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And Then There Were Two: Florida vs. Houston for the National Championship

The stage is set. Two powerhouses — Florida and Houston — are the last teams standing in one of the most thrilling NCAA tournaments in recent memory. Both are No. 1 seeds. Both dominated their conferences. Both outlasted elite competition to punch their ticket to San Antonio.

Now, it all comes down to one final game — Monday night at 8:50 p.m. ET on CBS — where one team will cut down the nets and call themselves national champions.

Florida Gators: Back in the Big Time

It’s been a while since Florida last held the crown — back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 under Billy Donovan. But coach Todd Golden has the Gators right back in the spotlight, just three years into his tenure.

Florida's Path to the Final:

• Round of 64: Beat Norfolk State 95-69

• Round of 32: Survived UConn 77-75

• Sweet 16: Blew past Maryland 87-71

• Elite Eight: Edged out Texas Tech 84-79

• Final Four: Knocked off No. 1 Auburn 79-73

The Gators have done it with grit, speed, and a high-octane offense. But now they face the ultimate test: Houston's physicality. The Cougars' defensive dominance is legendary under head coach Kelvin Sampson, and Florida’s frontcourt must hold strong on the boards and in the paint to stay alive.

Key Player to Watch:
Will Richard.
Florida needs him now more than ever. He’s been up and down in March, and against a Houston team that locks down perimeter scorers, Richard has to step up as a reliable shooter and secondary option behind their star guard.

Florida's X-Factor:
Free throws — or more accurately, not sending Houston to the line. The Gators have struggled with fouling, and letting Houston score easy points could spell doom.

Florida Wins If:
Walter Clayton Jr. goes off.
If Clayton scores 25+ and controls the pace, the Gators' elite offense can crack the Cougars’ defense. But if he’s bottled up, Florida might not have enough firepower.

Houston Cougars: Hungry for History

Houston is chasing its first national title — ever. The Cougars have been knocking at the door for years under Kelvin Sampson. This might be their best shot.

Houston’s Tournament Run:

• Round of 64: Crushed SIU Edwardsville 78-40

• Round of 32: Fended off Gonzaga 81-76

• Sweet 16: Gritty win over Purdue 62-60

• Elite Eight: Dominated Tennessee 69-50

• Final Four: Edged out Duke 70-67

Built on defense, hustle, and physicality, Houston grinds opponents down until they break. Just ask Duke — they couldn’t hold up for 40 minutes.

Key Player to Watch:
J’Wan Roberts.
The sixth-year big man made all the difference against Duke, hitting clutch free throws and contesting the final shot. Against Florida’s size, Roberts has to stay active and out of foul trouble.

Houston's Weak Spot:
Free throws and cold spells. The Cougars have had some rough stretches offensively and don't get to the line often. Florida could capitalize if Houston’s shots stop falling.

Houston Wins If:
They dominate the glass and contain Clayton. Houston thrives on second-chance points and stifling defense. If they force the ball out of Clayton’s hands and crash the boards hard, this one could be theirs.

Coaching Clash: Old School vs. New Wave

This matchup isn’t just about the players — it’s a duel of coaching philosophies.

• Kelvin Sampson, 69, is the embodiment of old-school toughness. His teams are physical, disciplined, and relentless.

• Todd Golden, 39, is the face of modern coaching — analytics-driven, transfer-portal savvy, and unafraid to innovate.

It’s a fascinating contrast: the Cougars, built on continuity and tradition, versus the Gators, constructed through new-school thinking and data-driven strategy.

The Stars

• Walter Clayton Jr.: Florida’s fearless floor general. His shot-making and leadership have defined this run. He became the first player since Larry Bird in 1979 to drop 30+ in both the Elite Eight and Final Four.

• J’Wan Roberts: Houston’s anchor. He’s grown from raw prospect to emotional leader. His defense on Duke’s Cooper Flagg was pivotal.

The Bottom Line

Florida is flashy and explosive. Houston is gritty and relentless. It’s the ultimate clash of styles — and legacies.

Will Sampson finally get his title and cement his place in college basketball lore? Or will Golden become the youngest coach to win it all in over 40 years?

Prediction Time:

• Jeff Borzello: Houston 67-65

• Myron Medcalf: Houston 70-67

No matter who wins, expect a heavyweight battle with every possession dripping with intensity.

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