In a game that will go down as one of the most thrilling finishes in NCAA Tournament history, the Florida Gators staged a stunning comeback to defeat the Houston Cougars 65-63 and claim their third national championship. The victory, achieved at the Alamodome in San Antonio, capped off an unforgettable March Madness run for the Gators.
The Florida-Houston ending was a sight to see
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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 8, 2025
Trailing by as many as 13 points in the second half, Florida’s chances seemed slim against a Houston team known for its defensive tenacity and ability to close out games. The Cougars entered the championship with a 30-1 record in games where they led by at least 10 points, making Florida’s comeback all the more improbable.
The Gators, however, refused to back down. Led by guard Alijah Martin, who scored a team-high 18 points, and freshman forward Alex Condon, who added 12 points and seven rebounds, Florida chipped away at Houston’s lead. Walter Clayton Jr., who had been scoreless in the first half, came alive in the second, contributing 11 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. His clutch free throws in the final moments sealed the victory for Florida.
The game was a battle of contrasting styles, with Houston’s physicality and defensive prowess clashing against Florida’s up-tempo offense. The Cougars controlled the paint and dominated the glass early, building a 31-28 halftime lead. However, Florida’s resilience and ability to adapt proved decisive.
The Gators outscored Houston 37-32 in the second half, fueled by a 35-21 run that marked the third-largest comeback in NCAA championship game history. Houston’s L.J. Cryer led all scorers with 19 points, but the Cougars struggled to maintain their composure down the stretch, committing costly turnovers that allowed Florida to seize momentum.
This victory marks Florida’s first national championship since their back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 under Hall of Fame coach Billy Donovan. Under the leadership of head coach Todd Golden, the Gators finished the season with a 36-4 record, tying the program’s single-season win record set in 2014.
