Florida vs Houston Picks and Prediction – 4/8/2025

The Florida Gators play the Houston Cougars in the NCAA Tournament National Championship Game on Monday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. On Saturday, Florida defeated the Auburn Tigers 79-73 in the Final Four. Walter Clayton Jr was the leading scorer for Florida with 34 points. The Gators defeated Norfolk State, UConn, Maryland, and Texas Tech in the tournament. Keep updated on College Basketball with our expert college basketball picks.

Walter Clayton Jr is the leading scorer and leader in assists for Florida with averages of 18.1 points and 4.2 assists per game. Alex Condon is the leading rebounder, averaging 7.7 rebounds per game. The Gators have four players who average double figures in scoring. Florida scores an average of 85.4 points per game, shooting 47.3% overall and 35.5% from three-point territory. 

The Houston Cougars reached the title game with a 70-67 victory over the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday in the Final Four. L.J Cryer led Houston with 26 points. The Cougars’ defense once again took control, holding the Blue Devils to 39.6% shooting overall. Houston outrebounded Duke 42-31 and, despite not shooting well (37.7%), was able to win. Houston defeated SIUE, Gonzaga, Purdue, and Tennessee in the tournament before eliminating Duke.

L.J. Cryer is the leading scorer for Houston, averaging 15.4 points, and Emanuel Sharp is second, averaging 12.7 points per game. J’Wan Roberts is the leading rebounder, averaging 6.3 rebounds per game, while Milos Uzan is the leader in assists, averaging 4.4 per game. Houston has four players who average double figures in scoring. The Cougars score an average of 74.2 points per game, shooting 45.8% overall and 39.8% from three-point territory. 

The Houston Cougars' defense will be the difference maker in Monday’s National Championship Game. Houston has covered the number in five of its last seven. Florida does not have the defense that Houston does, as the Gators allow an average of 69.3 points per game, while the Cougars led the nation in points allowed at 58.4 points per game. The Cougars have held opponents to 38.4% shooting, which is fourth-best in the nation. Final Score Prediction, Houston Cougars win and cover ATS 70-65.