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Why Florida Will Win


When you do your homework and assess your sports bet on this game, it’s worth mentioning that while Florida is a veteran team, its best player and foremost difference maker could very well be its newbie. Any player who steps into the Southeastern Conference as a freshman and averages roughly 15 points per game along with several rebounds is clearly a capable and resilient performer who is providing production on a consistent basis. Beal’s arrival at Florida was met with considerable buzz, and through January, that hype has been justified. However, Beal and the rest of the Gators must also face the big boys in the SEC over the next four weeks. Can this team answer the call?

If Beal continues to do what he’s been doing, the answer is definitely yes. Beal is shouldering more than 30 minutes of work on a regular basis, and he’s not breaking down at all – his 6-of-9 shooting performance against Mississippi State on Jan. 28 was his best of the season with that many attempts. Florida has to play a complete game to stand up to Kentucky’s quality, but if Beal is up to the challenge as a freshman, the rest of the Gators will take the cue and follow their youngest starter. Beal is the catalyst who could transform this game into a Gator party.

Why Kentucky Will Win


The college basketball betting experts who follow the Southeastern Conference for a living know that Kentucky is the king, and the king doesn’t get dethroned at home. Kentucky hasn’t lost in Rupp Arena this season, and ever since coach John Calipari came to Lexington from his previous stop at the University of Memphis, the Wildcats have been perfect at home. Not just in the SEC, but in every game they’ve played in their stronghold. This game is being played at Rupp, “The Big Barn in the Bluegrass,” and that’s reason number one why Big Blue is expected to beat Florida. There are other reasons, however.

First off, Kentucky has the best player on the floor, freshman Anthony Davis, a dynamic two-way player who rebounds and blocks shots as regularly as he scores. Davis is very likely going to be a one-and-done player; he will enter the NBA after just one season, and he’ll be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Florida has not been a particularly good rebounding team this season, so Davis should go wild on the glass, as should his teammate, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist have durable motors, and they pursue plays harder than any other frontline combo in the country. Florida will not have the answer for them in this game.



It’s hard enough for Florida to beat Kentucky. Doing it on the road will be especially difficult. The Gators might very well win at home, but until Kentucky loses at home, one shouldn’t pick against the Wildcats.