It figures to be a low-scoring affair as the Florida Gators (17-13) travel to Missouri to take on the Tigers (10-20). The game begins at 7:30 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 5 and will air on SEC and ES3.
The Tigers lost to LSU 80-71 on Tuesday. Ryan Rosburg had a good game, recording 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists for Missouri. The Gators, meanwhile, are coming off an 88-79 loss at the hands of Kentucky on Tuesday. John Egbunu had a game-high 27 points.
The Tigers might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. The Gators rank 27th in defensive efficiency, while Missouri ranks 284th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the defense of the Gators should have an advantage in terms of eFG%. They’re 17th in the nation in forcing misses (opponents’ eFG% of 46.7%), while the offense of the Tigers ranks 298th in eFG% (47.1%).
The Tigers are 17-10-1 Against The Spread (ATS), but have a SU record of 10-20. They are 2-8 ATS over their last 10 games. Opposing offenses have been stifled by the Tigers, who allow a field goal percentage of only .424.
On the other side, the Gators have records of 14-14-1 ATS and 17-13 SU. While Florida has gone 8-2 ATS over its past 10 matchups, they’ve struggled SU with a record of 2-8. The Gators are a force on the boards, grabbing an average of 40.1 rebounds per game. Switching gears to the Florida defense, the Gators allow just 67.9 points per road game, ranking them 30th in the nation. Florida’s defense is one of the top in the nation, with opponents shooting only .410 from the field.
This game marks the season’s first head-to-head clash between the conference foes. Their previous game was a Tigers victory, but Florida still leads the head-to-head record, 3-2 SU. With a 3-2 record, the Tigers have the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – Fla, ATS Winner – Fla
Notes
Missouri averages 68.5 points per game, placing the team just 214th in the nation. Florida ranks 83rd in points allowed, giving up 68.6 points per game.
The Florida Gators have a defensive rating of 98.9 (ranked 27th), while the Missouri Tigers have an offensive rating of 99.9 (ranked 284th).
Florida beats Missouri in both possessions per game and points per possession. The Gators average 69.4 possessions and 1.064 points per possession, while the Tigers average 68.6 possessions with .999 points per possession.
The Florida Gators average an effective field goal percentage of 48.1% this season. The Missouri Tigers are a winless 0-13 when opponents have an eFG% of 48.1% or greater.
Florida, the 59th-ranked team in blocked shots, registers an average of 4.4 per game. Missouri does worse, ranked 264th with 2.7.
Missouri ranks 269th in offensive rebounds, while Florida ranks 81st in defensive rebounds.
The Missouri Tigers average 5.6 steals per game. When allowing 5 or more steals, the Florida Gators are an even 8-8 this season.
