The University of Florida has accepted an invitation to play in the National Invitational Tournament and will host an opening round game on Wed., March 18, at 8 p.m. in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center against Jacksonville University.

The Gators finished the 2008-09 season 23-10 overall, and posted a 9-7 Southeastern Conference record. Florida enters post-season play after defeating Arkansas, 73-58, in the first round of the 2009 SEC Tournament, before falling short to Auburn, 61-58, in the second round of the league tourney at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla.

Florida is making its second-consecutive NIT appearance after reaching the semifinals of the NIT last season at Madison Square Garden.

The Jacksonville University Dolphins enter the match-up with UF after posting an 18-13 record this season.

If the Gators win their opening round game against the Dolphins, a second round game will be played in the O’Connell Center the weekend of March 20-22.

There will be no live television for the first round NIT game between Florida and Jacksonville. For ticket information, visit http://www.gatorzone.com/tickets/ or call the Gator Ticket Office at 352-375-4683, ext. 6800.