No. 1 seed Houston is headed to the Final Four for the second time in the past five seasons after imposing its will on No. 2 seed Tennessee for a 69-50 win in the Elite Eight on Sunday. The Cougars used a masterful defensive effort to build a 22-point first half lead and then held on late for their 17th consecutive victory.

The Florida Gators and Houston Cougars will collide in San Antonio’s Alamodome for the men’s national title on Monday after a Final Four that was simply magical.

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.