Latest prediction and betting odds for Texas A&M vs Florida basketball game
Latest prediction and betting odds for Texas A&M vs Florida basketball game
No. 12 Texas A&M (20-8, 9-6 SEC) faces its most challenging stretch of games to end the regular season, set to face No. 3 Florida on Saturday night in Gainsville (FL) amid the Aggies' three-game losing streak that has taken a toll on the fan base.
For head coach Buzz Williams, experiencing losing streaks is common, but this late in the season could jeopardize the Aggies' momentum leading up to the NCAA Tournament. Furthermore, if they incur two or more losses before the SEC Tournament in two weeks, it will adversely affect the program's seeding, which was previously as high as a 2-seed just two weeks ago.
On Wednesday, Texas A&M had a chance to get back in the win column against visiting Vanderbilt, but due to another poor shooting night, the Aggies got behind early before the Commodores pulled away in the second half behind guard Tyler Nickel, who hit a career high seven 3-pointers.
Ignoring that A&M's 3-point defense allowed yet another opponent to become Steph Curry for one night, the Aggies' late run to nearly tie the game proved that when their backs are against the wall, this team is nearly unbeatable. Still, the lack of early offensive identity will continue to be this team's achiles' heel unless something changes.
Before facing Florida, senior guard Wade Taylor IV is just 36 points away from breaking Texas A&M's all-time scoring record. Still, his inconsistent shooting has taken away from his shining moment, finishing 3-10 against Vanderbilt despite scoring 21 points.
This will be a "strength vs. strength" game where the Aggies once again need to limit one of the higher-scoring teams in the country (83.6 ppg) from pulling away in the second half. In contrast, Taylor needs to focus on taking efficient shots and feed forward Pharrel Payne and Henry Coleman in the paint.
Here are the updated betting odds before Texas A&M and Florida square off Saturday night.
Texas A&M vs. Florida game odds:
All college basketball odds via FanDuel:
Spread: 9.5
Money Line: Texas A&M +365, Florida -490
Over-Under: 110
Texas A&M Key Players:
Wade Taylor IV
Zhuric Phelps
Pharrel Payne
Henry Coleman III
Solomon Washington
Florda Key Players:
Walter Clayton Jr.
Will Richard
Alex Condon
Alijah Martin
Thomas Haugh
Texas A&M vs. Florida prediction, pick:
Texas A&M is a 9.5-point underdog for good reason, as the Gators rank among the hottest teams in the nation with championship aspirations. While Texas A&M's offensive struggles probably won't resolve this season, the Aggies have the potential to improve by concentrating on getting the ball to Pharrel Payne and minimizing turnovers.
A significant matchup is Wade Taylor and Zhuric Phelps against Walter Clayton Jr. Although Clayton leads the Gators in scoring, his defensive skills are lacking, enabling Phelps to penetrate the paint early and establish a rhythm. However, the biggest worry for the Aggies is facing forwards Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, whose collective size advantage could be an issue.
Realistically, I don't see Texas A&M pulling off the upset based on how the team is currently performing, especially on the road against the second best team in the SEC.
Prediction: Florida 85, Texas A&M 77
Texas A&M vs Florida channel, start time, streaming:
TV Channel: The SEC Network
Start time: 7:30 p.m. CST
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