The seventh-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (17-3, 6-1 SEC) and their outstanding offense head to Florida to take on the Gators (12-8, 4-3 SEC) and their superb defense. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Gators beat the Ole Miss Rebels 90-86, while the Wildcats won big over the Vanderbilt Commodores 87-52.
Kentucky dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 16.6) and a free throw rate of 0.315 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Vanderbilt was 27.1 and 0.196, respectively. Meanwhile, Florida’s 15.2 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Ole Miss, who had a mark of 18.6. The Gators’ mark was better than their season average of 15.5. Florida received a boost from KeVaughn Allen, who finished with 21 points and five assists. PJ Washington, meanwhile had a good outing for Kentucky, contributing 26 points and 12 rebounds.
The Gators dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent contest, Florida won 80-67. Florida’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Kentucky. The Gators had a rate of 0.579 while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.466. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Wildcats’ Washington has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 13 points,8.0 rebounds,1.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Allen has averaged 18 points,1.8 steals during that same time frame for the Gators.
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the country’s premier defenses square off. Florida currently ranks 31st in defensive efficiency (94.3) and Kentucky is 35th (94.5). Also, the Wildcats are among the NCAA’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking ninth in offensive rebounding percentage (37.4 percent). The Gators, meanwhile, rank 300th at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 68.5 percent.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Florida, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Florida ranks 35th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while Kentucky ranks 279th (17.1).
- The Wildcats average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. The Gators rank 61st in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
- Florida is 40th in the country with 11.1 assists allowed per game while Kentucky is 50th with 11.4 assists allowed per game.
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.8 points per game (6.7 below their season average).
- The Gators’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 7.1 for the season.
