What to know: #5 Florida Gators vs. #17 Cincinnati Bearcats
Game Information
When: Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 6 p.m. (ET)
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.
Records: Florida (5-3); Cincinnati (7-1)
Coaches: Mike White- 53-27 (3rd season at Florida), 154-67 (7th season overall); Mick Cronin- 244-137 (12th season at Cincinnati), 313-160 (15th season overall)
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: WatchESPN
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network
Projected Starters
Florida
C Kevarrius Hayes (6-9, 225) Avg./Game: 4.7/4.4r
G Jalen Hudson (6-6, 192) Avg./Game: 19.4/4.4r
G Egor Koulechov (6-5, 205) Avg./Game: 15.5/6.9r
G KeVaughn Allen (6-2, 193) Avg./Game: 13.0/3.0r
G Chris Chiozza (6-0, 175) Avg./Game: 11.4/6.1a
Cincinnati
F Gary Clark (6-8, 225) Avg./Game: 13.8/8.0r
F Kyle Washington (6-9, 230) Avg./Game: 9.1/5.1r
C Jacob Evans (6-6, 210) Avg./Game: 13.1/4.0a
G Justin Jenifer (5-10, 175) Avg./Game: 7.8/2.9a
G Jarron Cumberland (6-5, 215) Avg./Game: 11.5/3.9r
Preview
The Florida Gators and Cincinnati Bearcats meet for the first time ever in the Never Forget Tribute Classic.
Florida is fresh off three consecutive losses, including losses to unranked Florida State and Loyola-Chicago at home.
After scoring triple digits in four of the first five games of the season, Florida’s offense has gone ice cold. The Gators have shot just 18.2 percent from beyond the arc over the last two games, including a 2-for-19 mark against Loyola-Chicago.
No player even made it into double figures last game as the Gators scored a season-low 59 points. Chris Chiozza and Jalen Hudson had nine apiece to lead the team.
Cincinnati comes in off its first loss of the season to No. 21 Xavier on the road. Up to that point, the Bearcats had not played much of a schedule.
For the first time this season, Florida plays a team that leads it in most statistical categories, including scoring defense, field goal percentage, rebounding, assists and forced turnovers.
The Bearcats go deep on the bench with 10 players averaging double digit minutes this season, and just one player averaging more than 25 minutes.
Gary Clark leads the team on both offense and defense with 13.8 points per game and 8.0 rebounds. Jacob Evans (13.1) and Jarron Cumberland (11.5) also average double figure scoring.
Evans’ 32 assists and 12 blocked shots this season are team-highs for the Bearcats.
Both teams look to get things back on track in this game, but Florida needs a win now more than ever, or this season could head in the wrong direction fast.