Tuesday, March 25th, 9:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Wells Fargo Arena (14,198) -- Tempe, Arizona. Television: ESPN. NIT Record: Florida 8-9, Arizona St. 5-9. Series Record: Florida leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: The two-time defending national champion Florida Gators are still alive in the postseason, albeit in the NIT, as they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils this evening in quarterfinal action in Tempe. The Gators finished the season with a 21-11 record, but were left out of the Big Dance. Billy Donovan's team has played with a bit of a chip on its shoulder since, destroying both San Diego State (73-49) and Creighton (82-54) to advance to tonight's game. It is Florida's first appearance in the NIT in 10 years, with the Gators reaching the semifinals twice prior, in 1986 and 1992. Trying to prevent a third trip will be the Sun Devils, who have knocked off Alabama State (64-53) and most recently, Southern Illinois (65-51). ASU and Florida have met just one previous time, with the Gators topping the Sun Devils 87-73 way back in 1984. The winner of this game will take on either Syracuse or Massachusetts in the semifinals next week in New York City.

The Gators may not be playing for their third straight national title, but the team that resides in Gainesville is still a dangerous squad with the ability to light up a scoreboard. Florida has had to endure a great deal of turnover this season, but the players on the court have been up to the task, SEC Freshman of the Year, Nick Calathes leads the way for an offense that is putting up 78.1 ppg. The freshman sensation is one of the most versatile players in the nation, showing the ability to score (15.6 ppg), rebound (5.1 rpg), distribute the ball (209 assists) and play stingy defense (56 steals). Sophomore Marreese Speights (14.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 49 blocks) continues the youth movement with his strong play in the frontcourt. Junior guard Walter Hodge (10.3 ppg, 94 assists) gives the team a veteran presence. In the win over Creighton, Florida played stellar defense, forcing 21 turnovers. Calathes had a memorable game, recording just the second triple double in school history, with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Hodge netted 15 points, while Speights and Jai Lucas tacked on 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Sun Devils have their own freshman phenom in James Harden. The 6-4 youngster is one of the Pac-10's rising stars and comes into this contest, averaging 17.8 ppg, thanks in large part to his 40.8 percent shooting from long range. In addition, Harden leads the team in steals (72) and is second on the team in rebounding (5.2 rpg) and assists (107). Jeff Pendergraph (12.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg) is the team's top option in the frontcourt, while Ty Abbott (10.1 ppg) provides a third scoring threat from the outside. In last week's win over Southern Illinois, the Sun Devils held the Salukis to a meager .293 shooting effort. Harden had a strong all-around game, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Pendergraph recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. Abbott chipped in 11 points, despite a 2-fo-10 performance from behind the arc.

This game features two of the nation's best freshman stars in Harden and Calathes. Both players will likely make their presence felt, but the Gators are the more explosive offensive team. Florida has struggled in true road games this year (3-6), but will put up enough points to advance here.

Predicted Outcome

Florida 68, Arizona State 64