When No. 2 Xavier and No. 3 Florida meet on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m., ESPN) at Cintas Center in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament, both teams will do so led by interim head coaches. 

Mike White left Florida for the head coaching job at Georgia, leaving interim head coach Al Pinkins to lead the Gators. 

Travis Steele and Xavier parted ways on Wednesday and associate head coach Jonas Hayes will serve as the Musketeers' interim head coach. 

"When you love somebody as much as we love Travis, when our guys love a coach as much as they love Travis this is an emotional time," Hayes said Friday during a pre-game press conference.

"So of course, our guys are having a hard time dealing with that but I think going forward our focus should be trying to get our guys picked up off the mat, play as hard and as well as we can, try to get to New York and win us a championship."

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More:Xavier University and men's basketball head coach Travis Steele have parted ways

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There's no question this week has been one filled with adversity for Xavier's players, coaches, and staff members. 

"Into each life, rain must fall," Hayes said. "How can you appreciate the sunshine if it never rains? I'm trying to get our guys to understand, even in the midst of your storm – we got big-time adversity right now – you got to figure out how you still gonna dance and really be happy about life and the opportunity. These guys have an opportunity to win a championship. That' s a great opportunity regardless of what circumstances may arise." 

It's been a tough week, but Xavier has to find a way to put that behind them on Sunday. There won't be any wholesale changes this late in the season and Hayes will have the entire roster available, including freshman Cesare Edwards, who missed Xavier's first-round NIT win over Cleveland State on Tuesday. 

"We are a do what we do program ... nothing shall change," said Hayes. 

The winner of Sunday's matchup advances to face the winner of Dayton and Vanderbilt. 

Coach: Jonas Hayes, interim head coach

Player (Position, Height, Key Stat)

Paul Scruggs (G, 6'5", 12.0 ppg)

Jack Nunge (F, 7'0", 13.4 ppg)

Colby Jones (G, 6'6", 11.1 ppg)

Zach Freemantle (F, 6'9", 10.1 ppg)

Nate Johnson (G, 6'4", 10.1 ppg)

Coach: Al Pinkins, interim head coach

Player (Position, Height, Key Stat)

Colin Castleton (F, 6'11", 16.4 ppg)

Kowacie Reeves (G, 6'6", 5.2 ppg)

Tyree Appleby (G, 6'1", 10.9 ppg)

Brandon McKissic (G, 6'3", 5.9 ppg)

Phlandrous Fleming Jr. (G, 6'5", 11.2 ppg)

Castleton's a beast at 6-foot-11, 240 pounds. He averages 16.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots a game. Xavier had better be ready for a physical battle inside against Castleton. 

Kunkel provided a massive spark off the bench on Tuesday in Xavier's win over Cleveland State in the first round of the NIT. If he can stay in that form it will give the Musketeers a massive lift offensively. 

It's been an emotional week for the Musketeers with the departure of their head coach. Xavier can't let what's already happened or the uncertainty of the future derail them if they want the chance to play another game.