The first Elite Eight game of this year’s tournament will be between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Florida Gators. Both teams are now just one win away from the Final Four. Texas Tech enters this game as the No. 9 seed in the Midwest Region and is looking to continue its Cinderella run, while No. 3 seed Florida aims to assert its dominance and advance to the national semifinals.
Texas Tech’s journey to this point has been one defined by its resiliency. This was on full display in their most recent contest against Arkansas where they had to overcome a 16-point deficit to edge out the Razorbacks in overtime 85-83. The Red Raiders leaned heavily on their starting lineup with five players logging over 37 minutes. Christian Anderson led the charge with 22 points, while JT Toppin posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Florida meanwhile cruised past Maryland in its Sweet 16 matchup turning a slim halftime lead into a comfortable 87-71 victory. The Gators shot an efficient 50% from the field, using a mix of their depth and balanced attack to wear down the Terrapins. Rueben Chinyelu led the way with 15 points for Florida. Will Richard added 14. With UF’s depth and Texas Tech’s grit, this Elite Eight matchup promises to be an exciting showdown.
Game/Team Matchup Info
Texas Tech is coming into this game with a 28-8 record, including a 16-6 mark in the Big 12. The Red Raiders average 80.9 points per game while allowing 68.0. Their offense is led by sophomore Forward Toppin, who averages 18.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Texas Tech is 5-3 in neutral-site games this season, showing they can compete away from home.
Florida enters this game with a 33-4 overall record, with a 17-4 record in the SEC. The Gators average 85.5 points per game and allow 69.4, making them one of the most balanced teams in the tournament. Senior Guard Walter Clayton Jr. leads the team with 17.7 points per game while Will Richard contributes 16.1. Florida is undefeated (11-0) in neutral-site games, proving their ability to thrive in tournament settings.
According to BetMGM, Florida enters as a 6.5-point favorite, with a money line of -285 while Texas Tech sits at +225. The over/under for total points is set at 156.5, suggesting an up-tempo, high-scoring affair. These teams last met in the NCAA Tournament back in 2018, with Texas Tech winning outlasting Florida to win 69-66.
Texas Tech’s Keys to Victory
For Texas Tech to pull off the win this time around, it will need to be able to control Florida’s pace of play and avoid getting into a track meet with the Gators. The Red Raiders thrive in structured half-court sets, relying on their defense to slow down high-powered offenses. Their defensive effort will have to continue against this Gators team’s lowest-scoring performance was 77 points, which was enough to knock off the two-time defending National Champions UConn.
Toppin will also need to have another big game for Texas Tech to succeed. Toppin has been a consistent force during the tournament, with his ability to battle inside against Florida’s physical frontcourt will be a key factor. Additionally, Elijah Hawkins must also continue to facilitate their offense efficiently, as he leads the team with 6.2 assists per game.
Three-point shooting will likely also play a major role. Texas Tech shot just 25% from deep against Arkansas, a number that must improve to keep pace with Florida’s scoring. If the Red Raiders can knock down outside shots and control the glass, they’ll have a chance to grind out a win.
Florida’s Keys to Victory
Florida has been able to lean on their depth and offensive efficiency throughout the tournament, and they will look to continue to do so in this contest. The Gators have been able to wear teams down by pushing the pace and getting contributions from multiple players. They have put up 95, 77, and 87-point performances in the tournament while shooting 48.6% from the field, making them one of the most potent offenses remaining.
The backcourt duo of Clayton Jr. and Richard will be crucial in this matchup. Clayton Jr. leads the Gators in scoring, but the combination of his and Richard’s abilities to create shots and attack Texas Tech’s perimeter defense will be key to them advancing. The Gators will also need Alijah Martin to step up, as he provides a strong scoring presence off the bench.
Defensively, Florida must focus on containing Toppin and limiting second-chance opportunities as much as possible. The Gators have the size to disrupt Texas Tech’s interior offense, and if they can force the Red Raiders into contested shots and push the pace in transition. Florida will have a clear path to victory.
Player To Watch for Texas Tech: JT Toppin
Throughout Texas Tech’s season, Toppin has been the most reliable player, and he’s continued to do so in this tournament. The 6-foot-9 forward will have to continue leading this team if they have any chance of moving on to the next round. With his greatest strengths being to score inside and rebound at a high level, Toppin gives the Red Raiders a potential advantage which could be the difference in this game.
Against Florida’s big men, Toppin will need to be aggressive on both ends of the floor. If he can stay out of foul trouble and continue his strong play, Texas Tech will have a chance to keep this game close and even come out with the win.
Player To Watch for Florida: Walter Clayton Jr.
Clayton Jr. has been the engine of Florida’s offense, he is a multi-faceted scorer who can attack the rim, shoot from deep, and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to handle Texas Tech’s defensive pressure will be vital in Florida’s chances.
Clayton’s playmaking has helped Florida maintain its offensive efficiency throughout the tournament. If he can control the tempo of this game and keep the Gators’ offense clicking, they will be in a strong position to advance to the Final Four.
Final Thoughts
This being the first of the four Elite Eight matchups, will give onlookers their first taste of two impressive yet contrasting playing styles. Florida’s strengths lie within their offense being able to be consistently fast-paced, while Texas Tech is more focused on their defensive intensity. The Gators might enter this game as the favorites. However, the Red Raiders have shown more times than not that they are just as capable as any team left, and have the talent to make this a competitive contest to the final minutes.
For Florida to move on, pushing the pace and taking advantage of their extensive depth to wear down Texas Tech will be key. For the Red Raiders, finding a way to slow down the game and knocking down their open opportunities in their half-court sets will be crucial. Whichever team can execute their game plan most effectively will be the first team in the 2025 NCAA Tournament to advance to the Final Four.
