Service Plays Saturday 2/15/14

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GL!

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB cheat sheet: Early games

Here's a quick look at the marquee early games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers (+4.5)

The conference championship very well could come down to Virginia's showdown with the visiting Syracuse Orange on March 1. But the Cavaliers have made it known they aren't looking past anyone - putting together its best start in conference play since opening 12-1 in 1981-82. Virginia guard Malcolm Brogdon has scored in double digits in 12 consecutive games.

K.J. McDaniels has been the lone offensive star on a Clemson squad that has struggled to score all season. He's the only player on the team to average double digits in points (17) and also leads the club in rebounding (7.5), steals (1.1) and blocks. The Tigers shoot just 41.1 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from beyond the arc but limit opponents to 38.2 percent from the floor.

TRENDS

* Cavaliers are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games.
* Tigers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 5-1 in Virginia's last six games.
* Home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.


Memphis Tigers at Connecticut Huskies (-5)

Named to the Wooden Award midseason list, Memphis' Joe Jackson leads the conference with an average of two steals while also remaining atop the club in points (14.6), assists (4.5) and minutes (32). While the senior guard's presence is felt in every contest, freshman reserve forward Dominic Woodson will sit out as he serves a one-game suspension for inappropriate language.

The Huskies' Shabazz Napier also was named to the Wooden Award midseason list, which consists of the top 30 players in the nation. The guard leads the conference in assists (5.5) while also topping his own team in points (17.3) and rebounds (5.9). Guard Ryan Boatright is dealing with an admittedly injured shoulder but sits one point shy of reaching 1,000 for his career.

TRENDS

* Tigers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.
* Huskies are 6-0 ATS in their last six games.
* Under is 10-4 in Memphis' last 14 road games.
* Over is 19-9-1 in Connecticut's last 29 games following a win of more than 20 points.


Pittsburgh Panthers at North Carolina Tar Heels (-3.5)

Even though they went to both overtime and double-overtime in their last five contests, the Panthers only are averaging 57.4 points during that stretch. Talib Zanna broke out of a slump with 16 points and 14 rebounds against Syracuse, but Patterson - the team's leading scorer at 17 points - continued to struggle from the field. Patterson is shooting just 28.5 percent over the last five games.

The Tar Heels have been remarkably consistent during their five-game winning streak, as they've scored between 73 and 84 points in each game while allowing between 61 and 70. Of course, Wednesday's postponement means North Carolina has not played in a week since posting a 73-62 road win over Notre Dame. James Michael McAdoo led the team with 18 points in that contest.

TRENDS

* Panthers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games.
* Tar Heels are 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
* Under is 4-0 in Pittsburgh's last four games.
* Over is 5-2 in North Carolina's last seven games.


Iowa Hawkeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions (+7)

The Hawkeyes, who have alternated wins and losses in the last six games, are third in the standings with trips to Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan State on the horizon - along with a home game versus Wisconsin. Devyn Marble made six 3-pointers in last weekend's win against Michigan and averages 16.5 points to lead the team. Aaron White is the only other player averaging in double figures (13.2)

The Nittany Lions forced 20 turnovers in Wednesday's victory at Indiana, where they finished the game with a 15-2 run and denied the Hoosiers a field goal over the final five minutes. D.J. Newbill, who averaged 23 points in two games against Iowa last season, leads Penn State in scoring (17.2) and Frazier is next (16.1) while topping the Big Ten with six assists per game.

TRENDS

* Hawkeyes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 Saturday games.
* Nittany Lions are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games.
* Over is 9-2 in Iowa's last 11 games following an ATS win.
* Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.


Texas Tech Red Raiders at Iowa State Cyclones (-10)

The Red Raiders scored 30 points in the paint Monday and are averaging 35.4, ahead of the school-record pace set in 1995-96 (34.3). Texas Tech’s ability to score inside has overshadowed its woes from the 3-point line during its three-game winning streak, during which time the Red Raiders are shooting 23 percent beyond the arc. Jaye Crockett leads the team in scoring at 14.5 points per game.

The Cyclones remained the only team in Division I to score at least 70 points in every contest, but little else went right two days after conference player of the year candidate Melvin Ejim exploded for a Big 12-record 48 points against Texas Christian. Ejim managed only six points in a game coach Fred Hoiberg called “the worst effort we have had by far this season”.

TRENDS

* Red Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Cyclones are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games.
* Under is 7-0 in Texas Tech's last seven Saturday games.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.


Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-2.5)

Buddy Hield leads the fourth-place Sooners with 16.4 points but was held to single-digits for just the second time this season. Ryan Spangler adds 10.4 points and 9.8 rebounds after being held to five points and four rebounds. Cameron Clark has back-to-back 16 point games, hitting 13-of-16 shots during that span, and averages 15.8 points.

Markel Brown averages 16.7 points and Phil Forte adds 12.2 points after scoring eight in his first start. Le'Bryan Nash, who adds 14.8 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds, has shot 50 percent or better in his last six games and is averaging 19.5 points during that span. Kamari Murphy averages 6.1 points and 5.8 rebounds after his first double-double of the year.

TRENDS

* Sooners are 6-0 in their last six games following an ATS loss.
* Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 4-1 in Oklahoma's last five road games.
* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Stillwater.


VCU Rams at Saint Louis Billikens (-4.5)

The Rams feature three double-digit scorers in guard Treveon Graham (15.6 points, 6.9 rebounds), forward Juvonte Reddic (12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds) and guard Melvin Johnson (10.7). Guard Rob Brandenberg (9.4) had failed to reach double digits in five of six games – including back-to-back 3-point outings – before breaking out with 15 points in the victory over George Washington.

The Billikens allow just 58.8 points per game and limit opponents to 39 percent shooting from the field but also possess two potent offensive players in forward Dwayne Evans (14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds) and point guard Jordair Jett (13.2 points, 4.9 assists). Jett scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half against La Salle and ranks fifth in school history with 375 career assists.

TRENDS

* Rams are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 road games.
* Billikens are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 7-1 in Saint Louis' last eight Saturday games.
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.


Houston Cougars at Cincinnati Bearcats (-15)

Cougars forward TaShawn Thomas averages 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds but has occasionally been passive in games and the coaching staff urged him to be more aggressive against Temple and he responded with 25 points and nine rebounds. Guards Danuel House (12.9) and Jherrod Stiggers (10 per game) also average in double digits.

Cincinnati's Sean Kilpatrick scored 22 points against SMU for his fourth 20-point outing in five games but was just 5-of-18 from the field. The senior guard is averaging 22.9 points over the last eight games and was named to the Naismith Trophy Midseason Top 30 list Thursday. Forward Justin Jackson averages 11.4 points and seven rebounds.

TRENDS

* Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last six games.
* Bearcats are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games.
* Under is 40-11 in Cincinnati's last 51 games.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.


N.C. State Wolf Pack at Syracuse Orange (-14)

Since missing a game due to a sprained ankle, Wolf Pack standout T.J. Warren (23.1 points, 7.4 rebounds) has posted an average of 26.4 points and 7.6 boards over his last five contests. Warren has shot 58.4 percent during that stretch, including a 15-of-26 performance en route to a career-high 34 points in Tuesday's 15-point win over Wake Forest.

The 58-56 win over Pittsburgh gave Syracuse its 24th straight victory - a new school record - as the team erased a six-point deficit in the final two minutes. The Orange won despite the absence of center Baye Moussa Keita, a stalwart in the middle of Jim Boeheim's 2-3 zone defense, and the senior's status is up in the air for Saturday.

TRENDS

* Wolfpack are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games.
* Orange are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a win.
* Over is 4-1 in N.C. State's last five games.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB cheat sheet: Late games

Here's a quick look at the marquee late games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

TCU Horned Frogs at Kansas Jayhawks (-24)

Kyan Anderson continues to be the bright spot in the Horned Frogs' struggling offense, averaging a team-high 16.3 points after scoring at least 20 points in four of his last six games. Amric Fields has scored in double figures in 13 of his 16 appearances and averages 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. The Horned Frogs are ranked last in the Big 12 in scoring, field-goal percentage and rebounding.

Freshman Andrew Wiggins leads the first-place Jayhawks with 16 points and Perry Ellis adds 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds. Ellis has had two double-doubles in the past three games for Kansas, which is 9-2 at home. Joel Embiid averages 10.7 points, a team-high 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 22.3 minutes but has been limited to 7.5 points in 17.3 minutes the past three games.

TRENDS

* Horned Frogs are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games vs. Big 12 opponents.
* Jayhawks are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. teams with losing records.
* Under is 4-0 in TCU's last four games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 8-0 in Kansas' last eight Saturday games.


Maryland Terrapins at Duke Blue Devils (-13.5)

The Terrapins put up a fight before fading in the second half of a 61-53 loss at Virginia on Monday, two days after putting up 83 points on one of the best defensive teams in the ACC in a win over Florida State. Seth Allen went for a career-high 32 points in the victory over the Seminoles and had 15 against the Cavaliers on 7-of-14 shooting.

The Blue Devils know a few things about getting hot from 3-point range and lead the ACC with a 3-point field-goal percentage of 42. Duke went 11-of-21 from beyond the arc in last Saturday’s 89-68 win at Boston College but freshman Jabari Parker did not need any 3-pointers to post season highs of 29 points and 16 rebounds. Parker has 21 or more points in three of the last four contests.

TRENDS

* Terrapins are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
* Blue Devils are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games.
* Under is 4-0 in Maryland's last four road games.
* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.


West Virginia Mountaineers at Texas Longhorns (-6)

West Virginia's Juwan Staten scored 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting but the rest of the team struggled to 30.9 percent shooting in the loss to Texas, with Terry Henderson and Eron Harris combining to go 1-of-13 from 3-point range. Staten’s 19 points against Iowa State snapped a string of three straight games reaching at least 20. He had 23 in the first meeting with Texas.

The Longhorns were missing leading scorer Jonathan Holmes on Tuesday but Javan Felix picked up the slack with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. The sophomore guard was 6-of-24 from 3-point range over his previous five games but got help from a sagging defense and confidence from his teammates. Texas suffered a 57-53 overtime loss at home to West Virginia last season.

TRENDS

* Mountaineers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a win.
* Longhorns are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games.
* Over is 4-0 in West Virginia's last four games.
* Over is 13-6 in Texas' last 19 games vs. the Big 12.


Ohio State Buckeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (+4.5)

The Buckeyes allowed 70 or more points for only the fourth time this season against Michigan to stall their momentumt. Ross leads the team in scoring (14.6), followed by Lenzell Smith Jr. (12) while point guard Aaron Craft stirs the pot for the Ohio State, averaging 9.3 points, 4.7 assists and 2.5 steals. Ohio State C Amir Williams leads the league in field goal percentage at 61.8 and paces the Buckeyes in rebounding (6.2).

Guard Rayvonte Rice has been a bright spot during a rough stretch for the Fighting Illini, reaching 20 points in three of the last five games while leading the team in scoring (16.8) and rebounding (six) at 6-4. Illinois’ only win during its slump came Feb. 9 at Penn State, but followed that up with a 67-58 loss at Nebraska on Wednesday. Joseph Bertrand, 2-of-8 shooting the last two games, had 19 points against Ohio State

TRENDS

* Buckeyes are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.
* Fighting Illini are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.
* Under is 7-1 in Ohio State's last eight games following an ATS loss.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.


Loyola Marymount Lions at Gonzaga Bulldogs (-17.5)

The Lions opened West Coast Conference play with consecutive victories but have since dropped 11 of 12, including a 10-point decision to the visiting Bulldogs on Jan. 18. Anthony Ireland leads the team in points (18.4) and assists (5.5) but is just 15-for-44 from the field over his last three games and is shooting just over 30 percent from 3-point range for the season.

Gonzaga bounced back nicely from a six-point loss at Memphis, shooting 52.5 percent while placing four players in double figures en route to a 15-point victory over Pepperdine. Junior guard Kevin Pangos paces the team in scoring at 15.1 points per game, but had averaged just 8.3 over a four-game stretch before breaking out with 18 against the Waves.

TRENDS

* Lions are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games.
* Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Under is 9-1 in Loyola Marymount's last 10 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.


Air Force Falcons at San Diego State Aztecs (-17.5)

The Falcons held San Jose State to 30.2 percent shooting Wednesday and edged the Spartans 51-48 for their first victory in nearly a month. Leading scorer Tre' Coggins returned to the starting lineup for the first time since serving a three-game suspension and finished with three points on 1-of-12 shooting. Coggins averages 16.8 points while shooting 47.1 percent from the field.

The Aztecs’ dynamic frontcourt has become even stronger in recent weeks with the emergence of forward Dwayne Polee II, who made three 3-pointers and scored 15 points against Wyoming. Polee was one of the few bright spots against the Cowboys, whose zone defense frustrated Thames and forced 13 turnovers. San Diego State has won 10 of the last 12 games against Air Force.

TRENDS

* Falcons are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
* Aztecs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.
* Under is 13-3 in San Diego State's last 16 home games.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.


Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (-2)

Florida enters this game on a 16-game winning streak. Patric Young will move into a tie for eighth for the most games played at Florida (136) when he takes the floor against Kentucky. The Gators will be trying to snap an opponent's home-winning streak of at least 20 games for the second time this season after ending Arkansas’ 25-game streak with an overtime win Jan. 14.

Many expected Willie Cauley-Stein to continue in his starting role after he took over for Noel following his injury last season, but Johnson stole the job in the preseason and the 7-foot Cauley-Stein hasn’t done much to prove he belongs with the starting five. Cauley-Stein has been held to single digits in eight of the last nine games, scoring three points or fewer in five of those contests.

TRENDS

* Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
* Under is 10-2 in Gators' last 12 Saturday games.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Kentucky's last six Saturday games.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

Incredibly hot North Carolina about to start grueling stretch
Justin Hartling

The North Carolina Tar Heels, winners of five straight, kick off a grueling stretch that includes four games in eight days against No. 23 Pittsburgh Saturday.

UNC has held opponents to an average of 64.2 ppg in their last five, while averaging 74 ppg themselves.

The Tar Heels are currently 3.5-point home faves Saturday.

Saturday's Olympic hockey cheat sheet

Here's a look at Saturday's Olympic men's hockey action (odds courtesy Bet365):

Slovakia vs. Slovenia (+625)

The countries may sound the same, but one is clearly favored over the other in Group A action. The Slovakians haven't exactly done much to earn such lofty odds - they were thoroughly trounced 7-1 by the United States in their tournament opener as goaltenders Jaroslav Halak and Peter Budaj looked mostly dreadful while the offense couldn't muster much of anything. But it's still a deeper and more talented team than Slovenia, which dropped a 5-2 decision to the host Russians but were outshot 35-14 as its opponent carried the play for most of the game.

United States vs. Russia (-154)

The first marquee matchup of the tournament pits a pair of teams who opened with big victories over weaker opponents. The Americans' triumph had to be more impressive considering the number of goals scored and the quality of the opponent; the U.S. broke things open with six second-period goals while outshooting the overmatched Slovakians 33-23 in the contest. But the Russians were solid in their own right and should provide a much stiffer test against a mostly inexperienced U.S. defense and have the benefit of home-ice advantage.

Switzerland vs. Czech Republic (-213)

Count on the Swiss keeping things close and low scoring; at least, if their first two games are any indication. Switzerland opened the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Latvia - a game in which it needed 59:53 to score the only goal - before dropping a 1-0 decision to Sweden on Friday. The up-and-down Czechs have also found themselves on both ends of the same result so far in the tournament - they opened with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Swedes before bouncing back nicely in a 4-2 triumph over the Latvians.

Sweden vs. Latvia (+1,300)

It may be difficult to envision a scenario in which the Latvians keep this one interesting, even with Sweden forward Henrik Zetterberg (herniated disc) out for the remainder of the tournament. The defense and goaltending have been impressive to date, and with Erik Karlsson, Alexander Steen, Daniel Alfredsson and Nicklas Backstrom still in the mix, Latvia will struggle to contain the Swedish attack. That said, the Latvians have been somewhat competitive in their opening two games and could keep things close for a while.

Bulk of cash on USA as they face Russia Saturday
Andrew Avery

When the USA faces Russia in Olympic hockey action Saturday, it will be the first real marquee game of the tournament.

Powered by Phil Kessel's three points, the States dominated a very good Slovakian team by a score of 7-1. And bettors have taken notice.

According to Mike Perry of Sportsbook.com, bettors like the underdog Americans to knock off the Russians.

"Eighty-four percent of the cash is on USA at +110," says Perry. "Seventy-three percent of puckline cash is backing the USA +1 (-175), while 80 percent of cash on total is on the Over 5.5 (-145)."

UFC Fight Night 36 betting: Mousasi can upset Machida
By MMAODDSBREAKER

The main event of UFC Fight Night 36 is a middleweight bout between former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (-230) and former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi (+190).

It’s a five-round fight, and UFC President Dana White has already confirmed that should Machida win, he will be next in line for a title shot at 185 pounds. But the line on Machida is too high and there is value on Mousasi, who could easily score an upset victory.

Machida (20-4) is the former UFC light heavyweight champion and he made a successful debut at 185 pounds in his last outing, besting divisional standout Mark Munoz via highlight-reel head kick KO. The 35-year-old Brazilian is known for his incredible striking and knockout power.

He has as good a resume as any in the entire sport, and many of those career wins came via knockout. In addition to his deadly striking, Machida also possesses some of the most underrated wrestling in the sport.

His only problem is that he isn’t active at times in his fights and in recent years, it’s cost him in decision losses to “Rampage” Jackson and Phil Davis. The Davis fight chased him out of the light heavyweight division and down to middleweight. While he had a strong divisional debut against Munoz, if he reverts back to his old style against Mousasi, he could be in trouble if the fight hits the scorecards.

Mousasi (34-3-2) made a successful UFC debut with a decision win over Ilir Latifi in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 9 last year. The 28-year-old Armenian is one of the most technical strikers in the UFC, using excellent jabs to keep the distance as well as mixing in many feints. And he’s a finisher, with 29 of his 34 wins coming via knockout or submission.

Against Machida, Mousasi will attempt to keep the fight standing and outpoint or knock Machida out on his feet. I think it’s going to come down to Mousasi being able to outpace Machida and, as long as he doesn’t get taken down and outwrestled by Machida, he will be able to make it very close on the judges’ scorecards.

This is likely to be a very technical affair between two high-level strikers, but ultimately Mousasi will be able to outpace Machida standing up and win a close and competitive decision.

tgunn11 said:

Basketball Crusher
Washington +1 over California
(System Record: 45-6, lost last 2 games and a push)
Overall Record: 45-61-3

Click to expand...

Rest of the Plays
Middle Tennessee PK over Southern Miss
Oklahoma +2.5 over Oklahoma St
Memphis +3.5 over Conneticut

NCAA Basketball Picks

Memphis at Connecticut

The Tigers head to Connecticut today after barely getting past UCF (76-70) on Wednesday and carrying a 10-1 ATS record in their last 11 games when failing to cover the spread in the previous game. Memphis is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Huskies favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's early games.

NCAA: Five teams that need to impress Saturday
By CHASE RUTTIG

With time running out in the NCAA basketball regular season, it is another crucial weekend for schools on the bubble looking to impress the tournament selection committee.

We look at the Top 5 games featuring teams that need to impress this Saturday.

Clemson (15-8)

Line: +4.5 at home versus Virginia

With an ACC win over Duke under their belt Clemson have earned their way into the discussion as teams on the bubble, but back-to-back losses to Syracuse and Notre Dame, as well as a recent 19 point defeat to North Carolina, have weakened the Tigers' resume. Hosting No. 16 Virginia, the Tigers could vault their way back into the tournament field with a signature Saturday win at home.

Baylor (15-9)

Line: -4.5 at home versus Kansas State

Baylor has fallen off the map during Big 12 play and has just three wins in their last 10 - two of which came against last place TCU. A team that has the talent to get to the tournament, Baylor desperately needs wins to make a tournament case. They can start by improving their position in the conference standings with a win at home over third place Kansas State.

West Virginia (15-10)

Line: +6 at Texas

West Virginia looks like it was left for dead at the start of Big 12 play, but Bob Huggins has coached up his Mountaineers into a bubble team. Wins over Oklahoma, Kansas State and Iowa State have West Virginia in fifth place in the conference. Winners of four of their last five, Huggins knows that his team could get themselves a massive win should they find away to knock off No. 19 Texas on the road.

Washington (14-11)

Line: +1 at home versus Cal

Coming off a much needed win at home against Stanford to end a three game skid, the Huskies 12-2 record at home will be tested against a tough Cal team. With a swing through Oregon to play the Ducks and Beavers on the horizon, C.J. Wilcox and company could start a streak towards the conference tournament with a win. Holding an unspectacular 14-11 record, they won't get to the tournament without a winning streak before March.

Maryland (14-11)

Line: +13.5 at Duke

Maryland's biggest problem in the ACC this season has been beating the top tier as the Terrapins have beat enough of the bottom feeders in the conference to hold a .500 record. What they need is a win over a Top 25 team and Duke may be the perfect opponent for them. Maryland has won two straight against the Blue Devils and another win over their rivals would definitely be remembered when it comes time to determine who is on the bubble and who is in the field of 64.

CHRIS JORDAN

500* Cleveland St

FYI: Up-to-date newsletters are now available in the Newsletter Thread in the Rubber Room.

Paul Leiner

100* Miami -4

50* Ole Miss +3

Game of the Day: Florida at Kentucky

Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (-2)

Florida can take a big step toward defending its SEC regular-season title Saturday night when the No. 4 Gators travel to No. 13 Kentucky. Florida heads into the showdown with a two-game lead over the Wildcats with seven games remaining, including a rematch with visiting Kentucky in the regular-season finale March 8. The Gators also remain in position to join the Wildcats as the only teams to finish unbeaten in SEC play.

Kentucky upset the visiting Gators in their last meeting in March, a 61-57 victory that came a month after the Wildcats fell to the host Gators and lost starting center Nerlens Noel to a season-ending knee injury in the process. Florida enters this game on a 16-game winning streak and one of its most valuable players has been point guard Scottie Wilbekin, who won’t light up the stat sheet on the offensive end but is one of the top on-ball defenders in the SEC. Kentucky has won four in a row and can match its longest win streak of the season with another victory

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: The Wildcats opened as 2-point home faves.

POWER RANKINGS: Florida (-17.7) - Kentucky (-13.0) + Home Court (-3.0) = Florida -1.7

INJURY WATCH: Florida - Dillon Graham (Out - hip)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "A lot of talk around this Florida team being the best team in the nation. They face Kentucky twice before the end of the season, the first being Saturday night in Lexington Kentucky. Can the Gators break the streak of six straight losses in Lexington?" - Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Huge clash in the SEC on Saturday when the Wildcats host Florida. The Wildcats have won seven of the last nine meetings since 2010 but they will need better transition defense if they want to make it eight of 10." -Doc's Sports.

ABOUT FLORIDA (22-2 SU, 10-9-1 ATS, 5-14 O/U): Patric Young will move into a tie for eighth for the most games played at Florida (136) when he takes the floor against Kentucky. He may have made the hustle play of the year in Tuesday’s win at Tennessee, sprinting for a loose ball under his own basket and diving between two opponents before saving it to a teammate just before sliding out of bounds. The 22-year-old Young should be able to take advantage of his matchup against 7-0 freshman Dakari Johnson, who turned 18 in September.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (19-5 SU, 11-9-2 ATS, 8-12 O/U): Many expected Willie Cauley-Stein to continue in his starting role after he took over for Noel following his injury last season, but Johnson stole the job in the preseason and the 7-foot Cauley-Stein hasn’t done much to prove he belongs with the starting five. Cauley-Stein has been held to single digits in eight of the last nine games, scoring three points or less in five of those contests. Wednesday’s game against Auburn was typical of his recent play as he finished with five points and six rebounds in 20 minutes.

TRENDS:
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Kentucky.
* Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
* Under is 8-3 in Gators' last 11 road games.

CONSENSUS: 63 percent of wagers are on Kentucky at -2.