Featured Video
Ohtani Little League HR 😨
Early Action: #8 Florida at #3 Ohio State
David ThurmanNov 15, 2011
Drew Thurman (5:21 pm)
The live blog for this game can be found after the break. Join us at 7:30 PM ET...
A season ago the Buckeyes outlasted the Gators in Gainesville 93-75, a game that allowed both programs to get an idea of where they were. Much like last year, both squads head into this marquee matchup still unsure of who they are, something both teams should have a better idea of at the end of the night. Maybe even more important, this game could provide some much needed confidence for the Buckeyes who still have Duke and Kansas upcoming on their non conference schedule.
Quick Look at Florida:
Despite losing three key players from last season in Chandler Parsons, Verlon Macklin and Alex Tyus, this Gator team is still very tough. The success all starts in the backcourt for this team, with junior Kenny Boynton (19.0 ppg) and senior Erving Walker (10.0 ppg). Both are experienced and quick, and helped Florida turn their season around last year and get to an Elite Eight. Not only are both of these guys tough to keep out of the lane, but they can hold their own from behind the stripe. Especially watch out for Boynton, who can be very streaky from the three point line. Also keep an eye on Mike Rosario, a Rutgers transfer, who came off the bench to have five three pointers on his way to 19 points against Jackson State last Friday.
The live blog for this game can be found after the break. Join us at 7:30 PM ET...
A season ago the Buckeyes outlasted the Gators in Gainesville 93-75, a game that allowed both programs to get an idea of where they were. Much like last year, both squads head into this marquee matchup still unsure of who they are, something both teams should have a better idea of at the end of the night. Maybe even more important, this game could provide some much needed confidence for the Buckeyes who still have Duke and Kansas upcoming on their non conference schedule.
Quick Look at Florida:
Despite losing three key players from last season in Chandler Parsons, Verlon Macklin and Alex Tyus, this Gator team is still very tough. The success all starts in the backcourt for this team, with junior Kenny Boynton (19.0 ppg) and senior Erving Walker (10.0 ppg). Both are experienced and quick, and helped Florida turn their season around last year and get to an Elite Eight. Not only are both of these guys tough to keep out of the lane, but they can hold their own from behind the stripe. Especially watch out for Boynton, who can be very streaky from the three point line. Also keep an eye on Mike Rosario, a Rutgers transfer, who came off the bench to have five three pointers on his way to 19 points against Jackson State last Friday.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
At small forward freshman Bradley Beal (14.0 ppg) will start, who for all intensive purposes plays as a third guard. Beal was a McDonald's All-American, the 5th overall player coming out of the country according to ESPN, and brings a lot of athleticism to this starting five.
Inside the Gators will start forward Erik Murphy (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and center Patric Young (12.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg). Of the two, Young (6-9 245) has much more potential. He saw his minutes greatly increase down the stretch last season as a freshman, and will look to build on that tonight in a tough matchup against Sullinger. Will Yeguete (6-7 210) will come off the bench to help these guys out, and was strong on the boards in the first game with seven rebounds.
Quick Look at Ohio State/Prediction:
Even though the Buckeyes took care of Wright State 73-42 last Friday night, they didn't look like the No. 3 team in the country doing it. Thad Matta and the coaching staff tried a lot of different player combinations, which attributed to some of the sloppy play, but it is clear this team is in need of some youngsters to step up. Everyone knows this team is going to be led by Jared Sullinger, William Buford and Aaron Craft, but outside of those three who is going to create for themselves and consistently contribute?
Obviously, both Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Deshaun Thomas have to step up tonight. Thomas, in particular, should have the advantage with the matchups he draws, and needs to cut out the bone-headed mistakes tonight. If he makes smart decisions and helps provide some presence down low, the Buckeyes will have a big advantage. No one knows who will come off the bench exactly, but it would appear Ravenel and Sibert would be the best options for Matta. Even though Ravenel only saw 9 minutes against Wright State, if he stays out of foul trouble could provide some huge minutes tonight.
With all that in mind, prepare yourselves for a tough game tonight. Ohio State is sure to have a smaller rotation which should help this team gel quicker, but any foul trouble in the backcourt could spell trouble for the Buckeyes. Craft and Smith Jr. have proven themselves as quality defenders and need to be on the floor tonight to slow the Gators down. Speaking of defense, the one weakness that has been well documented with this team is their poor perimeter defense, which must be better tonight to keep Florida from getting hot. On the other side of the floor, I see Sullinger dominating and getting their bigs in foul trouble, the place where the Gators are the thinnest. All in all, the home crowd is a huge advantage in this contest and help lift the Buckeyes 68-64.
Inside the Gators will start forward Erik Murphy (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and center Patric Young (12.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg). Of the two, Young (6-9 245) has much more potential. He saw his minutes greatly increase down the stretch last season as a freshman, and will look to build on that tonight in a tough matchup against Sullinger. Will Yeguete (6-7 210) will come off the bench to help these guys out, and was strong on the boards in the first game with seven rebounds.
Quick Look at Ohio State/Prediction:
Even though the Buckeyes took care of Wright State 73-42 last Friday night, they didn't look like the No. 3 team in the country doing it. Thad Matta and the coaching staff tried a lot of different player combinations, which attributed to some of the sloppy play, but it is clear this team is in need of some youngsters to step up. Everyone knows this team is going to be led by Jared Sullinger, William Buford and Aaron Craft, but outside of those three who is going to create for themselves and consistently contribute?
Obviously, both Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Deshaun Thomas have to step up tonight. Thomas, in particular, should have the advantage with the matchups he draws, and needs to cut out the bone-headed mistakes tonight. If he makes smart decisions and helps provide some presence down low, the Buckeyes will have a big advantage. No one knows who will come off the bench exactly, but it would appear Ravenel and Sibert would be the best options for Matta. Even though Ravenel only saw 9 minutes against Wright State, if he stays out of foul trouble could provide some huge minutes tonight.
With all that in mind, prepare yourselves for a tough game tonight. Ohio State is sure to have a smaller rotation which should help this team gel quicker, but any foul trouble in the backcourt could spell trouble for the Buckeyes. Craft and Smith Jr. have proven themselves as quality defenders and need to be on the floor tonight to slow the Gators down. Speaking of defense, the one weakness that has been well documented with this team is their poor perimeter defense, which must be better tonight to keep Florida from getting hot. On the other side of the floor, I see Sullinger dominating and getting their bigs in foul trouble, the place where the Gators are the thinnest. All in all, the home crowd is a huge advantage in this contest and help lift the Buckeyes 68-64.
Ohtani Little League HR 😨
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
