Florida vs. Florida Gulf Coast: Game time, TV schedule for 2013 March Madness

Florida Gulf Coast are this year's favorite Cinderella team, but they will be facing their toughest matchup yet. Can they keep the dream alive?

By Jon Benne@LordBenne Mar 29, 2013, 12:00pm EDT

The No. 3 Florida Gators and No. 15 Florida Gulf Eagles will face off in the Sweet 16 on Friday.

For more Gators hoops, head to Alligator Army For more FGCU coverage, head to Mid-Major Madness

The Gators' story is relatively simple--they've been here before. This is their third straight year in the Sweet 16, and seventh time under coach Billy Donovan. They dominated the SEC in the regular season and barely broke a sweat taking care of Northwestern St. and Minnesota in the tournament.

They aren't the big story of this game, however. The Eagles, their cross-state neighbors from Fort Myers, stole the spotlight and then some last weekend. In only their second year of postseason eligibility, FGCU dunked and danced their way into America's hearts, leaving Georgetown and San Diego St. scratching their heads.

The Gators are the heavy favorites in this game, and for good reason. They're much more disciplined than either the Hoyas and Aztecs, and have the type of personnel to shut down FGCU's freewheeling offense. It could be an ugly game, but it could just as easily be another thriller. SB Nation's Bill Connelly describes a perfect scenario where the Eagles could pull off the upset.

Game time: 9:57 p.m. ET

TV: TBS

Location: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Line: Florida by 13