• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Florida on course for another postseason title

Apr 1, 2008 - 12:12 PM No. 2 Massachusetts (24-10) vs. No. 2 Florida (24-11) 7:00 pm EDT

NEW YORK (Ticker) - Florida attempts to move one step closer toward a third straight postseason title when it takes on Massachusetts in the National Invitation Tournament semifinals Tuesday.

The two-time defending national champion Gators (24-11) have won each of their previous three games in the NIT tournament by double digits, including a 70-57 victory at Arizona State on March 25.

Freshman Nick Calathes has led the way, averaging 12.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.3 assists over the three games. The 6-6 guard posted the second triple-double in school history in Florida's 82-54 victory over Creighton on March 21.

While Florida has cruised through its first three games, the Minutemen (24-10) are having an adventurous tournament.

Massachusetts rallied from a 22-point second half deficit to post an 81-77 victory at Syracuse on March 25. The Minutemen also ended the game on a 17-3 run over the final 5:02 of the contest.

Ricky Harris scored 23 points to lead the Massachusetts comeback against Syracuse and the sophomore has averaged 19.7 points during the tournament.