A thrilling showdown is set to unfold on Monday as the Florida Gators clash with the Houston Cougars in the 2025 NCAA Tournament national championship game. This eagerly anticipated match will determine who walks away as the ultimate champion of March Madness. The Gators secured their championship berth with a hard-fought 79-73 victory over Auburn, while the Cougars edged out Duke with a 70-67 win in the Final Four, marking an exciting path for both teams.
The Gators have a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, having claimed two national titles, with their most recent triumph occurring in 2007. Meanwhile, the Cougars are looking to capture their first-ever national championship in this monumental game. Notably, this matchup will be the first time since 2008 that two No. 1 seeds have met in the title game, adding to the excitement and stakes of the event.
The national championship game will take place at the renowned Alamodome in San Antonio, with tipoff scheduled for 8:50 p.m. ET and broadcast live on CBS. As of now, the Gators are slight favorites, listed at 1-point favorites in the latest odds from SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 141.5.
Before delving into any betting strategies for the Florida vs. Houston matchup, it's essential to consider insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times. This model has an impressive track record, boasting a 229-169 record (+1805) on top-rated college basketball picks since 2023, accurately predicting every Elite Eight and Final Four team this year.
The Gators come into this championship game riding a remarkable 11-game winning streak. Their offensive prowess has been on full display throughout the tournament, averaging 84.4 points per game over five contests. Florida's recent victory against Auburn showcased their resilience, as they mounted a strong second-half comeback.
Guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been a standout performer for the Gators, scoring 34 points, along with four rebounds and two assists in the semifinal match against Auburn. Clayton made history by becoming the first player since Larry Bird to score 30 or more points in consecutive games during the Elite Eight and beyond. His performance has elevated him to an average of 24.6 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, with impressive shooting percentages of 54.5% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range.
The Cougars enter the championship game riding high after a dramatic comeback against Duke, where they erased a 14-point deficit in the final eight minutes. Houston's success is largely attributed to their defensive strength, holding opponents to an impressive 58.3 points per game, which ranks as the best in college basketball.
Led by senior L.J. Cryer, who contributed 26 points and five rebounds in the win over Duke, the Cougars also boast veteran leadership. Senior J'wan Roberts recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing the depth and experience of the team. Additionally, forward Joseph Tugler has garnered recognition, winning the Lefty Driesell Award as the top defensive player in college basketball.
For those considering wagers on the Houston vs. Florida matchup, SportsLine's model leans towards an Over on the total points, projecting 147 combined points in the game. Furthermore, the model indicates that one side of the spread is likely to hit in over 50% of simulations, providing valuable insights for bettors.
To stay ahead of the game, be sure to check out the latest college basketball odds and predictions at SportsLine as March Madness reaches its thrilling conclusion.
