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Florida Gators – South Carolina Gamecocks Preview – 02.20.2016

The Florida Gators (17-9) will travel to Colonial Life Arena to go head-to-head against the South Carolina Gamecocks (21-5) in their home finale. The game gets underway at 12:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 20 and will air on SEC and ES3.

The Gamecocks were beaten by Missouri 72-67 on Tuesday. Duane Notice finished with 21 points to lead the game. The Gators, meanwhile, are coming off a 57-53 win against Georgia on Tuesday. KeVaughn Allen was the game’s top scorer, posting 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

The Gamecocks have gone 21-5 Straight Up (SU) and 16-7 Against The Spread (ATS). South Carolina has gotten to the free throw line often this season. They average 19 made free throws per game, which is seventh-best in Division I. Teams have a tough time keeping South Carolina off of the offensive glass. They rank eighth in Division I in offensive rebounds. South Carolina’s defense can be considered one of the best in the country. The Gamecocks allow a .396 opponent field-goal percentage, one of the lowest shooting rates in the country.

Over on the other bench, the Gators have 17-9 SU and 14-10-1 ATS records. The Gators are a force on the offensive glass, grabbing an average of 13.5 offensive rebounds per game. The Florida defense has allowed an average of 75.3 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 65.9. Teams seem to consistently miss shots against the Gators, who are the 29th-best team in the nation in terms of opponent field goal percentage allowed at .396.

This is the first meeting of the season for South Carolina and Florida. The last time they played, Florida came out on top, bringing its SU record in their most recent games to 8-2. At 5-5, they are even ATS. Florida held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers twice in the last five matchups. On the other side of the court, South Carolina never accomplished this feat in that span.

Predictions: SU Winner – Fla, ATS Winner – Fla

Notes

“South Carolina is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games “.

“The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Carolina’s last 7 games “.

“South Carolina is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home”.

“South Carolina is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games at home”.

“The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Carolina’s last 5 games at home”.

“South Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Florida”.

“South Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida”.

“The total has gone OVER in 6 of South Carolina’s last 9 games when playing Florida”.

“South Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida”.

“South Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida”.

“The total has gone OVER in 4 of South Carolina’s last 5 games when playing at home against Florida”.

The South Carolina Gamecocks average 77.0 points per game, ranking 79th in the nation. The Florida Gators rank 38th in points allowed with 65.9.

The Florida Gators have a defensive rating of 95.6 (ranked 31st), while the South Carolina Gamecocks have an offensive rating of 106.8 (ranked 158th).

The South Carolina Gamecocks average 72.1 possessions and 1.068 points per possession in games this season. The Florida Gators average fewer possessions with 68.8, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.062.

The Florida Gators average an effective field goal percentage of 48.0% this season. The South Carolina Gamecocks have a winning 8-3 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 48.0% or greater.

The South Carolina Gamecocks average 17.0 three point attempts per game, and the Florida Gators attempt 21.0 per game. When going for at least 20 three pointers in a game this season, both teams have winning records; South Carolina is 7-1 and Florida is 13-6.

South Carolina ranks among the best in the nation in rebounding at ninth (41.5 rebounds per game). Florida is ranked 19th with 40.8 rebounds per game.

When it comes to offensive rebounds, Florida ranks 22nd. South Carolina ranks 66th in defensive rebounds.

On average, South Carolina forces a turnover rate of 21.2%. When Florida turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a winning 4-1 record.

Written by GMS Previews

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