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.