RALEIGH, N.C. ― Florida basketball has played with a chip on its shoulder for much of the 2024-25 season.
The No. 1 seed Florida Gators (31-4) will attempt to summon more of that energy when they face No. 8 seed UConn (24-10) on Sunday afternoon.
As back-to-back defending national champions, UConn, under head coach Dan Hurley, takes a 13-game NCAA Tournament win streak into its matchup with the Gators. Florida, meanwhile, is playing for its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017.
“Even though we might be favored, I think a lot of people still believe that UConn is going to win this game because of their track record, because of Coach Hurley and the success that they’ve had,” Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said. “It’s on us to make sure we go out there and show what we’re capable of.”
Florida has been led by the backcourt trio of senior All-American point guard Walter Clayton Jr. (17.7 ppg, 4.3 apg), senior guard Alijah Martin (14.5 ppg) and senior guard Will Richard (13.4 ppg). UConn, meanwhile, is led by junior forward Alex Karaban, who is averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Florida basketball holds slim lead at last TV timeout
Florida stays up 27-26 on UConn at least TV timeout. Martin with 12 points, Clayton 8 points but eight turnovers have hurt UF’s offense. Gators also surrendering some offensive boards.
Florida basketball extends lead, forces UConn to call timeout
Walter Clayton Jr. sinks his first 3-pointer of the game, putting Florida up 24-20 on UConn with 4:54 left in the half and forcing the Huskies to call a timeout. Alijah Martin with 12 points for UF, Clayton 5 points.
Florida basketball holding slim lead at third TV timeout
Florida is holding a slim 16-15 lead at third TV timeout. UF shooting just 35.7% from the floor as UConn is playing elite defense,
Florida basketball stays up at second TV timeout
Florida basketball remains up 11-8 at second TV timeout. UConn 3 of 16 from floor but Florida has turned it over six times. Alijah Martin nine points, three rebounds
Florida basketball up at first TV timeout
Florida up 6-3 at first TV timeout. Gators with four turnovers to start the game, a bit loose with the basketball. Martin with 4 points. UConn 1-8 shooting to start the game.
Connecticut basketball starters
Ball G, Diarra G, Karaban F, McNeely F, Johnson C
Florida basketball starters
G Clayton, G Martin, G Richard, F Condon, C Chinyelu
Florida basketball vs UConn officials
Officials for Florida basketball vs UConn: Ron Groover, Courtney Green. Thomas Morrisey
Florida basketball vs UConn start time, location
- Start time: 12:10 p.m. ET
- Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, N.C. (cap. 19,500)
What channel is Florida basketball vs UConn game on today?
Florida basketball vs UConn prediction
Florida 79, UConn 67: UF will move on to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 with a balanced effort on offense and better intensity on defense. Look for senior guard Will Richard to bounce back from an off-shooting night and knock down big shots for the Gators.
Florida basketball vs UConn betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Sunday morning.
- Spread: Florida -9.5
- Over/Under: 150.5 points
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida basketball vs UConn score, updates, TV channel for March Madness
