San Antonio, TX – April 7, 2025 – In a nail-biting finish that will be remembered as one of the greatest games in NCAA history, the Florida Gators emerged victorious over the Houston Cougars with a final score of 65-63, claiming the NCAA Basketball Championship title for 2025. The Florida-Houston game, held at the Alamodome, showcased the resilience of the Gators and the tenacity of the Cougars, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. For those wondering who won March Madness, the answer is clear: the Florida Gators have once again etched their name in college basketball lore.
A Game of Grit and Determination
The Florida vs. Houston score reflected a contest that was as much about strategy as it was about heart. The Gators basketball team, led by head coach Todd Golden, entered the national championship basketball game as slight favorites, but it was the Houston Cougars, under the seasoned leadership of Kelvin Sampson, who controlled much of the first half. With a suffocating defense ranked No. 1 in the nation, Houston basketball held Florida’s high-octane offense—averaging 85.3 points per game—to just 28 points at halftime, trailing by a slim 31-28 margin.
However, the second half told a different story. The Florida Gators men’s basketball team, known for their ability to rally, mounted a comeback that turned the tide. Down by as many as 12 points early in the second half, the Gators vs. Houston matchup became a showcase of resilience. Key players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard stepped up when it mattered most, while Alex Condon anchored the interior defense. Meanwhile, Houston’s LJ Cryer and Emanuel Sharp fought valiantly to preserve their lead, but the Gators refused to relent.
Pivotal Moments That Defined the Championship
Transitioning into the game’s decisive moments, it was clear that this basketball game tonight would come down to execution under pressure. With 3:14 remaining, Walter Clayton Jr., Florida’s All-American guard, drained a critical three-pointer—his first of the night after a 0-for-5 start—tying the game at 60. This shot not only reinvigorated the UF basketball squad but also shifted the momentum in their favor. Clayton, who struggled early against Houston’s smothering defense, finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors for his tournament performance.
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As the clock ticked down, Alijah Martin became the unsung hero for Florida basketball. With 46.5 seconds left, Martin drew a foul on Houston’s Joseph Tugler, who fouled out, and calmly sank two free throws to give the Gators a 64-63 lead—their first since the opening minutes. On the ensuing possession, Will Richard forced a turnover as Emanuel Sharp dribbled the ball off his leg, giving Florida the ball back with 19.7 seconds to go. Denzel Aberdeen added one more free throw, setting the stage for a dramatic final play.
With the Florida Gators men’s basketball vs. Houston Cougars men’s basketball score at 65-63, Houston had one last chance to tie or win. LJ Cryer, who led the Cougars with 19 points, passed to Emanuel Sharp at the top of the key. As Sharp prepared to launch a potential game-tying three, Walter Clayton Jr. closed the gap with lightning speed, forcing Sharp to drop the ball. Unable to recover, Sharp watched helplessly as time expired, sealing Florida’s third NCAA men’s basketball championship and their first since 2007.
Standout Performances in the Florida-Houston Showdown
For the Florida Gators, Will Richard was the standout, leading all scorers with 18 points, including four three-pointers in the first half that kept the Gators game alive when Clayton was quiet. His defensive tenacity on the final possessions proved equally crucial. Walter Clayton Jr. may not have dominated the stat sheet as he did in prior games—like his 34-point outburst against Auburn in the Final Four—but his clutch plays underscored why he’s a cornerstone of the Florida Gators basketball roster.
On the Houston side, LJ Cryer showcased his veteran poise, shooting 6-of-18 to keep the Cougars basketball team in contention. Emanuel Sharp, despite the costly miscue at the end, contributed 12 points and relentless energy. Kelvin Sampson, a coach with 799 career wins entering the game, came agonizingly close to his first national title and the 800th victory milestone, but the University of Houston basketball team fell just short.
A Championship Journey Through March Madness 2025
The road to the March Madness 2025 title was anything but easy for either team. The Florida Gators navigated a gauntlet, surviving an upset bid from two-time defending champion UConn in the second round and erasing a 10-point deficit against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. Their Final Four win over top-seeded Auburn showcased Clayton Jr.’s brilliance, setting the stage for the Florida-Houston finale.
Meanwhile, the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team delivered their own thrilling moments. A comeback against Gonzaga in the second round, a last-second win over Purdue in the Sweet 16, and a stunning 14-point rally against Duke in the Final Four highlighted their grit. Yet, despite their 35-5 record and a defense that held opponents to 58.3 points per game, the question remains: Has Houston ever won a national championship in basketball? The answer, after this heartbreaking loss, is still no.
Where to Watch and How It Unfolded
Fans wondering where to watch Houston Cougars men’s basketball vs. Florida Gators men’s basketball tuned into CBS at 8:50 p.m. ET, with streaming options available on March Madness Live and Paramount+. For those asking, “What channel is the NCAA championship game on?” CBS delivered the action, capturing every moment of this championship game NCAA classic.
The Florida vs. Houston highlights included a first half dominated by Houston’s defense, a second-half rally sparked by Florida’s depth, and a finish that epitomized the unpredictability of March Madness. The NCAA championship score of 65-63 marked the smallest margin of victory in a men’s title game since 2010, underscoring the intensity of this basketball championship.
Player Stats: Florida Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Houston Cougars Men’s Basketball
Here’s a breakdown of the Florida Gators men’s basketball vs. Houston Cougars men’s basketball match player stats:
- Florida Gators:
- Will Richard: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
- Walter Clayton Jr.: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
- Alijah Martin: 8 points, 3 rebounds (including game-winning free throws)
- Alex Condon: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Houston Cougars:
- LJ Cryer: 19 points, 6 rebounds
- Emanuel Sharp: 12 points, 4 assists
- J’Wan Roberts: 10 points, 11 rebounds
- Joseph Tugler: 4 points, 6 rebounds (fouled out)
The Florida score reflected a team effort, with 39.6% field goal shooting and 25% from three, while Houston’s 34.8% field goal percentage and 24% from beyond the arc couldn’t overcome their late-game miscues.
A Legacy Cemented, A Dream Deferred
For Florida, this victory marks their third national championship basketball title (2006, 2007, 2025) and a triumphant return to glory under Todd Golden, who leveraged the transfer portal to build a championship-caliber roster. The Gators win answered the question, “Did Florida win March Madness?” with a resounding yes, solidifying their place among the elite in men’s college basketball.
For Houston, the loss stings as the Cougars remain without a national title despite seven Final Four appearances. Kelvin Sampson reflected post-game, “We held Florida under 70 points, just like Duke. Saturday, we found a way to win; tonight, we didn’t. Two great teams, but they made one more play.” The UH basketball faithful will undoubtedly rally behind Sampson as he continues his quest for that elusive championship.
Broader Implications for NCAA Basketball
This Florida-Houston game highlighted the evolving landscape of NCAA basketball. With no freshmen playing in the title game—a first since 1989—the impact of the transfer portal and NIL (name, image, likeness) era was evident. Players like Walter Clayton Jr. (from Iona) and Alijah Martin (from FAU) exemplify how transfers can transform programs, while Houston’s veteran-laden roster showcased depth and experience.
Moreover, the NCAA national championship 2025 reaffirmed the SEC’s dominance, with Florida’s win following Auburn’s Final Four run. The Big 12’s Houston Cougars basketball came close, but the Gators proved that toughness forged in conference play translates to March Madness finals.
How to Relive the Action
Missed the basketball game last night? Fans can catch replays on NCAA.com or watch condensed highlights on platforms like YouTube. For those asking, “How to watch NCAA championship?” post-game, streaming services like Paramount+ offer on-demand access. The Florida vs. Houston game is a must-watch for any sports enthusiast.
Looking Ahead
As the confetti settled in San Antonio, the question “Who won the NCAA basketball championship in 2025?” was answered: the Florida Gators. But the journey doesn’t end here. Will Walter Clayton Jr. return to lead the Gators basketball team in defending their title? Can Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars finally break through? Only time will tell.
For now, Gainesville, FL, celebrates as the University of Florida basketball team brings home the trophy. The Florida Gators game today—or rather, last night—proved that in March Madness, anything is possible.
ESPN College Basketball – For in-depth analysis and stats on the NCAA Championship.
NCAA.com – Official source for March Madness updates and highlights.
CBS Sports – For live coverage details and post-game breakdowns.
Yahoo Sports – For additional commentary on the Florida-Houston matchup.
Florida Gators Official Site – For team-specific insights and roster details.
FAQ
Q: Who won the NCAA men’s basketball championship in 2025?
A: The Florida Gators won the NCAA men’s basketball championship in 2025, defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63.
Q: What was the final score of the Florida vs. Houston game?
A: The final score was Florida 65, Houston 63 in the NCAA Championship game on April 7, 2025.
Q: Where was the NCAA championship game played?
A: The game took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Q: What channel was the NCAA championship game on?
A: The game aired on CBS, with streaming available on March Madness Live and Paramount+.
Q: Who were the standout players in the Florida-Houston game?
A: Will Richard (18 points) and Walter Clayton Jr. (11 points, clutch plays) shone for Florida, while LJ Cryer (19 points) led Houston.
Q: Has Houston ever won a national championship in basketball?
A: No, Houston has not won a national championship, despite multiple Final Four appearances, including 2025.
Q: How can I watch the Florida vs. Houston highlights?
A: Highlights are available on NCAA.com, YouTube, and streaming platforms like Paramount+.
Q: What time was the NCAA championship game?
A: The game tipped off at 8:50 p.m. ET on April 7, 2025.
Q: Did Florida win March Madness before 2025?
A: Yes, Florida won national championships in 2006 and 2007, making 2025 their third title.
Q: Where can I find the Florida Gators men’s basketball vs. Houston Cougars men’s basketball match player stats?
A: Detailed stats are available on NCAA.com and ESPN’s college basketball section.
