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Tampa subregional
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 21, 2003
3-POINT SHOOTING:
The Gators and Bearkats are closely matched in shooting from beyond the arc. Florida shot 39 percent from 3-point range to 35 percent for SHSU. Florida relied heavily on the perimeter game all season, but the long-range shots haven't fallen so well of late. Still, the Gators lineup includes the top two 3-point shooters in the SEC: Matt Bonner (.488) and freshman Matt Walsh (.432). Florida led the league in 3-pointers made, the only school to hit more than 200 (262). They also led in 3-point accuracy. Sam Houston's Felton Freeman led the Southland Conference, hitting 43 percent.
As a team the Gators are solid at the line, shooting .705, but there are holes. Four of Florida's starters or top reserves shoot less than 75 percent from the line. The biggest concern for Florida is center David Lee, who has vastly improved but still shoots 60 percent. In its victories, SHSU has shot an average of 71 percent from the line, while shooting 67 percent in losses.
The Bearkats are ranked fifth in the nation in field-goal percentage defense (.387). Thirteen times Sam Houston State held opponents to less than 40 percent from the field and no opponent has shot better than 47 percent. Its opponents, however, have been teams such as McNeese State, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Austin College. Florida's balanced offense will pose a great challenge and coach Bob Marlin said the key is stopping Florida's transition defense. Meanwhile, the Gators are suspect in the post, but senior guard Justin Hamilton has been stellar stopping the opponent's best player. His challenge today: senior forward Donald Cole, the Southland Conference player of the year averaging 17.4 points.
Cole led his conference in rebounding with 10.3 per game, good enough for 13th in the nation. Florida's weakness this season has been containing teams with big post players because the Gators use a converted forward at the center position.
Billy Donovan has led the Gators to a school-record six straight postseason appearances, including five consecutive NCAA Tournaments, holding an 8-4 record. Sam Houston State's Marlin is making his first appearance as a coach in the NCAAs, but he's no rookie. He once led Pensacola to the NJCAA championship. He also is a former assistant at Marshall and Alabama.