Florida Gators vs Kentucky Wildcats Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Florida vs Kentucky NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lexington.

Florida vs Kentucky Prediction

The Gators and Wildcats are set to face off at 11:00 ET on ESPN. The Wildcats will host the game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The over/under for this game is set at 166.5 points, and Kentucky is favored by -3.5 vs. Florida in a Southeastern conference matchup.

Florida vs. Kentucky Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats
Where: Lexington at Rupp Arena
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Betting Odds UK -3.5, FL +130 | UK -160 O/U 166.5

Gators Preview: Is a Road Win Possible for the Gators?

Florida improved to 13-0 with an 85-45 win over Stetson on Sunday. Playing at home, the Gators were heavy favorites at -39 and covered the spread.

Florida led 46-27 at halftime and held Stetson to just 18 points in the second half while scoring 39. The game’s total points of 130 fell well under the O/U line of 160.5.

Gators Offense Breakdown

The Gators put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 50.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58%. They hit 59.1% of their two-point attempts and went 9-for-25 from beyond the arc, shooting 36% from three.

Florida's offense was bolstered by 19 assists and 11 offensive rebounds. Alijah Martin led the team with 18 points, while Will Richard added 17, shooting 72.7% from the field. Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 12 points and 7 assists, hitting 2 of 3 from three-point range.

Gators Team Defense

Despite Florida's defensive efforts, they gave up 45 points, with their opponent shooting 50% from the field on 35 of 69 attempts. Inside the arc, Florida allowed 26 two-point baskets on 44 attempts, a 59% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Florida's defense saw their opponent hit 9 of 25 shots, or 36%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 9 times, where they made 6, shooting 66%. Florida allowed 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Wildcats Preview: Can the Wildcats Pull Off a Home Win?

Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Kentucky improved to 11-2 on the season with an 88-54 win over Brown on Tuesday. The Wildcats were heavy favorites at -24.5 and covered the spread with the victory.

Leading 39-27 at halftime, Kentucky clamped down defensively in the second half, allowing just 27 points while scoring 49. The game’s total points of 142 fell short of the O/U line of 154.5.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Kentucky's offense put up 88 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.3%. They connected on 62.5% of their two-point attempts and hit 35.7% from beyond the arc, making 10 threes. At the free-throw line, they shot 78.3%, converting 18 of 23 attempts.

The Wildcats dished out 18 assists and grabbed 9 offensive rebounds. Kino Lilly Jr. led the team with 16 points and 4 assists, shooting 58.3% from the field. Landon Lewis added 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Andrew Carr contributed 14 points, hitting 66.7% of his shots.

Wildcats Team Defense

Despite Kentucky's defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 54 points in their last game. The Wildcats allowed a 50% shooting performance, with the opposing team hitting 30 of their 60 field goal attempts.

Inside the arc, Kentucky's defense gave up 20 two-pointers on 32 attempts, a 62% success rate. From three-point range, their opponent shot 35%, making 10 of 28 attempts. Kentucky also sent them to the free-throw line 23 times, where they converted 18 free throws, shooting 78%.

Gators vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

The Gators are 2-1 ATS in their three last road games and 2-1 straight-up.
In their last five home games, Kentucky has averaged 78 points per game while allowing 77. The team's record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Gators have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
As the betting favorite, the Wildcats have an ATS mark of just 3-7 in their last ten games. Kentucky posted a straight up mark of 8-2 in these matchups.