PC's CBB Corner 3 Report: National Championship prediction

Dude…

Two teams remain. The Florida Gators came from behind and beat the Auburn Tigers. Walter Clayton Jr. had 34 points, Alijah Martin may have had dunk of the year, and the Florida Gators knocked down Johni Broome to seal their spot in the final game. The Houston Cougars did the unthinkable by beating Duke in their Final Four game. Down 14 with 8 minutes left, down 6 with 34 seconds left. Doesn’t matter for the Cougs as they only allowed Duke to score one field goal in the last 10 minutes of the game! Houston’s impressive defense will combat against another talented offense in the final game of the season. Who will cut down the nets? Here is your National Championship predictions for yours truly.

Game Prediction: Florida vs. Houston

This Florida vs. Houston showdown has all the ingredients of a high-stakes thriller. Both teams are coming off big performances in their April 5 matchups — Florida outlasting Auburn in a shootout, and Houston grinding out a defensive masterclass against Duke.

Florida’s Offense: Peaking at the Right Time

Walter Clayton Jr. is playing the best basketball of his career. His 34-point explosion against Auburn wasn’t just a scoring outburst — it was a statement. Clayton's ability to create his own shot, stretch the floor, and finish in traffic makes him a matchup nightmare. He’ll be the offensive engine for Florida once again.

But Florida isn’t a one-man show. The Gators’ backcourt depth gives them a real edge — Alijah Martin brings toughness and a scorer’s mentality, while Will Richard adds versatility and solid defense. That trio can keep pressure on Houston’s perimeter defense all game long.

In the frontcourt, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, and Thomas Haugh give Florida both size and activity. Their ability to rebound and finish around the rim could be a deciding factor, especially if they can neutralize Houston's physicality inside.

Houston’s Defense: Clutch When It Counts

Houston is riding high after shutting down Duke’s offense in the final 10 minutes — holding the Blue Devils to just one field goal in that stretch. That kind of lockdown defense has been their identity all season. If they can apply similar pressure on Clayton and force the ball out of his hands, they’ll have a chance to grind Florida into a half-court battle.

But offense will be key for the Cougars to keep pace. LJ Cryer, J’Wan Roberts, Emmanuel Sharpe, and Milos Uzan must step up and hit shots. They’ve shown flashes, but consistency will be the name of the game. If Houston can get efficient shooting from that group — especially Cryer, who can get hot quick — they’ll stay in it.

The X-Factor: Clutch DNA

Here’s the thing — Houston just knows how to win close games. They’ve done it all year, and their composure late in games is second to none. If this game is tight down the stretch — and it very well could be — you have to give the edge to the Cougars. In my final prediction of the season, I think this game will be close. Since it will be close, Houston always finds a way to win these games. Give me Kelven Sampson and the Cougars winning their first National Championship in San Antonio.