RALEIGH, N.C. — In a dramatic showdown during the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Walter Clayton Jr. and the top-seeded Florida Gators ended UConn’s quest for a third consecutive national championship with a thrilling 77-75 victory on March 23, 2025. Clayton, a first-team All-American, emerged as the hero, sinking crucial three-pointers in the final minutes that propelled Florida to victory.
Florida, boasting a season record of 32-4, hadn’t advanced to the Sweet 16 since 2017, but their determination showed as they overcame a challenging contest against the No. 8 seed UConn (24-11). The Gators were seen as favorites given their ranking and performance throughout the season, but Coach Dan Hurley’s Huskies made it clear they were not to be underestimated, leading for much of the game.
Clayton showcased his skills late in the game, scoring 15 of his game-high 23 points in the second half, with pivotal three-pointers that flipped the score. His performance helped the Gators finally take the lead with 2:54 remaining, marking the first time they were ahead in the second half at a crucial moment in the game.
“Super clutch, man,” commented Florida shooting guard Alijah Martin after the game. “That’s Walter Clayton Jr. for you right there. He put us on his back — just so proud of him. I see the work he put in every day. It’s amazing to watch.”
Despite a slow start and facing aggressive defense from UConn that restricted Florida to just 35% shooting in the early part of the game, the Gators fought back. UConn held a 52-46 lead at one point, and it wasn’t until Clayton's critical late-game score that the tide began to shift.
The turning point came when Clayton sank a three-pointer from the right wing, putting Florida up 62-61 with under three minutes to play. That was quickly followed by a steal from teammate Will Richard, who converted it into a dunk, pushing the momentum firmly in favor of Florida. Clayton’s second clutch three a minute later extended Florida's lead to 70-64, part of a vital 14-3 run that clinched the game.
As time wound down, UConn faced a daunting challenge. Despite their efforts to respond, they struggled significantly with shooting, finishing the game with a mere 27.6% conversion rate from three-point range, going 8-of-29. They also encountered issues making layups, converting only 47.4% of those opportunities.
UConn had their chances down the stretch, but after being within reach of victory, they couldn’t capitalize on several Florida free throws that didn’t connect. UConn's Thomas Haugh attempted to push the game back to a tie with two free throws in the last moments, but Florida ultimately held their ground as Clayton added more points from the line
UConn had entered the tournament with an impressive record, hoping to become the first team since UCLA’s seven straight titles from 1967 to 1973 to achieve a three-peat. They previously won championships in 2023 and 2024 but now faced a significant rebuild following the loss of four starters to the NBA.
Liam McNeeley was a standout for UConn, contributing 22 points and keeping them competitive, alongside Alex Karaban with 14 points and Alijah Martin's 18 points. However, their effort fell short in the game’s final seconds, where McNeeley's desperation three-pointer at the buzzer was a mere consolation as the final horn sounded.
As the Gators celebrated their success, they were keenly aware that they now face another challenge ahead. Florida will advance to the Sweet 16, set to meet either Colorado State or Maryland in San Francisco as they continue their pursuit of NCAA glory.
Coach Todd Golden has made remarkable strides with the program in just three years, bringing Florida back to a high level of competitiveness after a period of dormancy in NCAA March Madness success. This victory not only highlights the team's resilience but also portends greater possibilities as they navigate their way through the tournament. UConn’s impressive streak may have come to an end, but they remain a testament to determination and competitiveness in college basketball.
