By: Eric Fawcett -- April 6, 2025 Earning their ticket with a spirited win over Auburn in the Final Four, the Florida Gators will now set their sights towards the ultimate goal–the National Championship game against the Houston Cougars. Heading into the NCAA Tournament, two of the hottest teams that everyone was picking in their bracket was Florida on the “left” side and Duke in the “right.” Florida was a team that was playing their best basketball heading into the postseason, and Duke was right there with them–though their hot stretch went a little further back, having only 1 loss since the end of November. It really looked like it was going to be the Blue Devils to join the Gators in the National Championship as they were up on the Cougars 59-45 with just over eight minutes remaining, and with all the momentum in their favor. Then, everything changed. Florida Versus Houston National Championship Preview | GatorCountry.com
Not a mystery, but they get a lot of turnovers and we are known to turn it over. They are known to give up a lot of 3’s and we like to put up a lot of threes. I think the team that takes more advantage of these “mismatches” wins.
I got half of this wish. I really really don't like this matchup. I'd have preferred Duke, if that's possible. That said, we are obviously very capable of beating this team. Whoever we got we'd have to play our best game, but Houston will be able to poke us in our weak spots better than anyone, IMO. Can't turn the ball over, have to guard three. I still cant believe we're even here!!
This is a game that is shaping up to be decided by the refs due to UH's physical, in-your-face play. UF's weak admin never holds refs accountable & so they take the easy route. Someone other than Clayton is going to have to step up, they will pressure him relentlessly.
Forget conventional wisdom and the Common Tators! The wind is at our back and we are now in the Finals of the Big Dance! Draw all the Venn diagrams you care to. We have not come close to playing our best game in this tournament. If we play inspired with our hearts and have good luck, making a few threes like the SEC Championship, 2025 will be a year to remember. Go Gators!
The kids have to play their A (great) defense, hit 3s, cut down the turnovers and rebound. If they do all that I don't think there's a team in college basketball Florida can't beat. I understand Houston likes to create turnovers but gives up 3s. Probably a nail-biter. Edit: These folks (teamrankings.com) who were shared here in NBN, and are pretty accurate, say:
ESPN’s model has not likes Florida as much as the other models all year, for some reason. The Vegas line is really the best metric, if we can call it that, and it suggests a virtual toss up. I am excited and already nervous.
Given how Florida’s offense got disrupted by UConn, Texas Tech, and Auburn, I am definitely concerned about the matchup with Houston’s defense. Our defense isn’t too snappy either, so I think we can keep them from running away, even if we can’t get into our offense, but I’d prefer to watch a game where we have a comfortable lead the entire time. Someone let Golden know. Thanks.
Question: Championship game. You get the rebound with your team down by 2 with 3 seconds to go. Two of your teammates are open, each one is outside the 3-point line. One is Michael Jordan (age 28) and the other is Walter Clayton Jr. Who do you throw the ball to?
Well, Jordan was always guaranteed free throws and if he drove to the basket it would be a +1 unless all of the defenders ran off the court. On the other hand, Clayton (or Martin or Richard) could be knocked into the fifth row and the best we could hope for would be the shot to be good.
Does Golden seek any Pearls of wisdom from the sweaty one since Auburn beat Houston earlier this year, or was that too long ago to matter? Or is it so too soon to ask since we just knocked them out yesterday?
