FGCU MBB vs UF Preview

After finishing their last home game of 2018, the FGCU men's basketball team (5-8) travel to face Florida (6-4) in the Metro by T-Mobile Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida on Saturday, December 22 at 5 P.M.

Last Time Out:
The Eagles are coming off of nail-biting 87-85 win against NAIA Keiser to close out the final home game of 2018 and boy was it close.

It was redshirt senior Schadrac Casimir that led the way for the Eagles as he is averaging 12.3 points per game. Casimir had 14 points against Keiser, which included score the game-winning free throw to secure the win. The Iona transfer was named A-SUN Newcomer of the Week.

As far as big men, redshirt junior Brady Ernst and sophomore Brian Thomas have also came in clutch.

Ernst has started nine of his 13 games played and is averaging 5.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. The double transfer from Iowa State and Indian Hills had eight eight points, two rebounds and two blocks against Keiser

Thomas has been a good factor defensively and it shows even if he's averaging two points per game. As far as rebounding and blocking, Thomas is averaging 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Against Keiser, Thomas had two rebounds and a block.

Freshman Zach Scott made a named for himself against Keiser as he scored a career-high 25 points and was 6-for-8 from the behind the arch. Scott is averaging 7.5 points per game.

Junior RaySean Scott Jr. has been key in the starting lineup. Scott Jr. is averaging 9.3 points and nine rebounds per game. The Compton native had eight points and 12 rebounds against Keiser.

End of the Season:
Redshirt senior Hannif Cheatham was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. Cheatham was leading the Eagles in points per game (13.2).

Scouting UF:
Obviously, we have a long-time history with UF as the Eagles have yet to defeat the Gators as they are 0-4, including our Cinderella run we had for the birth of Dunk City.

Last time both teams met was on November 11, 2016 where the Eagles lost 80-59 in Jacksonville. The Gators are receiving votes (3) in the NCAA AP Top 25 Poll.

The Gators are coming off of a 2-1 record in the Jimmy V Classic where they defeated West Virginia (66-56) and barely defeated Mercer (71-63), but loss to Michigan State (63-59).

Senior guard KeVaughn Allen leads the team in points (10.8) and 2.8 assists per game. In the Jimmy V Classic, Allen had 19 points against West Virginia, 13 points against Michigan State and 15 points against Mercer.

Sophomore Deaundrae Ballard is averaging 9.9 points per game. Ballard had 15 points against West Virginia, but was held to three points against Michigan State and Mercer.

As far as rebounding, senior Kevarrius Hayes is averaging 7.3 points and a team-leading six rebounds per game. Hayes had six points against West Virginia and Michigan State and eight against Mercer.

How to Keep Up:
The game will have livestats and will air on Fox Sports (Sun Sports). In addition, it will also air on the radio on the Gator IMG Sports Network.

Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
FGCU: @FGCU_MBB
UF: @GatorsMBK

ESPN+:
FGCU will air on the subscription-based digital platform ESPN+,  the new home for all A-SUN sports. Subscribers can try the new app for free for 30 days, which follows to $4.99 a month fee afterwards.

Livestats link: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=241028

Livestream link: https://www.foxsportsgo.com/

Radio link: https://tunein.com/radio/Gator-IMG-Sports-Network-s230232/?_branch_match_id=604199550016287382

TV Listings-
Direct TV:
653 (SD/HD)
Fox Sports Sun Plus:
653 (SD)
653-1 (HD)

Dish Network: 434 (SD and HD)

Available Florida cable systems (Spectrum, Bright House, Etc.): Consult your local cable provider or program listings source for channel availability