Texas Tech vs Florida Picks and Prediction – 3/29/2025

The Florida Gators (33-4) and Texas Tech Red Raiders (28-8) meet in the Elite 8 with a Final Four spot on the line. Florida just rolled over Maryland 87-71, while Texas Tech needed overtime to edge Arkansas 85-83. Both teams come in hot, each with three tournament wins. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Texas Tech has found a rhythm at the right time, winning five of the last six. The Red Raiders escaped Arkansas in OT thanks to another big showing from JT Toppin, who leads the team with 18.2 points and 9.3 boards per game. Elijah Hawkins continues to be the engine at point, dishing out 6.4 assists per game. The team is shooting 46.8% from the field and 75.1% from the free throw line, while knocking down 35.7% from three.

Defensively, Texas Tech is allowing 69.1 points per game and forcing 11.4 turnovers. Toppin also leads in blocks with 1.5 per contest, while Hawkins adds 1.6 steals. The Red Raiders grab 36.1 rebounds a night and average 3.9 blocked shots. They’ll need every bit of that physicality against Florida’s high-powered offense.

Florida has won 9 straight and is torching teams with pace and shooting. Walter Clayton Jr. leads with 17.7 points per game, shooting 44.4% from the floor and a clutch 85.7% from the line. The Gators are putting up 84.5 points per game while shooting 48.9% overall, 36.2% from deep, and 77.9% on free throws. Alex Condon is doing work on the glass with 7.7 rebounds a night.

On defense, Florida is giving up 72.2 points a game, but its scoring margin still sits at +12.3. Condon is the top shot blocker at 1.4 per game, and Will Richard paces with 1.6 steals. They’re pulling down 39.2 rebounds per contest and stacking up 5.2 blocks a game, which will challenge Texas Tech inside.

Florida’s offense is just on another level right now. With Clayton leading the way and five players averaging double digits, the Gators have too much firepower. Texas Tech has relied on close wins and OT magic, but that won’t be enough against this Florida team shooting nearly 49% from the floor. Final Score Prediction: Florida Gators win and cover 84-74.