Colleges

Scaled-back version of basketball team to play in Times Forum

Florida's appearance on Sunday may not be the one fans anticipated when the game was originally scheduled.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published December 14, 2006

GAINESVILLE - Florida's appearance at the St. Pete Times Forum on Sunday may not be the one fans anticipated when the men's basketball game was originally scheduled.

The Gators could be without junior center Al Horford, and teammate Corey Brewer most likely will be limited in his first game since being diagnosed with mononucleosis.

Horford suffered a high ankle sprain while diving for a loose ball in practice Monday and is questionable for Sunday's game in Tampa against Florida A&M.

"It's a mild one sprain, not a severe one, but I think that's kind of a strange injury a little bit, at least in talking to our doctors," coach Billy Donovan said. "It's something that can really last a long time. ... I guess they grade sprains anywhere from a 1 to a 3, and his is probably a 1-plus."

Donovan said he likes the idea of playing in different venues around the state.

"I do (enjoy it) because I think we've got such a broad base of fans across the state," Donovan said. "... So it'll be good for us to get to Tampa and play a little bit there."

Change in plans

The football team's 2007 home opener Sept. 1 against UCF has been changed. UCF replaced Florida on its schedule, but school officials said UCF will play the Gators sometime before the 2010 season. Florida will now face Western Kentucky.

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

By the numbers

A look at the top three games over the past 25 years based on ticket demand and how many requests were refunded, according to the University of Florida ticket office:

Tickets Game Date refunded

BCS national championship 1/8/07 9,214

SEC championship 12/2/06 8,500

at South Carolina 11/12/05 7,500

[Last modified December 14, 2006, 00:44:27]