The Gators open the 2010-11 regular season on Friday night at 7 p.m. at the O’Connell Center against UNC Wilmington, coached by former Tennessee head man Buzz Peterson. The two teams are meeting for the third time with the Gators winning both previous meetings. The Gators open the season ranked No. 9 in the nation in the Associated Press Poll, and No. 11 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll, their highest preseason rankings since 2007.
Tickets remain available for Friday night, while tickets also are available for Tuesday’s showdown of top 10 teams when No. 4/5 Ohio State comes to the O’Dome at 6 p.m.
Friday night the Gators will take on UNC Wilmington of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Florida is 8-3 all-time against CAA teams and 3-1 under Billy Donovan. The Gators have not faced a CAA team since taking on George Mason in the 2006 Final Four. Florida has won 19 straight season openers, including a 14-0 mark under Billy Donovan.