In the second game of the Metro PCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, the Gators will take on the Cowboys at the BB&T Center looking to get back into the win column following back-to-back losses.
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HOW THE OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
Florida is struggling right now, dropping two straight games and opening up the door for the Cowboys to get the win despite playing the Gators in the Sunshine State.
The Cowboys are outscoring the competition by 8.2 PPG and have won back-to-back games SU and ATS after a two game losing streak SU and three game skid ATS.
Oklahoma State has four active players averaging over 9-points per game with another just shy at 8.6.
Guard Leyton Hammonds ranks second on the team with 11 PPG, but put up 22 in just 20 minutes in his last game against Longwood. More impressive, however was his shooting accuracy, shooting 4-for-6 from the floor and 3-for-5 from three point range.
If Hammonds can keep his hot hand going, he gives the Cowboys a strong threat from the outside, but overall, he’s got a 38.1 percent mark from the floor and is making 36 percent of his shots from behind the arc.
Overall, Hammonds missed a few games and is just now getting back on track which is a great sign for Oklahoma State.
In addition to Hammonds, the team’s got a number of options in the backcourt including Jeff Newbertty and Jawun Evans amongst others and that’s even with senior guard Phil Forte III sidelined.
To cover the spread, they’ll also need production down low and that is where forward Chris Oliver comes in. Without Forte, Olivier—along with Hammonds—is one of the team’s top scorers.
HOW THE FLORIDA GATORS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
The Gators bring to the court an elite level defense that’s holding their opposition to 59.4 PPG and a 37 percent shooting percentage from the floor. Florida is also out rebounding the competition by over 10 boards per game.
Florida will need to be more potent offensively to earn this win both SU and ATS, but they’re also fortunate to be going up against a Cowboys’ team also lacking on the offensive end of the court.
Oklahoma State is without Forte and their current leading scorer, Olivier, has scored eight or fewer points in four of the team’s last five games; scoring 10 is the only exception.
As for Florida’s roster, forward Dorian Finney-Smith leads the team in scoring and was a preseason All-SEC team member. He’s got 13.9 PPG and also helps out in assists with 26, rebounds with 8.3 per game and blocks with seven.
One key advantage for Florida is height and talent in the front court. In addition to Finney-Smith, the team’s next two leading scorers are center John Egbunu and forward Devin Robinson, each with at least 11 PPG and 7.2 RPG.
In the backcourt, Kasey Hill, KeVaughn Allen and Chris Chiozza give the Gators plenty of depth.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This is going to be a low scoring game. Both of these offenses are weak and both teams thrive with a strong defense, able to block shots and prevent high-percentage shots.
The big difference between these two teams comes on the boards. The Gators are averaging 43 rebounds per game and have three strong rebounders up front.
Florida’s back-to-back losses are a big concerning, but Oklahoma State without Forte is a vulnerable team and playing in Florida gives the Gators that extra bump.
Florida 69, Oklahoma State 63
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