Five bold men's Final Four predictions: Who's in national title game Monday night?

Duke-Houston: First team to 50 points wins

For all the talk centered on Duke's offense and sensational freshman forward (and Wooden Award finalist) Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils showed they might be even more impressive on defense after stymying Alabama's high-flying offense in an 85-65 Elite Eight win. The Tide led the country in scoring this season, averaging 90.7 points.

Duke's defense is great, but Houston's is better. The Cougars allow the fewest points per game (58.3) and put on a clinic in the first half against Tennessee in the Elite Eight, allowing 15 points in a 69-50 win. During the NCAA Tournament, Houston has held its opponents 20.8 points below their season scoring average.

That could spell the end of Duke's magnificent offensive run in the NCAA Tournament. Through four games, the Blue Devils have shot 56.2 percent (127-of-226), while the Cougars have limited opponents to 37.6 percent (77-of-205).

Duke's defense should cause Houston just as many problems. Whichever team reaches the half-century mark first will be in an excellent position to advance to the national championship game.

Florida forward Walter Clayton scores the most points

Clayton wouldn't be denied against Texas Tech, and he'll be just as laser-focused  Saturday. In seven games this postseason (including the SEC Tournament), Clayton is averaging 21.6 points and shooting 46.7 percent, including 47.4 percent on threes. He's also been excellent getting to the free-throw line and making his shots when he's there. Entering the Final Four, Clayton has made 88.9 percent of his shots from the foul line.

Florida, Houston advance to national championship game

The Gators are clicking at the right time. Florida has won 10 consecutive games since March 1, averaging 90.6 points.

The program will advance to its first national title game since it won back-to-back in 2006-07 and will face Houston, which will have just enough three-point success — it ranks fourth in the country in three-point field-goal percentage (39.7 percent) — to reach the national finals for the first time since 1984.