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3w ago

Florida and Houston Advance to NCAA Championship Game After Thrilling Final Four Victories

Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. shines with 34 points, while Houston's defense stages a dramatic comeback against Duke to set up Monday's title clash.

Texas forward Taylor Jones (44) loses control of the ball while driving against South Carolina forward Sania Feagin (20) and guard Te-Hina Paopao (0) during the second half of a national semifinal Final Four game during the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards (8) puts up a shot as she is fouled by Texas forward Madison Booker (35) during the first half of a national semifinal Final Four game during the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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The Houston Cougars huddle up before the first half of a men's NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball game against the Duke Blue Devils in San Antonio, Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Overview

  • Florida defeated Auburn 79-73 in the Final Four, led by Walter Clayton Jr.'s 34-point performance, securing their first title game appearance since 2007.
  • Houston overcame a 14-point deficit in the final eight minutes to beat Duke 70-67, with LJ Cryer scoring 26 points and their defense holding Duke to one field goal in the last 10 minutes.
  • The championship game on Monday will feature two No. 1 seeds, Florida and Houston, each seeking to end long title droughts—Florida last won in 2007 and Houston in 1984.
  • Clayton Jr. became the first player since Larry Bird in 1979 to record consecutive 30-point games in the Elite Eight and Final Four, boosting his NBA draft stock.
  • This marks only the second time in NCAA history that all Final Four teams were No. 1 seeds, highlighting the dominance of elite programs in this year’s tournament.