The nation's No. 1 team begins their quest for an SEC Tournament title when the Florida Gators take on the Missouri Tigers. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPNu. Currently the odds for the game have Florida favored by double digits in this contest.
Many think this year's Florida Gators could win the national championship. Yet, Billy Donovan and the boys will be looking to win the SEC Tournament and they're the overwhelming favorites to do so down in Atlanta. The Gators don't have some of the major stars that some schools have, but they've been dominating the SEC all season and they begin the tournament taking on the Missouri Tigers, who had to go to double overtime to knock of Texas A&M.
Missouri is a bubble team and absolutely needed to win Thursday's game. A victory here today would probably get them into the tournament, but in the only meeting between the two schools in the regular season Florida picked up a 10-point win. The Gators haven't lost since a 1-point defeat by Connecticut back on December 2. Florida's only other loss this season came to Wisconsin on November 12, 59-53.
Florida is certainly the "hottest" team in America. They might be the most complete team, as well. The Gators have allowed teams to score only 58.5 points per game this season and they've won 23 consecutive contests, which is a school record.
Missouri got 26 points from Jabari Brown and 24 from Earnest Ross in the team's win over Texas A&M. You'd think both would have to score at least that against Florida today for the Tigers to have a chance. But it's not going to be easy. The Gators are one of the best defensive teams in the country and they don't allow teams to get second chance opportunities.
Florida could come out rusty, playing in an early game, or they could come out and dominate this game. Missouri will certainly battle the entire contest and try to pull an upset, but we just aren't buying it. Scottie Wilbekin and Casey Prather are just too good for Florida.
Free Pick: Florida 66, Missouri 55
Handicapping Tips: College Conference Tournaments
What college basketball bettors need to know about betting the upcoming conference tournaments. Handicapping tips and insight provided by Pregame.com's Steve Fezzik, David Glisan & Brady Kannon.
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