USA Today via Reuters
Dec 6, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Mike White talks with Florida Gators forward Omar Payne (5) against the Stetson Hatters during the first half at Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 6, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Mike White talks with Florida Gators forward Omar Payne (5) against the Stetson Hatters during the first half at Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Men’s Basketball action will see yet another intra-state rivalry match. Along with the host of intra-state games in the last two days, this Florida rivalry will get a chance to shine. Considering we are 6 hours away from the game, let us take a look at how these teams are doing heading into this game.
While the Florida Gators have some rich history and still attract top talent, this rivalry has been very one-sided for a while. The Florida State Seminoles have won the last games in this rivalry. Six seasons of losses to your rival start making the rivalry feel redundant. However, the Gators will have a lot of motivation to change their fortunes.
Scottie Barnes called game 🚨 @accnetwork pic.twitter.com/UGdOhk7nXm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 10, 2020
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The Seminoles are ranked 20th in the AP Top 25, while the Gators are un-ranked. While the six looks very likely to become seven, there are factors that may set the stage for an upset.
NCAA Men’s Basketball: Freshness takes over?
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The Gators are coming into this game 3-0, with their last game being a 46-point win over Stetson. That game was five days ago, so they have had time to gameplan for the Seminoles. Florida State played their last game just two days ago, a two-point win over Indiana the day before yesterday.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 6, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA;Florida Gators guard Tre Mann (1) and Florida Gators forward Omar Payne (5) defend Stetson Hatters guard Rob Perry (2) during the first half at Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Gators will start with Keyontae Johnson, Scottie Lewis, Tre Mann, Noah Locke, and Colin Castleton. Mike White has retained his back-court of Mann and Lewis, with Johnson also being a key returning player. The Seminoles will take the court with Scottie Barnes, M.J. Walker, Anthony Polie, RaiQuan Gray, and Balsa Koprivica.
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Scottie Barnes is the marquee talent on the Seminoles, even though his game still needs polishing. He has the frame of a forward with the skills of a guard, a combination that always bodes well for players. But senior M.J. Walker is the true leader of this team.
It is hard to bet against the Seminoles. Even though the Gators have started the season strong and may even get a ranked berth over this season, they don’t have enough to end this rivalry losing streak.
