Tre Mann, Scottie Lewis to lead Florida Basketball versus Virginia Tech

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 21: Keyontae Johnson #11, Tre Mann #1, and Scottie Lewis #23 of the Florida Gators look on against the Utah State Aggies during the second half of the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at BB&T Center on December 21, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Justyn Mutts Virginia Tech Hokies (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Slowing Virginia Tech offense

Virginia Tech’s coach Mike Young is an offensive savant. The Hokies use constant ball movement and screening action away from the ball to get open looks. While UF has been solid defensively overall this season, they have had trouble leaving open looks when trying to double-team the post, which they can’t do on Thursday, particularly when Naheim Alleyne or Hunter Catoor are on the floor. Keve Aluma, who is Tech’s leading scorer, is also a particular concern for the Gators as he can score inside and outside as well as possessing good quickness for a center.

Rebound the ball/ protect the paint

One way that the UF can slow Tech offensively by limiting Tech’s effectiveness in the paint. The Gators, who — led by Colin Castleton — do a good job at protecting the rim, struggled to defend the paint in their two losses to Tennessee though the Gators have only allowed opponents to make 48.4% of their 2-point shots.

Part of the issue for the Gators has been defensive rebounding, as they are only hauling 68.3% of all available boards on that end. So, Florida will need to do a better job there, which they should have a good opportunity to do that as the Hokies are not a great offensive rebounding squad.

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