Raleigh, NC-Top-seeded Florida and Eighth-seeded Uconn share Common NCAA tournament. Their styles can be significantly different when they meet on Sunday afternoon in a second round in the West Region.
Florida (31-4) has a high-driven crime and depth for several days. Uconn (24-10) may be more likely to have it done defensively, especially if it goes well for the twice defeated master Huskies.
Even before Uconn’s victory on late evening Friday against Oklahoma, Huskie’s coach Dan Hurley had seen glimpses from Florida during the past week. Sunday’s game will highlight the other in a row for Uconn against a team from the Southeastern Conference.
“We know the quality we play against,” Hurley said. “Of course we have a chance to see Florida in some of the cross -couts of watching Oklahoma, we could see them and prepare for it.”
Florida whipped No. 16 Norfolk State 95-69 in the first round with a fantastic opening 15 minutes. Even some coarse notes after that will not distract street coach Todd Golden from knowing how good it can be in the tournament.
“This team has been good for us all year,” Golden said.
Uconn pulled away from a late tie to beat Oklahoma 67-59. Despite its team that owns a 13-match winning line in the NCAA game, Hurley has already thrown huskies like playing a significant underdogroll.
“I think we are a dangerous team for, again, most people chose us, I think, to lose (against Oklahoma),” he said. “I don’t think many will give us a picture in the other. … I think (our players) will gain a lot of confidence in moving forward and a lot of energy and a lot of faith.”
These are the programs that have captured the last two back-to-back national championships. The Huskies hopes to expand their winning distance after the season.
“If it wasn’t for all my discoveries and viral moments, it would obviously be more focus on exactly what we have accomplished as a program over the past three years,” Hurley said. “It has been a fantastic drive, one of the best runs someone has had. … there is a lot of honor that we can meet the last team that went back to the back.”
Gators realize that the task will harden and they are ready to experience another type of challenge in the second round.
“It’s one game at a time,” said Florida guard Alijah Martin. “It’s not looking at six games.”
Florida has four players as on average in double numbers, led by Walter Clayton Jr. at 17.7 points per match. Six streets give eight points or more per excursion.
“They got all five positions (where they produce),” said Uconn Guard Solo Ball. “It’s the same mentality (for us), defense first.”
Hurley said it will be important to check the tempo against the streets.
“Draw them to half a court game and just try to slow down their attack,” he said. “When they roll it is wave after wave.”
Uconn has won six of his last seven matches.
-Bob Sutton, Field Level Media
