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Gators Overpower Ospreys

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By ANDY STAPLES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

GAINESVILLE - To their credit, the young members of the University of Florida basketball team realize their first five wins - including Tuesday's 102-51 shellacking of North Florida - haven't done much to predict exactly what kind of team the Gators will be when they grow up.

"We haven't proven anything," guard Nick Calathes said.

Projecting how Florida will handle deficits, foul trouble, physical play or a gadget defense isn't easy when the No. 25 Gators (5-0) face the likes of the Ospreys (1-3), who have lost 34 consecutive road games. Those 20 points and 12 rebounds center Marreese Speights compiled Tuesday could dry up against a team with an athletic big man, or Speights could keep dominating. That's the problem. The Gators don't know.

Florida coaches and players may understand their place in the basketball world better after they face Florida State on Friday. In spite of losses to Cleveland State and South Florida, the Seminoles are the most athletic team the Gators will face until they play at Ohio State on Dec. 22. If Florida is going to face any adversity between now and then, it likely will come Friday.

"The best part of competition is adversity," said forward Dan Werner, who had 10 points, six rebounds and six assists Tuesday. "It's going to be interesting to see how we handle it. We're definitely going to face it on Friday."

INSIDE THE GAME

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Florida C Marreese Speights scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 16 minutes.

STAT OF THE GAME: North Florida scored 22 first-half points and committed 19 first-half fouls.

TURNING POINT: The Gators opened the game on a 24-5 run.

UP NEXT: Florida hosts Florida State on Friday at 8 p.m.

Reporter Andy Staples can be reached at (352) 262-3719 or astaples@tampatrib.com.

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