San Antonio, TX-

                The adage is, offense wins games, and defense wins you championships. When it mattered most, the Florida Gators tightened up the screws, and held Houston to only two field goals over the final five minutes, to preserve the win, 65-63, and secure their third ever National Championship.

After consecutive thirty plus point performances, senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. would struggle, but his timing was impeccable hitting his only three-pointer of the night, that would tie the game up at 60 all, with 3:14 to play.  Clayton would go scoreless until the 7:54 mark of the second half but would still end with a critical 11 points on the evening. Earning him, the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.

A few possessions afterwards, driving from the left wing, Alijah Martin would draw contact and then calmly hit two free throws to put Florida up, 64-63 w/46.5 seconds to go.

The Gators would trail by as many as twelve points early in the second half. Although the Florida offense wasn’t torrid, it was efficient enough to capitalize on the defense limiting Houston to shooting only 35% from the field.

While Clayton was held scoreless for 32 minutes, senior guard Will Richard picked up the scoring slack. He had a team high 18 points, while sinking 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.

Florida Head Coach, Todd Golden talked about the message to his team to remain confident in closing out the game.

“Yeah, our teams resolve, DNA, dwe don’t have to give those guys confidence. You know what I mean? Walter Clayton, confident. Alijah Martin, confident. Houston is a great team. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. The message at halftime was we have to take better care of the basketball, but we have to continue to stay aggressive and attack.”

Complimenting the defensive effort, was Florida’s ability to get to the line, and take advantage of the charity stripe, making 17 of 21 attempts (81%). In comparison to UH, who only went to the line 14 times, and shot 64%.

Both teams started the game cold from the floor, shooting exactly the same field goal percentage, 33% midway through the first half.

Florida would come out of the third media timeout and show signs of life. Ruben Chinyelu and Will Richard would connect on consecutive treys. While Houston would get a driving bucket by Ja’Vier Francis to give the Cougs a 20-16 advantage.

In the final minute of the first half, Will Richard would sink his fourth 3-pointer, keeping the Gators in stride and cutting the deficit to 31-28, the score at the half. His 14 points in the first twenty minutes would lead the Gators.  

Out of the halftime locker room, LJ Cryer would get the scoring started for Houston with his second triple. A few possessions later, he would strike again, this three-pointer from the corner, putting UH up 40-30.

Next time down the floor, J’Wan Roberts would use a soft interior touch as would get the bounce, giving UH a 42-30 lead w/16:24, their largest of the game.

The Gators would respond at the 12:38 mark when Alijah Martin would connect from beyond the arc, making it a six-point deficit. On the ensuing possession, a steal would lead to a transition layup for Thomas Haugh, drawing the and one. Bringing Florida to within 45-41, and Haugh would hit the free throw, making it 45-42. The Gator faithful would come to life in the Alamodome.

With the win, Florida hoists the trophy for the first time in eighteen years, crowning an incredible season. Winning the SEC tournament, finishing 36-4 overall, and earning the title of National Champions.
(Photos courtesy of JJ Perez, InsideRunnerSports)