In a thrilling NCAA championship showdown, Florida triumphed over Houston 65-63, snagging their first title since 2007 and denying Houston its first-ever championship. This victory marks the Gators’ third national championship and solidifies their comeback prowess demonstrated throughout the tournament.
Houston (35-5) held a commanding 42-30 lead early in the second half, extending their halftime advantage of 31-28. However, the Gators, under the guidance of coach Todd Golden, mounted a formidable 12-3 run, narrowing the gap to just three points at 45-42. This rally matched the third-largest comeback in national championship history, a record set when Kansas overcame a 16-point deficit in 2022.
THE GATORS ARE THE 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🐊 🏆@GatorsMBK x @FloridaGators pic.twitter.com/ZdlSRrmdy4
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) April 8, 2025The game remained intensely close, with neither team leading by more than three points in the last 8:31 minutes. Florida claimed its first lead since early in the first half at the 46-second mark, maintaining the lead for just 64 seconds compared to Houston’s 30:44.
The championship featured 12 ties and only three lead changes, highlighting the evenly matched contest. The second half increased in intensity, with Houston committing 16 fouls and Florida nine. Crucially, 15 of Florida’s 37 second-half points came from free throws, including their final five points.
YOUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: THE FLORIDA GATORS 🏆🐊#MarchMadness @GatorsMBK pic.twitter.com/XatLv5x2hm
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 8, 2025Houston struggled with ball control, turning over the ball four times in the crucial final 2:05, which ultimately swung the game in Florida’s favour. In contrast, after nine turnovers in the first half, Florida tightened their play, committing just four turnovers in the second half.
FLORIDA STORMS BACK TO BEAT HOUSTON FOR THE 2025 NCAA MEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP🐊 pic.twitter.com/EDBGRUjUTK
— On3 (@On3sports) April 8, 2025Walter Clayton Jr. earned the Most Outstanding Player award after scoring 34 points in the Final Four against Auburn and contributing 11 points and seven assists in the final game. Will Richard sparked Florida’s offence in the first half, ending the game with a team-high 18 points.
Read: March Madness: Houston Stuns Duke to Reach 2025 NCAA Championship
On Houston’s side, L.J. Cryer led with 19 points, but he was the only Cougar to score in double digits.
Florida’s narrow two-point victory is the smallest margin in an NCAA men’s title game since Duke’s 61-59 win over Butler in 2010. It highlights the championship’s intense competition and high stakes. This win celebrates Florida’s strategic resilience and sets a landmark in NCAA championship history.
