(1-seed) #1 Florida Gators (31-2, 18-0 SEC) vs. (2-seed) Kentucky Wildcats (24-9, 12-6 SEC)
Georgia Dome (capacity: 26,000), Atlanta, Georgia. 3:15 p.m.
Opinion/Analysis
Three keys to beating Kentucky:
1. Control the Harrison twins
Twins Andrew and Aaron Harrison have turned the corner in terms of their play. In the two games they've played in the SEC Tournament, they've finally been able to justify the recruiting hype: Andrew (23 points and 17 assists) and Aaron (36 points). Scottie Wilbekin and Michael Frazier II will have their work cut out for them, as the twins stand 6'6".
2. Get the Kentucky big men in foul trouble
While Kentucky's top six players are as good as any top-6 in the country, the rest of the rotation is suspect. Marcus Lee and Alex Poythress are UK's frontline options off the bench (Willie Cauley-Stein is their sixth man) and it would benefit the Gators if they can get Dakari Johnson, Julius Randle, or Cauley-Stein into foul trouble. If Florida is able to do that, I like their chances. Likewise, it will be key for the Gator big men to stay out of foul trouble. Yesterday, Dorian Finney-Smith fouled out and Will Yeguete played most of the game with four fouls. Look for freshman Chris Walker to get more minutes if the players in front of him start picking up fouls.
3. Win the battle at the free throw line
The Gators shoot 66.6% from the line, compared to the Wildcats' 67.9%. The Wildcats are one of the top teams in the country in terms of free throws made and taken. I fully expect this game to come down toto the final minutes, if not the final seconds. Free throws will play a huge role in who comes away with the win.
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN; Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Jimmy Dykes (analyst), and Shannon Spake (sideline)
Radio: WRUF/Gator IMG Sports Network; Mick Hubert (play-by-play) and Mark Wise (analyst)
Streaming: ESPN3.com
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Gators face Volunteers in SEC Tournament Semifinal
(1-seed) #1 Florida Gators (30-2, 18-0 SEC) vs. (4-seed) Tennessee Volunteers (21-11, 11-7 SEC)
Georgia Dome (capacity: 26,000), Atlanta, Georgia. 1:00 p.m.
Opinion/Analysis
The Gators, who won their quarterfinal game against Missouri yesterday, 72-49, face the Tennessee Volunteers in the first semifinal of the SEC Tournament. The Vols defeated South Carolina yesterday, 59-44. In the two meetings this season between the traditional rivals, the Gators have outscored the Volunteers 134-99. However, the Vols have won five
straight games and look to have positioned themselves for an NCAA Tournament berth. Certainly, a win today over Florida would solidify their spot in the field of 68.
The Gators will need to get off to a better start today than they did yesterday, when they were tied at halftime. Tennessee is riding high with confidence and offers size at every position. As always, the battle between Jarnell Stokes (6'8", 260 pounds) and Patric Young (6'9", 240 pounds) will be a must-see. The task of defending their top scorer, Jordan McRae, will go to Casey Prather or Scottie Wilbekin.
Look for Chris Walker to get some minutes due to the Vols' bigger frontline and the possibility of foul trouble for the Gator bigs. The benches for both teams will be the difference today.
Both teams might be somewhat fatigued, but once the teams step onto the court, it's time to compete. I expect this contest to be tight throughout, so it's going to be key for the Gators to expect a tough battle from the Vols.
Broadcast Information
TV: ABC; Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Jimmy Dykes (analyst), and Shannon Spake (sideline)
Radio: WRUF/Gator IMG Sports Network; Mick Hubert (play-by-play) and Mark Wise (analyst)
Streaming: ESPN3.com
Georgia Dome (capacity: 26,000), Atlanta, Georgia. 1:00 p.m.
Opinion/Analysis
The Gators, who won their quarterfinal game against Missouri yesterday, 72-49, face the Tennessee Volunteers in the first semifinal of the SEC Tournament. The Vols defeated South Carolina yesterday, 59-44. In the two meetings this season between the traditional rivals, the Gators have outscored the Volunteers 134-99. However, the Vols have won five
straight games and look to have positioned themselves for an NCAA Tournament berth. Certainly, a win today over Florida would solidify their spot in the field of 68.
The Gators will need to get off to a better start today than they did yesterday, when they were tied at halftime. Tennessee is riding high with confidence and offers size at every position. As always, the battle between Jarnell Stokes (6'8", 260 pounds) and Patric Young (6'9", 240 pounds) will be a must-see. The task of defending their top scorer, Jordan McRae, will go to Casey Prather or Scottie Wilbekin.
Look for Chris Walker to get some minutes due to the Vols' bigger frontline and the possibility of foul trouble for the Gator bigs. The benches for both teams will be the difference today.
Both teams might be somewhat fatigued, but once the teams step onto the court, it's time to compete. I expect this contest to be tight throughout, so it's going to be key for the Gators to expect a tough battle from the Vols.
Broadcast Information
TV: ABC; Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Jimmy Dykes (analyst), and Shannon Spake (sideline)
Radio: WRUF/Gator IMG Sports Network; Mick Hubert (play-by-play) and Mark Wise (analyst)
Streaming: ESPN3.com
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Florida looks for perfect SEC record on Senior Day against rival Kentucky
Game 31: #25 University of Kentucky Wildcats (22-8, 12-5 SEC) at #1 University of Florida Gators (28-2, 17-0 SEC)
Stephen C. O'Connell Center (capacity: 11,548), Gainesville, Florida. 12:00 p.m.
Opinion/Analysis
The Gators are looking to record the first undefeated SEC regular season in the conference's history as they welcome the Kentucky Wildcats to Gainesville on what is sure to be an afternoon filled with emotion. It is Senior Day, so Casey Prather, Scottie Wilbekin, Will Yeguete, and Patric Young will all play their final game in the O'Dome. For all four players, they've experienced the ups and downs. For Prather, the amazing improvement this season was very unexpected based off his first three seasons where he came off the bench for 10-15 minutes a game. Wilbekin has been suspended twice, but he has upped his game since becoming the starter during his junior season and is now a candidate for SEC Player of the Year. Yeguete has struggled with knee injuries but he has remained a committed defender and continually goes up against taller forwards and holds his own. Young has been a starter for three seasons, but this is by far his most consistent campaign and he is the most likely of the four seniors to be playing on an NBA team next season.
According to Kevin Brockway, the Gators beat writer for the Gainesville Sun, the current senior class has won 112 games, three SEC regular season titles (including this season), appeared in three Elite Eights, and has 54 SEC wins.
While the game will be high with emotion, the Gators have a chance to make history. They have also won 22 straight games and 31 straight home games. But the Wildcats will not want to suffer the first UF sweep since 2007. They defeated Alabama on Tuesday, 55-48, but did not shoot the ball like they will need to to beat the Gators. Kentucky will need to get the Gator big men in foul trouble if they hope to gain an advantage. Kentucky's frontline is much bigger than Florida's, so Young,Yeguete, and Chris Walker will have their work cut out for them. If Michael Frazier, who scored 37 points (11 3-pointers) against South Carolina on Tuesday, can replicate that form then it could be a long day for the Wildcats, especially if Wilbekin and Prather produce their usual games. Sixth man Dorian Finney-Smith is averaging 12.7 points per game over his last three games after struggling for a few weeks with his shot, which affected other parts of his game.
The Wildcats are 5-3 on the road in conference (5-4 overall) and it will be interesting to see if they have been able to correct their assist-to-turnover problem. Andrew Harrison has struggled with his shooting all season and James Young has been off and on from deep. If the Gators can get the Wildcats in foul trouble, it will be tough for Kentucky to maintain pace with Florida.
Kentucky coach John Calipari continues to believe in his team and his players continue to remain confident that they can make a run in the SEC Tournament and the Big Dance. This will be a tough game for Florida, certainly the toughest opponent they could have faced as they try to go undefeated in conference. I expect it to remain close throughout, but free throws will prove to be the difference. If it comes down to that, the Gators will be in good shape.
Projected starting lineups and reserves:
KENTUCKY
#2 Aaron Harrison (6'6", 218 lbs. FR) Season stats: 13.6 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game
#5 Andrew Harrison (6'6", 215 lbs. FR) 10.9, 3.5 assists per game
#1 James Young (6'6", 215 lbs. FR) 14.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg
#30 Julius Randle (6'9", 250 lbs. FR) 15.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg
#44 Dakari Johnson (7'0", 265 lbs. FR) 4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Reserves
#15 Willie Cauley-Stein (7'0", 244 lbs. SO) 7.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 blocks per game
#22 Alex Poythress (6'8", 239 lbs. SO) 6.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg
#3 Jarrod Polson (6'2", 182 lbs. SR) 1.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg
#00 Marcus Lee (6'9", 215 lbs. FR) 2.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg
#25 Dominique Hawkins (6'0", 193 lbs. FR) 0.9 ppg, 0.8 rpg
#4 Jon Hood (6'7", 215 lbs. RS-SR) 1.4 ppg, 0.5 apg
FLORIDA
#5 Scottie Wilbekin (6'2", 176 lbs. SR) Season stats: 12.9 points per game, 3.9 assists per game
#20 Michael Frazier II (6'6", 195 lbs. SO) 13.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg
#24 Casey Prather (6'6", 212 lbs. SR) 14.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg
#15 Will Yeguete (6'8", 230 lbs. SR) 5.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg
#4 Patric Young (6'9", 240 lbs. SR) 10.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg
Reserves:
#10 Dorian Finney-Smith (6'8", 212 lbs. RS-SO) 9.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg
#0 Kasey Hill (6'1", 181 lbs. FR) 5.5 ppg, 3.0 apg
#25 DeVon Walker (6'6", 195 lbs. SO) 3.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg
#23 Chris Walker (6'10", 220 lbs. FR) 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS; Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Jim Spanarkel (analyst)
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network; Mick Hubert (play-by-play) and Mark Wise (analyst)
Stephen C. O'Connell Center (capacity: 11,548), Gainesville, Florida. 12:00 p.m.
Opinion/Analysis
The Gators are looking to record the first undefeated SEC regular season in the conference's history as they welcome the Kentucky Wildcats to Gainesville on what is sure to be an afternoon filled with emotion. It is Senior Day, so Casey Prather, Scottie Wilbekin, Will Yeguete, and Patric Young will all play their final game in the O'Dome. For all four players, they've experienced the ups and downs. For Prather, the amazing improvement this season was very unexpected based off his first three seasons where he came off the bench for 10-15 minutes a game. Wilbekin has been suspended twice, but he has upped his game since becoming the starter during his junior season and is now a candidate for SEC Player of the Year. Yeguete has struggled with knee injuries but he has remained a committed defender and continually goes up against taller forwards and holds his own. Young has been a starter for three seasons, but this is by far his most consistent campaign and he is the most likely of the four seniors to be playing on an NBA team next season.
According to Kevin Brockway, the Gators beat writer for the Gainesville Sun, the current senior class has won 112 games, three SEC regular season titles (including this season), appeared in three Elite Eights, and has 54 SEC wins.
While the game will be high with emotion, the Gators have a chance to make history. They have also won 22 straight games and 31 straight home games. But the Wildcats will not want to suffer the first UF sweep since 2007. They defeated Alabama on Tuesday, 55-48, but did not shoot the ball like they will need to to beat the Gators. Kentucky will need to get the Gator big men in foul trouble if they hope to gain an advantage. Kentucky's frontline is much bigger than Florida's, so Young,Yeguete, and Chris Walker will have their work cut out for them. If Michael Frazier, who scored 37 points (11 3-pointers) against South Carolina on Tuesday, can replicate that form then it could be a long day for the Wildcats, especially if Wilbekin and Prather produce their usual games. Sixth man Dorian Finney-Smith is averaging 12.7 points per game over his last three games after struggling for a few weeks with his shot, which affected other parts of his game.
The Wildcats are 5-3 on the road in conference (5-4 overall) and it will be interesting to see if they have been able to correct their assist-to-turnover problem. Andrew Harrison has struggled with his shooting all season and James Young has been off and on from deep. If the Gators can get the Wildcats in foul trouble, it will be tough for Kentucky to maintain pace with Florida.
Kentucky coach John Calipari continues to believe in his team and his players continue to remain confident that they can make a run in the SEC Tournament and the Big Dance. This will be a tough game for Florida, certainly the toughest opponent they could have faced as they try to go undefeated in conference. I expect it to remain close throughout, but free throws will prove to be the difference. If it comes down to that, the Gators will be in good shape.
Projected starting lineups and reserves:
KENTUCKY
#2 Aaron Harrison (6'6", 218 lbs. FR) Season stats: 13.6 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game
#5 Andrew Harrison (6'6", 215 lbs. FR) 10.9, 3.5 assists per game
#1 James Young (6'6", 215 lbs. FR) 14.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg
#30 Julius Randle (6'9", 250 lbs. FR) 15.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg
#44 Dakari Johnson (7'0", 265 lbs. FR) 4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Reserves
#15 Willie Cauley-Stein (7'0", 244 lbs. SO) 7.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 blocks per game
#22 Alex Poythress (6'8", 239 lbs. SO) 6.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg
#3 Jarrod Polson (6'2", 182 lbs. SR) 1.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg
#00 Marcus Lee (6'9", 215 lbs. FR) 2.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg
#25 Dominique Hawkins (6'0", 193 lbs. FR) 0.9 ppg, 0.8 rpg
#4 Jon Hood (6'7", 215 lbs. RS-SR) 1.4 ppg, 0.5 apg
FLORIDA
#5 Scottie Wilbekin (6'2", 176 lbs. SR) Season stats: 12.9 points per game, 3.9 assists per game
#20 Michael Frazier II (6'6", 195 lbs. SO) 13.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg
#24 Casey Prather (6'6", 212 lbs. SR) 14.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg
#15 Will Yeguete (6'8", 230 lbs. SR) 5.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg
#4 Patric Young (6'9", 240 lbs. SR) 10.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg
Reserves:
#10 Dorian Finney-Smith (6'8", 212 lbs. RS-SO) 9.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg
#0 Kasey Hill (6'1", 181 lbs. FR) 5.5 ppg, 3.0 apg
#25 DeVon Walker (6'6", 195 lbs. SO) 3.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg
#23 Chris Walker (6'10", 220 lbs. FR) 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS; Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Jim Spanarkel (analyst)
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network; Mick Hubert (play-by-play) and Mark Wise (analyst)
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