We have finally arrived at the most thrilling stage in college basketball, the 2025 Final Four. This year's NCAA Tournament has made history once again, marking only the second time that all four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the tournament's final weekend. This unprecedented occurrence has set the stage for one of the most challenging title runs in recent memory, as each team—Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida—has proven their mettle against the toughest competition.
The stakes are exceptionally high for this year's champion, who will have to navigate a grueling path to the title. Each of the Final Four participants faced formidable opponents, taking on either a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the Elite Eight, and battling a No. 4 or No. 5 seed in the Sweet 16. This year's bracket has not only showcased the best of March Madness but has also highlighted a quartet of teams that have consistently ranked at the top of the sport throughout the season.
Saturday's festivities kick off with an exciting SEC showdown between Auburn and Florida at 6:09 p.m. ET. This matchup brings into focus Auburn as the regular season champions and Florida as the tournament champions from a conference that has made history by sending 14 teams into the field of 68. The high stakes of this game reflect the incredible talent and depth within the SEC, recognized as one of the best all-time.
Later in the evening, at 8:49 p.m. ET, Duke will face off against Houston in a clash of titans. This matchup features the nation's No. 1 offense going against the No. 2 defense, showcasing CBS Sports Player of the Year, Cooper Flagg, as he faces arguably his toughest competition yet in college basketball. The intensity of this game is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the excitement builds for these high-stakes games, differing opinions abound on who will emerge victorious. Our expert picks panel has compiled selections both straight up and against the spread, providing a comprehensive breakdown of each of Saturday's Final Four national semifinals.
In the first semifinal, Auburn faces Florida at 6:09 p.m. ET on CBS, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the game. Auburn has struggled with slow starts recently, posting a 1-7 record against the first half spread in their last eight games. In contrast, Florida has demonstrated resilience by either tying or leading at halftime in each of their last 10 games. The familiarity between coaches Bruce Pearl and Todd Golden could lead to a tightly contested first half, making the First Half Under 76.5 a smart consideration. However, I anticipate Auburn will make necessary adjustments and counter-punch effectively after halftime. Given Florida's strong finish in the postseason, they may secure a halftime lead. My pick: Florida 1H -1.5.
The second semifinal features Duke taking on Houston at 8:49 p.m. ET on CBS, and while Houston's defense garners much attention, Duke's defensive prowess should not be overlooked. Duke ranks fifth nationally in defensive efficiency and is only surpassed by Houston among Final Four participants. Recently, Duke held Alabama to 25 points below their season scoring average in an impressive 85-65 victory, allowing over 70 points just twice in their last 15 games since February 12. This matchup promises to be a defensive battle with significant implications for the championship.
As we approach this historic Final Four, fans are eager to see which team will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted title. With so much talent on display, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is set to be one for the record books.
