In the heavyweight showdown of No. 1 seeds, the Florida Gators outlasted the Houston Cougars to capture their first NCAA title since 2007. In a toe-to-toe battle, Florida emerged victorious of a Houston’s stout defense 65–63 as they lifted the championship trophy after overcoming a shocking 12 point deficit in the second half during an instant classic championship match.
Aberdeen’s two points pushed Florida ahead with 19 seconds remaining. This granted Houston the chance to take the lead or tie the game. The Cougars made an attempt for the win through a three pointer by Emanuel Sharp, but lost control of the ball and headed for loose ball which Florida recovered, winning them the match as the clock ran out.
This final minute power play came from two big free throws Alijah Martin in which point guard extended his night total to seven points.
The Cougars experienced a scoring dry period midway through the second half, lasting over four minutes without scoring. This stretch was broken when Houston forward J’Wan Roberts drew a foul near the rim, after which Florida big man Rueben Chinyelu was assessed a technical foul for bouncing the ball in frustration.
Houston started the second half on an 11–2 run, with L.J. Cryer hitting a pair of threes within the first three minutes of the half. The Florida bench was charged with a technical foul for excessive arguing a foul called on Gators guard Will Richard as they stood on the raised portion of the court. Following this, Florida retaliated with their own 7–0 run to get back into the game.
The initial segment was a battle of defenses as the Cougars took a 31-28 lead into the break. Houston held Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. scoreless in the first frame, as he did not hit the scoreboard. He managed to score his first field goal of the game just before the 8-minute mark on a slick and-one bucket and finished with 11 points. Richard kept the Gators afloat early with 14 first half points. He topped scoring for Florida on the night with 18 points.
Off the bench, Mylik Wilson ignited the scoring for the Cougars with 9 points which included a vicious alley-oop dunk and a bank-shot three pointer. Ja’Vier Francis was with 8 points and some massive dunks. Leading the Cougars was Cryer, scoring 19 points.
Florida finishes off a remarkable season, earning their third title in program history and first since 2007.
