Nearly two decades since their last national championship, the Florida Gators are back on top of men’s college basketball. In a thrilling showdown between No. 1 seeds, Florida rallied from a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat the Houston Cougars in the NCAA Tournament title game.
Houston had a final chance, but a botched shot attempt in the closing seconds allowed Florida to seal the win. It marked the Gators’ first title game appearance since their back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007—and they made the most of it.
The Cougars led most of the game, including a 12-point edge early in the second half. But Florida remained composed, taking its first lead with just 46 seconds remaining. Though the Gators only led for just over a minute total, it was enough.
Both teams struggled offensively, especially from beyond the arc. Florida hit 6 of 24 threes, while Houston went 6 for 25. Will Richard led the Gators with 18 points, while Alex Condon added 12 points and seven rebounds. Houston’s L.J. Cryer had 19 points but needed 18 shots to get there.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, overcame a rough shooting night to contribute 11 points and eight assists, helping power the Gators’ comeback.
Key stats made the difference: Florida out-assisted Houston 14-5 and shot 81% from the free-throw line compared to Houston’s 64%. Despite the Cougars’ early dominance, the Gators’ grit and late-game execution delivered a stunning championship finish.
