- What: NCAA Tournament Championship Game
- When: April 7, 2025
- Who: Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars
- Time: 5:50 p.m. PST
- Where: Alamodome (San Antonio, TX)
The top-seeded Florida Gators (35-4) will face the top-seeded Houston Cougars (35-4) in the NCAA Tournament Championship Game on Monday at 5:50 p.m. PST in San Antonio’s Alamodome..
Florida advanced by defeating Auburn 79-73 in the semifinal, covering as a 2-point favorite. The Gators shot 47.2% from the field but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 70%. Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida with 34 points, while Alijah Martin added 17.
Houston, winners of the Midwest Region, managed a comeback against Duke, winning 70-67 after trailing by 14 points late in the game.
They’ve gone 3-1-1 against the spread in the tournament and shot 45.5% from three against Duke, with L.J. Cryer scoring 26 points. Houston has been impressive lately, reaching their first national title game since 1983.
The Gators struggled significantly against Auburn on the offensive boards during the first half.
It will be interesting to see how that plays out in this matchup, considering the Cougars have a strong offensive rebound rate of 37%, while Florida’s defensive rebound rate is a lackluster 133rd.
This aspect is one of the most influential factors in a game like this. If Houston, a team that plays at one of the slowest paces in the nation, can maintain control of the game by securing offensive rebounds, it will be to their advantage.
Overall, it seems that the team that can control the tempo will come out on top. Florida isn’t equipped to win against Houston in a half-court setting, while Houston won’t be able to outscore Florida in a fast-paced game.
However, Houston has more avenues to outplay the Gators. Winning the battle on the offensive boards and their shooting prowess will be crucial in securing Houston’s first-ever national championship.
Houston should be favored so I will take the Cougars on the money line in the title game.
Best Bet: Houston money line at -105 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
