Florida Gators Survive Houston Cougars 65-63 in Title Fight
The University of Florida won the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship beating the University of Houston 65-63. The Gators survived a punishing, physical Cougars team, overcoming a 12-point deficit to win their third national championship. Houston Guard LJ Cryer led all scorers in points with 19 on 6-of-8 shooting. For Florida, Will Richard poured in 18 on 5-of-10 shooting, hitting 4 three-pointers.
Florida was down 42-30 early in the second half. Guard Walter Clayton Jr. finally came alive with 7:54 remaining, scoring his first basket of the night. Alijah Martin had his one shining moment, putting the Gators ahead 64-63 with 46 seconds left. Florida’s first lead since it was 8-6 in the first half. Houston had two possessions at the end to tie or take the lead. The first resulted in a turnover from Guard Emanuel Sharp, the second didn’t result in a shot after Sharp almost committed a double dribble.
Florida Wins 3rd National Title
The Gators knocked out 2 No. 1 seeds during their title run. Coach Todd Golden, 39, becomes the youngest coach in the modern era to win a national title. Before this year, Golden had never won a single game in the NCAA Tournament, including a first-round loss in 2024. He cuts down the net having won six straight, including another comeback win against Auburn in the Final Four on Saturday.
Florida withstood Houston’s punishing style of play, outrebounding them 32-24. The comeback is tied for the third-largest in championship game history. They have had to come from behind all tournament. This was the third straight game that Florida needed a rally to erase a second-half deficit.
History Slips Away For Houston
This was Houston’s third appearance in the NCAA Championship Game. It may be one they wish they could forget. The Cougars imposed their will for almost the entire game. Florida was outmuscled for the majority of the contest. This loss will sting for the Cougars and Head Coach Kelvin Sampson, who made his third Final Four appearance this year and his second with Houston.
“Be disappointed that you lost, don’t be disappointed in your effort” Sampson said to his team after the game. “They have so much to be proud of.” Houston has the second-highest odds to win the 2026 NCAA Basketball Championship behind Duke, who they beat in the Final Four on Saturday.
Florida only held the lead for one minute and three seconds in the game. Cougar foul trouble in the second half helped Clayton Jr. get going. Although Houston won the turnover battle big, those last two turnovers from Sharp cannot happen in a championship game. Houston relied on three-point shooting and offensive rebounding all season. They only shot 2-of-14 from beyond the arc in the first half and scored zero second-chance points. This is Florida’s first men’s NCAA basketball championship since 2012.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament was criticized for its lack of upsets. However, the last three games were spectacular. Every college basketball fan hopes for a nail-biter that comes down to the last possession in the NCAA Championship Game. We would have seen a shot attempt with time expiring, but Golden’s defense executed perfectly late. Clayton was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, he finished with 11 points and 7 assists.
Florida did not have enough to compete with Houston well into the second half. Mental toughness was the difference for Florida, especially after being called for 2 technical fouls in the second half. Once they closed the gap, the Cougars looked tight and unsure on offense toward the end. The Gators never let the game get away from them and executed down the stretch when it counted. This incredible game caps off the 2025 NCAA Men’s College Basketball season.
