Tonight, Florida (12-1, 1- 0 SEC) brings the no. 2 team in the country to Knoxville to take on Tennessee (6-6 1-0 SEC). Florida is a good team led by Udonis Haslim (16.6 ppg). Speaking of Haslim, how long has he been at Florida? I know he's a senior but it seems like he's been there forever! Juniors Matt Bonner and Brett Nelson also are averaging 15.4 and 14.1 respectively. The Gators are 17-4 vs. Tennessee in the last 21 meetings. Florida has been blowing teams out. A four point win over Michigan St. and a nine point win over South Carolina are their only games that weren't double digit wins in thier last ten.
Tennessee is in a transition this season shifting from the very relaxed Jerry Green to Buzz Peterson who comes from the Dean Smith school of coaching. They will be Florida's toughest test on the road this season. The Vols are led by Vincent Yarbrough (19.0 pg) and Ron Slay (14.5 ppg). Tennessee also has benefited by the return of Marcus Haslip who was academically ineligiable for the first part of the year. Haslip has averaged 14.3 since his return. Buzz Ball is the official slogan for the team this year because of Peterson's presence. However, some are calling it Buzzer ball because of the the close games they've played in. The Vols lost by 2 at Memphis, 1 at Louisville, 3 at Wisconsin, and 2 at home againt West Virginia. Needless to say, they've lost some heartbreakers. Tennessee comes off a win against Ole Miss in their conference opener.
Florida has thrived against a weak schedule while shooting a miserable 31% from the three point line. They've done well because they've been shooting 59% everywhere else. Last year, Florida beat a more talented Tennessee squad by totals of six and fourteen. In 2000, the Vols swept the Gators. Tennessee hasn't beaten a team as highly ranked as Florida since a 1993 upset over Kentucky.
Tonights game will feature big matchups in the paint. Although Billy Donovan loves the three just like his mentor Rick Pitino, look for the Gators to depend on Haslim and Bonner down low. Tennessee has defended the three well all season. Slay and Haslip will have their work cut out for them in the post. The Vols' inexpierinced backcourt of Jon Higgins and Taydeous Holden will be the question mark here. If they can not turn the ball over against the press, Tennessee can make this a close game. Also, Tennessee can't rely too much on Yarbrough. Despite his talent, sometimes he doesn't show up for the big games.
Final Thoughts
Florida will use this game to prove they belong in the nation's elite. Tennessee has been too shaky this year and is not as talented as they have been the last few years. Vincent Yarbrough is a great player but he is not a leader. Slay is too emotional and often finds himself in slumps. Tennessee has too weak of a backcourt. Thompson Boling Arena has been kind to the Vols but it is baically a quiet, deserted, concrete mess. The home advantage shouldn't play too big of a part here. Tennessee hasn't seen anything like the Gators yet this year and has struggled to a 6-6 record against mediocre teams.
The Pick
Florida -5
Tennessee is in a transition this season shifting from the very relaxed Jerry Green to Buzz Peterson who comes from the Dean Smith school of coaching. They will be Florida's toughest test on the road this season. The Vols are led by Vincent Yarbrough (19.0 pg) and Ron Slay (14.5 ppg). Tennessee also has benefited by the return of Marcus Haslip who was academically ineligiable for the first part of the year. Haslip has averaged 14.3 since his return. Buzz Ball is the official slogan for the team this year because of Peterson's presence. However, some are calling it Buzzer ball because of the the close games they've played in. The Vols lost by 2 at Memphis, 1 at Louisville, 3 at Wisconsin, and 2 at home againt West Virginia. Needless to say, they've lost some heartbreakers. Tennessee comes off a win against Ole Miss in their conference opener.
Florida has thrived against a weak schedule while shooting a miserable 31% from the three point line. They've done well because they've been shooting 59% everywhere else. Last year, Florida beat a more talented Tennessee squad by totals of six and fourteen. In 2000, the Vols swept the Gators. Tennessee hasn't beaten a team as highly ranked as Florida since a 1993 upset over Kentucky.
Tonights game will feature big matchups in the paint. Although Billy Donovan loves the three just like his mentor Rick Pitino, look for the Gators to depend on Haslim and Bonner down low. Tennessee has defended the three well all season. Slay and Haslip will have their work cut out for them in the post. The Vols' inexpierinced backcourt of Jon Higgins and Taydeous Holden will be the question mark here. If they can not turn the ball over against the press, Tennessee can make this a close game. Also, Tennessee can't rely too much on Yarbrough. Despite his talent, sometimes he doesn't show up for the big games.
Final Thoughts
Florida will use this game to prove they belong in the nation's elite. Tennessee has been too shaky this year and is not as talented as they have been the last few years. Vincent Yarbrough is a great player but he is not a leader. Slay is too emotional and often finds himself in slumps. Tennessee has too weak of a backcourt. Thompson Boling Arena has been kind to the Vols but it is baically a quiet, deserted, concrete mess. The home advantage shouldn't play too big of a part here. Tennessee hasn't seen anything like the Gators yet this year and has struggled to a 6-6 record against mediocre teams.
The Pick
Florida -5
