Match-up
(7) UConn Huskies (30-8 overall, 12-6 AAC) vs.
(1) Florida Gators (36-2 overall, 18-0 SEC)
Tip-off:
6:09pm EST / 3:09pm PST
Favorite
Florida by 7
Team Leaders
Points: UConn -- Shabazz Napier (23.3 ppg) Florida -- Scottie Wilbekin (16.8 ppg)
Rebounds: UConn -- DeAndre Daniels (6.8 rpg) Florida -- Patric Young (6.8 rpg)
Assists: UConn -- Shabazz Napier (4.5 apg) Florida -- Kasey Hill (3.8 apg)
UConn will win if...
Shabazz Napier absolutely takes over the game. Napier beat the Gators at home back on December 2nd (65-64) with a buzzer-beating jumper, which ironically enough sent the Huskies into a bit of a free-fall afterwards -- losing four of their next five. The offense has to run through Shabazz, and run through him efficiently for the Huskies to manage a repeat.
Florida will win if...
They play defense, defense, and then a little bit more defense. The Gators are riding a 26-game winning streak into today's contest, thanks mostly to a scoring defense which gives up a paltry 57.6 points per game -- good for third best in the country. The Gators are deceptively explosive at guard offensively as well, and if they can use balance and lock down D to stifle Shabazz Napier, Connecticut's dream run ends today.
Prediction
Florida's defense is just too much, partially limiting Napier, but also locking down all secondary options. Florida pulls away late to advance to the National Championship game on Monday. Florida 68, UConn 59
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