In a heart-pounding final at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, the Florida Gators clinched their third NCAA men’s basketball national championship with a thrilling 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars. The game, played before a capacity crowd of 66,602, saw the Gators mount an incredible comeback, securing their first national title in nearly two decades.
A Slow Start for the Gators
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Houston had the upper hand. The Cougars, led by their tough, aggressive defense under head coach Kelvin Sampson, controlled the game early on. With their signature “junkyard” style of play, Houston limited Florida’s scoring opportunities, resulting in the lowest-scoring first half of a men’s national title game since 2011.
The Gators, who trailed by as many as 12 points, struggled to find their rhythm. The first half saw little offense from Florida, with star player Walter Clayton Jr. going scoreless. Despite their sluggish start, Florida’s defense managed to keep them within striking distance as the second half began.
The Comeback: Clayton and the Gators Find Their Groove
With just over seven minutes remaining, Florida began to shift gears, launching their trademark high-octane offense. Clayton, who had been silenced in the first half, came alive with a drive to the rim that sparked a run for the Gators. His first basket of the game, which came with just eight minutes left in regulation, was a crucial turning point.
As the game wore on, Florida chipped away at Houston’s lead. A relentless defensive effort from the Gators forced multiple turnovers, while key contributions from Will Richard, who finished with 18 points, and Alex Condon, who added 12, provided much-needed support for Clayton. Florida’s tenacious defense and offensive resurgence set the stage for a thrilling finish.
With 46 seconds remaining, Florida finally seized the lead for the first time since early in the game. From there, it was a tense final sequence. A critical free throw, followed by another defensive stop and a Houston turnover, allowed Florida to seal the victory in dramatic fashion.
Clayton Shines Despite Slow Start
Despite a quiet first half, Walter Clayton Jr. was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament after finishing with 11 points in the final. Throughout the tournament, Clayton had been the Gators’ primary offensive weapon, including a 30-point performance in the Elite 8 against Texas Tech and 34 points in the Final Four against Auburn. After the game, Clayton downplayed his individual performance, praising his teammates for stepping up when it mattered most.
“We’ve been saying all year our motto is, ‘We all can go!’ We’ve got a team full of guys that can go. It’s not just about me,” Clayton said. “My team helped me hold it down until I was able to go get a bucket.”
Coach Todd Golden’s Historic Achievement
Florida’s victory also marked a historic achievement for their head coach, Todd Golden. At just 39 years old, Golden became the youngest men’s basketball coach to win an NCAA title since Jim Valvano led North Carolina State to the championship in 1983. Golden’s calm leadership throughout the tournament, particularly in close games, was a testament to his ability to keep his team composed under pressure.
“We did what we did all year. We stayed the course,” Golden said in the post-game interview. “We’ve had to come back quite a bit this tournament but these guys have been elite with their composure and our young guys in the front court fight like hell for these seniors every day. They compete and they find a way to win. They are winners.”
A Historic Third Title for Florida
This victory marks the third NCAA men’s basketball championship for the University of Florida, with their previous titles coming in 2006 and 2007. Their back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007 remain a defining moment in the program’s history, and this latest win cements Florida’s place among the elite in college basketball.
Billy Donovan, the coach who led the Gators to those back-to-back titles, was in attendance at Monday’s game and was honored for his upcoming induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2025. The presence of Donovan, who helped shape the team into a powerhouse, added a sense of legacy to Florida’s latest triumph.
SEC Dominance: Florida Leads the Way
Florida’s victory also highlights the continued dominance of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in men’s college basketball. As a No. 1 seed, the Gators were part of a record-breaking 14 SEC teams to make the men’s tournament this year. Their win further underscores the SEC’s reputation as one of the premier conferences in college basketball.
With their third NCAA championship in hand, the Florida Gators have re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball. Their thrilling victory over Houston in the national championship game is a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and determination. As the team celebrates this historic achievement, their future looks brighter than ever.
This article covers the Florida Gators’ dramatic victory in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, highlighting key moments from the game, standout performances, and the team’s remarkable comeback. With Coach Todd Golden leading the charge, Florida’s third title adds another chapter to the program’s storied legacy.