SEC meets ACC when Florida takes on Virginia in the West Regional 7-vs.-10 game Friday afternoon.
The Gators, who got an at-large invitation to the tournament after tying for second in the SEC, are favored by 3.5 points over the Cavaliers, who earned an at-large bid by tying for fourth place in the ACC.
This matchup is a neutral-site affair being played at CenturyLink Center.
The Gators bring a 23-10 record (13-15 ATS) to this tilt against the 22-9 Cavaliers, who are 14-11-1 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have witnessed Florida go 18-10 so far and the Cavaliers go 7-19.
View Virginia vs Florida Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
The Gators are listed as 3.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark including Sportsbook. The total was moving at Sportsbook as well.
Power Rankings / Prediction:
According to new college basketball power rankings here, it's the No. 56-ranked Gators and the No. 109-rated Cavaliers in this matchup. Computer formulas aimed at predicting NCAAB scores point to a 75-74 win for the Gators on Friday.
How They Match Up:
The game also pits Florida's No. 27-ranked offense, averaging 76.3 PPG, against a Cavaliers defense that ranks No. 2 at 53.7 PPG. The Gators field goal percentage has averaged 46.1% so far, more than the Cavaliers marksmen have achieved on the year, 46% per game.
Defensively, Virginia features the nation's No. 7-rated defense on the road, allowing 58 points per game. Florida, meanwhile, comes in at No. 23 nationally in scoring at home.
Virginia lost its last outing, a 67-64 result against North Carolina State on March 9. They failed to cover in that game as a 3.5-point favorite. Virginia got 23 points and 10 rebounds from Mike Scott in a losing cause in their 67-64 loss to North Carolina State on Friday.
Last time out for Florida, they were a 74-71 loser as they battled Kentucky on the road. They covered in the match as a 9-point underdog. Florida suffered a 74-71 loss against Kentucky on Saturday, getting 24 points from Erik Murphy in a losing effort at New Orleans Arena.
Virginia Cavaliers Trends:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
After playing North Carolina State are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2
Florida Gators Trends:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
After playing Kentucky are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few Cavaliers at Gators trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games
Florida is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
