Michigan State looks to maintain the look of a title contender, while Florida looks to erase an underwhelming start to the year with a big win.
TV schedule: Saturday, December 8, 12:00 PM ET, CBS
Location: Exactech Arena, Gainesville, Florida
The Michigan State Spartans and Florida Gators are headed in opposite directions. But you already know that.
What you might not know is how wide the gulf has grown between these two programs since the beginning of the season, one short month ago.
The Spartans have two losses this season, but are still one of the top ten teams in the nation. Their losses are to Kansas (understandable) and Louisville (less understandable, but still valid in a hostile road game).
Meanwhile, they’ve knocked off the likes of UCLA, Texas, and Iowa, all by double digits.
Cassius Winston has been on a tear as of late, dishing out 18 assists in the last two games while only giving away the basketball once.
The Gators have not had the look of a top team so far this season and it’s hard to see that changing, despite plenty of talent on the roster.
Florida is 5-3, but it’s been a grind to get to even that point. If it weren’t for a gritty win over West Virginia earlier this week, the Gators would be a .500 team.
The losses aren’t so bad for the Gators. Two single-digit losses to Oklahoma and Butler – potential NCAA Tournament teams – make up a majority of the defeats.
But wiping the stain from their blowout loss to rival Florida State at the beginning of the season is proving to be difficult.
Only one player is averaging double figures in scoring, and they’re averaging exactly 10.0 points per game. Jalen Hudson is struggling mightily, averaging a lowly six points per game and tanking his NBA Draft stock.
Mike White is playing with fire by throwing freshman Andrew Nembhard on the court at every juncture, with the guard averaging 30.4 minutes per game.
Florida gets to play this game at home, which will give them an extra push. But with their best players struggling, it’s hard to see them pulling one out against the Spartans.
Prediction: Michigan State 78 – Florida 65