Elite Eight Preview – March 29, 2025
The road to the Final Four heats up with two must-watch Elite Eight showdowns: Texas Tech vs Florida and Alabama vs Duke. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tip-off, including matchups, betting odds, and score predictions.
Texas Tech vs Florida
🏀 Match Overview
Texas Tech has bulldozed its way through the bracket with elite defense and physicality, while Florida continues to win close games with poised guard play and clutch execution.
🔑 Key Matchup
- Darrion Williams (TTU) vs Walter Clayton Jr. (UF)
Clayton’s scoring efficiency will be tested by Tech’s perimeter defense, which has held opponents under 40% FG in the tournament.
📊 Prediction
- Spread: Texas Tech -2.0
- Pick: Texas Tech 68, Florida 63
- Why: Texas Tech’s physical defense and rebounding advantage will slow Florida’s guards and control tempo.
Alabama vs Duke
🏀 Match Overview
A Final Four-caliber battle, this game features two of the most dynamic offenses in the tournament. Alabama thrives in transition, while Duke’s strength lies in half-court execution and spacing.
🔑 Key Matchup
- Mark Sears (ALA) vs Tyrese Proctor (DUKE)
Expect fireworks as both guards are their teams’ primary playmakers.
📊 Prediction
- Spread: Duke -1.5
- Pick: Duke 81, Alabama 77
- Why: Duke’s depth and three-point shooting will give them the edge in a high-scoring, back-and-forth game.
What’s at Stake?
- Texas Tech seeks its second Final Four appearance in five years.
- Florida hasn’t been this deep since the Billy Donovan era.
- Duke is chasing title #6 under Coach Jon Scheyer.
- Alabama aims to make its first Final Four in program history.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
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