The No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats (17-3, 6-1 SEC) visit Florida to take on the Gators (12-8, 4-3 SEC) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game will air on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they blew out the Vanderbilt Commodores, 87-52. The Wildcats had a great turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 16.6), while the Commodores had a free throw rate of 0.196 (below their season average of 0.306). Kentucky received a boost from PJ Washington, who was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Gators defeated the Ole Miss Rebels in their last outing, 90-86. Florida’s 15.2 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Ole Miss, who had a rate of 18.6. The Gators’ mark was better than their season average of 15.5. With 21 points and five assists, Florida’s KeVaughn Allen had a solid outing.
After the Gators won both meetings against the Wildcats last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Florida won 80-67. The Gators had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.579 vs. 0.466) and had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 16.1).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Washington (13 points,8.0 rebounds,1.6 blocks) has been stellar for the Wildcats while Allen (18 points,1.8 steals) has contributed greatly to the Gators.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between a pair of the nation’s top defenses. Florida ranks 31st in defensive efficiency (94.3) and Kentucky is 35th (94.5). Furthermore, the Wildcats could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank ninth in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 37.4 percent. The Gators, meanwhile, rank 300th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.5 percent).
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Florida, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida ranks 35th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while Kentucky ranks 279th (17.1).
The Wildcats rank 49th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Gators rank 206th (34.3).
Florida ranks 42nd in steals per game (7.8) while Kentucky ranks 92nd (6.8).
The Wildcats average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks 11th in the country. The Gators rank 61st in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Florida ranks 40th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Kentucky ranks 50th (11.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.2, up from 13.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gators have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
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