RALEIGH, N.C. — Top-seeded Florida and eighth-seeded UConn share common NCAA Tournament resumes. Their styles might be considerably different when they meet Sunday afternoon in a second-round game in West Region.
Florida (31-4) has a high-powered offense and depth for days. UConn (24-10) might be more prone to getting it done defensively, particularly if things are going well for the two-time defending champion Huskies.
Even before UConn’s late-night victory Friday against Oklahoma, Huskies coach Dan Hurley had seen glimpses of Florida during the past week. Sunday’s game will mark the second in a row for UConn against a team from the Southeastern Conference.
“We know the quality that we’re playing against,” Hurley said. “Obviously we’ve got a chance to see Florida in some of the cross-scouts of watching Oklahoma, we were able to see them and prepare for that.”
Florida whipped No. 16 Norfolk State 95-69 in the first round with a stellar opening 15 minutes. Even some rough patches after that won’t distract Gators coach Todd Golden from knowing how good it could be in the tournament.
“This team has been great for us all year,” Golden said.
UConn pulled away from a late tie to beat Oklahoma 67-59. Despite his team owning a 13-game winning streak in NCAA play, Hurley already has cast the Huskies as playing a significant underdog role.
“I think we’re a dangerous team because, again, most people picked us, I think, to lose (vs. Oklahoma),” he said. “I don’t think many people will give us a shot in the second one. … I think (our players) will get a lot of confidence from advancing and a lot of energy and a lot of belief.”
These are the programs that have captured the last two back-to-back national championships. The Huskies hope to extend their postseason winning stretch.
“If it wasn’t for all of my antics and viral moments, obviously there would be more focus on just what we’ve accomplished as a program the last three years,” Hurley said. “It’s been an amazing run, one of the best runs anyone’s had. … There’s a lot of honor in us being able to face the last team that went back to back.”
The Gators realize the task will toughen and they’re ready to experience a different type of challenge in the second round.
“It’s one game at a time,” Florida guard Alijah Martin said. “It’s not looking at six games.”
Florida has four players who average in double figures, led by Walter Clayton Jr. at 17.7 points per game. Six Gators provide eight points or more per outing.
“They got all five positions (where they produce),” UConn guard Solo Ball said. “It’s the same mentality (for us), defense first.”
Hurley said it will be important to control the tempo against the Gators.
“Drag them into a half-court game and just try to slow down their attack,” he said. “When they get rolling, it’s wave after wave.”
UConn has won six of its last seven games.
–Bob Sutton, Field Level Media
