The final college basketball game of the year features an intriguing Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars matchup. UF (35-4, 14-4 SEC) will play Monday evening at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, against UH (35-4, 19-1 Big 12). For all of the teams that have made it far during this year’s March Madness, it is fitting that these are the two teams remaining.
Some may point to the end of the Duke Final Four sequence, but Kelvin Sampson’s side has done well. They not only beat the Blue Devils but also Tennessee, Purdue, and Gonzaga. Todd Golden, meanwhile, guided his squad past Auburn, Texas Tech, Maryland, and UConn. This will be a case of which strength wins out. Either the better offense or the better defense will prevail.
Over/Under for Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars
This Florida team can score, and they do an excellent job of moving the ball around and getting their players excellent looks within the half-court setting. Houston, on the other hand, offers a formidable presence on the defensive end that can give opposing offenses fits.
Because of the stage and what spectators were able to see from Houston during an equally impressive Duke offense, the under is the play here. It’s always a risky proposition, and free throws toward the end of a close one could always push the over. Most likely, though, bad sides find it difficult enough to prevent that from happening.
Final pick: Under 140.5 (-105)
Moneyline/Spread for Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars
This is expected to be a close one. The spread is close for a reason, and this is something of a coin-flip game. That being said, if defenses win championships and the under is in play, then it makes sense to take the slight underdogs against the points for that extra level of security.
Anything can happen, especially toward the end of a close one, so Florida winning outright is always a possibility. Most likely, coach Sampson finds a way, and the overall intensity of Houston proves to be enough to earn a win for the in-state team on Monday.
