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Sports Interaction Staff
Texas Tech (3) vs. Florida (1) Prediction: March Madness Elite 8 Odds
Texas Tech just pulled off the biggest comeback of the tournament. Down 16 in the second half to Arkansas, the Red Raiders didn’t blink—clawing all the way back and surviving overtime to earn their ticket to the Elite Eight. Now, they get Florida. And that’s a different animal entirely. The Gators have looked every bit the No. 1 seed they were projected to be, and they’re coming off their most complete performance of March so far. Tip-off is set for Saturday in San Francisco, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.
Texas Tech vs. Florida NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
Texas Tech won’t be intimidated—they just erased a double-digit second-half deficit to knock out Arkansas, and they’ve proven they can scrap. But Florida is built differently. The Gators have too many scoring options, they control the boards, and they’re peaking at the right time. If Tech can’t force turnovers or make Florida uncomfortable in the halfcourt, they’ll be chasing again.
Best Bets:
- Florida -6.5 (-110): With the way they’ve been closing games, especially on the glass, Florida is a solid play to cover this number—even if Tech keeps it close for a while.
- Over 156.5 (-115): Both teams are coming off 80+ point outings, and Florida thrives in a high-possession game. Even with the number climbing, this still leans toward the over.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech doesn’t flinch. They proved it again against Arkansas, erasing a double-digit deficit in the final 10 minutes before winning it in overtime. Sophomore forward J.T. Toppin has been their engine all season and delivered again, but it was the timely shooting from Elijah Hawkins and Darrion Williams that flipped the game. The Red Raiders are athletic, physical, and never out of it.
What they’ll need now is consistency. They can’t afford to fall behind early again—not against a Florida team that closes better than anyone they’ve seen in March. If Texas Tech can hang around and force Florida into halfcourt possessions, this one could come down to the final few minutes again.
Florida Gators
Florida didn’t just beat Maryland—they smothered them. The Gators dominated the glass, moved the ball better than they have all tournament, and had six different players score in double figures. Walter Clayton Jr. remains the focal point, but this team doesn’t live or die by one player. That’s what makes them so dangerous. Florida averages over 85 points per game and rebounds like a team built for April. When they’re playing downhill and getting second-chance looks, they wear teams out.
The biggest concern heading into this matchup? Keeping composure if Texas Tech turns it into a grind. The Gators haven’t faced much adversity in this tournament—but the Red Raiders bring it by default.