After two competitive Final Four games — one of which was an instant classic — the Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship was a nail biter as the Florida Gators defeated the Houston Cougars defeated 65-63.

Less than six minutes into the second half of Monday’s national title game, CBS play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle informed the millions watching that Houston would be in the bonus for the final 14-plus minutes.

Follow CNN’s live updates for the men’s NCAA basketball national championship game between Florida and Houston.

The Athletic has live coverage of Florida vs Houston in the March Madness men’s national championship game. Three weeks ago, 24 staffers submitted their predictions for The Athletic’s consensus men’s NCAA Tournament bracket.

Florida is looking for its first championship since winning back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. The Cougars, on the other hand, have never won in the championship round, only coming as close as the runner up in 1983 and 1984.

Houston was in control for much of the game and didn't allow Florida to take a second-half lead until Alijah Martin hit two free throws with 46.5 remaining after drawing a foul on

The No. 2 Houston Cougars square off against the No. 3 Florida Gators in the NCAA Tournament National Championship. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season.

L.J. Cryer finished with 26 points to lead Houston to their third title game appearance and first national championship. Florida also trailed for much of their semifinal affair before overwhelming Auburn in the late stages of the second half.

Florida basketball fans erupt after the Gators' thrilling 2025 NCAA Championship win over Houston. Here's a look at the reactions on social media.