The Florida Gators begin their quest for a national championship after an impressive regular season. The team went undefeated during conference play in order the earn a No. 1 ranking overall and a top seed in the SEC tournament. Can they go undefeated once again to earn the conference title and head to the NCAA tournament? Missouri intends on giving their best effort the end that possibility.
The last time Florida was to then No.12 Connecticut back on Dec. 2. Since then, the Gators have won 23 games including going perfect through SEC play. They become the first team to go undefeated in conference play since Indiana in 1976. They will not look to continue the success and hopefully return to the Final Four and championship game for the first time since winning the title in 2007.
Rust could be a factor for the Gators. The team has not played a game since beating No. 25 Kentucky. The team shot 59.6 percent overall in the win as Patric Young had 18 points and Casey Prather added another 15 to the total. The Gators likely soaked in the rest as they are in for a quick tournament with conference championship games on Sunday and then the NCAA tournament starting next Friday.
Missouri is hoping to play upset on Friday. The Tigers are fresh off a win over Texas A&M in the first round of the tournament. Missouri is likely entering the game a little tired after taking the Aggies to double-overtime before getting the win. Jabari Brown had 26 points while Earnest Ross added 24. The win was an improvement after the Tigers ended their season with a big loss to Tennessee on Saturday.
A win over Florida would guarantee a NCAA tournament spot for Missouri after they went 9-9 in SEC play. The team could earn an at-large bid if they do not win the tournament. The Tigers have been to five straight NCAA tournaments, but getting the Gators on Friday could end that streak.
