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Florida looks for continued success against rival Florida State

Dec 3, 2006 - 4:08 PM No. 4 Florida (7-1) at Florida St (4-2) 7:30 pm EST

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Ticker) -- Florida State has not fared well against ranked opponents this season. It won't get any easier on Sunday.

The Seminoles will host defending national champion and fourth-ranked Florida at home in a battle of heated in-state rivals.

After opening the season with three straight wins, Florida State was routed by third-ranked Pittsburgh on November 24 and then dropped an 81-66 decision to No. 12 Wisconsin on Tuesday. Tony Douglas scored 24 points and Al Thornton chipped in 10 for the Seminoles, who shot 46 percent (28-of-60).

Al Horford and freshman center Marreese Speights scored 12 points apiece as the Gators overcame the sickness of some of its star players with an 83-27 victory over Southern.

Coming off their first loss of the season in an overtime thriller with then-No. 12 Kansas on Saturday, Florida played without starting forward Corey Brewer, while Joakim Noah, the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, appeared in limited minutes due to flu-like symptoms.

The Gators lead the all-time series, 38-19, including a 74-66 win last season at home after rallying from a 17-point deficit.