No Cooper Flagg for Monday. But that’s okay!
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four delivered two thrilling games, setting the stage for an exciting national championship matchup tonight between the Florida Gators and the Houston Cougars.
Final Four Recaps
- Florida Gators vs. Auburn Tigers: Florida secured a 79-73 victory over Auburn. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. was instrumental, scoring 34 points, including a pivotal three-point play late in the game that sealed the win for the Gators.
- Houston Cougars vs. Duke Blue Devils: Houston achieved a remarkable comeback to defeat Duke 70-67. Trailing by 14 points with just over eight minutes remaining, the Cougars’ defense intensified, limiting Duke to only eight points in the final stretch. Senior guard L.J. Cryer led Houston with 26 points, while J’Wan Roberts made crucial free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win.
National Championship Preview:
Tonight’s championship game features the offensive prowess of Florida against Houston’s top-ranked defense. The Gators, led by Walter Clayton Jr., have one of the nation’s most potent offenses, while the Cougars rely on their physical and disciplined defense to stifle opponents.
Potential 2025 NBA Draft Prospects
- Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida): Clayton’s exceptional tournament performance has elevated his draft stock. Averaging over 24 points per game and shooting nearly 50% from three-point range, his scoring ability and leadership make him a potential first-round pick. That said, he probably won’t be in the lottery, given that he is a senior.
- L.J. Cryer (Houston): As a senior guard, Cryer’s consistent scoring and experience are invaluable. His performance in high-pressure situations, like the Final Four, has garnered attention from NBA scouts. That said, again, seniors aren’t exactly in demand for lottery selections in today’s NBA.
- J’Wan Roberts (Houston): Roberts’ defensive skills and clutch plays have been pivotal for Houston. His ability to perform under pressure enhances his appeal to NBA teams seeking a reliable forward. And, yeah, he’s a senior too.
The championship game tips off tonight at 8:50 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS. We will have an open thread and live stream on Playback so catch up with us then for that.