It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the No. 23 Florida Gators (15-7, 6-3 SEC) welcome the Alabama Crimson Tide (14-8, 5-4 SEC) to Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators ATS Prediction
In the Crimson Tide’s last outing, they were topped by the Missouri Tigers, 69-60. Missouri’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Alabama. The Tigers had a rate of 0.628 (above their season average of 0.542), while the Crimson Tide posted a mark of 0.406 (below their season average of 0.523). Collin Sexton was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
The Gators were beaten by the Georgia Bulldogs in their last outing, 72-60. Georgia’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Florida. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.310 (above their season average of 0.293), while the Gators posted a mark of 0.079 (below their season average of 0.268). With 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting, Chris Chiozza led Florida in scoring.
Alabama could have a tough time creating turnovers. Florida ranks third in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while Alabama forces the 147th-most turnovers (19.7 percent).
After the Gators won the only game against the Crimson Tide last season, 80-67, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Gators had a much better turnover percentage (15.2 vs. 21.9) and had a much better free throw rate (0.453 vs. 0.320).
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Alabama, ATS Winner – Alabama, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida ranks 56th in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while Alabama ranks 225th (19.3).
The Crimson Tide average 36.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 107th in the NCAA. The Gators rank 220th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
Florida ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Alabama ranks 113th (6.3).
The Crimson Tide rank fifth in blocks per game (6.2) while the Gators rank 70th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Betting Trends:
The Crimson Tide have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Alabama has defeated opponents by an average of 3.8 points.
During their last five games, the Gators have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (6.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
