The 2024-25 college basketball season reaches its climax when Houston and Florida, two No. 1 seeds, clash in the national championship game Monday night in San Antonio.
Both teams came from behind to win their national semifinal bouts on Saturday, and the line in this game indicates it should be close.
Who do we like for our free national championship betting pick?
NCAA Tournament Betting Odds
The NCAA tournament betting market opened Florida at -1.5 for Monday night, with an O/U of right around 141.
Early betting action shaved that spread to -1.
Florida-Houston Betting Preview
The Gators reached this national championship game by out-lasting Auburn in the first national semifinal Saturday 79-73. Florida, favored at -2, trailed the Tigers 46-38 at the half. But the Gators opened the second half with a 13-3 run and later rode Walter Clayton’s heroics down the stretch to victory.
Florida shot 47 percent from the floor Saturday, held Auburn to 44 percent shooting, and won the battle on the glass 39-30.
Meanwhile, the Cougars reached this national championship game by rallying in the final moments to defeat Duke Saturday 70-67. Houston, catching +4.5, trailed 34-28 at the half, 59-45 with eight minutes left, and 64-55 with just over two minutes to go. But the Cougars then finished the game with a 15-3 run to steal the victory.
Houston only shot 38 percent from the field Saturday but held the Blue Devils, who were averaging 92 points per game in this NCAA tournament, to 40 percent shooting. The Cougars also out-rebounded Duke 42-31.
Common Opponents
These two teams played five common opponents this season: Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Tennessee, and Texas Tech. Florida played those foes to 8-1 SU, 7-2 ATS, and +9 ppg; Houston to 3-3 both SU and ATS and +5 ppg.
NCAA Tournament Betting Trends
Florida is 20-4 SU, 17-7 ATS this season against teams that made this NCAA tournament.
Houston is 15-4 SU, 10-7-2 ATS vs. tournament qualifiers.
Totals Report
- The Over is 4-1 in Florida’s five games in this NCAA tournament.
- The Under is 3-1-1 in Houston’s games in this tournament.
