Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Florida Gators 2/14/12: Mitch’s Free College Basketball Pick Against the Spread Written by Mitch on February 13, 2012
Florida Gators (19-6) at Alabama Crimson Tide (16-8)
College Basketball: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 7:00 pm (Coleman Coliseum) Get Tickets
The Line: Alabama Crimson Tide +3 — Over/Under: 131.5 See The Latest Odds
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Two SEC rivals meet in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday as the Alabama Crimson Tide host the Florida Gators in an SEC tilt.
The Alabama Crimson Tide had big expectations placed on them and some of it by themselves but Anthony Grant’s team hasn’t quite lived up to them. Alabama is 5-5 in the SEC, 9-2 at home this season, in a four way tie for fifth place in the conference, and they are 0-3 against teams ranked in the top 25. Tony Mitchell has been suspended indefinitely, JaMychal Green is averaging 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds, Trevor Releford is averaging 12.4 points, and then the scoring drops off dramatically as Trevor Lacey is averaging 6.6 points. As a team Alabama is averaging 66.1 points and they are shooting 45.6 percent while defensively they allow 58.3 points and their opponents shoot a paltry 38.1 points. Alabama is still seeking a big win over a ranked team and a win here would get them that.
The Florida Gators are some the best shooters in the nation but Billy Donovan’s has lost two in a row and they appear to be stuttering at the wrong time. UF is 7-3 in the SEC, 2-5 on the road this season, and alone in second place in the SEC but three games behind Kentucky. Kenny Boynton is averaging 17.5 points, Bradley Beal is averaging 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds, Erving Walker is averaging 12 points, and Patric Young is averaging 10.6 points and 6.5 rebounds. As a team Florida is averaging 78.8 points, 15.7 assists, and they are shooting 46.6 percent while defensively they allow 65.9 points and their opponents average 65.9 points and their opponents are shooting 42.6 percent. This is the first of back to back road games for the Gators.
Alabama is 2-6 against the spread in their last eight home games, 2-5 against the spread following a loss, and 1-4 against the spread in their last five games overall. Florida is 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games overall, 1-5 against the spread in their last five road games, and 4-1 against the spread in their last five Tuesday games. The underdog has covered in six of the last seven meetings of these two.
With the total climbing here this is a good chance to fade the public action as I look for this one to be solidly under. I also have a strong play on who will cover the spread and I will post that in the Premium Area.
