![Florida's Thomas Haugh (10) drives during the first half of an NCAA exhibition basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://cdn.pickdawgz.com/2026/11/2026-11-01T132448Z_1991000831_MT1USATODAY30246182_RTRMADP_3_FLORIDA-S-THOMAS-HAUGH-10-DRIVES-DURING-THE-FIRST-HALF-OF-1200x800.jpg)
Pick details
| MATCHUP | Miami (FL) Hurricanes | Florida Gators |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +4.5 -102 | -4.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | +180 | -218 |
| Total | Over 160.5 (-110) | Under 160.5 (-110) |
| Where | Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL | |
| When | Monday, November 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
Miami vs Florida Prediction
Miami has the talent to give Florida a run, and I love my dogs in a rivalry spot. However, Florida is as stacked as any team we’ve seen in recent memory, and I expect this group to hit the ground running. While many teams in the country will be adjusting on the fly due to insane roster turnover, Florida has guys that are used to playing together, and that should pay off greatly to start the season. I’d need more points to consider the Hurricanes in this spot. Give me Florida and the reasonable line.
Miami Betting Preview
Miami won 26 games last season and enters year two under coach Jai Lucas. Miami has made the NCAA Tournament in three of the last five seasons.
Miami returns Malik Reneau, who led the Canes in scoring last season, while Shelton Henderson is a preseason All-ACC contender. Dante Allen is an experienced guard as well. Miami snagged a legit playmaker in Acaden Lewis from Villanova and added size in Somto Cyril from Georgia. With the returning production and experience on this roster, Miami is a legit ACC contender and has a chance to turn heads immediately with this matchup. We’ve seen Miami football get back on track, but don’t sleep on the basketball program.
Florida Betting Preview
Florida won 27 games last season and enters year five under coach Todd Golden. Florida has made the big dance in each of the last three seasons.
In an era where many teams are brand new thanks to the transfer portal, Florida is stacked in production and experience. Florida returns an SEC player of the year candidate in Thomas Haugh. Alex Condon provides size and scoring, while Rueben Chinyelu is one of the best defenders in the country. Boogie Fland is also an experienced guard capable of taking over games with his playmaking. Florida is the clear national title favorite and should hit the ground running with its chemistry already in place. Florida is a safe bet to make a deep tournament run this season.
Why the Florida Gators will win
- Florida has won 10 of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Miami (FL) has lost 10 of its last 13 games played at neutral venues.
Why the Miami Hurricanes will win
- Miami (FL) has won 15 of its last 16 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Miami (FL)’s last 11 night games have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.
- Eight of Florida’s last nine games against the Atlantic Coast Conference at neutral venues have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Florida ranked 1st for points per game (93.0) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Florida ranked 1st for assists per game (23.5) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Miami (FL) ranked 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game last season (29.7).
- Miami (FL) ranked 10th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage last season (55.8%).
Randy Chambers's Pick: Florida -4.5
