AND THEN THERE WERE TWO: Florida and Houston’s Final Dance for NCAA Glory
San Antonio, Texas – April 7, 2025
The madness ends tonight—but not quietly.
College basketball’s last battle of the season brings two heavyweights into the ring: the Florida Gators and the Houston Cougars. Both No. 1 seeds. Both relentless. Both hungry. And now, only one will leave San Antonio with the ultimate prize.
Florida is chasing history—again. It’s been nearly two decades since the Gators ruled March with back-to-back national titles under Billy Donovan in 2006 and 2007. This year, they’ve clawed through chaos, outlasting UConn, Maryland, Texas Tech, and top-seeded Auburn. Their offense is electric. Their resolve, undeniable. But there’s a crack in their armor—fouls. Costly ones. In nine of their last 11 games, their opponents took 22+ free throws. If that trend continues, it could be their downfall.
On the other side stands a team that’s tired of waiting. Houston has never won a national championship. Not in Phi Slama Jama days. Not in the heartbreaker against NC State in 1983. But tonight, that could change.
The Cougars are built different—Kelvin Sampson’s squad bleeds grit and thrives on defense. They overwhelmed Gonzaga. Gutted Purdue. Smothered Tennessee. And took out Duke in a chaotic finish no one will forget. But even juggernauts have flaws. Houston struggles to get to the free-throw line, and their offense can go cold at the worst times. If Florida capitalizes, it could turn the game.
All eyes will be on Walter Clayton Jr.—Florida’s engine, scorer, and clutch-time killer. If he drops 25+ points, the Gators will be hard to stop. But Houston knows this. They’ll blitz him, harass him, push him off rhythm. It’ll be a war of wills.
Meanwhile, Houston’s hopes rest on J’Wan Roberts and his ability to dominate the boards. Against Florida’s size and rebounding power, he’ll need to be a force from tip to buzzer. No second chances. No room for error.
Experts say it’ll be close. Jeff Borzello calls it 67–65 Houston. Myron Medcalf says 70–67 Cougars. But predictions mean nothing when the nets are about to be cut.
This isn’t just a game. It’s a legacy.
Will Florida relive the glory days, or will Houston finally finish what it started decades ago?
Tonight, someone writes history.
The other? Just heartbreak.
