Florida (19-3) at Auburn (21-2)
- When: Feb 8 2025, 4:00 PM
- Where: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Preview
Auburn Favored by 9.5 | Total Set at 158.0
Two SEC powerhouses collide as top-ranked Auburn looks to maintain its dominance against a battle-tested Florida squad. The Tigers remain unbeaten in conference play, while the Gators seek another signature upset after dismantling then-No. 1 Tennessee last month.
Auburn Tigers (21-1, 9-0 SEC)
Auburn has been the team to beat in the SEC, extending its conference winning streak to 15 games, including three victories in last season’s tournament. The Tigers are riding a 14-game win streak overall and have established themselves as the most efficient offensive team in college basketball.
Leading the charge is Johni Broome, who averages 18.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. Auburn’s interior presence, featuring the 6-foot-10 Broome and 6-foot-11 Dylan Cardwell, has made life miserable for opponents, as the Tigers rank No. 1 in the nation in blocked shots per game.
Beyond the paint, Auburn boasts a lethal perimeter attack, with Miles Kelly, Denver Jones, and Tahaad Pettiford all shooting over 40% from deep. The Tigers have the highest offensive efficiency rating ever recorded on KenPom, and their balance on both ends of the floor makes them a legitimate title contender.
Despite their dominance, head coach Bruce Pearl remains cautious. He knows Florida will be one of the toughest physical matchups Auburn faces this season.
Florida Gators (19-3, 6-3 SEC)
The Gators have already taken down one No. 1 team this season, and they’ll look to add Auburn to that list. However, the health of Walter Clayton Jr. remains a big question mark. The team’s leading scorer (17.4 PPG) and primary playmaker (3.8 APG) missed Tuesday’s win over Vanderbilt with an ankle injury.
Without Clayton, Florida struggled against Tennessee in a 64-44 loss last weekend, showing how much of a difference his presence makes. In his absence, Denzel Aberdeen stepped up with 13 points and three assists in the win over Vanderbilt, while Will Richard bounced back from a poor showing against Tennessee with a 21-point outing.
Defensively, Florida must find a way to slow down Auburn’s high-powered offense. The Gators play a physical style, something Pearl has acknowledged, and they will need to control the paint while avoiding foul trouble.
Betting Prediction
Auburn is 9-0 in SEC play for a reason, and with their dominant home-court advantage, it will be tough for Florida to pull off another upset. If Clayton Jr. is out or limited, the Gators’ offense may struggle to keep pace with the Tigers.
Auburn’s size and defensive pressure should create problems for Florida, and the Tigers’ depth allows them to attack from multiple angles. With their efficient offense and a defense that can smother opponents, Auburn should cover the spread and continue their SEC dominance.
Prediction: Auburn wins and covers (-9.5), game leans slightly under 158.0.
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- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
