UConn Faces Top-Seeded Florida in Round of 32 Showdown

Defending champions UConn aim to extend their NCAA Tournament win streak against a Florida team modeled on their own championship formula.

UConn, the two-time defending national champions, enters the matchup as a No. 8 seed and a 9.5-point underdog to No. 1 seed Florida.
Florida boasts a high-powered offense, led by All-American Walter Clayton Jr., and is riding a seven-game winning streak after dominating Norfolk State in the first round.
UConn relies on its defensive strengths and championship experience, having won 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament games despite significant roster turnover since their last title.
Florida coach Todd Golden has modeled his team after UConn's recent championship-winning formula, while UConn coach Dan Hurley draws inspiration from Florida's past successes under Billy Donovan.
Both teams share a rare accomplishment in NCAA history, as the only programs besides Duke and UCLA to win back-to-back championships in the modern era.