The No. 10 Florida Gators invade the Carrier Dome as part of the Big East/SEC Challenge when they take on the No. 4 Syracuse Orange.
Florida has won its last four outings to improve to 5-1 on the young season. The lone loss came at Ohio State by seven points, but that was actually an impressive showing considering how dominant the Buckeyes have looked thus far. The most recent outing for Billy Donovan and his Florida squad came on Monday, a 96-70 triumph over Stetson on a neutral court, and that win marked the 400th in Donovan's coaching career.
There is no question that Florida's strength is its backcourt, as the top four scorers on the roster are all guards. Kenny Boynton leads the way with 18.5 ppg on 50 percent shooting from the floor, including 48.9 percent from three- point range. Bradley Beal, a standout freshman, checks in with 17.0 ppg and 6.5 rpg, while Erving Walker provides 13.7 ppg and 5.3 apg. With Mike Rosario netted 12.0 ppg on 51 percent field goal efficiency, there is obviously no shortage of capable scorers at the guard position, though center Patric Young (10.2 ppg) and forward Erik Murphy (10.0 ppg) are at least adequate offensive performers up front. UF is pouring in 90.8 ppg while holding opponents to 65.3 ppg. In the romp over Stetson last time out, Beal spearheaded a balanced attack with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Walker added 21 points and six assists. The Gators finished that game with 22 assists and only 10 turnovers while forcing 18 giveaways.
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G'ORANGE!