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Florida vs. Arkansas, 9:45 p.m.

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 12, 2009

Florida Gators

Probable Starters

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
33	Nick Calathes	G	6-6	194	So.	17.7	5.2	6.4
23	Alex Tyus	C	6-8	220	So.	12.4	5.9	0.7
25	Chandler Parsons	F	6-9	208	So.	9.6	5.6	1.7
15	Walter Hodge	G	6-0	170	Sr.	9.0	1.5	2.3
21	Dan Werner	F	6-7	235	Jr.	8.7	4.5	2.3

Arkansas Razorbacks

Probable Starters

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
4	Courtney Fortson	G	5-11	180	Fr.	15	5.6	6.0
12	Marcus Britt	G	6-3	198	So.	3.5	1.8	1.01
15	Rotnei Clarke	G	6-0	185	Fr.	12.2	1.9	1.1
31	Michael Sanchez	F	6-8	236	Fr.	5.9	5.0	0.6
00	Michael Washington	F	6-9	239	Jr.	15.5	9.5	0.8

Player To Watch

Nick Calathes, Florida: The sophomore guard was named first-team All-SEC this week, and he is among the conference leaders in scoring, assists and steals. With a hot hand outside the 3-point line, Calathes can change the complexion of a game.

Previous Meeting

Florida used a barrage of 3-pointers - making eight of 13 - in the second half to win 80-65 in Gainesville. Nick Calathes, who led the Gators with 28 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, made four 3-pointers in the second half. Freshman guard Erving Walker chipped in 13 points, including three baskets from behind the arc. Arkansas was led by junior center Michael Washington, who had 21 points and eight rebounds.

What To Expect

Florida is likely to put heavy defensive pressure on the Razorbacks, who start three freshmen. Arkansas must defend against the 3-point shot and hope to force the Gators into a slower tempo.

Fun Fact

Razorbacks coach John Pelphrey, in his second season at Arkansas, is a former assistant at Florida under Billy Donovan. He spent six seasons (1997-2002) in Gainesville.

FRIDAY'S OPPONENT: Auburn Tigers (22-9, 9-7)

Probable Starters

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
12	DeWayne Reed	G	6-1	175	Jr.	13.1	2.5	3.7
01	Korvotney Barber	F	6-7	225	Jr.	12.8	9.0	0.9
24	Tay Waller	G	6-2	180	Jr.	12.4	2.7	1.5
21	Rasheem Barrett	G	6-5	220	Sr.	9.4	3.3	1.3
23	Quantez Robertson	G	6-3	200	Sr.	5.9	4.0	3.0

Player To Watch

Senior forward Korvotney Barber is the only SEC player averaging a double-double in conference play - 12.8 points, 11.3 rebounds. He had 11 double-doubles this season.

What To Expect

The Tigers are hot, hot, hot having won eight of their last nine games coming into the tournament. It is the best streak by the Tigers since they won 13 of 14 in their 1999 SEC championship season. A strong defensive team, they held SEC regular-season champion LSU to a season-low 53 points.

Fun Fact

Auburn has a 10-game losing streak against Florida. The last Tigers win against the Gators came in the 2000 SEC Tournament.

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