The 2025 NCAA Tournament concluded with the Florida Gators capturing the national championship in a thrilling 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Monday, April 7. This hard-fought battle saw Florida rally from a double-digit deficit in the second half to secure their third NCAA title, adding to their previous championships in 2006 and 2007.
The game kicked off at 8:50 p.m. ET, and fans were treated to a nail-biting finish. Will Richard emerged as the standout player for the Gators, leading the team with 18 points. Meanwhile, L.J. Cryer was the top scorer for Houston, contributing 19 points to his team's effort. The Gators' pivotal moment came when they took their first lead since early in the first half, going up 64-63 with just 46 seconds remaining.
Florida's journey to the championship was nothing short of impressive. As the No. 1 seed in the West Region, they dominated their way through the tournament. They began with a decisive 95-69 victory over No. 16 seed Norfolk State, followed by a narrow 77-75 win against No. 8 seed UConn in the Round of 32. The Gators continued their momentum by eliminating Maryland in the Sweet 16 with an 87-71 score, and then faced No. 3 seed Texas Tech in the Elite Eight, where they triumphed 84-79. The Final Four saw them face off against No. 1 seed Auburn, which they defeated 79-73 to earn their spot in the championship game.
In the championship match, both teams showcased their strengths. Florida, known for their high-scoring offense averaging 85.3 points per game during the season, faced off against Houston's formidable defense, which allowed only 58.5 points per game—ranked first in the country. The Gators had a slight edge on the betting line, favored by just one point against the Cougars, who matched them with an identical overall record of 35-4.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Houston initially taking control. However, Florida's resilience shone through as they outscored the Cougars 8-3 in the final 4:17 of the game. This late-game surge proved crucial, sealing their victory and solidifying their status as champions.
Florida's head coach praised his team's determination, stating, "We never lost faith, even when we were down. The guys showed incredible character to come back and win this game." This victory marks a significant achievement for the Gators, as they join an elite group of teams with three NCAA championships.
In addition to Richard's standout performance, the Gators' roster featured several key players throughout the season. Walter Clayton Jr. averaged 18.5 points per game, while Alijah Martin contributed 14.6 points, showcasing the depth of talent on the team. Houston, on the other hand, relied heavily on Cryer, who was not only their leading scorer but also a key player in their playoff run.
Houston's path to the championship game was equally impressive, as they pulled off an incredible late-game comeback against Duke in the Final Four. This victory set the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against Florida, with both teams proving their mettle throughout the tournament.
As the Gators celebrated their victory, the focus now shifts to the future. With several key players likely to enter the NBA draft, fans are left wondering how this championship win will impact the team's roster moving forward. Coach Mike White expressed optimism, saying, "This is just the beginning for us. We have a bright future ahead, and we're excited to see where it takes us."
With this championship win, Florida not only adds another trophy to their cabinet but also reinforces their reputation as a powerhouse in college basketball. Their ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure has solidified their place in NCAA history, and fans are already looking forward to the next season.
As for Houston, the Cougars will undoubtedly use this experience as motivation for future seasons. Despite the heartbreak of a close loss, they demonstrated their capability as one of the top teams in the nation, and their fans remain hopeful for a championship run in the coming years.
The thrilling conclusion of the 2025 NCAA Tournament leaves fans buzzing with excitement, and the memories of this championship game will linger long after the final buzzer. With the Gators crowned as champions, the stage is set for another exciting year of college basketball.
