Florida vs Kentucky Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/4/25

In this article we will formulate a Florida vs Kentucky prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 4th at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Florida Gators Betting Preview

The Florida Gators are 13-0 (0-0) this year after they defeated Stetson by a score of 85-45 in their last game. Florida led 46-27 at halftime and they won the second half by a total of 39-18 for an easy win. The Gators shot 50.7% from the field, 36% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Alijah Martin has led Florida with 18 points and four steals, while Will Richard has added 17 points and four assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Gators defeated North Florida by a score of 99-45 and North Carolina by a score of 90-84. Florida has won their first 13 games in a row, with 12 of them coming by double digits. Florida has scored 87.4 points per game and they have allowed 63.5 points per game, while also averaging 45.7 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game this season. Walter Clayton Jr. is averaging 17.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while Alijah Martin is averaging 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this year. Florida is shooting 47.3% from the field, 73.4% on free throws, and 34.4% on three-pointers this season. 

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats are 11-2 (0-0) this season after they defeated Brown by a score of 88-54 in their last game. Kentucky led 39-27 at halftime and added 49 points in the second half in the win. The Wildcats shot 50% from the field, 35.7% on three-pointers, and 78.3% on free throws in the game. Andrew Carr led Kentucky with 14 points and five rebounds, while Amari Williams added 13 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Ohio State by a score of 85-65 but did beat Louisville by a score of 93-85 before that. Kentucky has won four of their last five games, including a 90-89 win over Gonzaga. Kentucky has scored 89.0 points per game and they have allowed 71.3 points per game, while also averaging 42.3 rebounds and 18.7 assists per game this season. Otega Oweh is averaging 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Lamont Butler is averaging 13.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this year. Kentucky is shooting 48.2% from the field, 74.1% on free throws, and 35.5% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Kentucky will beat Florida

• Kentucky has won 31 of its last 32 day games against the Southeastern Conference at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
• Florida has lost six of its last seven day games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Florida has lost the first half in each of its last four games at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty-eight of Kentucky’s last 31 day games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 166 or fewer points.
• Fifty of Florida’s last 56 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 166 or fewer points.

Florida vs Kentucky Prediction 

Florida comes into this matchup ranked #6 in the country and they are looking to stay undefeated, but they will be on the road for this contest. The Gators have been fantastic on both sides of the court and they have wins over FSU, Virginia, and North Carolina. Kentucky has had two losses against Clemson and Ohio State this year, but they have won against Duke and Gonzaga. This should be a great matchup between two very strong SEC schools and I am excited to see if both teams can score like they have to start the season. Kentucky is scoring 89.0 points per game, while Florida is shooting 87.4 points per game. The Gators have been the better defensive team when looking at the numbers this year, but I have to give the edge to Kentucky at home, as I think these teams are pretty evenly matched. Take Kentucky here.