The Florida Gators staged a dramatic comeback to punch their ticket to the Final Four, rallying from a nine-point deficit in the final minutes to defeat Texas Tech 84-79 in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region Elite Eight contest. The top-seeded Gators found themselves trailing 75-66 with under three minutes remaining before mounting a furious response against the third-seeded Red Raiders.
Walter Clayton Jr. delivered the game’s defining moments, sinking two clutch three-pointers to propel Florida into its first Final Four since 2014. His go-ahead shot with 59 seconds left gave the Gators a 78-77 lead. A position they would not relinquish. The victory capped off an emotional return for Head Coach Todd Golden, who played in the Bay Area at Saint Mary’s and got his coaching start at San Francisco.
A Battle Of Momentum Shifts
From the opening tip, both teams traded blows in a game that remained tight for most of the first 30 minutes. Texas Tech leaned on its defense and rebounding to create second-chance opportunities. Florida countered by attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Neither side built more than a six-point lead for much of the game, showcasing the evenly matched nature of the game.
Early in the second half, Clayton drew fouls on two three-point attempts, converting five of six free throws to keep Florida within striking distance. The Red Raiders, however, responded with a 12-2 run, sparked by Darrius Williams and JT Toppin to take a 10-point lead. The Gators looked in trouble as Texas Tech controlled the pace and dictated play with its physicality in the paint.
Just when Texas Tech seemed poised to close it out, Florida found its spark. Thomas Haugh, coming off the bench, drilled back-to-back three-pointers to ignite the Gators’ rally. The energy shift was evident as Florida intensified its defensive pressure, forcing the Red Raiders into key mistakes down the stretch.
Walton Clayton Jr. Takes Over Late
With Texas Tech leading by nine, Florida’s comeback hopes rested on execution in the final minutes. Haugh’s threes cut into the deficit before Clayton delivered the knockout blows. His deep three with just under a minute left put Florida ahead for the first time in the closing stretch, flipping the momentum completely.
The Red Raiders had opportunities to reclaim the lead but came up short under pressure. Williams, who had been instrumental in their Sweet 16 win over Arkansas, missed two three-pointers late. Texas Tech’s inability to capitalize on late-game free throws and offensive possessions proved costly.
Florida, on the other hand, sealed the game at the foul line. With Clayton leading the charge, the Gators outscored Texas Tech 18-4 in the final three minutes completing one of the most thrilling comebacks of the tournament.
Heartbreaking Ending For Texas Tech
The loss will surely be a painful one for Texas Tech which had been on the other side of a dramatic rally just days earlier. Against Arkansas, the Red Raiders erased a 13-point deficit in the final five minutes to advance. This time, however, they found themselves unable to withstand Florida’s relentless push.
Williams led Texas Tech with 23 points, while Toppin contributed 20, but the Red Raiders struggled to find consistent offense in the final minutes. The late-game execution that had carried them through previous rounds faltered when they needed it most. Despite their strong tournament run, Texas Tech’s dream of a second Final Four appearance slipped away heartbreakingly.
Florida’s rally, led by Clayton’s heroics, now sets up a Final Four clash against either Auburn or Michigan State. The Gators will enter with momentum knowing they can weather adversity and execute when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s ability to stay composed under pressure and execute in crunch time showcased the poise of a championship-caliber team. Clayton’s 30-point performance solidified his role as the team’s closer, while Haugh’s contributions off the bench proved invaluable in shifting momentum. Golden’s squad will look to build on this emotional victory as they prepare for their biggest test yet.
For Texas Tech, the season ends with a bittersweet feeling. The Red Raiders exceeded expectations by reaching the Elite Eight but will be left wondering what could have been. Their physical defense and resilience carried them far, but closing out games against elite competition remains the next step for the program’s growth.
