Sweet 16: BYU Cougars (3) vs. Florida Gators (2) Thurs. March 24, 2011 7:27 p.m. EST

Throughout the entire college basketball season and heading into the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the BYU Cougars (3) have become relevant once again with leading scorer Jimmer Fredette lighting up the scoreboard every single night. Even though the Cougars have received some criticism throughout the season as they aren’t that great a team without Fredette leading the way, but he might be talented enough to lead them to a National Championship this season.

In their first two games of the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the BYU Cougars (3) weren’t exactly a dominant team as they only beat the lowly Wofford Terriers by eight points (74-66) and struggled at times against the Gonzaga Bulldogs (89-67), but if they want to advance to the Sweet 16 they will have to get past a resurgent Florida Gators (2) squad that has become relevant once again.

Even though not many people have expected much from Billy Donovan’s squad in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the have exceeded expectations at this point in time despite being a number two seed in the tournament. With an impressive win over UCSB (79-51) and the UCLA Bruins (73-65), the Florida Gators (2) have been able to reach the Sweet 16, but they will definitely have their work cut out for them as they as they try to contain Jimmer Fredette.

As of right now, even though everyone has jumped on the Jimmer Fredette bandwagon, the Florida Gators have been given the edge with a -3 point spread. This is a bit surprising to me as it could be argued that the Cougars are the better tea.

This game could really go either way as both teams are so good. But we believe Florida (-3) will get the win here and take down the BYU Cougars.

Take the Gators at -3.

The online sportsbook odds for this matchup are:

Bodog Sportsbook:
Spread: BYU Cougars +3 & Florida Gators -3
Moneyline: BYU Cougars +135 & Florida Gators -155
Over/Under: BYU Cougars 110 Florida Gators 110 under (149)

Bookmaker Sportsbook:
Spread: BYU Cougars +3 & Florida Gators -3
Moneyline: BYU Cougars +135 & Florida Gators -155
Over/Under: BYU Cougars 110 Florida Gators 110 under (149)

Related News

• March Madness: BYU (3) vs. Wofford (14) in first round NCAA Tournament action
• Jimmer Fredette’s BYU Cougars (3) advance to Sweet Sixteen
• March Madness: Butler to face #2 seed Florida on the road to the Elite 8
• March Madness: UCLA (7) vs. Michigan State (10) in opening round NCAA Tournament action
• VCU Rams (11) continue with blowout win over Purdue Boilermakers (3)