Nevada Basketball: Keys to Round of 64 matchup with Florida

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 15: Caleb Martin #10 and Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack walk up court during a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. San Diego State Aztecs won 65-56. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Cody Martin #11 and Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack discuss the play against the Loyola Ramblers in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Loyola Ramblers defeated the Nevada Wolf Pack 69-68. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Win the free throw battle

The Wolf Pack attempt close to 25 free throws per game while the Gators on the other hand are closer to 17 free throws per game. This may not seem like a large disparity at first, but every scoring opportunity matters in the NCAA Tournament as the pace of game play is much slower.

Due to this slower pace, the most important facets of games in the Tournament are three-point shooting, defense and free throws attempted. When comparing the Florida Gators and Nevada Wolf Pack in these categories, they both average a similar three-point percentage (34% and 35% respectively) and a close opponent points per game average (64 points and 67 points).

Therefore, the advantage of a possible 8 additional points from the charity stripe in this game for the Wolf Pack, could truly be the difference maker. I am not buying into the hype that the Florida Gators are a “tournament team” and that they are a popular upset pick in the first round.

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However, I do believe this game will be decided by five points or fewer most likely in favor of Nevada. It might all depend on if Nevada can make their free throws.