It will be a showdown between two tremendous defenses when the Florida Gators (15-11, 7-6 SEC) meet the Missouri Tigers (12-13, 3-10 SEC) at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators Betting Odds
In their last game, the Gators beat the 13th-ranked LSU Tigers, 82-77, while the Tigers were beaten by the fourth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 66-58.
Florida’s 0.546 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over LSU, who had a rate of 0.484. The Gators’ mark was above their season average of 0.494. Missouri, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.1 (above their season average of 31.2). Florida received a boost from KeVaughn Allen, who finished with 21 points. Meanwhile, Jordan Geist had a good outing for Missouri, contributing 11 points and six rebounds.
The Gators won the sole game between these two teams last year, 77-75. Florida had a much better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 16.1). Missouri, on the other hand, did a great job of getting and making free throws (18-21; 85.7 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Florida currently ranks 322nd in possessions per game (65.9) and Missouri is 313th (66.2). Moreover, the Tigers rank 319th in turnover percentage (21.8 percent), while the Gators rank 10th in opponents’ turnover percentage (23.8 percent).
Missouri Tigers at Florida Gators ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Missouri, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Florida ranks 42nd in steals per game (7.7) while Missouri ranks 217th (4.6).
- The Gators rank 53rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.6) while the Tigers rank 147th in three pointers allowed per game (22.2).
- Florida ranks 189th in assists per game (12.6) while Missouri ranks 246th (11.1).
- The Gators rank 50th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Tigers rank 223rd (1.7).
- Missouri ranks 49th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while Florida ranks 158th (35.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 1.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Gators have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
