Arizona (0-0) vs Florida (0-0)
- When: Nov 3 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Where to watch: TNT
(13) Arizona vs (3) Florida Preview & Prediction
Spread: Florida -3.5
Moneyline: Florida (-170)
Total: 163.5
Florida Gators Look to Start Title Defense with Momentum
The reigning national champion and No. 3-ranked Florida Gators kick off their season in Las Vegas against No. 13 Arizona, aiming to extend a 12-game winning streak that dates back to last year’s NCAA Tournament title run.
Coach Todd Golden’s Gators were relentless last season, finishing 36-4 and storming through the bracket with wins over top-seeded Auburn and Houston. However, the offseason brought major roster turnover, key stars Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard all moved on to the NBA, leaving Golden to retool the offense with a new identity.
Expect the frontcourt to play a bigger role this year. The trio of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu will anchor the paint for a team that plans to lean more on size and physicality. Condon, who averaged over 10 points and nearly eight rebounds last season, noted that the big men are ready to take center stage.
Transfers Boogie Fland (Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) should bring balance and pace to a reloaded lineup that still carries championship-level expectations. Florida’s tempo and inside-out attack will test Arizona’s defense from the jump.
Arizona Wildcats Bring Depth and Fresh Faces
The Wildcats, ranked No. 13, arrive in Las Vegas looking to spoil the champs’ celebration. Arizona lost key contributors Caleb Love and Carter Bryant, but coach Tommy Lloyd has reloaded with one of the nation’s most promising freshman classes.
Brayden Burries and Koa Peat headline the new group and could earn starting spots right away. The return of Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell’Orso gives Arizona a mix of experience and athleticism. Despite roster changes, Lloyd believes this team has the maturity and toughness to compete with anyone, even the defending champs.
Arizona finished 24-13 last year, making a Sweet 16 run before bowing out to Duke. This opener against Florida offers an early measuring stick for a program that’s now adjusting to life in the Big 12.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
This matchup has the energy of a March rematch, not a November opener. Florida’s new-look frontcourt will try to dominate the boards, while Arizona’s young guns will aim to push the pace and stretch the floor.
The Gators’ experience and balance should be enough to fend off Arizona’s youthful burst, extending their championship glow at least for one more night.
Final Score: Florida 83, Arizona 78
Lean: Florida -3.5
Total: Under 163.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
