HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 03: The Connecticut Huskies celebrate after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs to win the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship at NRG Stadium on April 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Photo by Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

San Antonio is poised to welcome one of the most essential Final Fours in college basketball history. Being the seventh largest city in the United States and the second largest in Texas, Houston is a popular choice among fans and is expected to garner substantial support.

San Antonio is renowned for landmarks such as the Alamo, its military heritage, the River Walk, Sea World, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Nevertheless, these popular attractions and their associated celebrations will play a secondary role during the weekend of the Final Four.

Auburn (32-5), Duke (35-3), Florida (34-4), and Houston (34-4) all secured the top seeds in their respective regions, fulfilling expectations. Auburn overcame Michigan State with a score of 70-64, Duke defeated Alabama 85-65, Florida staged a comeback to beat Texas Tech 84-79, and Houston concluded Tennessee’s remarkable season with a 69-50 victory.

All four top-seeded teams reached the Final Four, a scenario reminiscent of 2008 when Kansas, Memphis, North Carolina, and UCLA all progressed to this stage. Per Sportsline Consensus, Florida, a 2.5-point favorite, will face SEC rival Auburn, who will meet on Saturday at 6:09 PM Eastern. The game between Duke and Houston will take place later that evening. Despite Auburn being the overall top seed in the tournament, Duke is considered the frontrunner to claim the championship, according to ESPN Bet.

The championship will be decided on the following Monday night in San Antonio.

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