Kentucky vs Florida: Home Underdogs

0:00On March 6, Kentucky basketball fans are gearing up for the regular season finale at Rubberina. The Wildcats host the Florida Gators, who clinched the SEC title with just two losses all year. Florida rides a 10-game winning streak into town, boasting huge average margins of over 23 points. Oddsmaker's list Kentucky as a seven-and-a-half-point underdog, with a total of 156-and-a-half points. That projects to an 82-74 victory for the Gators. Computer models mostly agree, like Kenpom and Bart Torbick, picking Florida 81-74, though ESPN's BPI gives the Cats a 37 percent upset chance. This March's the first time Kentucky is opened as a home underdog this season. The Wildcats sit at 9-8 against the spread at Rub, including 4-4 versus SEC teams. Florida shines on the road as favorites, going 7-1 against the spread away from home. The Gators have covered in four straight games and eight of their last 10.

1:02Back in January, Kentucky held them to single digits in Gainesville, their only close call during the streak. A win here could give the Cats a huge boost heading into the postseason, catch the action Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, with local radio on the UK Sports Network. It shapes up as a thrilling clash to close out the home slate. It shapes up as a thrilling clash to close out the home slate.