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Let's call it like it is: Florida looks like a team built for the Final Four. Through three rounds of the NCAA Tournament, the Gators haven't just survived–they've imposed their will.
And now, with Texas Tech up next in the Elite Eight, it's hard to see that changing.
Sure, the Red Raiders are coming off an overtime comeback win over the Arkansas Razorbacks. Credit to them–down by 16 points in the second half, they rallied and hit big shots when it mattered. But we have to point out the obvious here: Florida is not Arkansas, and if Texas Tech gets buried in a hole like that again, they won't climb out of it.
The Gators are rolling. They took down the Maryland Terrapins in the Sweet 16 and made it look routine. Florida's trio of senior leaders (Will Richard, Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr.) kept the offense steady, but it was the bench that truly crushed the Terrapins' spirit.
A 29-3 bench scoring edge? That's not just depth. It's dominance.
This is where the Orange and Blue separate themselves from almost every other team left in the field. Texas Tech needed every last second to outlast a 10-seed (although Arkansas definitely played a lot better than a typical 10-seed). The Gators' Sweet 16 victory was decided well before the final buzzer sounded.
This Elite Eight matchup favors Florida in nearly every way. The Gators are deeper, better on the boards and shoot more efficiently. Although the Red Raiders have grit, that can only get you so far.
And let's not forget: Florida has already taken down the two-time defending national champions UConn Huskies and followed that up by steamrolling Maryland in the second half. Texas Tech barely survived its last test.
If Florida plays its games and keeps the turnovers to a minimum, this won't come down to the wire. It's time to stop wondering if the Gators are legit because they are. And they should punch their ticket to the Final Four following this game.
READ MORE: Expert predictions for Florida v Texas Tech in NCAA Tournament Elite 8
The Gators play Texas Tech in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 29 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Tipoff is set at 6:09 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on TBS and truTV.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Why Florida basketball will succeed in Elite Eight vs. Texas Tech
Continue reading...
And now, with Texas Tech up next in the Elite Eight, it's hard to see that changing.
Sure, the Red Raiders are coming off an overtime comeback win over the Arkansas Razorbacks. Credit to them–down by 16 points in the second half, they rallied and hit big shots when it mattered. But we have to point out the obvious here: Florida is not Arkansas, and if Texas Tech gets buried in a hole like that again, they won't climb out of it.
The Gators are rolling. They took down the Maryland Terrapins in the Sweet 16 and made it look routine. Florida's trio of senior leaders (Will Richard, Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr.) kept the offense steady, but it was the bench that truly crushed the Terrapins' spirit.
A 29-3 bench scoring edge? That's not just depth. It's dominance.
This is where the Orange and Blue separate themselves from almost every other team left in the field. Texas Tech needed every last second to outlast a 10-seed (although Arkansas definitely played a lot better than a typical 10-seed). The Gators' Sweet 16 victory was decided well before the final buzzer sounded.
This Elite Eight matchup favors Florida in nearly every way. The Gators are deeper, better on the boards and shoot more efficiently. Although the Red Raiders have grit, that can only get you so far.
And let's not forget: Florida has already taken down the two-time defending national champions UConn Huskies and followed that up by steamrolling Maryland in the second half. Texas Tech barely survived its last test.
If Florida plays its games and keeps the turnovers to a minimum, this won't come down to the wire. It's time to stop wondering if the Gators are legit because they are. And they should punch their ticket to the Final Four following this game.
READ MORE: Expert predictions for Florida v Texas Tech in NCAA Tournament Elite 8
How to watch Florida-Texas Tech
The Gators play Texas Tech in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 29 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Tipoff is set at 6:09 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on TBS and truTV.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Why Florida basketball will succeed in Elite Eight vs. Texas Tech
Continue reading...
