It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the Florida Gators (12-7, 4-2 SEC) welcome the Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-7, 3-3 SEC) to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators ATS Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last matchup, they were defeated by the Oklahoma Sooners, 63-62. Oklahoma’s 9.4 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Mississippi State, who had a mark of 14.3. The Sooners’ mark was better than their season average of 13.2. Robert Woodard II was Mississippi State’s leading scorer with 15 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The Gators fell to the No. 1 Baylor Bears in their last contest, 72-61. Baylor out-rebounded Florida. The Bears had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (24 vs. 18) and total rebounds (37 vs. 26). With 16 points and eight assists, Florida’s Andrew Nembhard had a solid game.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Florida currently ranks 277th in possessions per game (67.5) and Mississippi State is 317th (66.3). Furthermore, the Bulldogs, who rank 45th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.272), will clash against the Gators, who rank 272nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.256).
After the Bulldogs won the sole game against the Gators last season, 71-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Mississippi State did a fantastic job of making free throws (9-11; 81.8 percent). Florida, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 21.8).
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Florida ranks 198th in three pointers attempted per game (20.3) while Mississippi State ranks 268th (16.9).
The Bulldogs rank 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.5) while the Gators rank 79th (33.3).
Mississippi State ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.2) while Florida ranks 60th (4.1).
The Gators rank 147th in steals per game (6.2) while the Bulldogs rank 155th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 7.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gators have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
