Despite Slow Start, UConn Beats Top-Seeded Florida To Advance To Final
The last time Florida lost, it was to Connecticut on December 2, 2013. The Gators won their next 30 games until tonight—the last time they'll lose this season—which was, again, to UConn. Uconn beat Florida 63-53 on a night they went the first four minutes without scoring a point and found themselves in a 16-4 hole more than halfway into the game. By the end of the half, UConn was up 25-22. Just like this one play in the video above, UConn turned the tables on Florida and they turned them quickly.
The 53 points from Florida were the fewest they scored all year. Scottie Wilbekin, hampered by balky knees, had only four points and one assist against three turnovers. The Gators had a rough shooting night, hitting only one of 10 three-pointers and shooting 39 percent overall from the field.
Uconn, overcame the slow start and shot over 50 percent from the field and five of 12 from the three-point line against the vaunted Florida defense. DeAndre Daniels had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, all defensive.
UConn awaits the winner of No.2 Wisconsin against No. 8 Kentucky and if Kentucky wins it could set up a name-brand matchup no one would have figured on this year. From Dan Wolken:
if Kentucky beats Wisconsin in the upcoming semifinal, the national championship game will feature teams from the seventh- and eighth-ranked leagues in the Ratings Percentage Index. And neither team was a champion of those conferences, either in the regular season or tournament.
[Tru TV]
Related
What Bruce Meyer’s Promotion Means for the 2027 MLB Lockout
Three MLB Futures Picks to Beat Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026
Why the NBA's New Anti-Tanking Ideas May Backfire
New England Patriots Have Major Needs After Super Bowl Loss
- Friday NBA Odds & Best Bets: Feb. 20th Top Basketball Betting Picks
- MLB AL West Future Betting Picks: Totals, Pennant Winner, and More
- College Basketball Thursday Picks: Feb 19th Best Betting Predictions
- Genesis Invitational Best Betting Picks: Scottie Scheffler Headlines Return to Riviera
- NBA Betting Picks for Thursday Feb. 19th’s Return From All-Star Break
- Best 2026 American League Central Season-Long Future Betting Predictions
- Tuesday Feb. 17th College Basketball Betting Picks and Predictions

