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Florida looks for 13th straight win vs. North Florida

Nov 14, 2006 - 2:42 PM North Florida (0-2) at No. 1 Florida (1-0) 7:00 pm EST

GAINESVILLE, Florida (Ticker) - Life as the defending national champion has gotten off to a terrific start for Florida.

The top-ranked Gators look for their 13th consecutive victory dating to last season and 22nd in a row against non-conference opponents Tuesday when they meet North Florida for the first time.

Gradually tuning up toward their Southeastern Conference schedule, the Gators (1-0) have won 33 of their last 35 contests against intrastate rivals and are 37-4 in November under coach Billy Donovan.

Opening the season as the first NCAA champ to return all five starters since Arizona in 1997-1998, Florida used a balanced attack and rebounding dominance in Friday's 79-54 victory over Samford.

Corey Brewer made 8-of-14 shots to score 19 points and Al Horford and Taurean Green added 15 apiece for the Gators. Last season's Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Joakim Noah had 11 and tied a career high with 15 rebounds.

Playing its second campaign in Division I, North Florida is facing its first SEC opponent and first ranked team.

The Ospreys (0-2) began the campaign with consecutive losses at the 2K College Sports Hoops Classic. After falling to St. John's on Friday, they suffered a 65-50 defeat to Loyola of Maryland on Saturday.

Rashad Williams and Aaron Caruthers scored 10 apiece for North Florida, which has lost its last 19 games away from home.