The 2025 NCAA men's basketball national championship game was a nail-biter, showcasing the resilience and skill of the Florida Gators as they edged out the Houston Cougars 65-63 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Monday night. This victory marks Florida's third national title, with their previous championships coming in 2006 and 2007.
As the game approached its climax, Houston found itself in a commanding position, leading 42-30 early in the second half. However, the Gators, under the guidance of head coach Todd Golden, mounted a formidable comeback, responding with a 12-3 run that brought them back into contention. This rally ties the third-largest comeback in national championship history, a feat that adds to the drama of this thrilling matchup.
The tension escalated in the final moments when Houston's Emanuel Sharp had a chance to secure victory with a go-ahead three-pointer. In a moment of hesitation, he dropped the ball, allowing the Gators to escape with the win. Florida's ability to capitalize on Houston's mistakes proved crucial, as the Cougars committed four turnovers in the last two minutes, a pivotal factor that shifted the momentum.
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, contributing significantly to his team's success. After a stunning 34-point performance against Auburn in the Final Four, he scored 11 points and dished out seven assists in the championship game, demonstrating his playmaking abilities when it mattered most. Will Richard also played a key role, providing a spark in the first half with 18 points, leading the Gators in scoring.
On the other side, Houston's L.J. Cryer led all scorers with 19 points, but he was the only Cougar to reach double digits. The Cougars struggled with turnovers, particularly in the closing stages of the game, which ultimately cost them a chance at their first-ever national title.
The officiating drew considerable attention, with fans expressing dissatisfaction over the disparity in foul calls between the two halves. In the first half, only four fouls were called, with Houston receiving three and Florida one. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift, resulting in 26 total fouls being called, leading to both teams entering the double bonus. This inconsistency in officiating sparked debate among fans and commentators alike, as many felt it had a significant impact on the game's outcome.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Gators celebrated their hard-fought victory, while the Cougars were left to ponder what might have been. Florida's triumph not only adds to their storied history but also serves as a testament to their grit and determination throughout the tournament.
In the aftermath of the championship, attention quickly turned to the future. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Duke is the early favorite to win the 2026 national championship, with odds set at +1000, followed closely by Houston at +1200. Florida, now champions, is listed as a longer shot at +2500 to repeat their success.
For the Florida Gators, the celebration is just beginning. Sophomore Thomas Haugh, a key player from New Oxford, Pennsylvania, has garnered attention not only for his on-court performance but also for the support he received from his hometown during the championship run. His family co-owned a local restaurant, Highland Taps and Tables, which hosted a watch party for the big game. Fans from the community came together to cheer on Haugh and the Gators, creating an electric atmosphere as they celebrated the team's historic victory.
Haugh's aunt, Megan Rachelle, expressed the pride felt by the community, saying, "It's such an honor for all of us to be able to root him and these guys on, especially from such a small town." Haugh’s journey from a small-town player to a national champion has inspired many, and the support from his family and friends has been a source of motivation throughout the season.
As the NCAA tournament wraps up, the focus will shift to the off-season, with speculation surrounding potential NBA Draft prospects. Walter Clayton Jr., who has been a standout throughout the tournament, is expected to declare for the draft, while Duke's Cooper Flagg and his classmates, projected to be lottery picks, may also consider their futures.
With the 2025-2026 college basketball season on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the landscape will change. Duke's incoming class, featuring four top-25 recruits, including the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, adds another layer of excitement as they aim to reclaim their spot at the top.
For now, the Gators bask in the glory of their championship victory, a moment that will be etched in the history of college basketball. As they celebrate, they also reflect on the hard work and dedication that led them to this moment, proving once again that in the world of sports, anything is possible.
