SAN ANTONIO — The Florida Gators celebrated a thrilling victory as they clinched their first national championship in 18 years, defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63 in a nail-biting finish at the Alamodome. This game, held on Monday night, showcased Florida’s resilience as they overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half, marking one of the largest comebacks in championship history.
The Gators, known for their offensive prowess throughout the season, leaned heavily on their defense in this crucial game. They locked down Houston in the final moments, preventing the Cougars from scoring in the last 2:05 of play. Houston struggled with turnovers, committing four during that critical stretch, which ultimately sealed their fate.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. had a challenging game but stepped up when it mattered most, contributing 11 points in the second half. Alijah Martin’s two free throws with just 46.5 seconds left gave Florida the lead for good, their first since the early minutes of the game.
Houston’s Emanuel Sharp, who had been a key player in their previous victory over Duke, found himself unable to get a shot off in the final seconds. Instead, he attempted to dribble the ball, but Florida’s Alex Condon quickly seized the opportunity, ensuring time ran out on the Cougars’ chances for a comeback.
Will Richard led Florida with 18 points, while Condon added 12 points and seven rebounds. Houston’s LJ Cryer was the game’s top scorer with 19 points, but the Cougars’ shooting faltered after halftime, finishing at just 31.3 percent.
The first half saw Houston dominate, taking advantage of Florida’s nine turnovers and physical play. The Cougars’ reserves also made unexpected contributions, helping them build a lead. However, Florida managed to stay within striking distance, largely due to Richard’s strong performance.
After halftime, Houston surged ahead, extending their lead to 12 points. But Florida, finding their rhythm, launched an impressive comeback. Their defense tightened, and they began to capitalize on Houston’s mistakes, eventually tying the game and then taking the lead.
This victory not only marks a significant achievement for the Gators but also highlights their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, proving that a strong defense can triumph over offensive talent. As confetti fell from the Alamodome’s rafters, Florida celebrated a historic win, while Houston was left searching for their first national championship.