As the NCAA Tournament reaches its apex with the 2025 Final Four, the competition heightens as all four No. 1 seeds aim for glory. The teams vying for the championship — Auburn, Florida, Duke, and Houston — each have their own remarkable paths leading to this high-stakes weekend.

The first matchup features an SEC clash between Auburn and Florida, set to tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the tournament, with Florida emerging strong in close games. Meanwhile, Duke and Houston will face off afterward at 8:49 p.m. ET, promising to showcase top-tier talent against a backdrop of intense competition.

Matchup Breakdown

(1) Auburn vs. (1) Florida
Time: 6:09 p.m. on CBS
Auburn has struggled with slow starts but is known for its adjustments during halftime. Florida, with an impressive record of leading at half in recent games, will look to leverage its depth. Expecting a close fight, the prediction favors Auburn eventually coming out on top after a fierce battle.

Expert Picks

• Duke vs. Houston
  Anticipate a defensively dominated game, with Houston’s resourcefulness measured against Duke’s defensive efficiency. Insight suggests underwhelming total scores.

Check CBS Sports for further live updates, insights, and analysis leading into the grand finale of college basketball.