Gators to Compete in 2018 Duel in the Desert

One of the exciting events on Florida’s 2018-19 schedule is a two-game tournament during December. The Gators will compete in the 2018 Duel in the Desert held Dec. 19-21 at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion, tournament organizers announced Thursday.

In addition to the Gators, the field includes Hawaii, Kansas, Northwestern, Utah, Washington State, Wichita State and host-school UNLV. The field will be split into two divisions of four teams, the Rebel Division and Desert Division, and each division will crown a champion.

All games will stream live at www.flohoops.com.

UNLV, host of the event, and Hawaii return to the field for the second straight season, and tip off the 2018 event at noon on Dec. 19. The Lady Rebels and Rainbow Wahine are joined in the four-team Rebel Division by Florida and Utah. The Gators and Utes will face off in their opening round game at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT on Dec. 20. All four teams will return to Cox Pavilion, Dec. 21, with losing teams competing for third place, followed by the division championship at 5:30 pm ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Florida is 1-0 all-time against Utah, with the lone meeting back on Dec. 18, 1992.

The Gators lost their only match-up against UNLV on Nov. 24, 1989 and have never played Hawaii.

“We’re very excited about the field we’ve put together for this tournament,” tournament director Becky Adams said. “This event offers strong competition to all the teams and gives them the chance to enjoy Las Vegas. We’re excited to work with UNLV in hosting this event and showcasing their incredible campus.”

Teams will stay at the world-famous New York New York hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

For more information about the 2018 Duel in the Desert visit www.duelindesert.com.

 

Duel in the Desert Schedule – Rebel Division

Dec. 19: Hawaii vs. UNLV at 3 pm ET/12 pm PT

Dec. 20: Florida vs. Utah at 3 pm ET/12 pm PT

Dec. 21: Loser #1 vs. Loser #2 at 3 pm ET/12 pm PT

               Winner #1 vs. Winner #2 at 5:30 pm ET/ 2:30 pm PT

All game times subject to change

 

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