The 2025 NCAA Tournament has reached the finish line for Monday night's finale in San Antonio's Alamodome when No. 1 seeds Florida and Houston meet in the NCAA championship game. The Cougars are seeking the first national title in program history, while the Gators could win their third crown this century with a win.

All Kelvin Sampson could do was stand there, hands on hips with a blank look on his face, as the ball bounced loose and Houston’s latest chance at a national title bounced away, too.

Florida rallied from a 12-point deficit in the second half to nip Houston 65-63 in a hard-fought title matchup.

SportsLine's model has made its 2025 NCAA Tournament national championship game picks for Houston Cougars vs. Florida Gators on Monday

Three weeks ago, 24 staffers submitted their predictions for The Athletic’s consensus men’s NCAA Tournament bracket. Eleven voters picked Duke to win the national championship, followed by six for Florida and five for Houston.

It's not like the Cougars aren't talented either. They ranked No. 9 in offensive efficiency in college basketball this season, via KenPom.com, with the best 3-point percentage in the nation. The defense was No. 1, and that's obvious any time you watch Houston.

Houston Cougars vs Florida Gators men's national championship game odds for NCAA Tournament March Madness, with point spread, moneyline, over/under.

The Cougars stunned Duke, outscoring the Blue Devils 15-3 to close their semifinal clash Saturday and win 70-67. L.J. Cryer finished with 26 points to lead Houston to their third title game appearance and first national championship.

California and Florida have for years been the canary in the gold mine for a homeowner insurance crisis that experts warn might soon spread to many more states across the country. The two disaster-prone states,

The men's NCAA Tournament national championship game is set with Florida vs. Houston ready to face off Monday. See NCAA final prediction, picks, odds.