It will be a battle between two superb defenses when the Florida Gators (7-4) meet the Butler Bulldogs (9-3) at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Butler Bulldogs at Florida Gators ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Gators got blown out by the 17th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, 81-60, while the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 90-68.
Butler dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.207 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 46.2. Miami (OH) recorded marks of 0.095 and 23.5, respectively, for those same stats. Florida, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 vs. 25.0). Jalen Hudson fueled Florida with 11 points. Butler rallied around Paul Jorgensen, who had 17 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Baldwin led the Bulldogs to a 61-54 victory. He scored a game-high 19 points. Butler did a great job of making free throws (12-17; 70.6 percent). Florida, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 15.3).
Jorgensen and Kamar Baldwin have played at a high level over the last five games for Butler. Jorgensen has averaged 0 points per game, while Baldwin has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Florida currently ranks 329th in possessions per game (66.4) and Butler is 338th (65.5). Moreover, the Bulldogs’ 49th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.2) will clash against the Gators’ 29th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 90.7).
Butler Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Florida ranks 27th in steals per game (8.5) while Butler ranks 157th (5.1).
- The Bulldogs allow the 18th-fewest assists per game (9.8) while the Gators rank 30th (10.5).
- The Gators rank 40th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Bulldogs rank 155th (2.1).
- Butler ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Florida ranks 121st (35.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gators’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 9.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (6.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
