Prizing:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

On Friday, March 24th, the (26-8) Florida Gators will take on the (27-9) Wisconsin Badgers.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Florida 72.5 – Wisconsin 71.4 with an over/under of 143.9.  The Vegas Line has a final score of Florida 66.5 – Wisconsin 64.5 with an over/under of 131.0.

Statistics (2016-17 season):

Point differential: Florida +12.2 > Wisconsin +10.3

Points per game: Florida 77.9 PPG > Wisconsin 72.1 PPG

Points allowed per game: Wisconsin 61.8 PPG > Florida 65.7 PPG

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Wisconsin 45.3% > Florida 45.1%

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Florida 40.5% > Wisconsin 41.1%

Three Point Percentage: Florida 36.1% > Wisconsin 35.8%

Turnovers per game: Wisconsin 11.0 > Florida 11.9

Rebounds per game: Florida 37.3 > Wisconsin 37.2

Assists per game: Wisconsin 13.6 > Florida 12.6

Summary:

Wisconsin is (4-3) against ranked opponents this season while Florida is (2-4).  Wisconsin is averaging 74.5 points per game for in their two tournament wins whereas Florida is averaging 72.5.  Florida will be without big man John Egbunu who is lost for the season with injury.  Florida has proven they can win without Egbunu, but they are forced to play a different style.  I expect a low scoring game with two of college basketball’s elite defensive teams going head to head.  The Gators put up a defensive effort for the ages last game holding Virginia to just 39 points.  Florida wants to force turnovers and speed up the tempo but Wisconsin does a great job at taking care of the basketball.  Wisconsin knows how to finish games as the majority of their rotational players are seniors.  I like the Badgers to grind out a narrow victory with methodical half-court offense and stingy defense.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion talking Showtime Sports Doc on St. Anthony’s Bob Hurley with Brian Dailey.

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