Written By: Chad Washington
San Antonio, TX – The Florida Gators are back on top of the college basketball world after beating the Houston Cougars 65-63 in a tight, down-to-the-wire national championship game Monday night in San Antonio.
It was Florida’s third national title in school history and their first since 2007. The Gators had to claw their way back into this one and it came down to the final seconds before they could finally celebrate.
The game started out as a tough, low-scoring battle. Both teams played strong defense, and neither could really get into a rhythm on offense. Houston led 31-28 at halftime, mostly thanks to L.J. Cryer, who scored 11 points in the first half and knocked down big shots throughout the course of the game. He ended up leading all scorers with 19, but he had to work hard for them, shooting just 6-of-18 from the floor.
Florida came out stronger in the second half, led by Will Richard, who finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Richard made big plays when it mattered most, including a clutch three-pointer and a deflection down the stretch to give Florida possession late.
Walter Clayton Jr., who had a quiet game shooting-wise, also made key plays down the stretch. His free throws and defensive stops helped seal the win. Even though he only scored 9 points, he made an impact for the Gators as he has all season.
Houston had a chance to tie or win the game in the final possession, but their last play broke down. Emmanuel Sharp was unable to get a clean look and turned it over as Florida players ran onto the court in celebration.
Key Stats:
The two teams shot a combined 12-49 from three
Although Houston lead for 38:56, The Gators led in every major stat
Florida Star Walter Clayton Jr. did not score until the second half
The Cougars’ biggest lead was 12, the Gators’ 2. In both Final Four games Florida has been down most of the game, proving that if they stay in the game, they’ll win it.
The win gives Florida head coach Todd Golden his first national title. At just 39 years old, he becomes the youngest coach to win it all since 1983.
It was a tough loss for Houston, which finishes the season with a 34-5 record. Houston is a gritty team that plays with heart and they came up just short when it mattered most.
For Florida, the season ends with a trophy, a banner, and a game that Gator fans won’t forget anytime soon.
This game is a representation of a great tournament, we had almost everything one could ask, a few upsets, storylines to be remembered, and the best Final Four in years. Thank you to everyone who made this college basketball season one of the best ever.
Cover Image via Noah Lantor | The Independent Florida Alligator
