Saturday’s Final Four delivered on its billing, with all four No. 1 seeds producing two tightly contested matchups. Florida trailed by nine at halftime before Walter Clayton Jr. led a second-half surge, guiding the Gators to a 79–73 win.
In the nightcap, Duke held a 14-point second-half lead, but Houston flipped the script with a late rally—capping it off by scoring 11 points in just over a minute to secure a 70–67 upset.
Houston vs. Florida Injury Report
As the Gators and Cougars now turn their focus to Monday’s national title game, both programs enter the matchup nearly at full strength—a contrast to earlier rounds that were marred by injuries.
Houston Injury Report
Joseph Tugler (F)
Tugler twisted his ankle early in the Final Four win over Duke but returned after using a stationary bike. The 6-foot-8 sophomore, who averages 5.5 points and 5.9 rebounds, is expected to play, though his mobility may be somewhat limited.
J’Wan Roberts (F)
Previously dealing with a right ankle sprain during the Big 12 Tournament, Roberts has fully recovered. He remains Houston’s top rebounder and a steady presence in the starting lineup throughout the tournament.
Ramon Walker (G)
Out since Dec. 10 with a hand injury, Walker was a game-time decision against Duke but did not appear. He averages 2.0 points per game, and his absence is not expected to impact Houston’s core rotation.
Jacob McFarland (F)
The freshman has missed the entire season following leg surgery in October. He has not appeared in a game in 2024–25 and will remain out for the championship.
Florida Injury Report
Alex Condon (F)
Condon is listed as probable with an ankle injury but has played in every tournament game to date.
Walter Clayton Jr., Micah Handlogten, Alijah Martin
All key players are healthy and available. No injuries have been reported among Florida’s primary contributors heading into the title game.
Everything to Know for Florida-Houston Title Clash: Time, TV, and Standouts
The men’s national championship tips off Monday at 8:50 p.m. ET at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Fans can watch the game live on CBS or stream it via Fubo (free trial available), Paramount+, or the NCAA March Madness Live app. Tickets are available on StubHub for those attending in person.
Walter Clayton Jr. made history, becoming the first player since Larry Bird at Indiana State to post back-to-back 30-point performances this deep in the tournament. After trailing Auburn by eight at halftime, Florida opened the second half with an 11–0 run and tightened up defensively.
Alijah Martin’s dunk helped shift momentum, while Johni Broome was limited to three second-half points. Micah Handlogten grabbed three offensive rebounds in just nine minutes, and Thomas Haugh added 12 points and seven boards off the bench.
Houston’s closing stretch was even more dramatic. Down six with a minute remaining, Joseph Tugler’s block and dunk, an off-balance 3-pointer from Emanuel Sharp, and two clutch free throws by J’Wan Roberts completed the comeback over Duke.
KEEP READING: Historic Evening Propels Gators As Walter Clayton Jr. Sets New Record
All-time finalist lineups for these programs include Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon for Houston, and Joakim Noah and Al Horford for Florida.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
