Florida Basketball: 3 keys for matchup against Arizona State Sun Devils

The Florida Gators are in the top 10, and it doesn't seem like anyone is talking about how good they have been. Florida has the toughest game of any of the undefeated teams this weekend. How can they make sure they leave with a win?

By Bryan Mauro | 9:02 AM EST

Dec 4, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) dribbles the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images / Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

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Control the Three-Point Line

Florida might have their hands full on the defensive side. The Sun Devils are the best offensive team that the Gators have faced so far because of Arizona State’s ability to hit a high number of threes. The Sun Devils are one of the best shooting teams in the country, and if Florida isn’t careful, this game can get out of control, especially if Arizona State is able to move freely around the three-point line.

So far this year, the Gators have done a fantastic job at minimizing the opportunities their opponents get from the three-point line. Florida only allows teams to get about 20 shots from deep, and those teams only shoot about 30% from deep. The Gators need to continue that because Arizona State will shoot a ton of threes and will likely make a lot of them. The Sun Devils are shooting 40% from deep as a team and have two players shooting well over 40% individually.

The quickest way for the team that is favored to get into a tight game is for their opponents to have a lot of freedom to move along the three-point line and make a lot of threes. Florida has controlled the three-point line in every game they have played this year, and it would be a huge surprise if this game were any different. They are experienced and know what they are going to have to do to win. I would be surprised if they didn’t execute.

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