UF basketball announces capacity and safety information for 2020-21 season

The University of Florida released its guidelines for capacity and safety at Exactech Arena in the O’Connell Center in light of COVID-19.

Despite the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, we are just a week away from the scheduled start of the college basketball season. So far, no changes have been made to that plan.

But one thing is clear: It won’t be like a usual season. On Tuesday, Florida announced the maximum capacity of Exactech Arena for this season, as well as additional safety information.

Only 2,200 fans will be permitted to attend men’s and women’s basketball games, just under 22 percent of the arena’s full capacity of 10,133, a decision which was made in consultation with UF Health officials.

Fans will be required to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth throughout the entirety of the game, and a lack of compliance could lead to ticket privileges being revoked.

There will be increased signage at the stadium to reinforce safety measures and distancing guidelines and hand sanitizer stations. Restrooms will be one way in, one way out.

In an attempt to reduce contact between fans and staff, tickets will be distributed digitally before the game.

The Gators are set to start their season next Wednesday against UMass Lowell at Mohegan Sun Arena. Their home opener is scheduled for Dec. 6 against Stetson.

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Georgia at Florida odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Georgia Bulldogs at Florida Gators betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks.

The Georgia Bulldogs (12-9, 2-6 SEC) and Florida Gators (13-8, 5-3) tangle at Exactech Arena at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Georgia-Florida odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Georgia at Florida: Three things you need to know

1. The Bulldogs slapped the brakes on a four-game skip with a 15-point win over Texas A&M last time out. While they have been losing fairly regularly lately, they are 3-1 ATS across the past four outings.

2. The Gators kept Vanderbilt’s conference losing skid intact with a 61-55 win in Nashville Saturday, but the Gators failed to cover for the third consecutive outing.

3. Florida F Kerry Blackshear Jr. leads the team with 14.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and he is hitting his 3-pointers at a 31.7-percent clip across 21 outings. He is one of four players on the Gators roster averaging double-digit points.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!


Georgia at Florida: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Florida 76, Georgia 70

Moneyline (ML)

The Gators (-500) should win this one rather handily, but it’s not wise to risk five times the return on investment. The Bulldogs are +375.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Gators (-9.5, -110) have been having some trouble against the spread lately, although they are getting it done in the win-loss column. As such, roll with GEORGIA (+9.5, -110) catching the points. Plus, the road team is 6-1 ATS in the previous seven meetings, which also is a trend that points to UGA.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 142 (-110) is worth a light, light play, as it might be a sweat shop all evening long. If this game goes Over, it likely won’t be until the final minute. The Over is 4-1 in UGA’s past five against teams with a winning percentage over .600, 12-4 in Florida’s past 16 overall, and 8-2 in Florida’s past 10 after a straight-up win.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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