The Gators will be taking a break from conference play today as they host the Xavier Musketeers (16-7, 8-2) at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at 6:00 pm.

Florida (17-7, 6-4) is looking to bounce back from the tough road loss against South Carolina last Wednesday and is also trying to keep their Big Dance hopes alive. During the South Carolina game, Florida led throughout the game but failed to take care of the ball, turning the ball over 20 times which was the most all season. Free throwing shooting was a huge factor as well. I honestly have never seen such poorly free throw shooting before, it just wasn’t their night. So if the Gators want to come out on a win, they need to eliminate their turnovers and shoot well from the line.

Xavier has been off since February 6th when they suffered a 90-65 loss against Dayton, and today will also be their third straight road game.

Antonya English/Times Staff Writer reported the following quote from head coach Billy Donovan.

“I think in most situations you’d like to be in a situation where you’re playing all your nonconference games during the nonconference schedule,” he said. “I’m excited because it’s a good team, it’s just like a league game basically. And instead of us having an off week, I almost sometimes prefer to have a game because sometimes the off week can take you out of the rhythm and flow of games coming. So to me, sometimes playing a game like this instead of having an off week is a good thing.”

Here are some things to watch out for in today’s game, with help by Adam Silverstein, OGGOA:

• The Gators are led by their backcourt, freshman guard Kenny Boynton who is averaging 14 points and sophomore guard Erving Walker is averaging just above 13 points and 5 assists per contest.
• In SEC play, both Boynton and Walker have made 51 of their last 64 three pointers. Walker who has also had five out of 10 SEC games with 20+ games.
• Junior forward Alex Tyus has continued to dominate under the basket and has been able to get short jumper to fall. Tyus comes in the game today averaging just below 13 points per game and 7 boards.
• Junior Chandler Parsons has back-to-back double-double and also four on the year. Parsons who averages 11 points and 7 rebounds per game, has found success dishing the ball off the past two games.
• For Xavier, they will be led by sophomore guard Jordan Crawford who is averaging right below 20 points, 5 rebounds, and three assists per contest.
• Xavier is also looking to bring their high-powered offense in, along with their deadly three point shooting. The top three out of four in the Atlantic-10 in three point shooting all belong to the Musketeers.

Here is the broadcasting information:

TV: ESPN, and may also be seen online at ESPN360.

Gator Sports Nation will be providing live updates and will also be followed by a post-game story with full statistics.