Florida Stuns Houston in Thrilling Championship Victory
In a nail-biting finish that will be remembered for years, the Florida Gators overcame a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat the Houston Cougars 65–63 in the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship. The win marks Florida’s third national title and their first since 2007, capping off an unforgettable March Madness run.
A Game of Two Halves
The first half was all Houston. The Cougars came out aggressive on both ends of the court, pressuring Florida into mistakes and dominating the glass. They built a solid 12-point lead by the early stages of the second half, looking poised to run away with the championship.
But Florida had other plans.
With just under 15 minutes left, the Gators began to claw their way back into the game, sparked by defensive intensity and timely three-point shooting. A 12–3 run narrowed the gap, and the energy shifted in Florida’s favor.
Big-Time Performers
Will Richard led the Gators with 18 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the game and helping keep Florida within striking distance during the first half.
Walter Clayton Jr., who was held scoreless in the first half, came alive when it mattered most. He poured in 11 crucial points in the final stretch, including clutch free throws and a game-saving defensive stop in the closing seconds.
On the other side, Houston’s L.J. Cryer led all scorers with 19 points, carrying the Cougars offensively. Despite his strong showing, Houston struggled to close the game, managing just a few field goals in the final minutes.
Down to the Wire
Florida didn’t take its first lead of the second half until the final 46 seconds of the game. Despite trailing for over 30 minutes, the Gators executed flawlessly when it mattered most. With just seconds remaining, Houston had one last chance to tie or win the game, but Florida’s defense held strong, forcing a turnover and sealing the victory.
A Legacy Cemented
This win cements Florida’s return to national prominence. After years of rebuilding, the Gators have proven they belong back at the top of college basketball. Their grit, resilience, and late-game poise delivered a championship performance worthy of history books.