Basketball preview: Florida Gators vs. No. 4 Auburn Tigers

Florida (11-5, 3-1 SEC) vs. No. 4 Auburn (15-1, 3-1)

O’Connell Center, Gainesville; 1:30 Saturday; TV/radio: CBS; 860-AM

BOTTOM LINE: Fourth-ranked Auburn presents a tough challenge for Florida. The Gators have won one of their two games against ranked opponents this season. The Tigers were upset 83-64 at Alabama on Wednesday.

BIG MEN ON CAMPUS: Kerry Blackshear has put up 15 points and 8.4 rebounds to lead the way for the Gators. Keyontae Johnson is also a key contributor, maintaining an average of 13 points and 6.8 rebounds. The Tigers have been led by Samir Doughty, who is averaging 15.1 points.

SEC IMPROVEMENT: The Gators have scored 82.8 points per game against SEC opponents so far, an improvement from the 70.8 they recorded against nonconference foes.

OFFENSIVE THREAT: Point guard Andrew Nembhard has made or assisted on 47 percent of all field goals over the Gators’ past three games. The sophomore has accounted for 15 field goals and 20 assists in those games.

STREAK STATS: Florida has won its past five home games, scoring an average of 83.2 points while giving up 68.6.

ASSIST RATIOS: The Gators have recently used assists to create baskets more often than the Tigers. Florida has an assist on 38 of 75 field goals (50.7 percent) over its previous three outings. Auburn has assists on 33 of 78 field goals (42.3 percent) during its past three games.

DID YOU KNOW? Auburn has attempted the second-most free throws in all of Division I. The Tigers have averaged 25.9 per game.