The Florida Gators (7-4) will be at home in Stephen C. O’Connell Center when they go head-to-head against the Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-4). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 22, 2017, and it can be seen on SEC Network.
Incarnate Word Cardinals at Florida Gators Odds Preview
The Cardinals were beaten by the UTEP Miners in their last game, 72-66. With 21 points on 5-for-11 shooting, Simi Socks was the top scorer from either team. UTEP forced the Cardinals into a turnover percentage of 30.2 (above their season average of 16.1). Incarnate Word, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.313 (above their season average of 0.278).
The last time the Gators played, they defeated the James Madison Dukes, 72-63. Florida rallied around Chris Chiozza, who was the games leading scorer with 19 points on 6-for-14 shooting. Florida played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.0 (worse than their season average of 12.2) and a free throw rate of 0.310 (above their season average of 0.271). James Madison put up marks of 22.2 and 0.232, respectively, for those same stats.
Ball protection could play a key role in this matchup. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Florida has committed the ninth-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the disruptive defense of Incarnate Word has forced the 39th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 18.6 percent).
Incarnate Word Cardinals at Florida Gators Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Incarnate Word, ATS Winner – Incarnate Word, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Gators average 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 56th in the NCAA. The Cardinals rank 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- Florida averages 37.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 87th in the nation. Incarnate Word ranks 253rd in rebounds allowed per game (39.3).
- The Gators rank 94th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while the Cardinals rank 255th (20.0).
- Florida averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 64th in the nation. Incarnate Word ranks 136th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
