JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Playing on the road is something the Ospreys have become accustomed to.
This season they have played at division 1 powerhouses such as Syracuse, UConn, Arkansas, Auburn, and LSU, all before the Atlantic Sun schedule started. UNF's season continues on the road against Lipscomb in the A-Sun semifinals on Thursday. Because of those early season travels Head Coach Matthew Driscoll characterized this trip as just another day.
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"When you travel, the more normalcy you have, the better," said Driscoll. "For our guys who travel so much, especially because of the non-conference, it kind of makes it another day."
As normal as playing on the road has been for UNF, this particular road trip is a little different logistically.
"The only thing we had to do differently is go in two shifts. So we had an early morning shift that went and I'm going with the team this afternoon."
He also mentioned that the logistical differences will not be on the mind of his team, "The 18-22 year olds could care less." That is not the only reason the Ospreys are comfortable. Coach Driscoll mentioned that the teams veterans including seniors Dallas Moore, Chris Davenport, and Aaron Bodager know the routine.
"The other thing too is Dallas, Chris, Aaron Bodager, Romelo Banks, are all fourth year guys. And in Aaron's case, a fifth year guy."
Just two weeks ago UNF played and beat Lipscomb 93-82 on the road. In that game Dallas Moore totaled 39 points while shooting 70 percent from the field. Driscoll thinks it may take a similar performance Thursday night. "When Dallas is aggressive driving that lamborghini, then that certainly makes things a whole lot different."
UNF and Lipscomb will play Thursday night at 8 PM for a chance in the conference championship Sunday.