Gators Basketball vs. Syracuse

by mlmintampa on Dec 10, 2009 4:15 PM EST in Florida Basketball

Syracuse Orange at Florida Gators, Dec 10, 2009 9:00 PM EST

It is not quite the unstoppable force vs. the immovable object, but the Syracuse Orange present a very stiff challenge for Florida's new found defensive intensity tonight in Tampa. The Orange (8-0; 7/6) are second in scoring, averaging 90.4 points per game and first in field goal percentage (55.7%) The Cuse destroyed nearly all the mid-majors in the Tri-State area in the past few weeks, but they also have wins against Cal and North Carolina on their resume. They are not the team that barely had a pulse against D-II Le Moyne in the preseason.

After defeating FSU and Michigan State, the Gators (8-0, 10/11) are back to where we think they should be. UF is second in 3-point percentage defense (21.4%), 23rd in scoring defense (57.9 ppg) and 57th in field goal percentage defense (38.7%), which isn't bad when you consider there are 334 D-I basketball teams. But the Orange have ran their record against a much tougher schedule.

The matchup to watch tonight will be The New Face of College Basketball, Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus against Cuse big men Wesley Johnson and Arinze Onuaku, who lead the Orange in scoring. Macklin has been fantastic this season, averaging 11 ppg and shooting 66%. But he has to rebound better (only 6 boards ppg) in order to be more than just a big dude clogging the lane. Tyus is shooting better than 50% and averaging about 10 ppg. But he is also around six rebounds a game, as well. Tyus has been freed up with Macklin playing as a true center, and Macklin has the post moves to be successful. Both now need to get to the glass and give the Gators second chances for a still struggling offense. Against Syracuse, they need to rebound to limit the Cuse's possessions.

There will be a big crowd tonight as Tampa is Gainesville South and everyone is ready to climb back on the basketball bandwagon. A win tonight will definitely turn up the hype meter for UF.

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I have to say your basketball articles are much more interesting. Maybe because football there isnt much people didnt already know. I been waiting forever to watch a UF BBall game, hopefully they pull off the upset tonight!

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 10, 2009 7:15 PM EST reply actions

Floridas making a lot of turnovers early...

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 10, 2009 9:19 PM EST reply actions

That was a good game overall

Being a western NY kid im a pretty big Cuse fan and theyre a definate final 4 team i dont care what any of ya say. I watch alot of their games and they are the real deal. They have weapons at every position and are two or three deep at most. Not to mention that 2-3 zone is just a effin fortress.

We need to recruit some big bahama mamas down low tho thats what really killed us. Tyus and Macklin just arent physical enough down low, mostly cuz they dont have the bulk that Onuako and Jackson have for Cuse. Its also going to hurt us against UK with Cousins and Patterson being mosters on the boards and slams.

On a Guards related note—DAN WERNER GET OFF THE COURT!!! Boynton and Walker are just my boys theyre the heart of this team. Boynton’s shot looks better than ever and its so good to see 25 footers getting sunk by little man Walker like its his god damn job.

by gatorempire127 on Dec 10, 2009 11:37 PM EST reply actions

Macklin gets a pass because of foul trouble. But agreed on Werner. Jimmy Dykes on ESPN was imploring him to do something. I guess Jimmy hasn’t seen much of Werner the past four years.

mlmintampa
UF C/O 06

by mlmintampa on Dec 11, 2009 1:18 AM EST up reply actions

Cuse was cleary much more talented in the post.

Cuse dominated this game, the only reason it stayed close to the end was the great play by the Gators lil guards playing good defense and banking late 3’s, and Cuse couldnt hit thier free throws.

As one of the anouncers said it was a good team playing a very good team. Florida wont have a chance against Kentucky, but they should make it to the dance this year. I am guessing a middle seed, like 6-11. Maybe make it to she sweet 16 but no further then that.

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 11, 2009 12:31 AM EST reply actions

I'm happy with this.

Just getting away from the humiliation of the NIT the last two years has to be seen as a huge improvement. And we did take a brief lead with about 10 minutes left. The last two years, the Gators would have been blown off the floor by a team of the Orange’s caliber.

by falcontom on Dec 11, 2009 7:10 AM EST up reply actions

I think we'd be fine with that

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
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by TheTealDeal on Dec 11, 2009 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

Nothing wrong with losing to a superior team

Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23

T.Lex doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt. Can't just suppress sixty five million years of gut instinct.

by Patssuck456 on Dec 12, 2009 10:59 AM EST reply actions

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by roddyjohn on Dec 21, 2009 6:17 AM EST reply actions