College Hoops Winning Picks – #2 Kentucky vs. Florida

After this weekend’s college basketball action, only two teams remain undefeated. One will have its toughest road test of the season Tuesday night, when the Kentucky Wildcats visit the Florida Gators.

Kentucky is undefeated, ranked No. 2 in the country and looking to get back to their first Final Four since 1998. They are led by not only one of the best players in the SEC, but maybe the favorite to win National Player of the Year, freshman John Wall.

Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends which may impact this game:

• Kentucky: 3-0 ATS on the road
• Kentucky: Total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games
• Florida: 4-4 ATS at home
• Florida: 2-2 ATS as an underdog

Wall has been everything fans at Kentucky had hoped for when he signed on as last year’s top college recruit. He’s averaging 17 points and seven assists per game, playing a huge role in the Wildcats resurgence. Joining him are several other players with future NBA talent. DeMarcus Cousins is the man down low, and had the best game of his young career against Louisville last weekend, with a brilliant 18 point and 18 rebound performance. Patrick Patterson adds veteran leadership, notching 18 points and eight rebounds per game, while Eric Bledsoe provides assistance in the backcourt for Wall, and has recorded double-figures in scoring each of the last three games.

As for Florida, the Gators started out the year hot, with a big neutral court win over then No. 2 Michigan State, but have struggled as of late losing four of their last seven games. Most recently, they opened SEC play with a loss, at Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Florida is led by a superstar freshman of their own, in guard Kenny Boynton. The 6’3 Boyton is averaging a team high 14 points per game, while also recording three assists per contest. Florida has a talented and deep frontcourt, including Alex Tyus and Chandler Parsons who both average 11 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

With both teams talented and capable of putting up big points, the biggest difference in this game will be how Florida handles Kentucky’s big and physical front line. Sure Tyus and Parsons are playing well, but they haven’t faced nearly the competition that Cousins, Patterson and Daniel Orton will provide down low on Tuesday. The Gators currently are ranked just 215th in all of college basketball, allowing opponents to grab 35 rebounds per game.

Although Kentucky hasn’t played a road game against a team as talented as Florida, I still expect the Wildcats to be able to pull out a victory. Florida is playing well, but isn’t particularly deep, especially up front, which should be the difference in the game. Also, look for Wall to be able to get good penetration against whoever is guarding him, likely either Boynton or Erving Walker.

While the O’Connell Center is never an easy place to play, Kentucky thrives in big games this season. Look for them to win a close one on the road on Tuesday night in the NCAA basketball betting odds.

Aaron’s Pick: Kentucky by 3