Tip off: 7 PM EST
Spread: FLA -26.5
o/u: 154
Odds Taken From Bookmaker
FLORIDA
Last season, the Gators finished with a 29-8 overall record, with a 13-3 record in SEC play. They eventually ended the season with a 3 point loss to eventual runner-up Butler in the Elite Eight.
The Gators did it by forcing turnovers and the Gators were the 35th best defensive team in the nation, giving up only 0.93 points per possession. They did a couple things really well: defend the three, and avoid putting opponents on the line/into penalty situations. When they don’t force the turnovers, however, they lose. The Gators opponents’ threw the ball away on 21% of their possessions in the Gators wins, compared to only 13% in their losses.
They have had a couple of tough tests so far, and failed both of them. They lost to Jared Sullinger and Ohio State by 7 points on November 15th, and last week dropped a game to the #3 ranked Syracuse Orange. At least the game against the Orange was a close one.
In that game, the Gators received 22 points from the diminutive Kenny Boynton, while also getting 17 from Erving Walker. No one else, save maybe Will Yequete (10 pts) made much of a contribution, and for the Gators to beat the better ranked opponents and progress deep in March they are going to have to have more depth. Their bench played a total of 31 minutes in the loss to the undefeated Orange.
Boynton is now averaging a team high 17.8 points per game. The junior has increased his scoring average by 3.6 points per game over last season and has scored 20 or more in 3 of the last 5 Gators games. Four other Gators (Bradley Beal, Walker, Patric Young, and Mike Rosario) average double figures, and the Gators employ a deep 9 player rotation, with all 9 players seeing at least 15 minutes per contest. The Gators face only one ranked opponent between now and January 26th, so they will have the chance to run up an impressive record once again. This time, maybe they can fare better in March.
RIDER
It would be hard not to call last season a success for the Broncs. They improved by a large margin from their 2010 campaign and it was because of the play of All MAAC first team guard Justin Robinson and All MAAC second team and third team forwards Mike Ringgold and Novar Gadson. The Broncs finished 23-11 with a 13-5 record in the MAAC. Their season ended in a CIT first round loss to Northern Iowa. The game wasn’t close at all, as Northern Iowa easily covered the spread and won by 34 points.
This year may be very ugly, and it’s hard to say why. They did lose their best player in Robinson, but theoretically should have enough talent to be much better than the 1-8 they are right now. Their only win came over Howard. About the best that could be said at this point is that they sort of hung with then #11 ranked Pittsburgh, but lost that game by 8 anyway. They dropped their last contest by 20 to Marist. So you see the kind of team we are talking about here.
Daniel Stewart, Jeff Jones, and Anthony Myles all average double figures for the Broncs, who use a 8 player rotation. Stewart has already posted 20+ points three times in nine games, but his scoring average is offset by poor performances against both Howard and Robert Morris. He did impress in the loss to Pitt, where he scored 18 points on 9 of 12 shooting. The 6’7″ sophomore is shooting an outstanding 64.8% from the floor, but is obviously going to need more help and further improve his own consistency, or it’s going to be a long season for a Rider team that had a very nice year last year.
If you like these odds at Bookmaker, we suggest backing up a bet! – They offer 5% cash back on lost bets and a great cashout system. Also check out our paid pick plans for the 2011-2012 season, as our handicapping staff lines everyone’s pockets once again!
