The Kentucky Wildcats and Florida Gators are scheduled to meet in Gainsville at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Kentucky is looking to end the regular season on a high note against the Gators. They are in good form and going to be a top contender in the NCAA Tournament.
This isn’t their best team of all-time on paper, but maybe that’s for the better, and they are still one of the best. Kentucky has had some stacked recruiting classes over the last two decades.
The Beast of the Southeast ?
Leads the SEC in:
? Double-Doubles – 24
? Field-Goal Percentage – 60.2%
? Total Field Goals Made – 206
? Offensive RPG – 5.37
? Defensive RPG – 9.97
? Total RPG – 15.3
? Total Rebounds – 460 pic.twitter.com/W4dp0K2lru— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 3, 2022
However, the Wildcats only have the 2011-12 National Championship during that time. Considering the players they’ve recruited, that doesn’t look like much of a success.
The good news for John Calipari is that this lineup plays as a team and is unselfish. There was only so much that could go around for some of the superstar teams they’ve had.
This team is sharing the ball, and they’re looking like a contender because of their approach. Kentucky goes into the final game of the regular season with a record of 24-6 and 13-4 in the SEC.
They are coming off an 83-72 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Tuesday. Kentucky has won three of their previous four outings.
Following a 75-73 loss at Arkansas last weekend, the Wildcats bounced back in fine form against Mississippi State.
?: Highlights from 82-78 win in Nashville ?#GoGators | #GatorsHoop pic.twitter.com/Oaw84xckmm
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 2, 2022
Florida hosts the Wildcats and seeks three straight wins going into the SEC Tournament. The Gators are on the heels of an 82-78 win at Vanderbilt from Tuesday.
They also cleared versus Georgia for an 84-72 win on February 26. Florida is 19-11 and 9-8 in the conference. Head below for our free Kentucky vs. Florida prediction on March 5, 2022.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators Betting Odds and Team Statistics:
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Wildcats | -4.5 (-110) | OFF | Over 141.5 (-105) |
| Florida Gators | +4.5 (-110) | OFF | Under 141.5 (-115) |
| Team Data | Kentucky Wildcats | Florida Gators |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 24-6 | 19-11 |
| ATS Record | 13-16-1 | 15-15-0 |
| Away/Home Record | 5-5 | 12-4 |
| ATS Away/Home | 3-6-1 | 9-7-0 |
| Points Per Game | 80.4 | 70.7 |
| Points Against Per Game | 65.8 | 65.4 |
| Field Goal % | 48.8 | 42.9 |
| Three Point % | 35.7 | 31.6 |
Kentucky vs. Florida Prediction:
Kentucky is one of the best in the NCAA offensively. They were without TyTy Washington Jr. for a chunk of the season.
But with Washington Jr. back and playing normal minutes again, Kentucky is back to being a really dangerous offense.
Washington Jr. played 23 minutes off the bench, scoring 14 points and 4 assists. His role will continue to elevate as he shakes off the rust.
Kentucky is the eighth-best team in the NCAA, with 80.4 points per game. They are shooting 48.8% from the field for 12th in the country.
The Wildcats aren’t just all offense, though. Their defensive effort is well enough to shut down offenses, even on the road where they’ve held up well.
Kentucky has allowed 67.9 points a game through the regular season with a 41.9% FGA on the road. In their first meeting against Florida, the Gators scored only 57 points in a 78-57 game.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators Betting Trends:
- 4-0-1 ATS in their previous five games after failing to cover the spread
- The road team is 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games versus Florida
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games versus Florida
- 4-0-1 ATS in their previous five games on a Saturday
- 9-2 overall in their previous 11 games
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games as an underdog at home
- 1-6 ATS in their previous seven games after a win
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games versus a team with a winning record
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games versus Kentucky
- 3-6 ATS in their previous nine games
Florida is 188th in the NCAA with 70.7 points per game. They are shooting a very mediocre field goal percentage of 42.9%.
Their biggest issue has been failing to hit a three when they need it the most. Florida is shooting 31.6% from three for 289th in the NCAA.
The Wildcats have done well defensively on the perimeter, which they did perfectly in the first meeting. Kentucky is 38th with a 30.3% three-point percentage against.
The best rebounder in the country ?@Oscartshiebwe34 leads the nation in:
? Offensive RPG – 5.37
? Rebounds Per Game – 15.3
? Total Rebounds – 460 pic.twitter.com/JZBukYFTab— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 4, 2022
Their ability to prevent Florida from scoring second-chance points also plays a big role. Kentucky is 15th in defensive rebounding, while Florida is 291st on the offensive boards.
That’s what happens with the presence of Oscar Tshiebwe on the floor in the paint. Expect Tshiebwe to have another big game in this one.
Kentucky should come up with a strong performance to end the regular season on a high note on the road at Florida.
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