Colleges

Gators' goal is simple: Win, avoid dreaded NIT

For weeks, even as the losses mounted and the end of the season grew closer, the Florida basketball team was adamant it was under no extra pressure. Even as the Gators fell to 3-5 during the past eight games, they've insisted there is no sense of urgency about what the future may hold.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Published March 5, 2008

GAINESVILLE - For weeks, even as the losses mounted and the end of the season grew closer, the Florida basketball team was adamant it was under no extra pressure. Even as the Gators fell to 3-5 during the past eight games, they've insisted there is no sense of urgency about what the future may hold.

But Monday, as the Gators prepared to face arch-rival No. 4 Tennessee tonight, the reality of their situation was finally beginning to dawn on the players, expressed bluntly by freshman Adam Allen. Although it's not something they publicly speak of, Allen said, deep in their hearts, the Gators understand how much they need a win.

"We all know what's at stake," Allen said. "We know we've got to win some games to get in the NCAA tournament. Nobody wants to go to the NIT. It's like the champion of the losers if you win that.

"The coaches try not to (say), 'If we lose, we're done.'I think we all know in our minds that we have to get something done here."

The Vols (26-3, 12-2) are one of the most versatile teams in the SEC: They average 8.9 3-pointers (led by senior Chris Lofton), but also have a deep bench and a strong inside presence with forwards Tyler Smith (13.4 ppg) and Wayne Chism (9.1 ppg). They average 22 points off the 19 turnovers they force.

"Clearly we're playing, if not the best team, one of the best teams in the country," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "And I think what makes them one of the best teams is they have a variety of different ways they can beat you. They can beat you in transition, they can beat you by making you turn it over, they can beat you through offensive rebounding. And certainly with Lofton and JaJuan Smith they can beat you from behind the line."

Tennessee knows what is at stake for the Gators.

"Florida is obviously trying to put themselves in position to make a run in NCAA Tournament," coach Bruce Pearl said. "And this is an important game because the opportunity to beat a highly-ranked team would be one more major feather in their tournament cap. So the prize is even greater than it normally is."

Unlike the loss to a bigger, more physical Mississippi State team Saturday, the Gators think their chances improve because of similarities with the Vols.

"I think we match up better because they have smaller guards and play like a three-guard rotation and spread the floor," UF guard Jai Lucas said. "It's really not an inside pounding game with a lot of big men. It should be a fun game to watch, up and down, high-scoring. Hopefully we can come out and execute better than the last couple of games."

[Last modified March 4, 2008, 23:12:22]