Colorado vs. Florida Picks and Predictions – Friday, Mar. 22

Mar 20, 2024; Dayton, OH, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center Eddie Lampkin Jr. (44) celebrates a play in the second half against the Boise State Broncos at UD Arena.
Image Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Colorado Buffaloes (25-10) are set to face off against the Florida Gators (24-11) in what promises to be a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup. With both teams boasting impressive records and looking to advance further, this game is a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts.

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Florida Gators Odds Info

Moneyline: Colorado Buffaloes -102 (DraftKings) / Florida Gators -118 (DraftKings)

Spread: -1.5 – Colorado Buffaloes -110 (Bet365) / Florida Gators -110 (Bet365)

Total: 158.5 – -110 (BetMGM) / -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: Friday, Mar. 22

Time: 03:30 PM

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN

TV: TBS

Colorado Buffaloes Betting Trends

  • On the road, Colorado Buffaloes are 4 and 7 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Colorado Buffaloes are 15 and 17.
  • Against the spread on the road, Colorado Buffaloes are 6 and 8.

Florida Gators Betting Trends

  • At home, Florida Gators are 14 and 1 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Florida Gators are 17 and 17.
  • Against the spread at home, Florida Gators are 9 and 12.

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Florida Gators Predictions

The Colorado Buffaloes enter the game with a strong season behind them, having secured a program-record 25th win. Led by guard KJ Simpson, who averages 19.6 points per game, and the rebounding prowess of Eddie Lampkin Jr., the Buffaloes have demonstrated a solid offensive front, ranking 13th in field goal percentage and 33rd in three-point field goal percentage. Their recent performance, winning nine of their last ten games, suggests they have the momentum needed to challenge the Gators.

Florida, on the other hand, has been a scoring powerhouse this season, leading the nation with an average of 85.1 points per game. The Gators’ offensive strategy will be crucial, especially with players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Tyrese Samuel, who lead the team in scoring and rebounding, respectively. However, the Gators will miss the presence of center Micah Handlogten due to injury, which could impact their rebounding strength that ranks 8th nationally.

This matchup will likely hinge on the battle of tempos and the ability of each team’s defense to contain the other’s star players. Colorado’s top-20 defense will be put to the test against Florida’s fast-paced offense. The key player matchup to watch will be between Colorado’s KJ Simpson and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., as both guards have the ability to take over a game. With both teams experiencing a loss in their last game, they will be eager to bounce back and secure a victory in this high-stakes tournament setting.

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Florida Gators Pick

The pick for the Colorado Buffaloes vs. Florida Gators game is ‘Under’. This prediction is based on the recent trends and statistics of both teams. The Gators, despite their high-scoring offense, will be without a key player in Micah Handlogten, which could impact their rebounding and second-chance points. Additionally, Colorado’s defense has been strong, ranking in the top 20 for adjusted efficiency, which could slow down Florida’s scoring. The Buffaloes’ own offensive strategy of controlling the tempo and playing a slower-paced game, as evidenced by their ranking of 303rd in adjusted tempo over the past month, also supports the under pick. With both teams having a strong defensive presence and Colorado’s ability to limit transition opportunities, it’s likely that the game will not be a high-scoring affair.

Furthermore, the total line set at 158.5 seems optimistic given the defensive capabilities of both teams. Colorado’s recent performance, including limiting Boise State to 0.88 points per possession, shows their ability to keep scores low. While Florida’s offense is potent, their recent over trends may not hold up against a disciplined Colorado defense. Considering these factors, the under is the more compelling pick for this NCAA Tournament matchup.

The Pick: Under 158.5 -110 (BetMGM)