With the calendar set to flip to February in just one day, the college basketball action throughout the country is really going to start to heat up. There is a huge game in the SEC on Wednesday night as the Florida Gators are set to visit the Kentucky Wildcats.
Florida is coming into this game with a ton of momentum as they have ripped off three straight wins to get to 14-6 on the season. The Gators have struggled against the top teams in the country, and they desperately need a win in this game.
The Kentucky Wildcats are currently ranked at number 10 in the most recent AP poll, but they are looking to build up that resume. Kentucky has gone just 3-2 in their last five games as they seem to be taking everyone’s best shot.
Kentucky is a 5.5-point betting favorite over the rival Florida Gators in Wednesday night college basketball action.
Gators Have to Get Stops
The offensive numbers have been impressive for Florida so far this season, but they have not been a good defensive team at all. Florida is allowing nearly 77 points per game, and they just gave up 98 points in their most recent win over Georgia.
The Gators are not a very efficient team on offense and at some point they are going to have to find a way to get some easy baskets in transition. Florida is scoring over 85 points per game this season, but they are shooting just 46 percent from the field.
Guard Walter Clayton Jr. is one of the best scorers in the SEC this season as he leads the team with 15.9 points per game. Clayton must set the tone, but he is also going to need some help.
Kentucky Can Really Score
Head coach John Calipari always seems to have a ton of talent on his roster at Kentucky, but this group is a bit different. Kentucky is shooting nearly 50 percent from the field this season, and they are scoring close to 90 points per game.
Antonio Reeves is having his best year of his career for Kentucky as he is scoring 19.5 points per game this season. Forward Tre Mitchell has proven that he can provide points in the paint, and all of those will be needed to win this game.
Kentucky is also allowing over 76 points per game this season, but they at least put enough pressure on their opponents to create some turnovers.
Wildcats Win Big Over Gators
These are two very good offensive teams, but it would be a major mistake for the Florida Gators to try to run with the Kentucky Wildcats. Florida is coming into this game with a ton of confidence on offense, but the defense is going to create some issues in this game.
The Wildcats just have so many weapons on offense, and they continue to have different players step up and perform each night. Kentucky also has some size to protect the paint in this game and that should allow them to take charge.
Bet on the Kentucky Wildcats to win this game and cover the 5.5-point spread as they take care of business on their home floor.
