Kentucky needs to keep the Florida Gators off the free throw line

The Florida Gators get to the free throw line a bunch.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Jan 3, 2024 3:43 PM EST

In this story:

The Cats are getting ready to start SEC play with a matchup against the Florida Gators in Gainesville. This will be a true road game for the Cats, and knowing they haven't played in many this season it could be a challenge.

Previewing this game, I was trying to find what stands out about this Florida team and one thing is their ability to get to the free throw line.

The Gators are 14th in college basketball and second in the SEC in free throws per game, attempting 25.8 per game.

For comparison, the Cats are 237th in the nation in this same stat, only averaging 18.3 free throws per game.

Now, the funny thing about this Florida team is they aren't the best free throw shooting team. They only shoot 65.4% from the free throw line as a team. All of the Gators forwards struggle from the free throw line but it just takes the one game where they get to the line 28 times and make 24 of them to hurt you.

The other reason to keep this team off the line is Kentucky doesn't want to get into foul trouble in their first road SEC test.

The Gators aren't the best shooting team. Make them jack up shots and don't let them get to the line and Kentucky should be able to take care of business in this ball game.