Florida vs LSU: 2021-22 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

Having dropped their first two SEC games, Florida hosts LSU in a potential upset opportunity.

When: Wednesday, January 12 at 7:00 pm ET on ESPN2

Location: Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL

After an 0-2 start to SEC play, Florida hosts LSU in a matchup of two of the better defensive teams in the conference.

As mentioned previously, Florida has dropped their first two games of conference play, but did impress at times in their 85-73 loss at Auburn on Saturday. Despite trailing for a majority of the game, the Gators were able to keep it close inside Auburn Arena, and even used an early second-half run to get the game to within one point with about eight minutes to play.

Sitting at 9-5 on the year (0-2 in SEC), the Gators return home averaging 73.6 PPG offensively on a combined 42.9% shooting, as well as only allowing 63.4 PPG to opponents. Star forward Colin Castleton (15.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG) leads the Gators in multiple statistical categories, while Florida also has a deep and versatile backcourt featuring names such as Phlandrous Fleming Jr, Tyree Appleby, Myreon Jones, and Brandon McKissic.

LSU on the other hand comes to Gainesville with momentum after picking up two back-to-back impressive wins at home over Kentucky and Tennessee after dropping their lone game of the season in the SEC opener at Auburn. Defeating the Volunteers 79-67 on Saturday, the Tigers were able to build a sizable lead early in the second half, partly due to shooting 44.4% from three (8-for-18).

Sitting at 14-1 (2-1 in SEC), the Tigers are led by the No. 1 defensive team in the country (KenPom) allowing only 56.4 PPG to opponents, as well as averaging 76.9 PPG on offense. Ranked as the No. 12 team in the country, LSU is led by the duo of Darius Days and early SEC Sixth Man of the Year favorite Tari Eason, with Brandon Murray, Eric Gaines, and Efton Reid all also averaging 8+ PPG.

While you could certainly make the argument that LSU is the better team of the two, no game in the SEC this season is a given (especially on the road), and presents a potential upset opportunity here for the Gators. However, LSU’s defense will be the difference-maker on Wednesday night to help the Tigers prevail, but don’t be surprised if Florida picks up a very-close win either in what should be a low-scoring contest.

Prediction: Florida 71, LSU 75