SAN ANTONIO — Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida delivered a triumphant parting gift that silenced Houston’s formidable defense in a stunning NCAA title game finish. Overcoming a 12-point deficit, the Gators clinched a 65-63 victory in a nail-biting showdown highlighted by Clayton’s crucial defensive play that prevented Houston from attempting a game-winning shot as the clock expired.
Clayton scored 11 points—all in the second half—but his defining moment came when he halted Houston’s Emanuel Sharp from completing a potentially game-winning three-pointer. “Just go 100 percent,” Clayton said, reflecting on his decisive action that ensured victory for Florida.
As Sharp searched for an opening, Clayton’s swift approach disrupted the Houston guard’s momentum, causing him to lose the ball. Alex Condon swiftly seized the opportunity, diving for the ball and passing it back to Clayton. As the buzzer sounded, Clayton ceremoniously pulled his jersey from his shorts, signaling the Gators’ triumph amidst a flurry of orange and blue confetti.
Coach Todd Golden of Florida recalled the intense final moments: “We guarded them hard, hoping to get control of the ball. I’m thrilled we succeeded.” This win marks Florida’s fourth comeback during the tournament, with the final 46 seconds proving pivotal after the Gators led the game for merely 64 seconds.
Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, lamented the missed opportunities, stating, “Clayton made a great play, but shot fakes and going into the paint are essential. A two-pointer would have been sufficient.”
Will Richard kept Florida in contention with 18 points, helping secure the university’s third overall championship and first under coach Golden’s tenure. This victory is monumental for Florida fans, marking their first national title celebration since 2008.
The Southeastern Conference achieved its first basketball championship since Kentucky’s triumph in 2012. However, the loss denied Houston and Sampson their inaugural title, leaving them reminiscent of the famed Phi Slama Jama teams from the 1980s, which also fell just shy of glory.
Known for its aggressive defense, Houston held Florida to under 70 points for only the second time this season. Clayton, originally scoreless in the first half, found his rhythm through three-point plays, finishing with a crucial mix of free throws and field goals.
A defining sequence came after Alijah Martin’s free throws gave Florida a 64-63 advantage, prompting a critical defensive stance where Richard and Clayton trapped Sharp, forcing a turnover. This defensive stand solidified Clayton’s legacy at Florida and highlighted his crucial role in history.
Houston struggled to execute in the final seconds, unable to break past Florida’s airtight defense. Clayton’s last-minute rush ensured Sharp couldn’t launch a shot, securing Florida’s title.
Instead of celebrating his own milestone as potentially the oldest coach to win the title, Sampson witnessed 39-year-old Golden become the youngest to win since Jim Valvano in 1983. This loss came after Houston’s own remarkable comeback against Duke, showcasing the thrilling nature of the Final Four.
Unlike the men’s close contests, the women’s Final Four witnessed decisive victories, with UConn’s dominant win over South Carolina being a notable highlight. Reflecting on the men’s intense competition, Sampson remarked, “When it comes down to the final two teams, it’s never going to be a walk in the park for either side.”