Gators Host Jacksonville in Home-Opener on Monday at 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2008 | Women's Basketball
The University of Florida women's basketball team plays host to Jacksonville University on Monday, November 17 at the O'Connell Center beginning at 7 p.m. Florida boasts a 26-8 all-time record in the team's first home game of the season, carrying a three-game home-opening win streak into Monday's contest.
Opening Tip
The Gators opened their regular-season on Friday, losing a tough 88-86 decision on the road to Florida Gulf Coast. UF aims to avoid its first 0-2 start since the 1992-93 season, when Carol Ross was in her second year as head coach and Amanda Butler was in her junior year suiting up for the Gators.
A Look at the Dolphins
Monday marks the season-opener for Jacksonville, which is coming off a record-setting 2007-08 campaign. The Dolphins compiled a 23-9 overall record and reached the championship game of the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament for the first time in program history.
JU returns four starters from last year's team and was picked to finish second in the A-Sun preseason media poll, third in the coaches' poll.
So Close
While the two schools are separated by only 61 miles, Monday's game will be just the second meeting between the two programs.
JU made the most of the inaugural contest, taking last year's 75-64 outcome against the Gators played at Veterans Memorial Arena (see page 2 of these notes for a detailed recap and the final box score). During that game, Florida shot 0-11 from the 3-point arc, ending a streak of 215 consecutive games with hitting at least one from long range.
That was the only game last season that UF failed to connect from the 3-point arc, carrying a 27-game streak into Monday's affair.
Four in Eight Days
Monday's game also begins an eight-day stretch when Florida will play four games. Following the game against JU, the Gators entertain Stetson on Thursday, face No. 21 Florida State in Tallahassee on Sunday and host Stetson the following day at 5:30 p.m.
Nine Would Be Fine
The Gators carry a modest eight-game home winning streak versus non-conference opponents into Monday's game. UF's last setback to a non-SEC team was on Nov. 23, 2008, when the Gators dropped an 81-78 decision to then-No. 20 Florida State.
Home in the O'Dome
The women's basketball team played its first-ever game in the O'Connell Center on Jan. 3, 1981, and has played every home game there since, compiling a 254-111 record in the building.
The Gators are 286-132 all-time at home, with a 32-21 record coming at the Florida Gym (nicknamed “Alligator Alley”) prior to the opening of the O'Connell Center.
Perfectly Possible
The Gators can record the 300th home this season, but will have to be almost perfect to do so.
Florida plays 15 regular-season games inside the O'Connell Center this year and needs 14 more wins to reach the 300-win milestone.
Game Day Information
What: Game 2: Florida (0-1) hosts Jacksonville University (0-0)
When: Monday, November 17, 2008 * 7 p.m.
Where: Gainesville, Fla. * Stephen C. O'Connell Center (12,000)
Radio: LIVE on WRUF AM850 in Gainesville - audio simulcast on Cox Channel 96 with Steve Babik & Steve Russell
Internet Audio: LIVE thru GatorZone.com (FREE of charge)
GatorVision Online: none
Television: LIVE on FSN-Florida, statewide (channel 70 on Cox Communications in Gainesville/Central Fla.) with Mick Hubert & Mark Wise
Post-Game Satellite Feed: none
Tickets: Reserved Seating: $5 - All; General Admission: $4 - Adults, $2 - Seniors age 55 and older & Youth age 17 & under; FREE - UF Students with valid ID
Additional Game-Day Hoopla
Game Sponsor: Sun Trust
Special Game Promotions:
Give Away – Schedule Key Tags will be given to the first 1,000 fans
City of Gainesville & UF Staff Assistant Appreciation Day – All of these employees will receive letters that include and free admission passes to the game.
Dance Marathon Points Night – All campus organizations are invited to attend. They can check in at halftime at Gate 2 to earn points towards dance marathon and check in again at the end of the game for even more points.
Gators Can Make a Difference – Bring in 2 or more canned goods to donate to the local food bank and receive 2 for 1 admission.
Gator FunZone – Bouncehouse and slide for kids 12 and under. Poster-making station.
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