SEC Basketball: Florida vs. Auburn game preview, prediction, TV schedule
By Taylor Sturm
The Florida Gators sit tied with Kentucky and South Carolina at the top of the SEC basketball league, but could the Auburn Tigers shake things up?
TV Schedule: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:00 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Arena: Auburn Arena, Auburn, AL
Prediction: Florida 75, Auburn 58
The Auburn Tigers started off the 2016-17 season strong with non-conference wins over the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Oklahoma Sooners, and Connecticut Huskies, but have struggled heavily in SEC play, losing seven games so far.
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A different team at home than when they’re on the road, you never know which Tiger team is going to show up in any given game.
The Florida Gators, on the other hand, continue to roll over conference opposition, winning six straight after their home upset at the hands of the Vanderbilt Commodores. With games against South Carolina and Kentucky remaining, the Gators control their own destiny at the moment and could win the SEC regular season title by winning out.
Like I mentioned before, it’s hard to gauge which Auburn team will show up on Tuesday night. If it’s the team that beat a solid Alabama Crimson Tide squad by 20, then there is definitely a chance for an upset. If it’s the team that lost by 19 to Vanderbilt, this game could get ugly, fast.
Expect it to be close around halftime, but for Florida to show their superiority early in the second half and win this one big. The Gators are on a mission and while they may not be the most heralded team in the SEC, they are playing the best basketball in the conference right now.
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The Gators could easily secure a top three seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament if they win the SEC regular season title and top two seed if they win the SEC tournament, as well.