Florida vs. Houston predictions, picks and odds for 2025 NCAA championship game
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Florida and Houston set to compete for NCAA title and this is how they got here
USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg is on site in Houston to preview the national championship game between Florida and Houston.
Sports Seriously
Tonight, the Florida Gators meet the Houston Cougars with the 2025 NCAA men's basketball championship on the line.
The Cougars shocked the Duke Blue Devils in the Final Four, outscoring their opponents 15-3 down the stretch to secure a 70-67 win. Florida, meanwhile, took down fellow SEC standout Auburn in their Final Four matchup, with senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. scoring a game-high 34 points to carry his team to the final.
However, Clayton could be in for a rude awakening tonight. Houston's defense is no joke. Not only has it carried the Cougars throughout March Madness, but it was able to hold all but two Blue Devils players below 10 points.
Predicting the outcome of the 2025 title game is anyone's guess, but here is what experts from around the internet are predicting for the national championship:
Predictions for Houston vs. Florida
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Houston wins
Mendoza predicts a close title game and picks the Cougars to beat the Gators 72-69.
NBC Sports: UNDER 141.5
NBC Sports Bet claims that their prediction model is leaning the under in this game. That's likely a good bet given how stout Houston's defense is and how slow their pace of play is. While Walter Clayton Jr. can score from anywhere at any time, Houston did just hold Cooper Flagg to a respectable 27, so perhaps the under is the play.
Greg Peterson, ESPN: Florida (-1)
Peterson writes, "Florida might have the most versatile style of play in the country. Many teams would have a difficult time with the way Houston slows games down: playing at a bottom-10 pace, but the way Florida played the likes of Tennessee and Connecticut earlier this season shows it can slow down and win from within."
Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic: Houston to win
Cluff writes, "Houston has had some close calls in the tournament, but the Cougars just keep finding ways to win with their tenacious defense and opportunistic offense. L.J. Cryer and Houston will be able to get one more close win in the tournament on Monday with a victory over the Florida Gators in the national championship game."
2025 NCAA Final, Houston vs. Florida odds:
*Odds as of Sunday evening, via BetMGM
Spread: Florida (-1.5)
Florida (-1.5) Moneyline: Florida (-120); Houston (+100)
Florida (-120); Houston (+100) O/U: 141.5
How to watch Houston vs. Florida in NCAA championship
Date: Monday, April 7
Time: 8:50 p.m. ET
8:50 p.m. ET Where: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas TV: CBS
CBS Stream: Fubo
Stream the NCAA Championship Game with Fubo
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