Florida Gators Win 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in Thrilling Finish Against Houston

Florida Gators Win 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in Thrilling Finish Against Houston

In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 March Madness tournament, the Florida Gators defeated the Houston Cougars 65–63 to claim the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship. The game, held in front of a packed crowd, delivered a high-stakes showdown that lived up to the hype surrounding the final matchup.

Gators Rally in Second Half for Title Win

The Gators vs. Houston matchup started with the Cougars controlling the pace. Houston basketball leaned heavily on the scoring of L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp, building a 12-point lead early in the second half. Under the direction of head coach Kelvin Sampson, Houston looked poised to secure its first-ever national championship in program history.

But the Florida Gators, led by standout guard Walter Clayton Jr., had other plans.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Clayton Jr. exploded in the final stretch, scoring 11 crucial points and delivering a game-saving defensive stop in the final seconds. His performance earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Romulus and Remus? No, It Was Alex Condon and the Gator Defense

Another key contributor for Florida was forward Alex Condon, who dominated the boards and provided consistent interior defense. The Gators basketball team locked in during the final minutes, allowing just one field goal in the last five minutes of play. Their lockdown effort helped secure Florida’s third national championship in men’s basketball and first since 2007.

Florida vs. Houston Final Score: 65–63

The final moments were tense, with Houston trailing by just two and a chance to tie or win. But a turnover forced by Florida’s backcourt denied the Cougars any clean shot. The final buzzer sealed the Gators’ victory, setting off celebrations from Gainesville to homes across the nation watching the NCAA championship game.

March Madness 2025: A Tournament to Remember

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was packed with upsets, breakout stars, and unforgettable finishes. Florida and Houston emerged as the final two after battling through a stacked field of contenders. For fans of men’s college basketball, the title game represented a high point in a thrilling season.

Florida’s road to the title included wins over elite programs, while Houston once again proved to be one of the most consistent forces in the sport. Though the Cougars fell just short, they showcased grit and talent that will fuel future championship pushes.

What’s Next for the Programs?

For Houston basketball, the question remains: Has Houston ever won a national championship in basketball? Not yet—but the Cougars are closer than ever. Under Coach Sampson, Houston continues to build one of the most respected programs in college basketball.

For Florida, the victory cements their return to national prominence. UF basketball is once again a championship-caliber program, and with players like Walter Clayton Jr. leading the way, the Gators could remain a dominant force in seasons to come.

NCAA Men’s National Championship 2025 – Quick Recap

• Champions: Florida Gators
• Final Score: Florida 65, Houston 63
• Most Outstanding Player: Walter Clayton Jr.
• Top Scorer for Houston: L.J. Cryer
• Top Performer for Florida: Will Richard (18 points), Clayton Jr. (11 second-half points)
• Date: April 7, 2025
• Location: NCAA Men’s National Championship Game

Where to Watch, How to Stream

Missed the action? The NCAA championship game was broadcast live, with replays and highlights now available across major sports platforms and streaming services. Fans looking to relive the drama can find full-game replays and player stat breakdowns from the Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars matchup.