The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is officially set. On Saturday night in San Antonio, the Florida Gators and the Houston Cougars both staged thrilling second-half comebacks to punch their tickets to Monday’s national title game. Florida overcame top-seeded Auburn, while Houston stunned Duke in a physical showdown. This sets up a high-stakes final between a powerhouse looking to reclaim its past glory and a program hungry for its first title.
Florida vs. Houston: A Battle for History
Florida’s Road to the Title Game
The Florida Gators, returning to the championship stage for the first time since 2007, showed resilience and firepower in their 84-78 win over Auburn. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. led the way with a spectacular 34-point performance, becoming the first player since Larry Bird in 1979 to record consecutive 30-point games in the Elite Eight and Final Four.
Clayton’s shot-making abilities turned the tide after a slow first half. Auburn’s defense had no answer as Clayton scored from deep, off the dribble, and through contact. Florida trailed at halftime but found life behind Clayton’s heroics, outscoring Auburn by double digits in the second half.
Key to Florida’s Title Hopes
Florida’s fate on Monday largely rests on the shoulders of Walter Clayton Jr. again. The All-America guard has carried the Gators through the tournament, and now he faces his toughest test yet—Houston’s top-ranked defense. Florida will need to find scoring opportunities beyond Clayton and control the boards to stay competitive. However, if Clayton produces another legendary performance, the Gators could claim their third national championship.
“He’s playing like Kemba Walker did in 2011,” said ESPN analyst Jeff Borzello. “One more performance like this and he could lead Florida to glory.”
Houston’s Gritty Path to the Final
The Houston Cougars pulled off a stunning 70-67 comeback win over Duke, proving once again why they are considered the best defensive team in college basketball. Down by 14 points with just over eight minutes to go, the Cougars didn’t panic. They responded with physical defense, clutch free throws, and timely scoring.
J’Wan Roberts and L.J. Cryer played critical roles down the stretch. Cryer scored 26 points, including six three-pointers, and hit the free throws that sealed the game with under four seconds remaining. Houston’s swarming defense forced Duke to score just eight points in the final eight minutes.
Houston’s Key to Winning the Championship
To win it all, Houston must contain Walter Clayton Jr. While Florida is more than just a one-man team, Clayton’s impact cannot be understated. The Cougars have the tools to frustrate him—aggressive man-to-man defense, smart switching, and relentless physicality. Houston will also need to generate points in transition and avoid long scoring droughts that could let Clayton take over.
“They’ve shut down top players before,” said analyst Myron Medcalf. “If any team can stop Clayton’s run, it’s this one.”
A Rare Matchup in NCAA History
Florida and Houston have only met twice before, both times in the 1970s. Monday’s championship game will mark their first postseason meeting. Florida is chasing its third national title, while Houston is seeking its first after falling short in 1983 and 1984.
This also marks the Cougars’ seventh Final Four appearance—the most by any school without a championship. Head coach Kelvin Sampson, one of the most successful active coaches without a title, is hoping this is the year to change that.
“We’ve been here before,” Sampson said postgame. “But we’re not satisfied with just getting to the final. We’re here to win it.”
Expert Predictions
Analysts are split on the outcome of the game:
- Jeff Borzello: Houston wins 67-65
- Myron Medcalf: Houston wins 70-67
The game is expected to be a closely contested battle, featuring elite defense and star power on both sides.
Reliving the Final Four Drama
Houston vs. Duke
Houston’s comeback against Duke was one for the history books. Trailing 59-45 with 8:17 remaining, the Cougars used their signature defense and rebounding to mount a furious rally. A 9-0 run in the last 35 seconds flipped the game. Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who scored 27 points, missed a turnaround jumper that could have tied it. Cryer iced the game at the line to send Houston through.
Florida vs. Auburn
Florida’s comeback win over Auburn was equally impressive. The Tigers, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, controlled the first half. But Walter Clayton Jr. exploded after the break, hitting big shots and leading his team to a comeback victory. The Gators outscored Auburn 46-35 in the second half to advance.
When and Where to Watch
The NCAA men’s national championship game will be held on Monday, April 8, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:20 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast live on CBS.
With two hungry teams, a historic storyline, and stars ready to shine, Monday’s NCAA championship promises to be unforgettable. Whether it’s Florida adding to its legacy or Houston finally capturing its first title, fans can expect a classic.
