Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Florida Gators Pick – 3/29/2025

The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Florida Gators are set to face off in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 6:09 pm Eastern Time at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. This highly anticipated game will be broadcast on TBS and truTV.

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Florida Gators Game Preview

Texas Tech enters the matchup with a 28-8 overall record, including a 15-5 mark in Big 12 conference play. The Red Raiders have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, most recently securing a hard-fought 85-83 overtime victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks. In that game, Christian Anderson led the scoring with 22 points, while Darrion Williams and JT Toppin each contributed 20 points. Toppin also grabbed 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. The team shot 41% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc in that contest.

On the other side, Florida boasts an impressive 33-4 record, with a 14-4 record in SEC play. The Gators have been dominant in neutral-site games, maintaining an unblemished 11-0 record. Their latest performance was a convincing 87-71 win over the Maryland Terrapins. Will Richard led the team with 15 points, while Alijah Martin added 14. The Gators shot 50% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range, highlighting their offensive efficiency.

Betting Insights

According to leading sportsbooks, Florida is favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 156.5 points. The Gators' high-powered offense, averaging 85.5 points per game, contrasts with Texas Tech's solid defense, which allows 68 points per game. Bettors should consider the following trends:

• Texas Tech is 6-14 against the spread (ATS) in neutral court games and 4-13 ATS in tournament games.
• Florida is 25-16 ATS when the total is between 150 and 159.5 points and 27-18 ATS after scoring 85 points or more.

These statistics suggest that Florida has been more reliable in covering spreads in high-scoring games and tournament settings.

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Florida Gators Prediction

Florida's offensive prowess, led by Walter Clayton Jr. (17.7 PPG) and Alijah Martin (14.6 PPG), combined with their strong rebounding (39.7 RPG), gives them a significant edge. Texas Tech's JT Toppin (18.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG) will need to deliver an exceptional performance to keep the Red Raiders competitive. Considering Florida's consistent performance in neutral-site games and their offensive depth, they are well-positioned to cover the spread. The prediction for this Elite Eight showdown is a Florida victory with a final score of 88-78.