The University of Florida Gators won their third NCAA men’s basketball national championship by defeating the University of Houston 65-63 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The game was a dramatic comeback for the Gators, who trailed by as much as 12 points early in the contest.
Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson had implemented a defensive strategy that led to the lowest-scoring first half of a men’s national title game since 2011. However, the Gators’ high-octane offense kicked into gear with seven minutes left, chipping away at the Cougar lead.
Walter Clayton Jr., who was scoreless at halftime, came alive in the second half, scoring his first basket with eight minutes remaining. The Gators then mounted their comeback, taking the lead with 46 seconds left and securing the win on a defensive stop and free throw.
Florida’s Will Richard scored 18 points, while Alex Condon added 12. Clayton finished with 11 points, including his team-high 34 points in the Final Four against Auburn. He was named Most Outstanding Player.
Coach Todd Golden, 39, became the youngest men’s basketball coach to win an NCAA title since Jim Valvano in 1983. When asked about the victory, Golden credited the team’s composure and young players’ effort, saying they “found a way to win.” This is Florida’s third national championship, with their previous titles won in 2006 and 2007.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/07/nx-s1-5355078/florida-gators-houston-cougars-mens-basketball-ncaa-champions