Houston (35-4) vs Florida (35-4)
Game Info: Monday, April 7, 2025 at 8:50 pm (Alamodome)
The Line: Betting Odds: Houston +1 — Over/Under: 141.5
In this article, we will formulate a Florida vs Houston prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, April 7, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the National Championship of the NCAA Tournament.
Florida Gators Betting Preview
The Florida Gators (35-4, 28-11 ATS) faced a challenge only once in the last month, specifically against UConn during the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where the Gators emerged victorious with a score of 77-75. Florida successfully overcame Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee to secure the SEC Title and began their journey in the Big Dance with a straightforward win against Norfolk State. In the Sweet 16, Maryland proved to be no competition for Florida, as the Gators achieved a decisive 87-71 win. They then triumphed over Texas Tech with a score of 84-79 in the Elite 8 and defeated Auburn 79-73 in the Final Four, advancing to the championship match.
Florida is averaging 85.3 PPG (4th) and is allowing 69.8 PPG (105th). The Gators are getting 41.9 RPG (5th) and dishing out 15.5 APG (70th). Walter Clayton Jr. is the team’s top performer with 18.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.2 SPG. Alijah Martin has 14.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 1.5 SPG, while Will Richard contributes 13.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and a team-high 1.6 SPG.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars (35-4, 21-16-2 ATS) are recognized as one of the leading forces in basketball, having suffered only one loss in their last 30 games and currently riding a 16-game winning streak. The Cougars secured the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 tournament, where they successfully defeated Colorado, BYU, and Arizona to win the conference championship. In the NCAA tournament’s opening round, Houston faced no significant challenges from SIU Edwardsville, but they had to navigate closely contested games against Gonzaga and Purdue to reach the Elite 8. The Cougars showcased their dominance against Tennessee, winning 69-50, and narrowly edged out Duke with a score of 70-67 in the Final Four.
Houston averages 73.9 PPG (185th) and allows 58.5 PPG (1st). The Cougars are 120th in rebounds (36.8) and 327th in assists (12.3). L.J. Cryer leads the team with 15.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, and 2.0 APG. Emanuel Sharp follows him with 12.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and a team-high 1.4 SPG, while Milos Uzan chips in 11.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and a team-high 4.3 APG.
Why Florida will beat Houston
- Florida has won each of its last 13 games played at neutral venues.
- Houston has lost the first half in six of its last seven NCAA Tournament night games against Top 4 Seeds.
Why Houston will beat Florida
- Houston has won each of its last 18 games.
- Florida has lost six of its last seven night games against the Big 12 Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Florida’s last 11 night games have produced a total of 148+ points.
- Each of Houston’s last seven night games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.7).
- Houston ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+25.6).
- Florida ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+23.3).
- Florida ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (64.2).
Florida vs Houston Prediction
It’s going to be the first meeting between these teams. Both are excellent teams, and it’s going to be hard to predict a winner. Houston is looking for its first national title, and it could be the third time is the charm after the Cougars finished as runners-up in 1983 and 1984. Florida is aiming for its third title after winning in 2006 and 2007. We will have a close encounter that could go either way, and I expect both to score around 70 points. Houston has hit the Team Total Over in 6 of its last 8 games; Florida has hit the Team Total Over in 14 of its previous 18 games, while the Gators have hit the Game Total Over in 11 of their last 12 games. I am going with Over.