The Air Force Falcons normally do not play the toughest non-conference basketball schedule, but they are getting a good opportunity as they will be playing the Florida Gators in the Orange Bowl Classic on Dec. 29. The game will be played in the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., which is the home of the Florida Panthers of the NHL
This will be a tough matchup since Florida is fresh off of making an Elite Eight run while Air Force had a 13-16 record and a new head coach in Dave Pilipovich.
Pilipovich talked about how he is excited to give his team a tough early season test which will prepare them for league play within the Mountain West:
"It gives our program a chance to play against an SEC team, a team that's been to the NCAA Tournament multiple times and won a couple national titles," Pilipovich said. "It gives you a chance to play against the best, against teams with outstanding resources and great coaching staffs and elite players."
In all likelihood this will be a loss for the Falcons, but playing this type of opponent can yield positive results even if they do not get the win. At least this is not at the front end of their non-conference schedule, and with it being one of the last non-conference games Air Force will hopefully build up their record and confidence before they face a tough Florida squad.
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