NCAA Basketball: Best Bets for the Big 12/SEC Challenge

Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 21, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Canyon Barry (24) shoots a layup over Belmont Bruins guard Dylan Windler (3) during the second half at Amalie Arena. Florida defeated Belmont 78-61. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 25 Florida (-5) at Oklahoma

Oklahoma is not a good basketball team. Their upset victory over West Virginia was spectacular, especially given it was on the road, but this is a down year for the Sooners.

However, that game showed the Sooners were going to be tougher to handle with a healthy Jordan Woodard back in the lineup. The 6’0″ senior guard is averaging 17 points a game and was instrumental in defeating the Mountaineers in Morgantown.

Florida was humming along through most of December and the middle of January, but is 1-2 over their last three. One of those losses was a head scratcher to Vanderbilt on their home floor.

I think Florida will win this game, but it is going to be close. The Gators’ defense is solid and should disrupt the Sooners, but if Oklahoma is allowed to push the ball and create opportunities in transition, an upset would not be out of the question.

Still, I think the Gators will get the victory, but put money on the Sooners to cover the five-point spread. I think Woodard has a big game and keeps Oklahoma in it until the very end. Expect a victory of 2-4 points for the Gators in Norman.

Pick: Oklahoma (+5)

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