The Matchup: No. 11 Florida Gators vs. No. 20 Wisconsin Badgers
When: Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8pm CT
Where: Madison, WI – Kohl Center
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Badgers Radio Network
All-Time Series: Florida leads 2-1
Last Meeting: 74-56 Florida W at UF
The Opposition:
Florida has played one game, a 77-69 win over North Florida. It wasn't exactly how the No. 11 team in the country should've started things off, but a win is a win is a win. It was also its 23rd straight win to open a season, a pretty impressive streak to say the least.
Senior forward Casey Prather was the star of the game, going 10-of-15 from the field en route to a game best 28 points. Only one other Gator reached double figures, and that was point guard Kasey Hill, who had 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the floor. He added 5 points from the free throw line.
Prather, who started just twice last season and averaged only 6.2ppg as a junior will be the key to how this team moves.
Overall, the Gators struggled on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 37-35 to the Ospreys of North Florida. That's where Scottie Wilbekin, sophomore forward Dorian Finney-Smith and junior center Damontre Harris would be handy.
The three remain suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.
Without them this team isn't close to full strength, but it has the parts to be competitive, especially if the defensive effort is increased.
Key to the Game:
Unlike last year when the Badgers wanted to slow the tempo down and stop Florida from playing inside-out basketball, Wisconsin would be just fine with that in this matchup. Florida was just 2-of-10 from beyond the arc on Friday and without Wilbekin the three-point threat isn't as great as it could be.
On the other end, Wisconsin needs to attack the zone of Florida, the other area they struggled in last season. If Friday night was any indication, both Sam Dekker and Traevon Jackson won't be nearly as tentative to attack the basket this time around.
Prediction: Wisconsin 77, Florida 65
The Badgers will get some revenge for what happened in Gainesville last season, but the final score won't be indicative of just how in control the Badgers will be in this one. This isn't the Florida team Wisconsin fans saw last year and if the Gators want to run, Wisconsin has the athleticism and confidence to do so with them, while also working a slower tempo if needed. From what I saw of both teams this past weekend, Wisconsin is light years ahead of the starting five Florida will put out on the floor. So, unless UF makes a big jump the Badgers win this one.
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