1 seeds Florida & Duke prep for Elite 8 against Texas Tech & Alabama
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down Elite 8 matchups, as No. 1 Florida will take on No. 3 Texas Tech and No. 1 Duke will verse No. 2 Alabama.
Sports Seriously
Walter Clayton Jr. and No. 1 seed Florida basketball square off against JT Toppin and No. 3 seed Texas Tech in the Elite Eight of the West Region on Saturday night, with a trip to the Final Four and San Antonio on the line.
The Gators, winners of the SEC tournament, are looking for their first trip to the Final Four under coach Todd Golden, and the program’s first trip to the national semifinals of the men’s NCAA Tournament since 2014. Clayton Jr., who was named a first-team All-America selection this season, is averaging 19.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in three March Madness games this season.
Watch Florida vs Texas Tech basketball live with Sling TV
Texas Tech advanced to the Elite Eight in thrilling fashion, as Darrian Williams got one to bounce in off the glass with 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime to keep the Red Raiders from being upset by No. 10 seed Arkansas in the Sweet 16.
USA TODAY Sports has you covered with live updates, scores, highlights and analysis throughout the game. Follow here:
Florida vs Texas Tech score
| TEAMS | 1H | 2H | F |
| Texas Tech | — | — | — |
| Florida | — | — | — |
Florida vs Texas Tech men’s basketball betting odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, March 29
- Spread: Florida -7.5
- Over/under: 158.5
- Moneyline: Florida (-375) | Texas Tech (+290)
Florida vs Texas Tech picks and predictions
Here’s a look at who the USA TODAY Network’s experts have winning Saturday’s Elite Eight game:
When was the last time Florida made the Final Four?
A win for Florida would send the Gators to the Final Four for the first time since 2014, and would mark the sixth Final Four appearance in program history.
To get to the Elite Eight, Florida defeated No. 16 seed Norfolk State in the first round, No. 8 seed UConn in the second round and No. 4 seed Maryland in the Sweet 16.
Florida 7-9 player
Though he likely won’t play in Saturday’s game for Florida, TBS cameras may pan to the Gators’ sideline, where one player will tower over the rest: 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in men’s college basketball history.
Texas Tech injury report
Texas Tech has been without second-team All-Big 12 selection Chance McMillian for the last four games, though there is a chance he could return to action on Saturday vs. Florida after dealing with a strained oblique.
When was the last time Texas Tech made the Final Four?
A win for Texas Tech would send the Red Raiders to the Final Four for the second time in program history, and the first time since 2019.
To get to the Elite Eight, Texas Tech defeated No. 14 seed UNC Wilmington in the first round, No. 11 seed Drake in the second round and No. 10 seed Arkansas in the Sweet 16.
What time is Florida vs Texas Tech?
- Date: Saturday, March 29
- Time: 6:09 p.m. ET
Florida and Texas Tech will tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 29 in the Elite Eight of the West Region at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Where to watch Florida vs Texas Tech?
- TV Channels: TBS | truTV
- Live Stream Options: March Madness Live app | Sling TV
TBS will nationally broadcast Florida vs. Texas Tech in the Elite Eight on Saturday, with a simulcast airing on truTV. Streaming options for the game include the March Madness Live app (with a TV login) and Sling TV.
