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2w ago

Houston and Florida Set for NCAA Championship Clash in San Antonio

Veteran coach Kelvin Sampson leads the Cougars in pursuit of their first national title, while Florida's Todd Golden aims to secure a historic win as one of the youngest coaches to reach this stage.

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr., left, and Houston forward J'Wan Roberts
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Florida guard Todd Golden celebrates during the NCAA Final Four college basketball game of Florida versus Auburn at the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Florida won the game 79-73 to advance to the championship game. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Overview

  • Houston, led by Kelvin Sampson, seeks its first NCAA championship on Monday night after a dramatic semifinal comeback against Duke.
  • Florida, under 39-year-old coach Todd Golden, brings a high-powered offense ranked second in efficiency to face Houston's top-ranked defense.
  • Sampson, nearing his 800th career win, could solidify his legacy and bolster his Hall of Fame case with a championship victory.
  • The Cougars' success is built on continuity, with a largely homegrown roster and long-tenured coaching staff emphasizing team culture.
  • The championship game highlights a generational coaching contrast between Sampson's four-decade career and Golden's rapid rise in college basketball.