On Monday, Apr. 7, the Houston Cougars and the Florida Gators matched up to crown a new champion in the world of college basketball. Both teams have been among the top in college basketball the whole season, each going into the game with 35 wins, so it was a matchup worthy of the championship game. Florida was looking for their third championship in program history, last having won a championship when they won back to back in 2006 and 2007. Houston on the other hand, was seeking their first championship in program history, having last made the championship game in 1984. In a close battle, it was the Gators taking home their third championship in program history.
Throughout most of the first half, both teams struggled to score. The style of play was in favor of Houston, who likes to play a slower and lower scoring game, compared to Florida who likes to play fast and put up a lot of shots. That showed on the scoreboard, as halfway through the first half Houston led 16-10. Florida finally got some things going on offense in the last ten minutes of the half, with help from four Will Richard three pointers. Without his shooting, Florida would have likely seen a much bigger deficit at the break. Houston was up at the break, but with a narrow three point lead, 31-28.
After being in control for most of the first half, Houston went on a big run to start the second half. With the help of seven points from LJ Cryer, they went on an 11-2 run, and had a 42-30 lead with just over fifteen minutes left in the game. The twelve point lead was the highest of the game, but Florida quickly worked to get their way back into it. They brought the game within three points at the twelve minute mark, but Houston still managed to hold on to their lead. That was until about the eight minute mark when Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. made an and-one layup to tie the game at 48. The rest of the game was neck and neck, and with under a minute left Elijah Martin made two free throws to take the lead 64-63. Another free throw by Denzel Aberdeen with 20 seconds left gave Florida a 65-63 lead. Houston had a chance for the last shot to tie or take the lead, but were unable to get a look. Florida snuck away with the close 65-63 victory, the 2025 national champions.
Richard led the Gators in scoring with 18, Alex Condon pitched in 12 and Clayton Jr. had 11. Clayton Jr. also had 7 assists. Despite the losing effort, Cryer led all scorers with 19 points.
