mention one that A) forces turnovers, B) uses full court pressure, and C) is unafraid of shooting contested threes, all things that we have struggled with at times. If we win, I personally think it is further confirmation that we are as good--or better--than our ranking says.


Kids will be kids. I felt the noise building. But it didn't look like they walked in there expecting to win. Just walked into the saw.

[InstiGATOR1]

Trap is exactly right!!!
Whew...........

Nope a trap game is a betting term for a game against the lesser opponent right before a game against a big time or more important game. MSU could have been a trap game just before UK. I think UAR took care of that problem for UF.

[tommyuf21]

Heya, chicken little has arrived.

Seriously, Will was hurt and Patrick was in foul trouble. To call us weak inside is a bit of a stretch. The boys will snap back. They still have final 4 potential.

Interesting when people use terms like weak. Weak as in Mississippi State, Auburn and Vandy?

It's fair to say that we lack inside depth. That was true last year as well. We're better this year because our post players have improved and our guards are defending much better. Our guards have to continue to deny penetration and help Erik, WY and Pat avoid giving up fouls.