Final Four Recap: Houston Stuns Duke; Florida Tops Auburn to Set Up Championship Game
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four delivered two thrilling matchups that captivated fans and set the stage for a highly anticipated national championship game. In a dramatic comeback, the Houston Cougars edged out the Duke Blue Devils, while the Florida Gators overcame the Auburn Tigers to advance to the title game.
Houston’s Resilient Comeback Over Duke
In the first semifinal, the Houston Cougars faced a formidable challenge against the Duke Blue Devils. Despite trailing by 14 points with just over eight minutes remaining, Houston mounted a remarkable comeback to secure a 70-67 victory. The Cougars’ defense, known for its intensity, stifled Duke’s offense down the stretch, holding them to just one field goal in the final 10 minutes. L.J. Cryer led Houston with 26 points, including crucial free throws in the closing seconds that gave the Cougars their first lead since early in the game. Joseph Tugler’s four blocks and J’Wan Roberts’ defensive presence were pivotal in disrupting Duke’s rhythm. Despite a valiant effort from Duke’s star freshman Cooper Flagg, who scored 27 points, the Blue Devils couldn’t withstand Houston’s defensive surge. This victory marked Houston’s first trip to the national championship game since 1984.
Florida Advances to First Championship Game Since 2007
In the second semifinal, the Florida Gators faced the Auburn Tigers in a closely contested matchup. Florida’s All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. delivered a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 34 points, including seven crucial points in the final 2:30 minutes to seal the 79-73 win. Auburn, the tournament’s top seed, had strong showings from Chad Baker-Mazara, who contributed 18 points, and Johni Broome, who added 15 points and seven rebounds despite playing through a right elbow injury. The game featured 10 ties and 15 lead changes, with Florida pulling ahead late thanks to key plays from Clayton and Alijah Martin, who added 17 points. This victory propelled Florida to its first NCAA championship appearance since 2007.
Championship Game Preview: Florida vs. Houston
The national championship game on April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, will feature a matchup between the Florida Gators and the Houston Cougars. Both teams enter the game with identical 35-4 records, with Florida representing the Southeastern Conference and Houston representing the Big 12 Conference. Florida, led by head coach Todd Golden, will rely on the scoring prowess of Walter Clayton Jr., while Houston, under the guidance of head coach Kelvin Sampson, will look to its stifling defense and balanced scoring attack. The game is expected to be a clash of styles, with Florida’s high-powered offense facing Houston’s tenacious defense. Fans can anticipate a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four showcased the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness. Houston’s resilience and Florida’s late-game heroics have set the stage for a captivating national championship game. As both teams vie for their first national title, fans can look forward to a memorable conclusion to the tournament.
