Gators vs. Wildcats Prediction
The 10th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats have a two-game cushion in the Southeastern Conference standings heading into today’s home game versus the Florida Gators. Will Kentucky avoid a setback as the favorites?
Game Snapshot
729 Florida Gators at 730 Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Rupp Arena at 6PM ET
TV: ESPN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NCAA Basketball Odds & Betting Page
According to oddsmakers, the Wildcats are a 5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under sits at 138.5 points. As of Saturday morning, 66 percent of public bets are being placed on host Kentucky. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Gators ease past Razorbacks
Florida secured a 73-59 victory at home Tuesday night over Arkansas to improve to 17-9 overall and 9-4 in the SEC. The Gators outscored the Razorbacks 40-33 in the second half to put it away. Keyontae Johnson led Florida with 24 points on 4-of-7 shooting including 1-of-3 from 3-point distance plus 15-of-17 at the free throw line. He also ripped down 10 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard contributed 17 points, seven boards and four assists. Noah Locke added 11 points in 30 minutes of action.
Wildcats win fifth straight
Kentucky carved out a 79-76 win Tuesday night at Louisiana State to move to 21-5 overall and 11-2 in conference action. The Wildcats outscored the Tigers 50-48 in the second half of the triumph. Immanuel Quickley paced Kentucky with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting including 2-of-4 from 3-point range plus 5-of-6 at the charity stripe. He also tallied five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Maxey contributed 14 points, four boards and four dimes. Nick Richards accounted for 13 points, six caroms and six blocked shots. Ashton Hagans had 11 points, four assists and three rebounds. Nate Sestina added 11 points and eight boards off the bench.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Florida
The Gators are 7-2 ATS in their last five games as an underdog. Florida is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 Saturday games.
Kentucky
The Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. The favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Prediction:
Florida is making its case as an NCAA Tournament team and a strong performance here would give its resume a huge boost. The best road win the Gators have this season is at South Carolina, but with the Wildcats having the two-game lead in the SEC I could see the hosts taking their foot off the gas pedal. Florida is talented and gritty enough to make a game of it even if the other team is invested. This might be a letdown spot for Kentucky, but I like the Gators here even if the Wildcats are fully invested.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: FLORIDA GATORS +4.5