The University of Florida rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to take down the University of Houston 65-63 and win the NCAA National Championship on Monday at the Alamodome.
The Gators’ ability to hit crucial free throws down the stretch fueled their comeback after posting a rough first-half performance. Guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard came through for the team when it mattered most, making clutch plays and scoring late. The backcourt tandem kept the Gators alive in their resilient effort and propelled the team to its first National Championship in 18 years.
“We did what we did all year,” coach Todd Golden said. “We stayed the course, and we got the natty, baby.”
Clayton Jr. sparked the comeback for the Gators after he hit his first shot of the game with eight minutes left in regulation. The guard made two crucial three-point plays, helping give the Gators momentum. A deep three from Clayton Jr. tied the contest at 60 apiece with three minutes left.
“My team held me down until I was able to make a basket,” Clayton Jr. said. “Shoutout them boys, man.”
After giving up a tip-in shot to Houston guard L.J Cryer, the Gators faced a two-point deficit with two minutes remaining. Richard — who led the team in scoring with 18 — quickly drew a foul on an offensive rebound attempt. Richard sank both shots from the line, tying the contest again at 62. Shortly after, the Gators committed a foul and sent Houston forward Joseph Tugler to the charity stripe. The forward made one of two to put his team up by one.
Florida guard Alijah Martin raced down the court and remained fearless in his pursuit to the basket. Despite missing the layup attempt, Martin drew a crucial foul call at the end of the play; the guard made both shots to seal the victory.
“It’s special, man.” Martin said. “We’ve worked towards this all year. We put the work in for this.”
Houston was unable to score in the final minute of the contest and turned the ball over on their last possession. Florida forward Alex Condon stole the basketball from Cougar guard Emanuel Sharp and quickly launched it into the air as the buzzer sounded.
“We’ve got the basketball program back where it belongs,” Golden said. “We have the best frontcourt, the best backcourt. We have the best team in America.”
Richard and Clayton Jr. chipped in 11 points each, and Condon added 12. The team totaled 40 rebounds, 14 assists and seven steals. Florida shot 39% from the floor and 25% from beyond the arc. The victory served as Florida’s third NCAA championship in program history
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