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Florida faces Syracuse in CBE Classic

Nov 24, 2008 - 6:27 PM GAINESVILLE, Florida (Ticker) -- A pair of stellar sophomores square off Monday when 18th-ranked Florida takes on Syracuse in the CBE Classic.

The Gators (3-0) have gotten off to a perfect start thanks to the outstanding play of sophomore guard Nick Calathes, who has averaged team highs of 15.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

Calathes has helped Florida win its first three games by an average margin of 19.7 points.

Florida overcame a sluggish outing last Thursday in a 64-50 victory over Southern Utah.

Calathes finished with a team-leading 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists to pace the Gators, who shot just 1-of-16 from the arc.

Syracuse also has been sparked by a sophomore guard - Jonny Flynn, who has averaged team highs of 20.7 points and 5.0 assists.

The 6-foot Flynn scored 18 points and dished out four assists Friday to lead the Orange to an 86-66 victory over Oakland.

Arinze Onuaku scored 14 points and Paul Harris added 11 points and nine rebounds for Syracuse (3-0).

These schools have not played since the 2005 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, when the Gators posted a 75-70 victory. The winner will take on either Kansas or Washington in Tuesday's final.