The 19th ranked Gators (13-4, 1-1) will be trying to overcome their struggles on the road this season as they travel to take on South Carolina (8-8, 0-2) Saturday at 7:00 p.m. on CSS. The Gators have yet to win a true road game this season, going 0-4 in their previous attempts, which include an SEC opening loss to Tennessee.
Billy Donovan got on his team after the loss to Tennessee and worked on their toughness in practice. Donovan’s practices showed results as the Gators’ toughness seemed to be amplified, especially on the defensive side against Georgia on Tuesday where they allowed their lowest point total all season in a 70-48 victory.
The question of this game is whether or not the Gators can create the same effort and intensity on the road that they do at home. Since the Gators have not yet shown the maturity it takes to win on the road, there is a created uncertainty about a game that the Gators should win comfortably.
South Carolina struggled early with losses to both Elon and Tennessee State in their first three games, but has shown a slight recovery by being more competitive in games against USC, Ohio State, and Vanderbilt although still coming out on the losing end.
The Gamecocks are known as a streaky shooting team led by their veteran forward Malik Cooke (6-6,215) who averages a team high 12.7 ppg and can get hot from three point range. Bruce Ellington (5-9,197) started every game last season at point guard for the Gamecocks, but is now providing a scoring spark off the bench averaging 10.4 ppg.
The Gamecocks use a team effort on the boards, with Anthony Gill (6-8,235) averaging 5.1 rpg, Malik Cooke’s 4.8 rpg, as well the main presence of Damontre Harris (6-9,226) and his 5.2 rpg and 33 blocked shots.
The continued emergence of freshman Bradley Beal as a force on both the offensive and defensive boards from the last game will help for Florida to prevent South Carolina from gaining second and third shot opportunities.
If Florida can get the loose balls and not let the road environment affect them, they should be able to wear down and outscore the Gamecocks for their first road win of the season and second win of SEC play.
Anthony Richards
@GridironGator
http://secfanatic.wordpress.com/
