RALEIGH, N.C. — The Florida Gators are celebrating a significant milestone as they advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017, following a gripping 77-75 victory over the UConn Huskies in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2025, at the Lenovo Center. This thrilling match marked the end of UConn’s impressive two-year reign as national champions and highlighted Florida's determination to regain its place on the national stage.
The Gators, a No. 1 seed with an impressive 32-4 record this season, showcased their resolve to bring Florida basketball back to prominence. Senior guard Will Richard expressed immense pride in the team's achievement, stating, "This is why everybody came here. We wanted to bring Florida back to that national stage and that relevance. For us, it means a lot, just playing for that logo and for the guys that came before us to help us get here." His words encapsulate the team's motivation as they look to honor the legacy of past Florida teams.
Florida’s path to victory was not without its challenges. UConn, seeded eighth, initially led the game and briefly took a 61-59 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. However, pivotal plays by Florida changed the momentum. Walter Clayton Jr. sank a crucial three-pointer shortly after UConn's Alex Karaban was denied a foul call on what could have been a game-changing layup. Richard followed up with a dunk that solidified Florida's lead and shifted the tide in their favor.
After the game, UConn's head coach Dan Hurley was visibly frustrated about various officiating decisions that he believed impacted the game's outcome. As he left the court, he expressed his irritation to Baylor coaches and players, saying, "I hope they don't [expletive] you like they [expletive] us, Baylor." This emotional outburst reflected the mounting tension as UConn fought to maintain their championship title amid what Hurley perceived as unfair refereeing.
During a post-game media availability, Hurley elaborated on the incidents that incensed him, specifically highlighting the no-call against Karaban during a key moment late in the game. "Part of (the emotion) is probably just the season, how tumultuous the season has been. The team battled and fought just to qualify for the tournament, and then how the game played out… I thought that was a big play too," Hurley lamented, pointing to both the no-call on Karaban's drive and the critical rebound mistakes in the waning minutes of the game.
Statistically, the game was tightly contested with Florida called for 17 personal fouls compared to UConn’s 21. On the free throw line, Florida capitalized on their opportunities, finishing 22-of-34, while UConn was slightly less effective, hitting 19-of-22. UConn's season concluded with a 24-11 record, marking the first time since the 2019-20 season that they finished with double-digit losses.
Looking ahead, Florida is set to face the winner of the match-up between the 4-seed Maryland and 12-seed Colorado State. That showdown will take place on March 27, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. The anticipation for this next step in the tournament is palpable as Florida aims to continue its journey towards potential national glory.
The themes of resilience and frustration were ever-present in this high-stakes encounter. As Florida celebrates its return to form, UConn must regroup and reflect on a season filled with highs and lows, navigating the path ahead without the championship they had hoped to defend. Both teams demonstrated tenacity and skill, embodying the spirit of college basketball as their seasons took tales of triumph and heartache, leaving fans captivated.
