Jacksonville, FL – This weekends game between the Jacksonville Giants and South Florida Gold just got a little more exciting. The newly released ABA Power Rankings have the, two time defending ABA National Champion, Jacksonville Giants at number one. The Giants edged out the undefeated Kentucky Enforcers for the top spot. The new seeding gives Jacksonville an automatic bye to the ABA Final 8 Tournament which will take place in Austin, Texas.
“It was very close and the decision was based on the strength of schedule,” stated ABA co-founder Joe Newman. “It could have gone either way; we’ll find out at the ABA Final Eight in Austin, TX as both teams have received byes to the Final Eight.”
This weekend the #1 Giants will take on rival and #7 ranked South Florida Gold at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Tip off is slated for 7:30pm. The South Florida Gold (18-3) are looking to ruin Jacksonville’s final regular season game and move themselves up in the rankings. It’s also a strong possibility that the Gold and Giants could meet again in the ABA Tournament in Austin, Texas. Last season the Giants eliminated South Florida at the ABA tournament in Baltimore.
Back in December the Giants defeated the Gold in a thrilling 120-105 win. At that time the Gold was ranked #1 in the power rankings. Following the game head coach Jerry Williams spoke about how the game was a complete team win.
“The score isn’t a true indication of the game,” said Giants coach Jerry Williams following the win. “It was a team effort and we came together at the right time to seal the deal.”
The Giants will need to duplicate their success vs South Florida with continued strong play from veteran point guard Maurice Mickens. Mickens, the reigning ABA MVP, scored a game high 29 points in the December meeting with the Gold. Newcomer Dylon Cormier (22 points) and Rashad Faust (14 points) rounded out the scoring leaders for the Giants.
“These are the type of games we need to win to become a better team,” said Mickens.
The Giants will be at the Veterans Memorial Arena this Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. against the South Florida Gold. For more ticket information go towww.jacksonvillegiants.com or call 904-355-6531.
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