University of Houston

The Florida Gators downed Houston, denying the Cougars their first-ever title. Florida, one of a record 14 Southeastern Conference teams to make the men's tournament, won its third NCAA championship.

Cougar and Gator fans took to San Antonio's River Walk to celebrate after come from behind victories Saturday. Houston and Florida face off at the Alamodome on Monday night.

The Cougars were Big 12 regular-season champions this season after making the move into that power conference. They play blueblood Duke on Friday night at the home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, about 250 miles from the Houston campus.

Programs including passport renewals and citizenship applications could be impacted if House members can’t reach an agreement on federal spending.

Houston is a No. 1 seed; Texas and Texas A&M could match up in the second round.

The university distributed vests to theater students after an officer drew a gun on a Black student rehearsing a violent scene last year. Officials walked back the requirement amid recent student criticism.