Florida basketball looking to build on first conference win of the year

Florida basketball got its first conference win of the season on Saturday against South Carolina after starting SEC play winless through three games. The next challenge for the Gators comes in the form of a Wednesday home game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

MSU has picked up wins over Arkansas and Alabama this year and established itself as a team on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament. Florida couldn’t get it done against ‘Bama two weeks ago, but it still held onto a spot in ESPN’s bracket as the Last Team In. Each of these teams is trying to establish itself as a contender, but no one is quite sold yet on either group.

Mike White has opted to tinker with his starting five lately, and that could continue despite standout performances from Phlandrous Fleming Jr. and freshman Kowacie Reeves against the Gamecocks. Myreon Jones and Tyree Appleby began the season in the starting rotation but are now coming off the bench as they attempt to get back into a good shooting rhythm.

Colin Castleton has been nothing short of spectacular since conference play began. He averaged 20 points per game in the three-game opening stretch against ranked opponents and followed things up with an 8-block night against South Carolina. If he can continue to get support as he did from Reeves and Fleming, then Florida should be able to handle a gritty Mississippi State squad.

Guard Iverson Molinar is the Bulldogs’ leading scorer averaging almost 18 points per game. 6-foot-11-inch Tolu Smith is the second-leading scorer on the team and the team leader in rebounds per game. He should be matched up with Castleton on Wednesday in a battle of the bigs.

Mississippi State has averaged 15 offensive rebounds per game since starting conference play. If the Gators are going to slow the Bulldogs down, winning the rebound battle will be crucial.

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Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m EST in Gainesville at the O’Connell Center.

Projected Starting Lineups:

FLORIDA