The top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats hit the road tonight in SEC College Basketball when they take on the Florida Gators. The game is scheduled for a 9:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the Betting Odds for the contest have the Wildcats favored to pick up the win over the Gators.
Florida has been an unsuccessful team for most of the season, but now they have a chance to knock of the top-ranked team in America. Kentucky has been pushed a couple of times this season but they remain unbeaten and many believe they will run the table and finish with a zero in the loss column.
Kentucky has been finding a way to get 10 guys on the floor during games, something that can't be easy for John Calipari. Whether the Wildcats have super subs, an A or B team or whatever, it seems to be working enough to keep everyone from complaining. The Wildcats have a couple of guys averaging in double figures as Aaron Harrison and Devin Booker both hover around 11 per contest. The Wildcats are one of the best defensive teams in the country and allow only 51 points per game while blocking better than seven shots.
The only way to beat Kentucky is to consistently knock down perimeter shots and shoot a high percentage at the free-throw line. Florida certainly isn't the best team from downtown and they average only 66 points per themselves. They don't shoot the basketball well and rebounding is not the Gators' specialty. So how do they keep from getting blown out tonight?
Michael Frazier II and Dorian Finney-Smith both have been solid scorers for the Gators, but they're lacking in consistent scoring. While Florida should be able to benefit from a slower-paced game on normal nights, playing the half-court game against Kentucky is not an advantage for Billy Donovan's team.
Simply put, Florida has to play the best game possible, knock down 3-pointers at a solid pace and find a way not to get waxed on the boards. Kentucky will be playing with a chip on their shoulders as they need to do in every game, especially on the road.
Free Pick: Kentucky 70, Florida 59
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Get more Free Picks from the Pregame Pros HERE.
Be sure and check out Pregame.tv every week for our videos that include handicapping tips, Webinars, analysis and Free Plays.