Jay Bilas likes the Gators

Jay Bilas does a breakdown of the Florida - Kentucky game and likes the Gators in a close one:

Who wins: Kentucky has more pure talent, but has not played its best on the road. I think that Florida's pressure, the crowd, and the ballscreen action the Gators run will win out in Gainesville, but barely.

Kentucky's X factor: Doron Lamb. This kid can really shoot it. Whether it is from range or off the bounce and inside the line, Lamb does a really nice job of working for the ball. He can catch-and-shoot, pull up, and when he gets his feet set, he drills it. Lamb averages 14 points per game, has hit 42 3s and shoots 51 percent from the floor and 48 percent from 3-point range.


Florida's X factor: Vernon Macklin. The senior averages 11.1 points and 6.3 rebounds and is a workhorse inside and on the glass. But Macklin does not shoot free throws well, hitting only 39 percent from the line.


Key stat: Turnovers and offensive rebounds. Florida needs to get out in transition and needs to get Kentucky playing at different speeds. If Florida can turn the Cats over, provide different looks, and play ahead of the defense, the Gators can win at home. Florida is not a great shooting team, so getting easy baskets in transition and getting offensive rebounds for easier second-chance opportunities will be critical. Kentucky has done a good job limiting turnovers and needs to attack the pressure to score and must be strong with the ball. Knight and Lamb should get opportunities from 3-point territory against the Gator press and as Kentucky passes ahead, skips it and drives it.