Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs Florida Gators: Sweet 16 Betting Odds & Preview

The University of Florida won back-to-back national titles a few seasons ago and is trying to enhance their championship pedigree with another run at the top.

Tiny Florida Gulf Coast, meanwhile, has no basketball pedigree, but is working very hard on one. 

The only 15 seed to ever make the Round of 16 is a 13-point underdog against the Gators Friday in a South Regional semifinal at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington (9:55 pm ET, TBS).

Florida, better known for its championship football teams, is favored by almost two touchdowns, but that didn't bother the FGC Eagles last week. They were 13-point dogs against Georgetown as well and won 78-68.

But Florida doesn't just win at tournament time—they cover point spreads as well. In their past 14 March Madness games, the Gators are 11-3 ATS.

Earlier this week, most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark.com opened the game at -12 with an OVER/UNDER of 132. Fast forward to Thursday, and the line was bet up to -13 and the total all the way to 135.

The Eagles (26-10 SU, 6-0 ATS) didn't shy away from playing some good teams early this season. They beat eventual ACC champion Miami in nonconference play and lost to VCU, Duke and Iowa State. Florida Gulf Coast then went 13-5 in the Atlantic Sun Conference, finishing a game back of first-place Mercer.

The Eagles then won three games in three days to win the ASC tournament, beating Mercer in the final.

So in just their second season of NCAA tournament eligibility, the Eagles have made the Sweet 16, becoming the lowest-seeded team ever to do so.

On the heavy side of this match-up Florida (28-7 SU, 18-14 ATS) won what was a weak SEC this season, going 14-4 in league play, then lost in the conference tournament to Ole Miss in the title game.

As a three seed, the Gators then began this NCAA tournament with a 79-47 drubbing of Northwestern State, then beat Minnesota Sunday 78-64. Florida is playing in the Sweet 16 for the third straight season.

With their two victory/covers last week, the Gators are 7-4 SU and 6-5 ATS versus teams that made the NCAA tournament this season.

Florida Gulf Coast is 3-3 SU and 3-0 ATS against tournament teams this season.