March Madness Odds: Florida vs. Tennessee Battle for NCAA Tournament No. 1 Seed in SEC Title Game

The 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed during "Selection Sunday" at 6 p.m. ET following the conference final matchups wrapping up Sunday afternoon. One of the biggest remaining questions is, who will be the final 1 seed?

The final 1 seed will be decided in the aftermath of the SEC Tournament Final. No. 8 Tennessee and No. 4 Florida square off for the second time this season, with the Gators being dealt one of only four losses in an ugly 64-44 blowout on the road against the Volunteers on February 1st.

NCAAB handicapper Matt MacKay is here to share his latest insight on each team's qualifications to become the final 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, along with some analysis on the upcoming SEC Tournament Final between Tennessee and Florida on Sunday afternoon. Follow Matt's X account for more NCAAB betting insight and free picks during March Madness.

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Tennessee vs. Florida Odds

Tennessee vs. Florida Date, Time, and Where To Watch

• Date: March 16, 2025
• Time: 1:00 pm ET
• Where To Watch: ESPN

Click here for latest Tennessee vs. Florida Odds

Why Tennessee Could be the 1-Seed

Tennessee is coming off of a huge 70-65 win over 1-seeded Auburn in the Semifinal, advancing to a big rematch against 2-seed Florida in the SEC Tournament Final. The Volunteers are a stout defensive team under head coach Rick Barnes, ranked 14th in defensive rating (95.3) and 44th in offensive rating (114.2).

Florida was held to a season-low 44 points against Tennessee six weeks ago on the road in Knoxville. Since that win, the Volunteers have recorded big-time wins against No. 21 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama, and No. 3 Auburn on Saturday.

Tennessee is led by their back court, with G Chaz Lanier averaging 17.9 points per game and G Zakai Zeigler averaging 13.5 points and 7.9 assists per game. Jordan Gainey is another strong contributor in the Volunteers' back court, averaging 11 points, while 6-10 Igor Milicic and C Felix Okpara combine for 13.4 rebounds per game.

If Tennessee can beat the Gators for a second consecutive time, they'll most likely climb into the final 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. I just don't think anyone, including the Volunteers' smothering defense, can stop Florida's potent offense right now.

Check out CBB expert Christian Odjakjian's full breakdown and betting pick for Tennessee vs. Florida in the SEC Championship Game today

Why Florida Should be the 1-Seed

Florida looks like a freight train right now. The Gators are led by their back court, with Walter Clayton leading all scorers with 17.4 points per game. Alijah Martin and Will Richard each average over 13.5 points per game, while 6-11 F Alex Condon averages 11.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

The Gators have scored at least 90 points in four consecutive matchups, routing Missouri and Alabama in the SEC Tournament. They haven't faced a defense as talented as Tennessee's. However, the Volunteers have allowed 72 or more points in three of their last five games against opponents including Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas.

Florida has won seven straight games on neutral courts and have the revenge narrative on their minds heading into this rematch against Tennessee. The Gators won the first matchup, 73-43 at home, then lost 64-44 on the road against the Volunteers three weeks after their dominant win.

Both teams are playing well right now but I'll take great offense over great defense in this scenario. Expect Florida, under third-year head coach Todd Golden, to win the SEC Tournament Final and claim the final No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.