Florida Gators vs Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Gators and Wildcats. The game is starting at 11:00 ET on ESPN, and it’s hosted by the Wildcats at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 166.5 points, and Kentucky is favored by -3.5 to win at home against Florida.

FLORIDA GATORS VS KENTUCKY WILDCATS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Kentucky Wildcats -3.5

This game will be played at Rupp Arena at 11:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.

WHY BET THE KENTUCKY WILDCATS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Wildcats.
• Not only will Kentucky pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -3.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 166.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.

Can the Gators Offense Score Enough on the Road?

Florida improved to 13-0 after an 85-45 win over Stetson on Sunday. Playing at home, the Gators entered the game as heavy favorites, listed at -39, and covered the spread.

Florida led 46-27 at halftime and allowed just 18 points in the 2nd half while scoring 39. The game’s total points reached 130, falling well short of the 160.5 O/U line.

Florida’s offense 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 36% from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 25 three-point tries.

Alijah Martin led the way with 18 points, despite shooting just 2 of 9 from three. Will Richard added 17 points on 8 of 11 shooting, while Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 12 points and 7 assists, hitting 2 of 3 from deep.

Despite Florida’s defensive struggles, they held their opponent to 45 points, even while allowing them to shoot 50% from the field. The Gators gave up 26 two-point baskets on 44 attempts, a 59% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Florida’s defense allowed 9 threes on 25 attempts, with their opponent shooting 36% from deep. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 9 times, where they converted 6 for 66%. Florida gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Does Kentucky Have a Shot at a Home Win?

Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game

Kentucky improved to 11-2 on the season with an 88-54 win over Brown on Tuesday. The Wildcats, playing at home, were -24.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 142, falling short of the 154.5 O/U line.

Leading 39-27 at halftime, Kentucky clamped down defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 27 points while scoring 49 of their own.

Kentucky’s offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 88 points on 50% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.3%, thanks in part to hitting 62.5% of their two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they connected on 35.7% of their shots, going 10-for-28.

The Wildcats were solid from the free-throw line, making 78.3% of their attempts (18-for-23). They also dished out 18 assists, with Kino Lilly Jr. contributing 4 assists to go along with his team-high 16 points. Landon Lewis added 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Andrew Carr chipped in 14 points on 66.7% shooting.

Despite Kentucky’s defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 54 points. The Wildcats allowed 50% shooting from the field, with their opponents hitting 30 of 60 shots.

From beyond the arc, Kentucky’s defense gave up 10 threes on 28 attempts, a 35% shooting rate. They also sent their opponents to the line 23 times, where they converted 18 free throws, shooting 78%.