Florida comes back to earn 3rd National Championship

SAN ANTONIO (TXAN 24) — In a classic down-to-the-wire finish, the Florida claimed the 2025 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship with a 65-63 victory over the Houston at the Alamodome.

The Cougars led by as many as 12 points midway through the second half, silencing the Florida-heavy crowd and holding Gators star guard Walter Clayton Jr. scoreless through that stretch. Houston’s physical defense and sharp perimeter shooting had Florida on the ropes with under 10 minutes remaining. But the Gators would not go away. With just under a minute to play, Florida took a 64-63 lead.

In only his third season, head coach Todd Golden has brought Florida back to the mountaintop.

This one had it all — grit, tension, and a finish worthy of March Madness lore.