Kentucky vs Florida NCAA 2013

ODDS: BET365 

This marks the first meeting between these two SEC rivals this season. Florida (19-3) is looking to improve their perfect 11-0 record at home this season, while Kentucky (17-6) is looking to win their 6th in a row. With tip off scheduled at 7PM EST at the Stephen C. O’Connel Center, tune into ESPN to catch all the action. 

I like the Gators to win on their home court tonight for a couple different reasons. Firstly, this is Kentucky’s first time since week 4 that they have cracked the top #25 AP poll. They haven’t been the usual basketball prowess this season. I contribute to the fact that they lost all 5 of their starters from last season’s championship winning team to the NBA draft. Look for Florida to expose the inexperience of this roster tonight, the Gators being are most well-rounded team that the Wildcats have played all season long. 

The second reason I don’t give Kentucky a chance in this matchup is that Florida has been absolutely demolishing teams at home this season. In their last 5 games at home they are scoring an average of 79 points per game while giving up only 50 points per game. Essentially, they are beating opponents by an average of 29 points. Which is impressive considering two of their last 5 opponents (Missouri and Ole Miss) are amongst the top 25 highest scoring teams in the country. 

Look for Florida to control this game with their defense, forcing Kentucky into offensive mistakes. As already mentioned the Gators have a great defense, they are #4 in the country allowing only 52.7 points per game. They have allowed only two teams to score more than 60 points against them at home this season, which doesn’t bode well for Kentucky. The Wildcats have a combined 1-4 record this season when scoring less than 70 points. 

Florida is the most well rounded team in the country. They are a team that forces you into playing the game they want to play, whether that is a defensive battle or offensive shootout. Tonight I expect to see them play to Kentucky’s weaknesses and force them to play a solid defensive game. Home court advantage and home crowd should prove all that Florida needs. But don’t overlook the fact that 5 players on this roster average over 9 points per game, displaying their ability to spread the floor. I don’t know about you folks but my spidey senses are tingling, with all indicaters pointing towards Florida completely dusting the Wildcats tonight.

TRENDS

WILDCATS