Florida Gators Guard takes home NCAA title after close contest with Houston Cougars

Florida Gators Guard beat Houston Cougars in a closely contested match to lift the NCAA basketball championship 2025 on Monday (April 7). The match, which ended with a score of 65-63, was largely in the Cougar’s favour with Florida coming back from a 12-point deficit to finally emerge victorious.

Florida Gators Guard’s point guard, Walter Clayton Jr. was the centre of attraction in the NCAA title match. Led by Will Richard's team-high 18 points, clutch shots from Walter Clayton Jr. down the stretch and a stop on the final possession of the game led to Florida’s triumph.



Clayton’s first point was scored at 14:57 in the second half and the first goal came with 7:54 minutes left in the game. The Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player was awarded to Clayton, after finishing with 11 points and seven assists Monday night.

Five points were scored by Cryer in the first half and 14 after the break, making three 3-pointers. Clayton’s first points at the free throw line were coupled with two-three point plays to provide the momentum needed by Florida.

Alijah Martin, gave the Gators the lead with a pair of free throws with 46 seconds left before Houston turned the ball in the chaotic moments of the game.

Walter Clayton Jr. said that the feeling was inexplicable after showcasing a masterclass of 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

The Houston Cougars’ form seemed as if they would bring back the title, after winning 49 total NCAA championships.

The Gators became the first ever team to come back with a win with their rally from 12 points on Monday night to overcome at least a nine-point deficit in all three of those rounds, according to an ESPN research.

Florida turned it over nine times in the opening 20 minutes, with Clayton being shut out in the first half. The last time Clayton had a scoreless half was against Tennessee.