The March Madness action heats up as the two-time defending national champion Connecticut Huskies take on the top-seeded Florida Gators in a highly anticipated West Region second-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The game is set for Sunday, March 23, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., with tipoff at 12:10 p.m. ET. Basketball fans and bettors alike are eager to see if UConn can continue its dominant postseason legacy or if Florida will prove why it’s the No. 1 seed in the region.
UConn vs. Florida: Latest Odds & Betting Lines
According to the latest UConn vs. Florida odds from SportsLine consensus, the Gators enter as 9.5-point favorites, while the over/under for total points scored is set at 150.5. Florida is also a -485 money-line favorite, meaning they are heavily favored to advance.
- Spread: Florida -9.5
- Over/Under: 150.5 total points
- Money Line: Florida -485, UConn +367
- Florida Total Points Over/Under: 80.5
How These Teams Match Up
Florida Gators (31-4, No. 1 Seed in West Region)
The Florida Gators have been one of the most electrifying teams in college basketball this season, averaging over 80 points per game in 29 contests—ranking second nationally. Florida breezed through its first-round matchup against Norfolk State with a dominant 95-69 victory. The Gators have a strong tournament pedigree with a 49-22 all-time NCAA Tournament record across 25 appearances and are seeking their third national championship.
Connecticut Huskies (24-10, No. 8 Seed in West Region)
The UConn Huskies are no strangers to March Madness success, having won six national championships—tied with North Carolina for the third-most in NCAA history. Connecticut enters this game after a gritty 67-59 first-round win over Oklahoma. The Huskies boast a 72-32 overall tournament record, making them one of the most successful programs in the history of the event.
Why Florida Can Cover the Spread
Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been on fire in NCAA Tournament play, averaging 23.7 points in three career March Madness games. He dropped 23 points with five rebounds and two steals in Florida’s first-round win over Norfolk State, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage. Clayton was also instrumental in Florida’s SEC Tournament championship win over Tennessee, scoring 22 points with five rebounds and two assists.
Additionally, Alijah Martin, a fifth-year senior transfer from Florida Atlantic, has provided a significant offensive boost. The 6-foot-2 guard is averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season. He contributed 17 points in Florida’s first-round win and has been a consistent scoring threat throughout the year.
Why UConn Can Cover the Spread
Sophomore guard Solo Ball has been UConn’s leading scorer, averaging 14.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 42.2% from three-point range. He played a key role in the Huskies’ first-round victory over Oklahoma, scoring 14 points with five rebounds, one block, and one steal.
Junior forward Alex Karaban brings a wealth of NCAA Tournament experience, leading all active Division I players with 13 career tournament starts. The 6-foot-8 forward was a 2024-25 All-Big East Second Team selection and had a strong showing in UConn’s opening-round game, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets for UConn vs. Florida
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times, has been on an incredible run, going 228-166 (+2025 units) on all top-rated college basketball picks since 2023. The model has also accurately predicted 24 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds over the last six tournaments, making it a must-follow for bettors looking for an edge.
The model leans Over on the total, projecting 154 combined points and has also generated an against-the-spread pick that cashes in over 60% of simulations. Before making your own bets, be sure to check the SportsLine model’s predictions for UConn vs. Florida.
Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?
This second-round showdown between Florida and UConn promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. While Florida’s high-powered offense and experienced backcourt give them an edge, UConn’s championship pedigree and battle-tested roster make them a live underdog. Will the Gators continue their dominant offensive run, or can the Huskies pull off a massive upset?
Don’t miss out on the action—stay tuned for more March Madness betting tips, expert analysis, and NCAA Tournament coverage right here!
