Madison Square Garden will host the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Jimmy V Men’s Classic on Tuesday night, showcasing four powerhouse college basketball teams. The event features No. 10 BYU facing off against a 7-2 Clemson team, followed by a marquee matchup between No. 5 UConn and No. 18 Florida, both of which have held national champion titles in recent years.
The doubleheader kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, where BYU aims to extend its current win streak to five games. The Cougars have had a strong showing recently, bouncing back from a narrow loss to UConn on November 15. Under the leadership of coach Kevin Young, BYU has decisively defeated teams like Wisconsin, Miami, and Dayton, even amidst challenges posed by a shortened rotation due to injuries. The absence of key players, including Nate Pickens and Dawson Baker, who suffered an ACL injury, has placed further emphasis on the starters. Highlight players such as AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Robert Wright III form a formidable trio, while Keba Keita offers a strong defensive presence and Kennard Davis Jr. provides versatility as a 3-and-D player.
On the other side, Clemson has started the season with a 7-2 record, with losses coming against Georgetown and Alabama. Historically known for a strong defensive focus under coach Brad Brownell, the Tigers have surprised many by making significant strides in their offensive game. A standout for the team is RJ Godfrey who has returned to Clemson after a season at Georgia, leading as the top scorer and rebounder.
The night continues at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN with a matchup between UConn and Florida, both teams navigating different trajectories this season. UConn has encountered challenges with key players missing due to injuries. Braylon Mullins has been sidelined for the first six games with an ankle injury, and Tarris Reed Jr. has only participated in four games due to a similar ailment. Despite this, the Huskies have shown resilience, defeating opponents like BYU, Illinois, and Kansas with a weakened roster. When healthy, UConn boasts one of the most complete teams in college basketball.
In contrast, Florida is striving to avoid its fourth loss of the season, having lost only four games throughout the entirety of the previous season. Under Todd Golden, the Gators have encountered difficulties, particularly regarding ball control. They rank poorly in 3-point shooting percentage and have committed more than 15 turnovers in multiple games. Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee, in particular, has faced hurdles in adapting to a higher level of competition.
The key factor that could determine the outcome of the UConn-Florida game is the health of Tarris Reed. The Huskies struggled against Arizona in the paint during his absence, which Florida could exploit should Reed remain sidelined. Conversely, a fit Reed could significantly alter the dynamics of the game, providing UConn with an edge in both defense and scoring capability.
As fans gear up for the classic, these matchups promise to be thrilling contests showcasing the depth and talent of college basketball at its finest.
