Florida Gulf Coast Faces Tough Test Against Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University became the first No. 15 seed ever to reach the Sweet Sixteen. (Scott McIntyre)

Florida Gulf Coast University's first graduating class received their diplomas in 2001. Their enrollment is currently about 12,000 students. This is the Eagles' second year in NCAA Division I. They are playing in their first NCAA tournament ever. The University of Florida has about 50,000 students. They have won two national titles (2006 and 2007) and played in four Final Fours. The Gators are one of only four teams to make their third-straight appearance in the Round of 16 this year. They have reached the Elite Eight in four of the last seven seasons.

On Friday night, these two Sunshine State sides meet in an unlikely Sweet Sixteen matchup. If David ever met Goliath on the basketball court, this has to be it. An unheralded Florida Gulf Coast team under the direction of Andy Enfield meet up with one of the country's most established programs in Florida and future Hall of Fame coach Billy Donovan.

Florida Gulf Coast won't be intimated despite the significant statistical matchup they face. They have already slain two Goliaths to get this far. They shocked the nation by upsetting No. 2 Georgetown, 78-68. The Eagles then made history by defeating No. 7 San Diego State, 81-71, to become the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the Round of 16.

These two sides not only contrast in their experience, but they play completely different styles as well. Florida Gulf Coast plays an up-tempo brand of basketball that has earned them the nickname “Dunk City,” due to their frequent aerodynamic displays. Conversely, Florida boasts one of the nation's best defenses. They rank second in scoring defense, allowing just 53.8 points per game. The Gators have held four opponents to 40 points or fewer and 13 to less than 50 points.

Florida Gulf Coast's dynamic offense runs through Brett Comer. He is an assist machine and makes those around him better. The Eagles' leading scorer is Sherwood Brown, averaging 15.6 points per game. Bernard Thompson has scored 23 points in both of the Eagles’ tournament wins. Chase Fieler has been on the receiving end of many of his teammate's famous lobs.

Florida has a balanced offense with four players averaging in double figures. Statistically, they are led by Erik Murphy and Mike Rosario. The Gators love to open up their offense and let it rain from deep. They led the SEC with 8.4 3-pointers made per game and a .382 field goal percentage. The Eagles must try to limit those opportunities as much as possible.

Cinderella hopes the clock doesn't strike midnight yet on a magical tournament run. She will have to dance and lob her way around the big bully on the neighborhood block if she has any hope of surviving this prime time fight in the national spotlight.

Who's Tournament Tickets Will Be Punched Saturday?

VMI vs. UNC-Asheville - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN2/ESPN3

This game is the Big South Conference Championship. Everyone expected UNC-Asheville to be here. The Bulldogs rolled through conference play to a mark of 16-2 during the regular season. The surprise here is that their opponent is VMI. VMI came into the conference tournament as the #7 seed. They held on to beat Radford and then pulled the shocking upset of the #2 seed, Coastal Carolina. UNC-Ashville won both of the regular season matchups, but don't be surprised if the Keydets hang tough in this one.

Tennessee State vs. #9 Murray State - 2:00 PM EST, ESPN2/ESPN3

The Ohio Valley Conference Tournament has gone exactly to form so far. Murray State has been in the headlines all season because of their quest for perfection. That quest was spoiled by none other than Tennessee State. Both these teams will be pumped for this matchup. Murray State would like to showcase their dominance once again, especially against the only team to beat them all season. Tennessee State would love to ruin the Racers' goals once again. The Tigers have been the only team able to do that, but the question remains whether or not they can do it again.

Florida Gulf Coast vs. Belmont - 7:00 PM EST, ESPN2/ESPN3

The Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament ended up looking quite similar to that of the Big South Conference. Belmont, a talented team who nearly won at Duke, marched through conference play to the tune of a 16-2 record. On the bottom half of the bracket, the #6 seeded Florida Gulf Coast upset the #3 seed USC Upstate and then the #2 seed Mercer, the tournament host. Belmont destroyed Florida Gulf Coast in both of the regular season matchups. The Bears won those games by 42 points at home and 23 points on the road. The Eagles would love to avenge those losses, but would have to play their absolute best basketball to even have a chance.