Official Final: #5 Florida-64 vs #8 Arizona-65., Saturday, 10:00 PM, ESPN

[HALLGATOR]

I don't know about you folks but it sure seems a long time since the Gators last played and I am more than ready for another game. This time Florida faces its toughest challenge to date in the #8 ranked Arizona Wildcats. While the long layoff may have been good for healing up any injuries individuals players may have been dealing with, I am a bit concerned with whether it will affect their sharpness. That, the long flight out, and the late start are all factors which could come into play in the game.

Although I know this is a good team the Gators are playing, I believe our experience and tenacious defense will contribute to an excellent chance for another win. It should be a good game and a chance for Billy and his team to showcase themselves on national TV.

Go Gators!



Pregame notes are available here

You can listen to Mick and Mark here

More about Zona here

[gatorbogey]

big Big game. important game. road game. ranked foe. great for the resume and rpi and other metrics. big test. lots of challenges.

[sec1]

Yes BIG test , this will be a very competitive game, probably down the that last minute or so , I hope our D continues to play well and stay aggressive , Arizona we be ready and so will we , Go Gators !

[UFSECKINGS]

Gators open as 2pt favorites.

[Jaggator]

Hall, do you know why this game was scheduled so far apart? I don't remember any season like this before.

[InstiGATOR1]

This site likes UF as of now:

http://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-bas...ats-2012-12-15

[CoachSayre]

Originally Posted by Jaggator

Hall, do you know why this game was scheduled so far apart? I don't remember any season like this before.

Finals time

[HALLGATOR]

Thanks Coach Sayre, that was what I was thinking it would be. Been a busy day and I haven't been over here since I posted the game thread.

[MJGator8104]

Originally Posted by CoachSayre

Finals time

Do you know if Arizona had their finals this week as well?

[gatorbogey]

geez, just realized: being a geezer now and all, i may have to schedule a few naps during the day to be 'fresh(er)' for this late start.

[gatorman_07732]

Originally Posted by gatorbogey

geez, just realized: being a geezer now and all, i may have to schedule a few naps during the day to be 'fresh(er)' for this late start.

I was thinking the same thing. 10PM is usuall when I retire for the evening

[Colin]

This matchup favors the Gators. Arizona's scoring mainly comes from its guards, and we have great defenders in Boynton, Wilbekin, Prather and Yeguete to neutralize that. AZ plays two freshmen in the frontcourt, and I think Patric and Murphy can take advantage of that. AZ's main advantage is that they're playing at home.

[dailydoublecat]

Florida will win nicely and more talking heads will jump on the Gator bandwagon.
Jeff

[mastoidbone]

for games like this does UF fly direct in UF jet or go commercial?

[rserina]

Originally Posted by gatorbogey

geez, just realized: being a geezer now and all, i may have to schedule a few naps during the day to be 'fresh(er)' for this late start.

Does the Viagra not help, Bogey?

[rserina]

Originally Posted by Colin

AZ plays two freshmen in the frontcourt, and I think Patric and Murphy can take advantage of that. .

Yes, but they are very good freshmen. The big kid who went to school with Erik Murphy's brother (won't even try to spell his name) is a tough matchup for Young because his length and strength will make it hard to establish post position or get good looks on the blocks. This is a nice test for Young in that he will have to beat their five down the court to get position early or even some transition buckets, and we have to look for him slipping to the basket on our ball screens.

I actually like their four, Ashley, even though hasn't been good statistically. But he is athletic, physical and basketball smart, always seems to be in the right place. He will body up Murphy in the post and try go get a cheap foul or two, but he will also be able to guard him well on those pick and pops out high.

They can also really space the floor with Hill or Jerrett at the four and that will force us into a zone at times to shut down driving lanes for Lyons.

We will commit everything we have to defending the arc, since they can be so proficient there, but it will mean the game ends up being won in the post. You have to like the experience advantage our bigs have. They need to play up to it.

[jeffphillips21]

I think we go very aggressive from the start, wreak havoc and get them out of their flow early...and take the crowd out of the game.

Despite almost equal talent levels I think our experience vs. their relative inexperience will be the difference in this game

we haven't even seen close to the kind of games that KB, PY, etc (except Murph against Wisc) are able to play yet...and I like that Young usually brings it to these kinds of match-ups. Like what he did against Sullinger last year.

With all of AZ's talk of us being overrated I want to go in there house and smoke 'em. It's going to be a GREAT win

[GataBaitx3]

Originally Posted by gatorbogey

big big game. Important game. Road game. Ranked foe. Great for the resume and rpi and other metrics. Big test. Lots of challenges.

ooorrraaannngggeee

[gatorbogey]

bluuuuuuueeeeeee

[dailydoublecat]

Good luck guys. Will b cheering from the couch!!