Florida basketball vs. Kentucky TV info, odds, preview, prediction
Florida basketball will have its hands full against SEC-leading Kentucky, but it can ill-afford another crushing conference loss if its NCAA tournament hopes are to remain intact.
Another big game looms for the Florida Gators (17-12, 8-8 SEC) Tuesday night in what will be the final game in the O’Dome before the renovations begin.
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The Gators’ matchup with Kentucky marks the home finale for a Florida team that’s a complete and utter mess right now, having lost three straight and are, for the time being, excluded from the majority of NCAA tournament brackets.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Kentucky Wildcats (21-8, 11-5 SEC) find themselves in a two-way tie for first place in the SEC standings with Texas A&M — with a game up on a trio of teams tied for second.
The Gators and Wildcats met earlier this season on Feb. 6 in Lexington. In that contest, UK dominated a seemingly lifeless UF from the opening tip en route to an 80-61 shellacking.
Kentucky point guard Tyler Ulis — who averages 16.6 points and 7.0 assists per game — was the go-to guy in the first meeting as he led the ‘Cats with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Gators will undoubtedly need a playmaker of their own to step up and counter the offensive production of the Wildcats’ star sophomore.
Enter senior forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
Finney-Smith — despite averaging 14.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game — has been nonexistent throughout the Gators’ free fall. He’ll have to play with a ton of confidence and be the energy this Florida team has lacked the last few outings. And what better time to have a breakout performance than senior night?
Related Story: Florida basketball falls to LSU
Overall, Kentucky holds the all-time series advantage by a commanding 98-37 margin, including four straight wins over Florida and a 34-24 edge in games played in Gainesville.
Game information
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Time: 7 PM ET
Location: Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Fla.
TV: ESPN
Livestream: WatchESPN
Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network
Spread: Kentucky (-2)
Over/Under: 141
The objective is clear for Florida: win.
It doesn’t have to pretty, it just needs to be another notch in the W column. It’s a must-win situation for the Gators as far as its postseason hopes are concerned. That’s what it’s come to after suffering three consecutive losses to South Carolina, Vanderbilt and most recently LSU on Saturday.
One of the most notable reasons behind Florida’s late season collapse has been its imploding defense — which has allowed a combined 57 percent shooting from the field and 47.4 from beyond the three-point line in its two previous defeats.
Now, the Gators will be facing the top-ranked shooting team in the league in Kentucky (.472).
The Wildcats can clinch at least a share of the conference title with a road win and series sweep over Florida. Additionally, the only thing at stake for Kentucky is seeding in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. That’s about it.
The ‘Cats have dropped two of their last three, including Saturday’s 74-62 loss to Vandy in Nashville; they’ll certainly be out for blood Tuesday night.
Prediction
It’s a matchup between two SEC foes heading in the wrong direction.
Will the Gators revert back to their defense to contain the league’s best scoring team? Or will they rely solely on their offense as they have the past three games?
Coach John Calipari is 11-5 against the Gators in his seven seasons at Kentucky. Make it 11-6.
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The Wildcats are clearly the more talented team. But Florida will have all of the intangibles in its favor.
Revenge for losing Game 1 of the season series, senior night, the last game in the O’Dome before renovations and sheer desperation to stay in the NCAA tournament hunt will be just enough motivation for the Gators to pull off the upset over their division rival.
Expect an inspired Florida team to put it all on the line for 40 minutes Tuesday night.