After landing the No. 7 seed in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, the Florida Gators will be playing 10-seeded Virginia to kick things off in the first round. The Gators were a lock for an at-large bid from the tournament's selection committee after turning in a 23-10 record during a regular season.
The Gators defeated Alabama in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament but were bounced out by Kentucky in semifinals in New Orleans. With nearly a full week of rest, the Gators will now begin their postseason march against the Cavaliers.
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Virginia started the season red-hot but stumbled in ACC play in the month of February. The started the season 14-1 under Tony Bennett but finished with a 22-9 overall record and finished fourth in the ACC with a 9-7 record. They were bounced out of the first round of the ACC tournament, losing to fellow bubble team North Carolina State. The Gators will have to contend with Mike Scott, a monster in the paint who was in the running for ACC Player of the Year. It will be an incredible battle watching Patric Young match up with Scott.
For more on this matchup and the impending March Madness season, check out SB Nation's college basketball hub. Stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay for more Gators recaps, previews and news updates. For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Gators and their tournament run, visit Alligator Army.
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