Missouri vs. Florida Picks and Predictions – Wednesday, Feb. 28

Feb 17, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) brings the ball up the court against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum.
Image Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Missouri Tigers hit the road to face the Florida Gators.

The Florida Gators (19-8) are set to host the struggling Missouri Tigers (8-19) in a clash that pits a surging home team against a visitor desperate to snap a 14-game conference losing streak. With the Gators aiming to solidify their standing and the Tigers seeking a much-needed win, this matchup at the Exactech Arena promises high stakes and intense competition.

Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators Odds Info

Moneyline: Missouri Tigers +700 (BetRivers) / Florida Gators -900 (Bet365)

Spread: -13.0 – Missouri Tigers -108 (BetPARX) / Florida Gators -110 (Ceasars)

Total: 154.0 – -109 (BetPARX) / -112 (BetPARX)

Game Info

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28

Time: 06:30 PM

Location: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center – Gainesville, FL

TV: SEC Network

Missouri Tigers Betting Trends

  • On the road, Missouri Tigers are 2 and 8 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Missouri Tigers are 7 and 20.
  • Against the spread on the road, Missouri Tigers are 4 and 6.

Florida Gators Betting Trends

  • At home, Florida Gators are 12 and 1 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Florida Gators are 14 and 13.
  • Against the spread at home, Florida Gators are 7 and 10.

Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators Predictions

The Florida Gators enter this game with an impressive home record of 12-1, showcasing their dominance on home court. They have been performing well in conference play with a 9-5 record and are coming off a win, looking to extend their success. The Gators’ offense has been a force to reckon with, averaging 84.8 points per game, which ranks 11th nationally. Walter Clayton Jr. leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game, while Tyrese Samuel dominates the boards with 7.8 rebounds per game. Florida’s ability to control the glass, ranking 7th in average rebounds, will be a key factor against Missouri.

On the other side, the Missouri Tigers are in a tough spot, winless in conference play and on a two-game losing streak. Despite their struggles, guard Sean East II has been a standout performer, leading the team with an average of 17.0 points and 4.2 assists per game. The Tigers will need East II to have a significant impact if they hope to challenge the Gators. Missouri’s defense has been less than stellar, ranking 438th in average rebounds, which could be exploited by Florida’s aggressive rebounding.

This game will likely hinge on the battle in the paint and Missouri’s ability to contain Florida’s offensive rebounds. The Gators’ third-best offensive rebounding team in the country will test the Tigers’ 353rd-ranked defensive rebounding rate. If Florida can capitalize on second-chance opportunities, it could be a long night for Missouri. However, if the Tigers can find a rhythm from beyond the arc and improve their three-point shooting, currently at 32.6%, they might keep the game within reach. Ultimately, this matchup will be a test of Missouri’s resilience against Florida’s pursuit of a top seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament.

Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators Pick

The Florida Gators have shown a strong performance at home with a 12-1 record, and their overall play has been consistent, as evidenced by their 19-8 overall record and 9-5 in conference play. Their offensive prowess, averaging 84.8 points per game, combined with their dominance on the glass, makes them a formidable opponent for the struggling Missouri Tigers. Missouri’s winless record in conference play and their inability to control the rebounding battle, ranking 438th in average rebounds, suggest they will have a difficult time competing with Florida’s third-best offensive rebounding team. The Gators’ ability to generate second-chance points and their solid defense, which has contributed to their impressive home record, further support the decision to back Florida in this matchup.

While the Missouri Tigers have a talented player in Sean East II, the team’s overall struggles, particularly in conference play, indicate that they are unlikely to overcome the challenges posed by the Gators. Florida’s recent form, including an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, shows they are peaking at the right time. The Tigers’ poor defensive rebounding rate and the Gators’ strength in this area suggest that Florida will control the game’s tempo and maintain possession. Given these factors, the smart money is on the Florida Gators to win on the moneyline, as they are poised to continue their strong home-court performance and push for a top seed in the SEC Tournament.

The Pick: Florida Gators -900. (Bet365)