The first two play-in games of the 2012 NCAA Tournament were...surprisingly a lot of fun to watch. Two more tonight, but the real spotlight is 2:10 p.m. on Friday as the 10th seeded Virginia Cavaliers look for an upset bid over the seventh seeded Florida Gators. Always helpful when you're looking at the matchup is to take a look at what Florida media is saying about the Gators' chances of getting past the transfer/suspension/injury-plagued Cavaliers.
Gators take shot at stifling defense in first game of NCAA Tournament. The Florida Times-Union writes that Florida head coach Billy Donovan gets why Virginia's one of the best defenses in the country, but forward Erik Murphy thinks that his ability to shoot the ball is going to open things up for the Gators offensively.
Committee Shamelessly Screws Gators, Yet Gives Them Hope. In All Kinds of Weather blog thinks that Florida's in a tough bracket, but didn't really give Virginia much consideration as a tough opponent.
Donovan: No issue with No. 7 seed for Gators. Donovan is looking at this like a one-game tournament. Freshman forward Bradley Beal doesn't think that losing four of the past five games would be considered "limping into the tournament."
Florida Earns No. 7 Seed In West Regional Of 2012 NCAA Tournament, Will Play Virginia. Alligator Army's initial thought on Selection Sunday night was that Virginia's lack of size could bode well for the Gators. Commenters think they were given somewhat of the shaft in terms of seeding.
Also visit the SBN Florida Gators site, Alligator Army, for ongoing coverage.
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