The riveting action took viewers by storm, too. Monday's national championship averaged 18.1 million viewers on CBS, up 22% year-over-year and the most-watched title game since 2019, when Virginia beat Texas Tech in overtime. During a hectic finish between the Gators and Cougars, viewership peaked at 21.1 million.

Three weeks ago, 24 staffers submitted their predictions for The Athletic’s consensus men’s NCAA Tournament bracket. Eleven voters picked Duke to win the national championship, followed by six for Florida and five for Houston.

The greatest Final Four ever? Maybe. Here's our round-by-round grades for another edition of March Madness full of drama.

Florida basketball players describe final stop vs Houston in NCAA championship as Gators didn't allow Cougars to get off a shot.

Florida basketball clinched its third NCAA championship in program history on Monday night, once again coming from behind to top Houston.

Madness is now over. The Florida Gators beat Houston to win the men's NCAA championship game, while UConn defeated South Carolina to take the women's championship. And while

Florida's comeback victory over Houston in Monday night's NCAA title game was the most-watched men's championship game in six years with 18.1 million viewers.

Monday's national title bout between Florida and Houston drew 18.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched title game since 2019. The game peaked at 21.1 million viewers and was up 22 percent from last year.