- What: NCAA Men’s Elite 8 Game
- When: March 29, 2025
- Who: Texas Tech vs. Florida
- Time: 3:09 p.m. PST
- Where: Chase Center (San Francisco, CA)
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, seeded No. 3 with a record of 28-8, will face the top-seeded Florida Gators, who are 33-4, on Saturday at the Chase Center in San Francisco in the NCAA Tournament West Region Elite 8 matchup.
Texas Tech pulled off a remarkable comeback on Thursday night against the 10th-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks, yet another challenge from the SEC.
The Red Raiders trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half but managed to achieve the second-largest comeback in Sweet 16 history, ultimately winning 85-83 in overtime. Guard Christian Anderson led the team with 22 points, including three three-pointers.
So far in the NCAA Tournament, TTU has successfully won all three of its games but holds a record of just 1-2 against the spread (ATS), with the Over hitting in all three matchups. Since March 1, the total has soared in seven of the last eight games during the regular season.
Meanwhile, the No. 1-ranked Gators defeated the Maryland Terrapins with a score of 87-71 in San Francisco, comfortably covering a 6.5-point spread as the Over (156.5) also came through. The Gators have a perfect record of 10-0 for the Over in their last ten games.
Florida guard Alijah Martin, a key player in the FAU Owls’ astounding run to the 2023 Final Four, scored 14 points, including three three-pointers, seven rebounds, and two assists.
He was among six Gators to hit double figures, while guard Will Richard also connected on three shots from beyond the arc, scoring 15 points. This game marked Florida’s first cover in the NCAA Tournament.
Florida secured a win and covered the spread against Maryland, but they exhibited some concerning issues that could resurface in just two days. The Gators are now facing the injury of Alex Condon, who rolled his ankle badly enough to need a trip to the locker room.
Although he managed to return to the game, the adrenaline could mask lingering pain. Ankle injuries can be problematic, especially a couple of days later, making it harder for Florida to maintain their rebounding advantage.
Moreover, they will be going up against JT Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year, who excels in rebounding. The Red Raiders won’t be easily intimidated, and Williams, a solid 6’6 defender, can effectively match up with any of the Gators’ perimeter players.
Additionally, Florida committed 17 turnovers against Maryland, and such carelessness will not fly against Texas Tech.
Take Texas Tech and the 7.5 points in this one.
Texas Tech-Florida Best Bet
Best Bet: Texas Tech +7.5 points at -115 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
