Florida Gators Gear Up to Face UConn in NCAA Tournament

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Florida Gators men’s basketball team is set to clash with the UConn Huskies in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday at the Lenovo Center at 12:10 p.m. ET, broadcast on CBS. Both teams are looking to advance to the coveted Sweet 16, with Florida last reaching this stage in 2017.

Florida, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, is fresh off a 95-69 victory over Norfolk State, marking their 12th win in the last 13 games. They aim to leverage their size and fast-paced offense against the defending national champions, UConn. This year, the Gators have a lot to prove after stepping into their position as the tournament favorites.

Meanwhile, UConn secured their spot in this matchup with a narrow 67-59 win over Oklahoma. The No. 8 seed has a consistent tournament history under head coach Dan Hurley, winning 13 consecutive NCAA tournament games. Despite a rocky 2024-25 season, UConn seems to have regained its momentum with six wins in their last seven games.

Key Matchups

• Height and Physicality: Florida plans to utilize its significant size advantage, focusing on rebounding and physical play. Hurley acknowledged, ‘Florida’s ability to shuttle in multiple big guys and crash the boards reminds me of some championship teams I’ve faced.’
• Tactics and Tempo: The Gators lead the nation in fast-break points. Hurley will look to slow down the game by managing ball control and avoiding turnovers, which proved to be an issue for UConn in their last game.
• Bench Performance: The Huskies received notable contributions from their bench recently, and Florida hopes their second unit can continue outpacing their opponents’ reserves.

Coach Insights

Hurley expressed the honor in facing a powerhouse like Florida, saying, ‘It’s all about fighting with some honor and giving ourselves the chance to play one of the best teams in the country.’

The anticipation for this encounter is palpable, with experts suggesting a close contest. A prediction circulating among analysts hints at a Gators victory, with a projected score of Florida 79, UConn 67 based on a balanced offensive attack and improved defensive intensity.

As both teams prepare for battle on the court, fans are left eager to see who will emerge victorious and secure a place in the Sweet 16. For viewers looking to catch the action, the matchup will be available on various streaming platforms.