So far this year it has been the whoever the top seed is in the game dominating for the most part. Coming down to the final game of the season it is two dominating one seeds that have both proved why they are the best. It will be a very defensive game but both squads have a couple good scores. It will without a doubt be an eventful championship game and should be filled with historic performances.
Florida Gators positives
Image Via Washington post https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/07/is-florida-a-basketball-blue-blood/
Florida has been on fire in every aspect of basketball during the entirety of this season. They have height defense shooting, everything you need to be a complete winning basketball team. Walter Clayton Jr has been playing with loads of confidence and has not shown any sign of slowing down. The shots he has been hitting are Curry like and unguardable. The Gators had an amazing come back against Auburn in the final four after being down 9 at half. The Gators came storming back and forced 12 Auburn turnovers causing them to move on the the championship game. Florida will continue to need a lot of output from Clayton Haugh and Martin, their key players in this successful year.
Negatives
Starting and staying strong. Florida struggled a little bit in the first half but did not play terrible. houstons defense is simply to good to try and come back against just in the first second half. They had a good match up a couple days ago with Jhnoi Brume but they will have another big man battle with Jwan Roberts. It is very important for Florida to put pressure on Houston as that is what they will be doing the whole game.
Houston Cougars Positive overview
Image via Houston cronical https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/college/article/College-basketball-preview-Houston-vs-Saint-17575064.php
Houstons Defense against Duke some of the best ever record in tournament history. Duke scored only one bucket in 10 minutes struggled to slow Houston down. Houstons defense is without a doubt the most impressive part of their entire game and the way that they play. The main reason they are in the championship game is because of the elite defense they have played on opponents that might be better scorers than them. The Cougars shot good from the 3 point line last game and they controlled the offensive rebounds heavily. Defense and rebound have lead to lot of there key wins in regular season, and if they can continue to dominate the glass against the gator they are tough to beat.
Negatives
Similar to Florida, the biggest thing that Houston needs to worry about is staying in the game or getting ahead. They were down 7 with a minute 30 left against duke. It is really difficult to come back against Florida because of their coaching and talent. Although Houstons defense may be good they have to lock in on Clayton and take shots away from him, or go make for make. With playing agressive defense they need to make sure to stay out of foul trouble especially with good free throw shooter on the Florida side. If Houston plays good defense and does simple basketball thing right they have a good seat for a championship.
