Colgate Raiders vs Florida Gators Picks & Predictions for Sunday December 21 2025
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The Colgate Raiders travel south to face the No. 23 Florida Gators on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in a non-conference matchup at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET, with coverage on SECN+. This game features a disciplined Colgate team against a ranked Florida squad that has been extremely strong on its home floor. If you’re looking to break down more games on the college basketball slate, make sure to check out free college basketball picks throughout the season.
Colgate Raiders Preview: Efficient Offense, Tough Road Test
Colgate enters this matchup with a 6–5 overall record, though they have struggled away from home at 1–4 on the road. The Raiders are coming off a loss at St. Bonaventure but had previously won four straight games, showing they are capable of building momentum when their offense is clicking.
From a statistical standpoint, Colgate is one of the more efficient shooting teams in the country, averaging 77.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 50% from the field. Defensively, they allow 72.1 points per game, and while they are not overly aggressive in the passing lanes, they play disciplined team defense and limit mistakes. Colgate also averages 15.1 assists per game, emphasizing ball movement and shot selection.
Leading the Raiders is Jalen Cox, who averages 16.0 points per game while shooting 55.6% from the field and 81.8% from the free-throw line. Cox’s efficiency makes him the focal point of the offense, especially in half-court sets where Colgate looks to control tempo and limit possessions.
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Florida Gators Preview: Ranked, Physical, and Dominant at Home
Florida comes into this contest ranked No. 23 in the country with a 7–4 overall record and a perfect 4–0 mark at home. The Gators have rebounded well from back-to-back narrow losses to UConn and Duke, winning their last two games decisively, including a 102–61 blowout of Saint Francis.
Statistically, Florida averages 83.8 points per game while allowing 71.2, giving them a solid scoring margin. The Gators rebound at a high level, pulling down 46.2 rebounds per game, which is a major edge in this matchup. They also protect the rim well with 4.8 blocks per contest, allowing them to control the paint on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, Thomas Haugh leads Florida with 17.4 points per game, shooting 48.1% from the field. Haugh’s ability to score inside and out, combined with Florida’s physical rebounding presence, makes the Gators difficult to slow down, particularly in their own building.
Key Points to Watch For
- Home-Court Edge: Florida is 4–0 at home and plays with confidence in Gainesville
- Rebounding Disparity: Florida averages nearly 12 more rebounds per game
- Shooting Efficiency: Colgate shoots 50% from the field, keeping them competitive early
- Pace Control: Colgate prefers a slower tempo; Florida can speed games up
- Depth and Physicality: Florida’s size could wear down Colgate over 40 minutes
Colgate vs Florida Pick
Best Bet: Florida Gators to Cover the Spread
I’m backing Florida here because the matchup strongly favors the Gators in key areas. Florida’s rebounding advantage is massive, and that alone should create extra possessions and second-chance points throughout the game. When you combine that with Florida’s home dominance and defensive rim protection, it’s hard to see Colgate sustaining efficient offense for a full 40 minutes. Betting on sports and on Colgate is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Florida with the social sportsbooks. Getting the most out of your bets on Florida vs Colgate can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Lean Pick: Under the Total
Colgate’s best chance to stay competitive is to slow the pace and play a half-court game. Florida is capable of scoring, but if Colgate controls tempo early, this game may not turn into a track meet. Florida can still cover while the overall scoring stays in check.
Florida’s physicality, depth, and home-court energy should separate them in the second half, even if Colgate hangs around early with efficient shooting.
Final Score Prediction
Florida Gators 81, Colgate Raiders 67
Florida pulls away after halftime, using rebounding and defense to secure a comfortable home win while reinforcing their position as a ranked contender.
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