Florida Gators Claim Third NCAA Title with Thrilling Comeback

In a heart-pounding finish to the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Florida Gators emerged victorious, securing their third national championship by defeating the Houston Cougars 65–63 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 7.

Final Four Highlights
The Final Four featured intense matchups:

-Florida vs. Auburn: Florida overcame Auburn 79–73, propelled by Walter Clayton Jr.’s impressive 34-point performance.

-Houston vs. Duke:Houston edged out Duke 70–67, rallying from a 14-point second-half deficit to advance to the championship game.

Championship Game Recap
In the title game, Florida faced a formidable Houston team known for its staunch defense. The Gators trailed by 12 points early in the second half but mounted a resilient comeback
Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., scoreless in the first half, ignited Florida’s offense with 11 second-half points. His most crucial contribution came in the final seconds, disrupting Houston’s last possession to prevent a potential game-winning shot.
Will Richard led the Gators with 18 points, while Alex Condon added 12 points and seven rebounds. Florida’s balanced attack and tenacious defense were key in overcoming Houston’s early dominance.

A Historic Victory
This triumph marks Florida’s first national title since 2007 and the Southeastern Conference’s first since Kentucky’s win in 2012. Head coach Todd Golden, at 39, became the youngest coach to win a national championship since 1983.
The Gators’ journey to the title included victories over Norfolk State, UConn, Maryland, Texas Tech, Auburn, and finally Houston. Their resilience and team cohesion were evident throughout the tournament.
As the confetti fell in San Antonio, the Florida Gators celebrated a season of perseverance, teamwork, and ultimate triumph on college basketball’s biggest stage.