SEC Basketball: Florida vs. Mississippi State preview, prediction, TV schedule

The Florida Gators keep rolling against SEC opponents and don’t look like slowing down anytime soon. Do the Mississippi State Bulldogs stand a chance at pulling off the upset, even at home?

TV Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 18, 2:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Humphrey Coliseum, Starkville, MS

After a strong start to SEC play, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are in full freefall mode, as they have lost three straight games and sit at the No. 12 spot in the SEC standings. While they’ve kept several games close as of late, they just can’t seem to win. This season will most likely end without any postseason play for the Bulldogs, so a win at home against the Florida Gators would be their best moment of the season.

Florida, on the other hand, have won seven straight games after their back to back losses to the South Carolina Gamecocks and Vanderbilt Commodores and are currently tied with the Kentucky Wildcats at the top of the SEC. The Gators play both South Carolina and Kentucky as part of their final five game stretch of the season, meaning that by winning out they secure the SEC regular season title.

While it is highly unlikely Mississippi State can pull off the upset over this Florida squad, it should be noted that Florida has stumbled against “lesser” opposition already this season against Vanderbilt. With the two most important games of their season coming after their trip to Starkville, they have to be careful not to overlook the sneakily talented Bulldogs.

Next: Kansas vs. Baylor preview

However, Florida have shown already this season that they are up to the task against teams they should beat, and the Gators should cruise to a win on Saturday afternoon. They might not be as heavily covered as Kentucky this season, but overlook this team in March at your own risk.

Prediction: Florida 88, Mississippi State 64