Because 10 is the number of a perfect score, the Biblical commandments, the base of our number system, and the fingers on our hands, here are ten tips that will help the Gators reach the NIT finals for the first time in program history:

1. Speed up the game, Coach

This is identical to the first step in the Arizona State blog, and for good reason. The faster the pace, the more worn out UMass’ starters will be, and the more the Gators’ high quality-bench will take over.

2. Make Nick Calathes the true point man

Building off the last idea, making a change in the starting lineup is almost a necessary step for this game. Jai Lucas should probably sit on the bench for this one, and here’s why:

a) Gary Forbes. For all his finesse, Nick Calathes can’t effectively contain someone 25-35 pounds heavier than himself on the defensive end. Coach Donovan, if you stick to your current lineup and Forbes scores 30 in a rout of UF, don’t blame it on your team’s defense.

b) The Gators’ offense. Since Florida will have to fight fire with fire, they might as well get the team’s best ballhandler to run the offense for this one. Added bonus: His size advantage at the point will force the Minutemen into playing more zone.

c) Minutes played. Calathes has already the clinched the Gators’ “Most Minutes” award. He’ll be able and willing to play for almost the entire game.

3. (Corollary to 2) Start Chandler Parsons at small forward

Calathes’ high school teammate is a logical choice to start at SF:

a) Chemistry. He’s worked with Calathes from their high school days with the Lake Howell Silver Hawks. They’ll almost certainly be on the same page at both ends of the floor. What coach wouldn’t want that kind of teamwork?

b) Size. Parsons is skinny, but at 6-9, he’ll have a height advantage over Forbes. He’ll also provide a little more weight at the 3, weighing in at 205 pounds. Granted, he’s still 15 pounds lighter than Forbes, but it’s an improvement.

c) Minutes played. Parsons has already chipped in 22, 24, and 26 minutes in UF’s games with San Diego State, Creighton, and Arizona State, respectively. Will it really matter minutes-wise if he starts, then sits, or if he sits, then comes off the bench? Probably not, but the quality of the game could improve.

4. Use Mareesse Speights often

For all practical purposes, UMass has the same undersized lineup that Creighton had. For that, Florida will have to counter finesse with force. Brute force. 6-10, 245 pounds of brute force.

5. Hit the 3

It’s Donovan’s great equalizer. Need I say more?

6. Get Forbes or Brower in foul trouble

When one of UMass’ two leading scorers gets on the bench, the team suffers. When they both sit on the bench, the Minutemen start to feel the pressure. When they foul out 5-10 minutes before the end of a close game, UMass is in a world of trouble.

7. Capitalize at the charity stripe

Sure, it’s trite. But the Minutemen could resort to fouling in the paint to overcome their lack of size. Miss the basket, and you miss a golden opportunity.

8. Substitute frequently

During the game, I’d rather have a fresh bench player guarding someone like Forbes than an exhausted starter. Besides, if the team is on a run, a well-timed substitution can keep up the pressure.

9. Play hard for 40 minutes

Remember, UMass just came off of a comeback victory against Syracuse. The Gators can’t afford to mentally relax until they can put the final nail in the coffin.

10. Enjoy the experience!

Not everybody gets to play in Madison Square Garden, guys. Play hard, but don’t forget to have fun on your trip. After all, basketball IS supposed to be a game.