The West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2) will clash against the Florida Gators (4-3) at Madison Square Garden. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Florida Gators ATS Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Gators defeated the North Florida Ospreys 98-66, while the Mountaineers beat the Youngstown State Penguins 106-72.
West Virginia played a perfect game. They had a solid turnover percentage of 9.7 (better than their season average of 17.4) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.615 (above their season average of 0.521). Youngstown State had marks of 16.5 and 0.442, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Florida played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 48.4 (above their season average of 24.3) and a turnover percentage of 13.3 (better than their season average of 15.3). For those same stats, North Florida put up marks of 25.0 and 20.3, respectively. Florida received a boost from KeVaughn Allen, who contributed 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, James Bolden played a key role for West Virginia with 15 points and five assists.
Ball protection could play a key role in this contest. Since last season, Florida has committed the eighth-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 14.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of West Virginia has forced the 13th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.8 percent). Additionally, the Mountaineers, who rank seventh in offensive rebounding percentage (37.2 percent), will try to exploit the Gators, who rank 261st in defensive rebounding percentage (70.0 percent).
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Florida Gators Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- West Virginia ranks 40th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Florida ranks 245th in rebounds allowed per game (36.7).
- The Gators rank 44th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Mountaineers rank 107th (12.6).
- Florida ranks 50th in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while West Virginia ranks 102nd (20.9).
- The Gators average 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 32nd in the nation. The Mountaineers rank 201st in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Florida ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (4.5) while West Virginia ranks 117th (5.8).
