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Florida (5-3) vs UConn (8-1)
- When: Dec 9 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(15) Florida vs (5) UConn Preview & Prediction
Spread: UConn -5.5
Moneyline: UConn (-230)
Total: 147.5
UConn Huskies Breakdown
UConn enters this Jimmy V Classic matchup with absolutely no shortage of motivation. Last season’s tournament run toward a possible three peat died at the hands of the Florida Gators in a two point heartbreak. The Huskies have not forgotten, and this neutral site meeting at Madison Square Garden has the feel of a revenge mission.
The Huskies come in at eight and one and are red hot, rolling through four straight wins including an eighty three to fifty nine dismantling of East Texas A&M. They are doing this despite juggling rotations due to injuries. Star big man Tarris Reed Jr. has missed four of the past five games, yet the depth pieces are stepping up. Freshman Eric Reibe delivered thirteen points, six boards and three blocks while filling in, showing he can handle significant minutes.
Another name to watch is Braylon Mullins, one of the jewel recruits of the program. He erupted for seventeen points at Kansas and followed it with another double digit effort, despite having played only three games due to an ankle issue. UConn is trying to manage his role carefully, though coach Dan Hurley admitted that once Mullins finds his rhythm, he is going to be impossible to keep off the court.
Jaylin Stewart’s selfless approach has helped steady this rotation juggling act. He does not care about starting roles or spotlight, just contributing and defending. That kind of locker room vibe has helped UConn remain disciplined, smart and consistent even without a full strength roster.
With a deep bench, elite coaching and revenge on the line, UConn enters as the clear favorite.
Florida Gators Breakdown
Florida arrives at five and three and still carrying the swagger of the team that shocked UConn last March and eventually claimed the national championship. They nearly pulled off another top tier win last week, falling to Duke by a single point in a game that came down to the final possessions.
Thomas Haugh has emerged as the heartbeat of this team. His twenty four point performance against Duke showcased how far he has come as a scorer. He leads the Gators in points, rebounds and assists, and his versatility forces mismatches all over the floor. Florida will need him at his best to survive UConn’s physical interior play.
The supporting cast offers balance, with Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Rueben Chinyelu and Urban Klavzar all averaging double digit production. The challenge for Florida will be generating steady offense against UConn’s pressure and avoiding long scoring droughts. They survived one battle with the Huskies last spring, but this rematch will demand even more composure.
Florida has the talent to match UConn for stretches, but fewer reliable two way pieces, and their bench lacks the depth needed to keep pace if the game becomes fast paced or foul heavy.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
UConn has the deeper roster, the superior defensive structure and all the emotional fuel for a revenge game. Florida fights hard and has enough scoring to keep this competitive early, but the Huskies’ relentless pace and bench strength should take over.
With the total set at 147.5, this projects as a moderately high scoring game but not a track meet.
Final Score: UConn 76, Florida 69
Lean: UConn -5.5
Total: Under 147.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
