Ranked teams meet as #20 Florida hosts #12 LSU

LSU forward Tari Eason (13) and LSU head coach Will Wade, right, celebrate their victory over Tennessee in an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

by: Brian Holland

Posted: Jan 11, 2022 / 02:31 PM CST

Updated: Jan 11, 2022 / 02:34 PM CST

No. 12 LSU (14-1, 2-1) vs. No. 20 Florida (9-5, 0-2)

Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Two ranked teams meet as No. 12 LSU visits No. 20 Florida in a SEC showdown. LSU has two wins and one loss against ranked opponents this season, while Florida has won one of its three games against ranked teams.

STEPPING UP: The do-everything Colin Castleton has put up 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks to lead the way for the Gators. Complementing Castleton is Phlandrous Fleming Jr., who is putting up 10.6 points per game. The Tigers have been led by Tari Eason, who is averaging 15.1 points and 7.1 rebounds.EFFICIENT EASON: Eason has connected on 27.3 percent of the 33 3-pointers he’s attempted and has made 3 of 11 over the last five games. He’s also converted 79.4 percent of his free throws this season.

SLIPPING AT 69: Florida is 0-5 this year when it allows 69 points or more and 9-0 when holding opponents to fewer than 69.

ASSIST RATIOS: The Gators have recently created buckets via assists more often than the Tigers. Florida has 44 assists on 78 field goals (56.4 percent) over its previous three outings while LSU has assists on 31 of 69 field goals (44.9 percent) during its past three games.

TENACIOUS TIGERS: LSU has held opposing teams to 56.4 points per game this season, the fifth-lowest figure among all Division I teams.

(Story via The Associated Press)