By Pete Fiutak | March 15, 2017 8:40 pm CT

Florida (25-8) vs. Virginia (23-10) Prediction & Game Preview

NCAA Tournament: Florida vs. Virginia fearless prediction and game preview.

– CFN March Madness Schedule & Fearless Predictions

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, March 18
Game Time: 8:40 ET
Venue: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
Network: TNT

All You Really Need To Know About Florida

The Gators overcame a rocky first half to roar past East Tennessee State in the second half in a 80-65 win. They perked up with a big 24-point day from Devin Robinson, and with enough defensive stops to start pulling away. There were just enough threes to get by, but they only hit 7-of-22.

That’s normal, though – the offense is just okay from three on a regular basis. However, the defense generates a ton of steals, it’s great at blocking shots, and when the pressure and intensity ramp up, offenses shut down.

All You Really Need To Know About Virginia

Virginia held on to get by a battling UNC Wilmington, getting by 76-71 with 24 points from London Perrantes and 23 from Marial Shayok. UNCW came up with seven more rebounds, and the O only came up with nine assists. It was a win, but it was a struggle.

The Cavaliers are No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense, liking to slow games down to a dead stop if they have to. They hit the timely three, they don’t turn the ball over, and are ultra-efficient from the field making 39% of their shots.

What’s Going To Happen

Both teams do a lot of the same things. They both play great D, they both get on the boards hard, and they both take advantage of their opportunities to keep control of games. Virginia, though, will hit a few more threes to get out of the slugfest alive in what’ll be a home game for the Gators in Orlando.