National Championship: Florida vs. Houston
Photo Credit: NCAA
7:50PM CT: Florida Gators -1 vs. Houston Cougars; Total 140.5
We have ourselves maybe the best National Championship matchup on paper of all-time. Both of these teams came from behind in their Final Four games to win in impressive fashion. That was last week; tonight is a new day, and it's for all the marbles.
Florida is led by Walter Clayton Jr., who is probably the hottest player who continues to come up clutch for the orange and blue. Will he be able to do it again tonight?
The Gators' main issue has been their turnovers. The Gators had more turnovers than their opponents in every game this tournament. This has been a prevalent issue. Clayton has been able to make up for those errors late in games.
Now, Florida has to face the best defense in the nation, which has the best perimeter defense. They will not let Florida get off that easily. Watching the Florida vs. Auburn game, the Auburn bigs were tearing up Florida in the paint. The pick 'n' roll was open every time down the floor. Florida was doubling the ball, leaving the roller open. If Houston does that tonight, they'll have a field day. The Houston big men will eat Florida alive.
Yes, the Gators have some pretty tall and skilled post players between Condon, Chinyelu, and Haugh, but they'll be facing a juggernaut tonight. The same Houston big men shut out 7-footer Khaman Malauch to zero rebounds. The Gators have outrebounded their opponents thus far in the tournament. Florida will need to bring a lunch pail and a hard hat tonight for this battle in the paint with the Coogs.
Houston has a leader of their own, LJ Cryer, who has been here before with a National Championship run with Baylor. Florida hasn't played defense with the same ferocity as they do on offense. This will need to change tonight. I believe Houston will put the screws to Florida early and set the tone defensively.
I hate hearing that everyone is on Houston, but my handicap on the game is what I'm trusting. The Florida turnovers are an issue. Who can exploit that issue better than any other team in the country? Houston. The Cougars' offense will have a strong night because of their rebounding and Florida's soft perimeter defense. If Houston exploits the pick 'n' roll, they can give Florida problems. Whichever team plays defense and rebounds will win, and my money is on Houston. That is also why I have this game going UNDER. My number does not have the total higher than the Duke vs. U of H game. I'm not sure why this one is three/four points higher. Sticking to my handicap that I feel confident in.
