Todd Golden led the Florida Gators to their third national title in men’s basketball, defeating Houston 65-63 in the national championship game. This achievement marks the program’s first national championship since 2007. Key highlights from the game include ¹ ²:
– *Game Details*: The Gators overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half to secure the win at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
– *Notable Players*:
– *Will Richard*: Scored a team-high 18 points, including 4-5 from distance in the first half.
– *Walter Clayton Jr.*: Contributed 11 points, with his first field goal coming late in the second half to cut Houston’s lead and eventually tie the game.
– *Denzel Aberdeen*: Added a crucial free throw with 19.7 seconds left to stretch the lead to 65-63.
– *Coach Golden’s Achievement*: At 39 years old, Golden became the youngest coach to win a national championship since Billy Donovan in 2006 and Jim Valvano in 1983.
The Florida Gators’ victory marked a significant milestone for the program, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination. The team celebrated their win with a watch party at the O’Dome, attended by 11,355 fans ¹.
In a remarkable achievement, Todd Golden led the Florida Gators to their third NCAA men’s basketball national championship, marking their first title since 2007. In just his third season as head coach, Golden orchestrated a season that culminated in a thrilling 65–63 victory over the Houston Cougars in the national championship game held on April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. citeturn0search16
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### **A Season of Excellence**
The 2024–25 season was a testament to Golden’s coaching prowess and the team’s collective effort. The Gators finished the season with an impressive 36–4 record, including a 14–4 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Their dominance was evident as they secured the No. 1 ranking in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll, receiving all 61 first-place votes. citeturn0news13
Florida’s journey to the championship was marked by significant victories, including a decisive 79–73 win over Auburn in the Final Four, where senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. delivered a standout performance with 34 points. citeturn0search16 The team’s resilience was further demonstrated in the national championship game, where they overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half to secure the title. citeturn0news15
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### **Key Players and Contributions**
Golden’s success was bolstered by the exceptional performances of several players:
– **Walter Clayton Jr.**: Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton’s leadership and scoring ability were instrumental throughout the tournament.
– **Will Richard and Alijah Martin**: Both provided consistent scoring and defensive efforts, contributing to the team’s depth and versatility.
– **Alex Condon**: His defensive play in the final moments of the championship game, including securing a crucial rebound, was pivotal in clinching the victory. citeturn0news15
The team’s success was also attributed to Golden’s strategic use of a nine-man rotation, which allowed for sustained energy and adaptability throughout the tournament. citeturn0search1
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### **Overcoming Challenges**
The season was not without its challenges. In January 2025, Golden faced a Title IX investigation into allegations of misconduct. The university conducted a thorough review and concluded that there was no evidence to support the claims, allowing Golden to focus on leading the team to success. citeturn0search0
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### **Looking Ahead**
With the national championship secured, the Gators’ program is poised for continued success under Golden’s leadership. The team’s blend of experienced upperclassmen and emerging talent positions them well for future seasons. As Golden reflects on this achievement, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork and resilience, qualities that have defined the Gators’ remarkable season.
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