NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and center Micah Handlogten celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
ByActionNewsJax.com News Staff
HOUSTON — The Gators and Walter Clayton Jr. somehow overcame Houstonās lockdown intensity, along with a 12-point deficit Monday night to will out a 65-63 victory in an NCAA title-game thriller decided when the Florida seniorās own D stopped the Cougars from even taking a game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates with Alijah Martin #15 during the second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators speaks with the media after defeating the Houston Cougars in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates after second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators dribbles the ball against the Houston Cougars defense during the first half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera.) Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators battles for the rebound against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates by cutting down the net after defeating the Houston Cougars in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates after the second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera.) Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates a basket during the second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators runs onto the court prior to the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera.) Will Richard #5 of the Florida Gators reacts during the second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston's Emanuel Sharp (21) and Joseph Tugler (11) hug in the locker room after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston's J'Wan Roberts (13) loses the ball as Florida's Alijah Martin (15) and Rueben Chinyelu (9) defend during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. (1) jumps to knock the ball from Houston's Emanuel Sharp (21) during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Walter Clayton Jr., rear, knocks the ball away from Houston's Emanuel Sharp (21) during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - National Championship - San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars walks off the court at halftime during the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game at Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. celebrates after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston's Kordelius Jefferson sits in the locker room after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida celebrates with the trophy after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson yells during the first half against Florida in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida celebrates with the trophy after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and center Micah Handlogten celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida head coach Todd Golden celebrates after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson leaves the court after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida forward Alex Condon celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson points during the first half against Florida in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson yells during the second half in the national championship game against Florida at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston's Milos Uzan (7) leaves the court after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida celebrates after beating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston forward Ja'Vier Francis reacts after their loss against Florida during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida celebrates after beating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Micah Handlogten (3) and Walter Clayton Jr. celebrate after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston's Mylik Wilson (8) leaves the court after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida forward Alex Condon celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and center Micah Handlogten celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston's J'Wan Roberts (13) shoots as Florida's Alex Condon (21) defends during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Alex Condon dunks the ball against Houston during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Houston forward Joseph Tugler reacts as Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen celebrates after scoring during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. celebrates after scoring during the second half against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Florida v Houston SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Ja'Vier Francis #5 of the Houston Cougars dunks the ball against Thomas Haugh #10 of the Florida Gators during the first half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida guard Alijah Martin celebrates after their win against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Alex Condon (21) reacts after Florida beat Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
NCAA Florida Houston Basketball Florida's Rueben Chinyelu (9) reacts after being called for a foul against Houston during the second half in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - National Championship - San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators celebrate a win during the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game at Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - National Championship - San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators drives to the basket during the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game at Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) (Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Final Four Week - San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 3: Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators walks to the locker room during Final Four Media Day at the 2025 Men's Final Four at Alamodome on April 3, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) (Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Florida at Auburn Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) dribbles the ball against Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images (Bob Donnan/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Florida v Auburn SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: Thomas Haugh #10, Will Richard #5 and Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators react against the Auburn Tigers during the second half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
NCAA Texas Tech Florida Basketball Florida head coach Todd Golden celebrates following his team's win over Texas Tech in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in San Francisco. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) (Scott Strazzante/AP)
NCAA Texas Tech Florida Basketball Florida head coach Todd Golden celebrates after cutting down the net following his team's win over Texas Tech in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in San Francisco. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) (Scott Strazzante/AP)
APTOPIX NCAA Texas Tech Florida Basketball Florida head coach Todd Golden does the Gator Chomp after cutting down the net after defeating Texas Tech in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
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