The Open Thread: No. 15 Florida vs. No. 12 UConn

You all ready for this?

It's not very often we see a non-conference opponent like Florida come to Connecticut, and when it happens, the games are usually played in Hartford. But students and fans alike get a real treat tonight as the newly minted No. 12 UConn Huskies welcome No. 15 Florida to Gampel Pavilion for what should be one of the best games of the year.

If what I'm seeing on Twitter is any indication, the stadium is going to be packed. The student section was already full as of about an hour before tipoff, and I'd be surprised if there was a single empty seat in the house once the game begins.

As those of you who read Aman's preview this morning probably know, Florida is without question the toughest team UConn has faced thus far and is perfectly constructed to exploit UConn's weaknesses. They are an experienced team with a deep frontcourt that loves attacking the boards, and with four players averaging five or more rebounds a game, the Huskies will have to play tough or else they are going to give up a lot of second chance points.

While Florida is deep, and head coach Billy Donovan is one of the best in the game, the team is not whole. Freshman standout Kasey Hill is recovering from an ankle injury, Eli Carter is still out with a broken leg and Damontre Harris remains suspended for who knows how long.

UConn, meanwhile, has its entire roster at its disposal, and with Shabazz Napier playing some of the best basketball of his career, he and the rest of the team are finally starting to earn some national recognition.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN2. This is your open thread, and feel free to follow me on Twitter at @MacCerullo for live updates. GO HUSKIES!