Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Venue: Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL
Broadcast: ESPN+
The Florida Gators (1-0) are set to face off against the Jacksonville Dolphins (1-0) at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Thursday evening.
In their prior matchup, the Jacksonville Dolphins secured a victory against Trinity Baptist, winning with a score of 78-65. The Dolphins committed 13 fouls while Trinity Baptist had 18. From beyond the arc, Jacksonville connected on 8 of their 25 attempts. Trinity Baptist shot 68.8% from the free throw line, making 11 of their 16 attempts. Additionally, Trinity Baptist accumulated 24 rebounds (8 offensive, 16 defensive) but did not achieve any blocks. They recorded 12 assists and generated 5 steals during the game. Defensively, Jacksonville allowed their opponents to shoot 41.1% from the field, permitting 23 baskets on 56 attempts. The Dolphins dished out 23 assists, forced 24 turnovers, and picked up 13 steals. They gathered a total of 31 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. At the charity stripe, the Dolphins converted 14 of 22 free throw attempts, giving them a success rate of 63.6%. Overall, Jacksonville wrapped up the game with a field goal percentage of 39.7%, converting 29 of 73 shots and making 6 of their 32 three-point attempts.
Key player Stephon Payne III made a significant contribution, shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field, finishing with 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting, and pulling down 13 rebounds in 20 minutes of play.
As they enter this matchup, Jacksonville holds a record of 1-0 for the season. They average 78.0 points per game, which currently ranks 182nd in Division I, shooting at a 39.7% rate from the field. From three-point range, they are hitting just 18.8% (6 of 32) and converting 63.6% of their free throws. Jacksonville is averaging 51.0 rebounds and 19 assists per game, placing them 78th in Division I for assists. They are committing 12 turnovers and averaging 18 personal fouls per contest.
On the defensive end, the Dolphins are forcing an average of 18.0 turnovers per game while drawing 17.0 fouls from their opponents. They limit rivals to 32.0% shooting from beyond the arc and are conceding an average of 65.0 points per game, ranking them 176th in points allowed. Jacksonville allows opponents a field goal percentage of 41.1% (23 of 56) and permits 34.0 rebounds per game, along with ranking 64th in Division I with 6 assists relinquished.
Meanwhile, the Florida Gators triumphed over South Florida with a score of 98-83 in their previous game. They nabbed 21 defensive boards and 3 offensive rebounds, totaling 24 rebounds for the game. The Gators turned the ball over 7 times and managed to register 5 steals. South Florida committed 21 fouls, allowing Florida to shoot 33 free throws, successfully making 27 for an 81.8% conversion rate. From the three-point line, the Gators converted only 5 of 26 attempts (19.2%).
When the game ended, Florida showcased a shooting performance of 52.4%, hitting 33 out of 63 attempts from the floor. They allowed South Florida to make 28 of 63 shots, translating to a shooting percentage of 44.4%. The Gators also faced a challenge on the boards, conceding a total of 56 rebounds to South Florida, with 14 of those being offensive.
Walter Clayton Jr. stood out for the Gators, showcasing a strong performance with 29 points from 10 of 15 shooting, adding 4 rebounds, and contributing 3 assists in 34 minutes of playing time.
Like the Dolphins, the Gators also own a 1-0 record. Offensively, Florida is shooting at a remarkable 52.4% from the field, currently ranking 80th in the nation. They have scored a total of 98 points so far this season, averaging 98.0 points per game, and are pulling down 37.0 rebounds. The Gators have 12.0 assists per game (placed 228th nationally) and turn the ball over 10.0 times on average. They are committing about 16.0 fouls per game while maintaining an impressive 81.8% from the free throw line.
On defense, Florida is ranked 293rd in the nation, allowing 83.0 points per game. They force 16.0 turnovers per game and have let opponents shoot 44.4% from the field (ranked 238th). The Gators are allowing 48.1% shooting from three-point range and opponents shoot 82.4% from the charity stripe. They also concede 16.0 assists and 32.0 rebounds per game, ranking 302nd and 158th in the country, respectively.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s NCAA basketball showdown against the spread?
Free Prediction: Bet on Jacksonville (+20)
