Florida basketball vs. LSU TV info, odds, preview, prediction
The Gators and Tigers meet for the second time this season in a pivotal SEC matchup that likely carries NCAA tournament implications.
It’s a Southeastern Conference matchup between two teams heading in the wrong direction.
The Florida basketball Gators (17-11, 8-7 SEC) travel to Baton Rouge for a rematch with the LSU Tigers (16-12, 9-6 SEC) Saturday night in yet another crucial conference clash.
Florida, which was once in a position to contend for the regular season SEC title, has dropped three of its last four games — including its last two home games.
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Now, the Gators find themselves involved in a two-way tie for sixth place with Ole Miss in the overall league standings.
LSU is experiencing a similar tailspin as UF.
Despite its highly-touted roster, the Tigers are currently tied with Vanderbilt for fourth and have lost four of their last five outings — all by double-digits. Their most recent defeat arguably being their worst, falling to Arkansas 85-65.
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Tonight marks the second meeting between the Gators and Tigers this season, with Florida seeking the series sweep after edging LSU 68-62 in Gainesville back on Jan. 9.
In that matchup, forward Justin Leon led the way with 14 points and nine rebounds. But it was the four clutch made free throws from center John Egbunu down the stretch that solidified the victory and held off LSU and its freshman phenom Ben Simmons — who totaled 28 points and 17 boards in the contest.
The Tigers lead the all-time series against the Gators by a margin of 62-44, including a 34-13 advantage in games played in Baton Rouge.
Game information
Date: Saturday, February 27, 2016
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, La.
TV: ESPN
Livestream: WatchESPN
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network
Spread: LSU (-2)
Over/Under: 148.5
Florida has yet to lose three straight this season, but that’s what it’s facing tonight as it enters a historically difficult place to play (and win). Of course, just about every venue would be tough given the Gators’ recent struggles on offense.
The defense hasn’t helped much as of late, either.
Supposedly the team’s strength, Florida’s defense allowed Vandy to shoot 58 percent on Tuesday, including 10-for-20 from beyond the arc.
If the Gators are to knock off LSU on its home floor, they’re going to have to find ways to shut down this prolific Tiger offense — which rates second in the SEC in scoring (79.5 points per game) and field-goal percentage (.465).
This could potentially be a game for Florida to gain its confidence back offensively, however, as the Tigers rank next to last in scoring defense (76.5) and dead last in field-goal percentage defense (.447).
Prediction
Let’s cut to the chase; the loser is likely eliminated from NCAA tournament consideration altogether.
Neither Florida nor LSU has impressed down the stretch and, quite frankly, hasn’t truly earned an NCAA tournament bid yet.
The Gators and Tigers have their work cut out. Both need to make some considerable additions to their respective résumés.
And it starts tonight.
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It’ll be an inspired effort from both programs, but the Tigers — in front of a rowdy Bayou Bengal crowd — will outshoot the Gators and secure a much-needed win to split the series.
With the loss, Florida’s postseason hopes will be left teetering.
An NIT bid may be more plausible for the Gators following what will be its third consecutive defeat.