Who/When/Where: Robert Morris (0-0) vs UF (1-0), 7 p.m., O'Connell Center
Last Time Out:
UF won 82-71 against Xavier Friday
Robert Morris has not played yet this season
Last Meeting:
This will be the first meeting ever between the two teams.
Projected Starters:
Robert Morris:
F Chinata Nesbit (6-2, Sr.)
F Joy Ike (6-2, Jr.)
G Sade Logan (6-0, Jr.)
G Kendra Williams (5-7, Jr.)
G Psyche Butler (R-Sr., 5-9)
UF:
F Marshae Dotson (5-11, Jr.)
C Aneika Henry (6-3, Jr.)
G Brittaney Thomas (5-8, So.)
G Sha Brooks (5-7, Jr.)
G Depree Bowden (5-11, Sr.)
Why Robert Morris Might Win:
The Colonials return just three players from last year's 22-8 NCAA Tournament team. On the other hand, many of their "new" players are actually experienced junior college players. They are projected to finish second this season in the Northeast Conference. Nesbit was named to the All-NEC First Team last year while averaging a double-double. Logan has taken an interesting path to Robert Morris. She played the 2004-05 season at Kentucky, transferred to Chattanooga State Junior College for the 2005-06 season, then sat out last year. She may pose an interesting match-up at guard, as the Gators surrendered 26 points to Xavier's Jerri Taylor, leaving her open many times. Missed assignments could pose trouble for the Gators if not fixed.
Why UF Might Win:
Thomas had her coming-out party against Xavier Friday night and looks to be the answer at point guard. If the Gators can count on consistent output from their experienced trio (Bowden, Brooks and Dotson) and can get people like Thomas to step up, they should be in good shape. Friday night's 51-point second half effort was quite impressive. With no big height to deal with, UF should be able to play their fast pace and look to match-up well against the Colonials.
Final Word:
The Gators might actually be in the unusual position of being expected to win a game. Still, after having plenty of time to prepare for Xavier, the team has had only two days of practice for Robert Morris. There are a lot of unknowns about these Colonials with the ten new players. As long as they have kept their focus since Xavier, the Gators look to have the upper hand in this one. Still, it's too early in the season for anything to be certain.
