Game Preview: Florida Gators look keep rolling vs LSU Tigers
The Florida Gators have found new life within the past few weeks, and seem to be feeling themselves a little bit extra after a bye last week. The Orange and Blue return to Exactech Arena on Tuesday night, coming off a double-digit upset against the Auburn Tigers.
Now the Gators are welcoming the other Tigers into Gainesville as LSU will attempt to halt Florida’s momentum. LSU has struggled since the start of SEC play, claiming a 4-6 conference record and is 1-5 while playing on the road.
The Tigers most recently fell to the Alabama Crimson Tide at home and on the road against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Here’s how the teams will line up during the opening tip of Tuesday night’s contest.
Starting lineup: Florida Gators
Player | Pos | H/W | Class | Min. | Pts. | Reb. |
Walter Clayton Jr. | G | 6-2/195 | Junior | 30.5 | 16.0 | 3.7 |
Zyon Pullin | G | 6-4 /206 | Sophomore | 32.4 | 15.6 | 3.8 |
Will Richard | G | 6-4 /206 | Junior | 28.8 | 11.2 | 3.9 |
Tyrese Samuel | F | 6-10/239 | Graduate | 27.5 | 13.0 | 8.1 |
Micah Handlogten | C | 7-1/235 | Sophomore | 20.1 | 6.9 | 7.7 |
Starting lineup: LSU Tigers
Player | Pos | H/W | Class | Min. | Pts. | Reb. |
Jalen Reed | F | 6-10/239 | Sophomore | 23.0 | 8.0 | 4.6 |
Will Baker | C | 7-0/245 | Graduate | 24.5 | 12.4 | 5.1 |
Trae Hannibal | G | 6-2 /221 | Graduate | 19.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 |
Mike Williams III | G | 6-3/181 | Freshman | 20.1 | 7.9 | 2.2 |
Jordan Wright | G | 6-6/230 | Graduate | 30.9 | 15.0 | 5.0 |
Key Player: Walter Clayton Jr.
After a commanding performance against Auburn on Saturday night, it’s safe to say that Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. is back in the driver’s seat for the Gators.
The junior collected 20 points against Auburn, including three makes from beyond the three-point line and nine successful free throw attempts. Clayton also managed to rack up six total rebounds against a team that utilized three bigs on the floor.
Clayton has been playing clean basketball for most of the season and should observed as a threat against LSU.
Key Player: Jordan Wright
LSU has been riding the back of graduate transfer Jordan Wright all season long. Wright averages a team-high 30.9 minutes of playing time and is the most efficient starter for the Tigers.
Wright scores 15 points a game while finding a way to match five rebounds a game with LSU starting center Will Baker (5.1). The transfer’s only weak point is in shooting from three-point range, converting 32% of his takes this year.
Prediction
The Gators have the last six of eight games and are 10-1, so it’s pretty tough to bet against the Orange and Blue on Tuesday night. Florida head coach Todd Golden was thorough during his pre-game press conference while breaking down what the LSU Tigers are bringing to the floor.
If the Gators can force the ball outside and make the Bayou Bengals take some bad looks, they should be able to control the game.
Florida 81, LSU 70
BPI prediction
Using the Basketball Power Index, ESPN is giving the Florida Gators 81.5% win probability and projected to come out on top by 12.3 points over the Tigers. The matchup quality earns a 74.4-point grade, putting it 13th among the games being played on Tuesday afternoon.
How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network
Radio: Gators IMG Sports Network
Live Stream: fuboTV (try it free)
Read more
Highlights from Todd Golden’s press conference before LSU game
Florida jumps up in NET rankings after big home win over Auburn
Gators now in Basketball Power Index top 25 after Auburn win
Florida shoots up KenPom rankings thanks to win over Auburn
Gators earn votes in USA TODAY Coaches Poll Week 15 update
Florida showered with votes in AP Poll after big Auburn win
ESPN’s college basketball bubble watch thinks Florida ‘should be in’
Florida a ‘winner’ in CBS Sports bracket watch following Auburn win
Florida a double-digit favorite against LSU, per ESPN BPI
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