Florida Gators @ Tennessee Volunteers: Game Preview
By Zach Ragan
Feb 19, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Trae Golden (11) brings the ball up court against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee won 82 to 72. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers will put their five game winning streak on the line when they take on the Florida Gators on Tuesday night.
A month ago the Vols were considered a long shot to make the NCAA tournament, but after winning seven of their last nine, the dream could become a reality. Tennessee is currently 16-10 overall and 8-6 in the SEC. The Volunteers will still have to finish strong to have a legitimate chance to make the tournament. Finishing strong will not be an easy task, with games against Florida, Georgia and Missouri left on the schedule. The Vols also play Auburn in their last road game of the season.
Florida (22-4, 12-2 SEC) is coming off a 71-54 win over Arkansas on Saturday, after being upset by Missouri on February 19th. The Gators are the 8th best shooting team in the nation, and 45th in scoring at 73.7 points a game. In comparison the Vols are 136th best shooting team and 202nd in scoring at 66.4 points a game.
Cuonzo Martin has been going with a smaller lineup as of late, which has been very effective for the Volunteers. Forward Kenny Hall has seen his playing time decrease considerably during the Vols winning streak. Guards Trae Golden and Jordan McRae have stepped up, leading the Vols in scoring their past three games. Jarnell Stokes has continued his impressive play as well. Stokes notched his 12th double-double of the season against Texas A&M, scoring 20 points and securing 16 rebounds. Stokes is currently second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.8 points a game. McRae leads the team, averaging 14.9 points a game.
The Gators are led in scoring by Mike Rosario, at 13.0 points a game, and Kenny Boynton, at 12.9 points a game.
Tennessee and Florida are scheduled to tip off at 9:00 pm est on Tuesday night. The game will be broadcast live from Thompson Boling arena on ESPN.