/https%3A%2F%2Fgreatestshot.com%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F04%2FUSATSI_25861178-scaled.jpg)
The Florida Gators will take on the Houston Cougars in Monday’s showdown in San Antonio.
For the Gators, it’s a chance at their first national title since 2007. The Cougars are looking for their first title in program history, and are making their first title game appearance since 1984.
Florida took on the No. 1 overall seed Auburn Tigers in a battle between SEC schools. Auburn came out strong early, and went into halftime with a 46-38 lead. However, the Gators’ confidence never wavered. Led by All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr., Florida outscored Auburn 41-27 in the second half and shutdown Auburn’s title hopes.
On the other side of the bracket, Houston faced off with tournament-favorite Duke. Future No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils were clicking on all cylinders against a top-ranked Cougars defense. Houston trailed by as many as 14 points in the second half of Saturday’s matchup.
Then, Kelvin Sampson’s team started slowly chipping away. Houston cranked up the pressure, and Duke folded while making uncharacteristic mistakes. The Blue Devils eventually squandered the lead in one of the most stunning meltdowns in NCAA Tournament history.
It’s fitting that Florida and Houston made it this far. Both teams are in the conversation for having the deepest rosters in college basketball.
Florida’s huge front court has been a major factor in their success. HC Todd Golden goes with 6’11” Alex Condon and 6’10” Rueben Chinyelu to start, but 6’9″ reserve Thomas Haugh is often in the closing lineup. Not to mention, the 7’1″ Micah Handlogten has given Golden solid minutes throughout the tournament.
Houston utilized a three-man rotation of sixth-year J’Wan Roberts and defensive specialists Joseph Tugler and Ja’Vier Francis. Roberts’ low-post scoring is a wrinkle the Cougars can utilize when the tempo slows down. Tugler and Francis do all of the dirty work that is needed in Houston’s No. 1 ranked defense. Combined, they have played 366 games in a Houston uniform. All three have been with the Cougars for their entire collegiate careers and have earned Sampson’s trust.
Of course, Florida’s Clayton stands out among the bunch. He’s the early favorite for Final Four MOP regardless of Monday’s result. His stellar play down the stretch against Connecticut boosted Florida past the two-time defending champions. He was quiet against Maryland, but has scored 30 in the last two games — and, the Gators needed every last one of those points.
The Cougars backcourt isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. A group consisting of Milos Uzan, L.J. Cryer, and Emanuel Sharp can compete with anybody. All three are shooting over 40-percent from beyond the arc. Cryer was unconscious against the Blue Devils (26 points, 6-of-9 from three), and Sharp nailed a clutch three with 33 seconds remaining to keep it close.
Houston’s Sampson has the obvious experience edge over Florida’s Golden. However, the Gators are battle-tested after navigating through a daunting SEC schedule. This game is likely to come down to just a few plays down the stretch. Both teams have shown they have what it takes to execute in crucial moments.
The toughness and grit of the Cougars cannot be overlooked. Sampson is looking to etch his name among the greatest coaches in college basketball history. They’ll need to lean on their defensive identity to come away with a win.
For the Gators, it’s all about Clayton Jr. He’s been the best player in the tournament. Golden’s team has proven they can weather storms and stay poised under pressure. If the game is close late, look for Clayton Jr. to take over.
