SportsDirect Inc.
Preview: Middle Tennessee State at Florida
Florida would be hard-pressed to receive a better effort than the one turned in by Erik Murphy on Wednesday against Wisconsin. After connecting on all 10 of his shots for a career-best 24 points, the junior power forward will look for an encore on Sunday when the 10th-ranked Gators host Middle Tennessee State. Murphy overcame a migraine headache for a stellar performance in Florida’s 74-56 victory. Marcos Knight scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half as the Blue Raiders rallied for a 58-55 victory over Savannah State on Tuesday.
TV: 4 p.m. ET., SUN/FS-South.
ABOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (2-0): The Blue Raiders have stepped up the intensity on the defensive end, collecting 12 steals against Savannah State. Kermit Davis’ team has held its opponents to 38.0 percent shooting from the field. The attention to detail on that side of the ball helped overcome a tough shooting night for Middle Tennessee State, which struggled from the field but went to the foul line 38 times.
ABOUT FLORIDA (2-0): The Gators reinstated Scottie Wilbekin after the junior point guard served three games of his suspension. The club did not divulge what prompted the ban, only noting that Wilbekin will be available for Sunday’s tilt. Senior guards Mike Rosario and leading scorer Kenny Boynton scored 15 and 10 points respectively versus Wisconsin, but also stumbled with the ball as the Gators committed 12 first-half turnovers.
TIP-INS
1. Florida has won 10 of its last 11 games against Sun Belt clubs.
2. Middle Tennessee State’s J.T. Sulton was held to just five points versus Savannah State as he dealt with a back injury.
3. Florida’s four freshmen played between 18-23 minutes in the season opener versus Alabama State on Sunday, but only guard Michael Frazier topped the five-minute plateau against Wisconsin.
PREDICTION: Florida 72, Middle Tennessee State 60
