![Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) drives to the basket past Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09124058/florida-vs-uconn-prediction-12-09-25-1920x1280.jpg "Florida vs. UConn Prediction: How to Watch the Jimmy V Classic, Starting Lineups, and More")
College basketball fans are in for a heavyweight clash at Madison Square Garden tonight as No. 18 Florida faces off against No. 5 UConn in the Jimmy V Classic. While technically a neutral-site game, Dan Hurley’s Huskies (8-1) will likely enjoy a “home” atmosphere in New York City as they look to build on recent top-25 victories over Illinois and Kansas. Meanwhile, the Gators (5-3) enter the contest battle-tested by a grueling early schedule, aiming to secure their first ranked win of the season after narrow losses to Duke and Arizona.
With key injury questions looming around UConn’s frontcourt and Florida relying on breakout star Thomas Haugh to lead their title defense, this matchup promises intrigue on both ends of the floor. Below is a complete breakdown, key players to watch, and a prediction for this marquee Tuesday night showdown.
Florida vs. UConn Prediction
We get a Top-25 treat on Tuesday night, as No. 18 Florida battles No. 5 UConn in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. It’s a neutral court, and while the game is taking place in Big East territory, both fan bases travel well.
UConn enters this matchup at 8-1, with its only blemish against No. 4 Arizona. Ranked 7th in KenPom, the Huskies have notched top-25 wins over BYU, Illinois, and Kansas. The Huskies could finally be at full strength, as big man Tarris Reed Jr. is a game-time decision. Highly touted freshman Braylon Mullins is already back in the fold after missing the start of the season and has scored in double figures in back-to-back games.
MORE: College Basketball Top 25 Predictions
Florida comes in with a 5-3 record, but KenPom has them ranked No. 14. This speaks to the difficulty of their schedule to begin the campaign. The Gators’ three losses were to Duke, Arizona, and TCU, all by six points or less. Their most notable wins were against Miami (FL) and Providence.
Reed’s status could make all the difference, as Florida boasts a gauntlet of bigs in Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Reuben Chinyelu, and Micah Handlogten. This should be a great game, but the Huskies getting their leading scorer and rebounder back would give them the edge as the more complete team.
Florida vs. UConn Prediction: UConn 74, Florida 71
GAMEDAY.
🕘 9:00 p.m.
📍 New York, NY
🆚 Florida
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/XaOYUXUcpi— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) December 9, 2025
Florida vs. UConn How to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Time: 9:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- How to Watch (TV): ESPN
Projected Starting Lineups
Florida
- Boogie Fland G
- Xaivian Lee G
- Thomas Haugh F
- Alex Condon F
- Rueben Chinyelu C
Connecticut
- Silas Demary G
- Solo Ball G
- Jaylin Stewart F
- Alex Karaban F
- Tarris Reed Jr. C
