In what might be the game of the weekend on the Network of Stars, the Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats face off in a tilt that might determine the SEC regular-season champion. Despite what you might think, it’s Florida, not Kentucky, that comes into this game with a red-hot streak of nine straight wins, including a 22-point throttling of the Wildcats in early February.
John Calipari is likely itching for the shot to avenge that loss, which forced him to hit the “reboot” on his young team. The Wildcats haven’t lost an SEC game at home this season, a streak that will surely be put to the test by the Gators’ visit.
Here’s how you can catch the game on television or streaming online, along with a scouting report of each team and a pick against the spread at the bottom.
Viewing information
When: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
TV: CBS
Live stream (desktop): Desktop link
Live stream (mobile): CBS Sports App
Scouting report
During the Gators’ hot streak, College of Charleston transfer Canyon Barry has been exactly what the doctor ordered. He hasn’t had to do everything for Mike White, but he’s a gritty, smart wing who can get to the foul line (and nail under-handed free-throws), and can pull down long rebounds. He only plays a smidge over 20 minutes per game, so he’s not the most utilized, but he has been the X-factor for Florida, as we saw recently with a 30-point outing against Auburn on Valentine’s Day.
Kentucky, however, is relying on its same bunch of youngsters to get the job done. All things start with De’Aaron Fox at the point and his ability to run the floor and ignite the nation’s No. 9 offense. Look for Fox, who averages 5.3 assists, to continue to feed the ball to sharp-shooting guard Malik Monk on the perimeter and in transition.
Matchups to watch
In round one between these two SEC heavyweights, Florida’s Kasey Hill starred with 21 points and helped limit Monk to 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting. It was an off game for Monk in part because of the Gators’ defense, and it turned into a huge night for Hill on both ends of the floor. The Gators will need a similar outing from Hill to complete the season sweep.
Odds and pick
KenPom odds: Kentucky -3
Pick: Kentucky -3
Outside of UCLA and Kansas, no team has topped Kentucky at Rupp Arena this season. And with all due respect to Florida, I think both of those teams are a tier above the Gators. So I think Kentucky wins this handily to secure its spot as the favorite in the SEC.