Gators Men’s Hoops Faces Biggest Challenge of Young Season at Michigan State

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team will find out what they’re made of Saturday, when they take on the undefeated and top ranked Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing.

The Spartans (10-0) already have big wins over No. 2 Kansas and No. 22 Louisville, and will be looking to add to their elite early season resume with a win over the Gators. Tom Izzo’s squad excels offensively, in large part because of how they share the basketball. Michigan State ranks first in the nation in assists per game with 23.2, and Gators head coach Mike White says every Spartan is able to pass the ball well.

Florida (6-2) is looking to rebound coming off of their loss Tuesday at Miami, a game in which the Gators shot only 1 of 12 from three.

The Gators will need to pick it up immediately if they hope to hang with MSU Saturday. Florida is shooting a dreadful 28% from behind the arc on the season. Still, White believes his guys will turn it around as the season progresses.

On Saturday, more than a win or a loss, White is hoping that Florida comes out and plays improved defensively.

Tip off from the Jack Breslin Student Events Center is at 6, with coverage on ESPN 2.