Will Richard scored a team-high 18 points on Monday night. (Photo: Spencer Gnauck/For UAA Communications)
Game Recap
SAN ANTONIO — In a dramatic finish at the Alamodome, the Florida Gators rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat Houston, 65–63, and capture the national championship in front of a packed, Houston-leaning crowd.
"We did what we did all year,'' said Gators head coach Todd Golden in a postgame interview with CBS. "This team never quits. We clearly have the best team in America. I'm super fortunate to be with this group right here."
Golden, age 39, became the youngest coach to win a national title since Jim Valvano led N.C. State to a historic upset over Houston in 1983. He’s also the youngest to do so since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, when Billy Donovan guided Florida to its first championship in 2006.
Florida seized its first lead since early in the game when Alijah Martin sank two free throws with 46.5 seconds remaining, putting the Gators ahead 64–63. Denzel Aberdeen added another free throw with 19.7 seconds left to extend the margin.
In the final moments, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp attempted to create a game-winning shot but was unable to release the ball before landing. Florida’s Alex Condon recovered the loose ball as time expired, triggering a celebration as the Gators clinched their third national title—their first since back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2007.
Walter Clayton Jr. didn’t score until midway through the second half, but the Gators delivered a balanced team effort. Will Richard led the scoring with 18 points, Condon added 12, and Clayton Jr. finished with 11. His first field goal came on a driving layup with 7:54 left, followed by a free throw to complete a three-point play and tie the game at 48.
Houston built its largest lead of the tournament at 42–30 following an 8–0 run sparked by Milos Uzan, L.J. Cryer, and J’Wan Roberts. Despite trailing for nearly the entire game—Florida led for just 1:03—the Gators clawed back.
At halftime, Houston held a 31–28 edge, having led by as many as eight. Richard’s hot hand kept Florida competitive, scoring 14 first-half points and hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Clayton Jr., meanwhile, went scoreless in the first half but contributed five assists.
The Bigger Picture
In their sixth Final Four appearance, the Florida Gators secured their third national title by defeating Houston. The program now holds a 3–1 record in NCAA championship games, with previous victories in 2006 and 2007, and a loss to Michigan State in 2000. Monday’s win marked a return to championship glory for Florida after nearly two decades.
Standout Performers
Houston focused heavily on containing Walter Clayton Jr., and for much of the game, they succeeded—holding him scoreless through the first half. But after the break, Clayton Jr. delivered when it mattered most, injecting energy into Florida’s offense just when they needed it. His second-half surge helped shift momentum, ultimately earning him the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Stat of the Night
Florida and Houston struggled from beyond the arc, combining for just 12 makes on 49 attempts. Will Richard’s efficiency stood out—his 4-for-7 shooting from deep played a crucial role in keeping the Gators within striking distance during the opening half.
Looking Ahead
Florida (36–4) heads back to Gainesville on Tuesday afternoon as the newly crowned national champions. A remarkable team, a remarkable run—this season will be remembered.
