It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the Georgia Bulldogs (12-8, 3-5 SEC) welcome the No. 23 Florida Gators (15-6, 6-2 SEC) to Stegeman Coliseum. The game will air on SEC Network at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 137.5 points with Florida set as a 2.5-point favorite.
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs Free Prediction
In the Gators’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Baylor Bears, 81-60. The Gators had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.150) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.654 (above their season average of 0.512). Florida rallied around Chris Chiozza, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Bulldogs lost to the Kansas State Wildcats in their last matchup, 56-51. Making free throws was one of Kansas State’s biggest strengths. They were 17-19 (89.5 percent), while the Bulldogs were 9-12 (75.0 percent). With 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Yante Maten was Georgia’s high scorer.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Georgia figures to have a noteworthy advantage. The Bulldogs defense ranks eighth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.445), while the Florida offense is ranked 150th in effective field goal percentage (0.518). Moreover, the Gators rank third in turnover percentage (14.3 percent), while the Bulldogs rank 347th in opponents’ turnover percentage (14.9 percent).
Florida holds records of 15-6 straight up (SU) and 11-9 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Gators have a tendency to go over the total (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Georgia owns records of 12-8 SU and 9-8 ATS. Unlike Florida, Bulldogs games tend to go under the total (64.7 percent).
After the Gators won both games against the Bulldogs last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Florida won 72-60. The Gators had a much better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 18.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.461 vs. 0.381).
Florida Gators at Georgia Bulldogs Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Florida, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida is 6-3 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 4 unders.
At home, Georgia is 4-3 ATS with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Georgia ranks 21st in rebounds per game (40.0) while Florida ranks 204th in rebounds allowed per game (36.7).
The Gators rank 61st in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while the Bulldogs rank 243rd (18.5).
Florida ranks 29th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Georgia ranks 124th (6.5).
The Gators average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Georgia ranks 16th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Florida ranks 68th (12.1).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Florida is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Georgia is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Gators’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 9.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 62.2 points per game (7.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
