Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats Free Prediction 03/09/19

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The sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (25-5, 14-3 SEC) welcome the Florida Gators (17-13, 9-8 SEC) to Rupp Arena as the regular season comes to an end. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.

Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds

In their last outing, the Wildcats were victorious over the Ole Miss Rebels, 80-76, while the Gators lost a winnable game to the 10th-ranked LSU Tigers, 79-78.

The Wildcats had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.532) and had a turnover percentage of 9.7 (better than their season average of 16.4). Florida, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.293 (above their season average of 0.213). Kentucky was lifted by Keldon Johnson, who had 22 points and seven rebounds. Jalen Hudson, meanwhile fueled Florida with 33 points.

In their first matchup this year, PJ Washington led the Wildcats to a 65-54 win. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. One of Kentucky’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 13-16 (81.3 percent), while the Gators were just 5-10 (50.0 percent).

This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Kentucky ranks 18th in offensive efficiency and Florida ranks 49th in defensive efficiency.

Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats Pick

College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Florida, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Florida ranks 70th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while Kentucky ranks 285th (17.1).
  • The Gators rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Wildcats rank 39th (11.2).
  • Florida ranks 51st in steals per game (7.4) while Kentucky ranks 56th in steals allowed per game (5.6).
  • The Wildcats rank 31st in rebounds per game (38.5) while the Gators rank 220th (33.7).
  • Kentucky ranks ninth in blocks per game (5.1) while Florida ranks 62nd (3.9).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Gators have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
  • The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 11.7 for the season.