The No. 23 Florida Gators (20-11, 11-7 SEC) take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (22-10, 11-8 SEC) in the Southeastern Conference Tourney at Scottrade Center. The game gets underway at 9:25 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Florida Gators Free Prediction
The Razorbacks come in on a high note after beating the South Carolina Gamecocks in their last outing, 69-64. The Razorbacks made 23 of their 26 free throws (88.5 percent), while the Gamecocks had a turnover percentage of 22.1 (above their season average of 16.6). Arkansas was lifted by Jaylen Barford, who was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The last time the Gators played, they defeated the No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats, 80-67. The Gators had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.579 (above their season average of 0.507) and had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 16.1). With 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, KeVaughn Allen had a good game for Florida.
The high-powered offense of Florida will clash against the mid-tier defense of Arkansas. The Gators rank 67th in offensive efficiency, while the Razorbacks are 220th in defensive efficiency. The Gators figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Allen scored a game-high 28 points and the Gators defeated the Razorbacks 88-73. One of Florida’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Razorbacks were just 6-15 (40.0 percent).
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Florida Gators Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Florida, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida ranks 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while Arkansas ranks 247th (24.0).
The Gators average 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 31st in the nation. The Razorbacks rank 134th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Florida ranks 47th in assists allowed per game (11.6) while Arkansas ranks 146th (13.5).
The Razorbacks rank 171st in rebounds per game (34.8) while the Gators rank 239th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
Florida ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (4.5) while Arkansas ranks 11th (4.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Razorbacks have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Arkansas has defeated opponents by an average of 6.2 points.
During their last five games, the Gators have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
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