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Saint Francis Red Flash (2-10) @ Florida Gators (7-4)
2025-12-17T23:30Z
Stephen C. O'Connell Center
SEC Network
Florida hosts Saint Francis in a soft non-conference matchup at the O'Connell Center. The Gators have been inconsistent at 7-4, showing flashes of potential but struggling to find consistency. This game is a chance for Florida to build confidence and work on their half-court execution.
Saint Francis comes in at a brutal 2-10, overmatched against SEC competition in every conceivable way. The Red Flash lack the athletes and depth to compete with Florida's length on the wings. This should be a comfortable tune-up game for the Gators.
Florida needs to take care of business here. The Gators should use this to build momentum, get bench players valuable minutes, and refine their offensive sets before SEC play begins. Expect a one-sided affair from start to finish.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Vanderbilt Commodores (10-0) @ Memphis Tigers (4-5)
2025-12-18T00:00Z
FedExForum
ESPN2
This is one of the most intriguing non-conference matchups of the week. Undefeated Vanderbilt hits the road to face Memphis at FedExForum in a Battle of Tennessee clash. The Commodores' 10-0 start is the best in program history in decades, and they've done it playing high-level basketball on both ends.
Memphis has struggled at 4-5, a far cry from their usual early-season dominance. Penny Hardaway's squad has talent but hasn't put it together consistently. However, FedExForum is one of the toughest environments in college basketball, and Memphis always gets up for games against in-state rivals.
This will be Vanderbilt's biggest test yet. Playing on the road against a desperate Memphis team that has the talent to compete with anyone is a completely different challenge than what they've faced. The Commodores' composure and execution under pressure will be tested like never before.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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South Florida Bulls (6-4) @ Alabama Crimson Tide (7-3)
2025-12-18T01:00Z
Coleman Coliseum
SECN+
Alabama welcomes South Florida to Coleman Coliseum looking to build on a solid 7-3 start. The Crimson Tide have the talent to compete with anyone in the SEC, but inconsistency has plagued them at times. Nate Oats' up-tempo system creates chaos, and this is a chance to fine-tune before conference play.
South Florida has been competitive at 6-4 but faces a significant step up in competition. The Bulls will try to slow the pace and grind out possessions, but Alabama's length and athleticism make that difficult. The Crimson Tide's ability to force turnovers and run in transition should be the difference.
Alabama should win this one at home, but South Florida won't roll over. The Bulls will compete and make the Crimson Tide earn it. Expect Alabama's tempo to eventually wear South Florida down as the game progresses.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Campbell Fighting Camels (5-5) @ Gonzaga Bulldogs (10-1)
2025-12-18T02:00Z
McCarthey Athletic Center
ESPN+
Line: GONZ -36.5
Total: 160.5
Gonzaga hosts Campbell in what should be a routine victory at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs' 10-1 record reflects a team playing elite basketball, with their usual high-powered offense complemented by improved defense this season. Mark Few has this program humming as they prepare for conference play.
Campbell enters at .500, a respectable record for the Fighting Camels but nowhere near what's needed to compete with Gonzaga. The talent gap is enormous - Gonzaga has multiple future NBA players, while Campbell is working with far less. The Zags' depth and efficiency will be overwhelming.
This game will be over early. Gonzaga's motion offense will create easy looks, and their length on defense will make Campbell work for every shot. Expect the Bulldogs to cruise and empty the bench by halftime.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data