The Florida Gators have clinched their third national title in a thrilling victory, defeating Houston 65-63 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Monday night.
However, at times, it seemed like the Gators would not get the victory.
After the Houston Cougars took their largest lead at 42-30 with 16:24 left in the game, at that point, and based on the way the Cougars defended, it appeared that Florida was about to be routed.
However, the Gators staged a remarkable comeback, going on an 18-6 run over the next eight minutes. After a Walter Clayton Jr. free throw, the game was tied at 48, a testament to their never-say-die spirit.
The Gators(36-4) took their first lead since early in the first half after an Alijah Martin free throw with 46 seconds put them up 64-63.
With Houston trailing 65-63 and 19 seconds to go, the Cougars had one more chance, and Emanuel Sharp was about to attempt a possible game-winning three, but Clayton Jr. jumped out on Sharp, which forced him to bring the shot down, and he needed one of his teammates to grab the ball, so he would not be called for a traveling violation. However, by the time that happened, the clock ran out, and the Gators finished the job.
Houston’s L.J. Cryer had a game-high 19 points, but he was the only player on the team who scored in double figures.
Will Richard led Florida with 18 points, Alex Condon added 12, and Clayton Jr. chipped in with 11, which all came in the second half.
Houston (35-5) will go home empty for the third time in a national championship game, and their coach, Kelvin Sampson, falls short once again.
In the end, the Cougars should have lost to Duke in the national semifinals on Saturday night, and they should have defeated Florida on Monday, but give the Gators credit; this team was very resilient, and that resilience is why Florida is the national champion.
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