It was obvious early that Tennessee was in trouble against Houston's defense as the Volunteers had no one who could beat a Cougars defender one-on-one.

Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021.

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 SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its Houston Cougars vs. Tennessee Volunteers picks for the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Sunday

It’s the Duke Blue Devils vs Houston in the Final Four of the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament game.

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, many expected an emphatic month of March, with several upsets and the typical powerhouse programs facing early elimination. But the dreamlike Final Four has arrived, and all of the No.