Florida vs. Missouri: 2020-21 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

Florida Gators

Florida plays its final game of the season at the O-Dome, where the Gators are 6-2, against Mizzou. UF has ratcheted up its defense during its three-game defense, holding each of those trios of opponents to under 40% shooting as well as a combined average of just over 59 points.

UF has been one of the most efficient teams on both ends of the floor this year. The Gators shoot the ball well and are excellent on the defensive end. They do have issues with turnovers and defensive rebounding.

Coach Mike White uses a seven-man rotation and he likes to press a lot. Mann and Colin Castleton have been the catalyst offensively for the Gators. Mann, who is the reigning SEC POW after becoming the first UF player to lead the team in scoring and rebounds in back-to-back games since 1970, paces the Gators with 14.7 points along with 5.8 boards and 3.4 dimes. Castleton (12.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.3 bpg) has scored in double-figures in 12 of his last 14 appearances.

Tyree Appleby (10.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.2 apg) is averaging 12.4 points and 4.5 turnovers a game over the last four contests. Noah Locke (10.6 ppg), Scottie Lewis (9.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Anthony Duraji (6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Omar Payne (3.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.5 bpg) are the other top contributors.

Florida averages 75.9 points on 46.8% shooting from the field, 35.9% from the 3-point line, and 75.6% from the charity stripe. UF has a +1.4 rebound margin and a +0.6 turnover differential. The Gators allow 69.9 points on 41.8% shooting from the field, 30.4% from the 3-point line, and force 15.1 turnovers.

Prediction: Florida is the more athletic and has been playing better offensively recently. Plus, I really like the way the Gators have been active on the defensive end of late. So, I’m going with the Gators to match their season-high four-game winning streak.  UF wins 73-67.