Texas A&M (20-8) at Florida (24-4)
- When: Mar 1 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Where to watch: SEC Network
Florida vs. Texas A&M Betting Preview: Gators Favored at Home
With both No. 3 Florida and No. 12 Texas A&M locked into NCAA Tournament spots, the focus shifts to seeding and momentum heading into March Madness. Both teams took unexpected losses to unranked opponents this week, making this matchup in Gainesville a critical opportunity to bounce back and strengthen their resumes.
Texas A&M: Looking to Snap Three-Game Skid
Texas A&M (20-8, 9-6 SEC) is reeling after three consecutive losses, including an 86-84 home defeat to Vanderbilt on Wednesday. The Aggies have struggled with turnovers, shooting efficiency, and perimeter defense, areas they must correct to compete with Florida.
One major concern has been their 3-point shooting. Over the losing streak, Texas A&M is hitting just 26.7% (20-of-75) from beyond the arc, while opponents are shooting a scorching 42.1% (32-of-76) from deep.
Despite the struggles, Pharrel Payne has been a bright spot, making 13-of-18 shots in the last three games, contributing 34 points and 18 rebounds. However, Wade Taylor IV and Zhuric Phelps, the team’s top scorers, need to step up. Taylor went 0-for-9 from three against Tennessee, and Phelps has just two made threes in his last 13 attempts while committing twice as many turnovers (12) as assists (6).
With back-to-back matchups against No. 3 Florida and No. 1 Auburn, this is a defining stretch for Buzz Williams’ squad. If the Aggies don’t turn things around soon, their tournament seeding could take a significant hit.
Florida: Aiming to Rebound After Georgia Letdown
Florida (24-4, 11-4 SEC) had been rolling, winning six straight games by at least nine points, including a road victory at then-No. 1 Auburn. However, their 88-83 loss to Georgia on Tuesday came as a shock.
The Gators were buried early as Georgia shot an absurd 67.9% from the field in the first half, including 7-of-9 from three. Florida rallied from a 26-point deficit, taking the lead late behind Will Richard’s 30-point explosion, but ultimately couldn’t close it out.
“We got caught up in the moment early, probably didn’t play with enough poise offensively,” Florida coach Todd Golden said after the loss.
On a positive note, Alex Condon (6’11″) returned from injury, scoring nine points off the bench, giving Florida much-needed depth inside.
Despite the stumble, Florida remains a top-tier SEC team, boasting one of the best home-court advantages in the conference. Given Texas A&M’s struggles defending the three, the Gators could take advantage with their perimeter shooting.
Betting Prediction & Player Props
Spread Pick: Florida -9.0 – Texas A&M’s struggles from deep and turnover issues will be tough to overcome against a Florida team eager to bounce back.
Total Pick: Over 147.5 – Florida can push the tempo at home, and Texas A&M has struggled to get defensive stops.
Player Prop to Watch: Will Richard Over 18.5 Points – Coming off a 30-point game, he’s heating up at the right time.
Player Prop to Watch: Pharrel Payne Over 7.5 Rebounds – He’s been efficient inside and will be needed against Florida’s bigs.
Final Prediction: Florida 82, Texas A&M 71
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
