Who will Florida basketball face in March Madness bracket? Our 2024 First Four prediction is in

Florida basketball will play the waiting game before finding out its first-round opponent in the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.

The 7-seed Florida Gators (24-11) will face the winner of Wednesday night's First Four matchup between 10 seeds Colorado and Boise State, to be played on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio.

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Colorado (24-10) had an eight-game win streak before falling 85-78 in the Pac 12 Conference Tournament championship game on Saturday night. The Buffaloes finished third in the Pac 12 during the regular season.

Boise State (22-10) wound up third in the Mountain West Conference this season but bowed out early in its conference tournament, falling 76-66 to New Mexico in the quarterfinals on Thursday night.

Here's a scouting report and prediction for the First Four matchup:

Colorado, Boise State a battle of veteran coaches

Both teams are led by successful, veteran coaches who have had time to build their programs. Tad Boyle is 352–247 overall and 296-181 in 13 seasons at Colorado, leading the Buffaloes to five NCAA Tournament appearances. Leon Rice is 290-164 in 14 seasons at Boise State and is leading the Broncos to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Boyle emphasizes defense, rebounding and overall toughness, while Rice also emphasized defense and playing with fun and passion.

Both Colorado and Boise State emphasize defense

Colorado ranks third in the Pac 12 in scoring defense, allowing 71.2 points per game, while Boise State ranks third in the Mountain West Conference, giving up just 67.5 points per game. Both teams recruit to their defensive identity and have the ability to lock down opponents with their length and toughness.

Colorado is strong at the point

Colorado point guard K.J. Simpson is one of the best floor generals in the country, averaging 19.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists. A junior, the 6-foot-2 Simpson earned first-team, All-Pac 12 honors and made a strong case for Pac 12 player of the year.

“He’s having an All-American kind of year," Boyle said. "Looking at the numbers, he’s the best point guard in the Pac-12. It’s not even close. It’s not even up for debate in my mind. I think he’s one of the best in the country and I’ve said that for the last two, three weeks now. (He’s a) top 10 point guard in the country without a doubt."

Boise State is strong in the frontcourt

Boise State's top scorer is 6-8, 235-pound junior Tyson Degenhart, who is averaging 17.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. O'Mar Stanley (13.6 ppg) is another inside scoring threat for Boise State. The Broncos led the Mountain West in rebounding margin this season at plus-7.4

Prediction

Colorado 70, Boise State 65: Even though the Broncos are more well rested, and more rugged up front, the Buffaloes will continue their strong late-season run behind Simpson, who will emerge as the most dynamic player on the court and make big shots and big plays down the stretch.