There aren’t many mid-major teams that carries as big of a threat to win the national title as the Nevada Wolf Pack. They will be in for a test this Thursday against the Florida Gators, who can be a headache to predict, but can definitely surprise. The Gators and the Wolf Pack are +20,000 and +10,000 to be the last team standing in March Madness, respectively.
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Betting Preview for the Florida Gators vs. Nevada Wolf Pack College Basketball Game on March 21, 2019
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
When: Thursday, March 21, 2019, 6:45 PM ET
Line: Florida Gators (+2) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (-2) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: truTV
Betting on the Florida Gators (19-15 Overall /9-9 Conference)
Florida was hot and cold in the second half of conference play and into the SEC Tournament. They were frigid the last time they were on the floor, as they lost to the Auburn Tigers in the semis of the conference tourney in a 65-62. Despite that loss, Florida had already made the biggest impression it could ahead of the national tournament. That’s when the Gators took down SEC regular season champs LSU Tigers in the quarterfinals, 76-73. The Gators don’t have a lot of talent like they used to, but they can defend to save their lives. They were 18th in the nation in the regular season with just 63.6 points allowed per game. KenPom had them 14th overall in defensive efficiency. That kind of defense was what kept their heads above water this season. They are more dangerous when KeVaughn Allen is at the top of his game. Allen is the team’s leader and best player. Still, he is only averaging 12.0 points per game, so he’s going to need ample help from his teammates in the Nevada game.
Florida is 4-0 against the spread (ATS) in its last four games.
Betting on the Nevada Wolf Pack (29-4 Overall / 15-3 Conference)
The Wolf Pack will come into March Madness on shaky legs. Expected by many to win the Mountain West Conference Tournament, Nevada got tripped up by the San Diego State Aztecs in the semifinals, 65-56. However, the Wolf Pack missed missed two of their best players in the Aztecs game, as forwards Jordan Caroline and Caleb Martin both sat out the game due to injuries. The two are still expected to play, which is good news for Nevada, which is among the most balanced teams in the nation. The Wolf Pack finished the regular season 14th in the nation with 80.7 points per game. They shoot 46.6 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from deep, and has a 54.1 effective field goal percentage. They do just as terrific of a job on the other end of the court, having allowed just 66.7 points per contest. With Martin (19.2 PPG) and Caroline (17.3 PPG) expected to be back in time for the tournament, the Gators will have their hands full trying to contain Nevada’s high-octane offense and trying to score against its defense.
The under is 6-4 in Nevada’s last 10 games.
Writer’s Prediction
Florida wins, 73-71.
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