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Florida Basketball: Keys to defeat Xavier in Charleston Classic finals

By Charlie DiSturco

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Head coach Mike White of the Florida Gators reacts against the Florida Gators in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Head coach Mike White of the Florida Gators reacts against the Florida Gators in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo Credit: Andy Lyons – Getty Images
Photo Credit: Andy Lyons – Getty Images /

After a slow start to the season, Florida Basketball has won two straight and will take on No. 15 Xavier in the championship of the Charleston Classic. What are three keys for the Gators to take home the win?

The Charleston Classic has been nothing short of entertaining following a double-overtime matchup between eventual winner, No. 15 Xavier, and Connecticut. The Musketeers, despite blowing a double-digit lead and two of its starters fouling out, were able to stave off the Huskies and advance to the championship to take on Florida Basketball.

The Gators won both its games, defeating St. Joseph’s despite an early ejection of star Kerry Blackshear Jr. and blowing out Miami by 20. After a sluggish start to the season including losses to Florida State and UConn, the Gators seemed to have found a groove.

This matchup will be a defensive one, as both teams take their time offensively and are known for their defense. Both teams rank inside the top 15 in adjusted defensive efficiency, per Kenpom.com.

Florida is led by Blackshear Jr., the Virginia Tech transfer who boasts a team-high 13.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Four players average at least 9.5 points per game for the Gators, including freshman Scottie Lewis.

Meanwhile, Xavier is much more experienced, 59th among all NCAA teams, per Kenpom. Juniors Naji Marshall and Paul Scruggs both average double figures while senior Tyrique Jones has been nothing short of great. Outside of his overtime-forcing block last night, Jones is averaging 14.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

This matchup is among the most anticipated on Sunday and will be aired on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. Kenpom has the odds exactly at 50-50, giving the slight edge to Florida, while ESPN’s Power Index gives the Gators a 72.5 percent chance at taking home the win.

Here are three keys for Florida to defeat Xavier and finish the Charleston Classic as champions.

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