Connecticut vs Florida Picks and Prediction – 3/23/2025

Florida Gators (31-4) roll into the second round of the West Region to face the UConn Huskies (24-10) at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. UConn survived a tough one against Oklahoma, winning 67-59, while Florida dominated Norfolk State in a 95-69 blowout. Tipoff is set for 12:10 PM EST. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

UConn comes in off a gritty win over Oklahoma where Solo Ball led with 16 points. The Huskies have now won four of the last five games, showing toughness against Big East competition. Guard Hassan Diarra controls the pace with 5.7 assists per game and adds a defensive punch with 1.6 steals. The frontcourt is anchored by Tarris Reed Jr. who’s pulling down 7.3 boards and blocking 1.6 shots per game.

Defensively, UConn holds teams to just 65.1 points per game and they’ve been strong on the glass. Offensively they average 74.5 points, shoot 44.3% from the field, and 74.1% from the line. Ball leads with 14.6 points per game, shooting 44.7% and 84.7% from the stripe. If the Huskies are going to hang with Florida, they need another efficient game from him to win the rebounding battle.

Florida looks like a machine right now, riding a 10-game win streak and steamrolling through the SEC tournament. Walter Clayton Jr. dropped 20+ in three straight before the Norfolk game and leads the team at 17.7 points per game. The Gators are getting it done on both ends and averaging nearly 94 points over the last five games.

The Gators' defense allows 70.4 points and is solid in the paint thanks to Alex Condon, who leads with 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Offensively, Florida shoots 46.9% from the field, 36.2% from deep, and 75.2% from the free-throw line. Will Richard adds defensive help with 1.7 steals per game. If Florida keeps up this scoring pace, it's going to be hard to stop.

Florida has been steamrolling through top-tier competition and shooting the lights out. UConn’s defense is legit, but the Gators are just on another level offensively, led by Clayton Jr.’s scoring and Condon’s inside presence. Gators’ depth, scoring balance, and momentum give them the edge. Final Score Prediction: Florida Gators win and cover 82-70.