Houston In a nail-biting NCAA championship showdown, Florida emerged victorious over Houston with a dramatic 65–63 win, securing their first national title since 2007. For Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars, the loss was especially painful — a game they led almost the entire way unraveled in the final minutes.
Despite dominating for most of the contest, Houston fell apart in the closing 3:24, committing five turnovers — including on each of their final four possessions. They didn’t even get a shot off in the game’s final stretch, leaving fans stunned and the Cougars devastated.
One Final Play, One Missed Chance
“It came down to one more play,” said Kelvin Sampson, who missed out on his 800th career win and a long-awaited first national title. “We lost by two points. That’s what it came down to.”
That decisive moment unfolded with five seconds remaining. Houston guard Emanuel Sharp received the ball just outside the arc, readying for a potential game-winning three-pointer. But Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., who had been quiet most of the night, closed in with perfect timing—sprinting full-speed, hands raised, avoiding the foul but disrupting the shot.
Sharp hesitated, lost control of the ball, and the Gators pounced. Alex Condon, Florida’s center, dove onto the floor and secured possession just as the buzzer sounded. The Florida bench erupted, storming the court in celebration as they clinched their first national championship in nearly two decades.
Houston’s Collapse: A Painful Breakdown
For 36 minutes, Houston controlled the tempo, playing the slow-paced, grind-it-out game they thrive in. But in a shocking twist, they self-destructed in the final three minutes:
- 1:21 – Joseph Tugler stripped inside
- 0:52 – LJ Cryer lost the ball under pressure
- 0:26 – Sharp dribbled off his leg in a triple-team trap
- 0:00 – Sharp fumbled the ball, sealing the loss
“Incomprehensible in that situation,” said a clearly heartbroken Sampson. “We didn’t need a three. We just needed a good look. And we didn’t even get a shot off.”
For a team that had built its reputation on late-game poise, the meltdown was both uncharacteristic and crushing — drawing comparisons to Houston’s infamous 1983 championship loss to NC State in the final seconds.
A Senior Farewell and Missed Milestone
For Houston’s seniors, the defeat was deeply emotional.
“I wanted it so bad for him,” said J’Wan Roberts, referring to Coach Sampson. “So, so, so bad. And it hurts. This was my last time wearing the jersey, and I feel terrible.”
LJ Cryer, who led all scorers with 19 points, reflected on the abrupt end: “We thought this was a game that if we played well, we could win. And we did — until the last three minutes.”
Florida’s Moment of Glory
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., who finished with 11 points and the game-saving defensive play, said he was acting on instinct:
“My mind was kind of blank, honestly. I was just going 100%, trying to get a stop. We ended up getting it.”
Alex Condon added, “I just dove on it and heard the buzzer go. Didn’t feel real. Crazy feeling.”
With the win, Todd Golden becomes the youngest coach to win an NCAA title since Jim Valvano in 1983. “We made big-time plays down the stretch,” Golden said. “That last play — Walter’s closeout, Condo diving for the ball — that’s who we are.”
Also Read : Florida Gators Championship Run Shows March Madness Thrives in NIL Era
A Game of Inches
In a matchup where every possession was a battle, it was Florida’s final defensive stand that tipped the balance. For Houston, it’s another chapter of heartbreak in their storied program — still seeking that elusive first championship.
Four final possessions. Four turnovers. Zero shots. And one unforgettable play that crowned Florida the 2025 NCAA champions.
