If one had not watched much Florida Gators Basketball in 2025, one would have thought they were dead in the water in the 2nd half against Houston. Florida fell behind by 12 points in the 2nd half, and the normal shot-making ability that had defined Florida's season wasn't materializing.
But those who had watched Florida all season long knew that if you don't slam the door and chain it up with a padlock, the Gators are going to find a way to kick the door down.
Once again, the Gators kicked the door down and found a national title on the other side.
Florida Basketball: Down But Not Out
The first half was frustrating, and if you were a Houston fan, it was as advertised. The Gators felt like they were getting decent enough looks, but for whatever reason, they were being frustrated enough by the Cougars into just 28 1st points.
And if you had told Florida fans that Walter Clayton Jr. would only be down three, most Gator fans would take that deal.
But then the second half started, and less than four minutes into the second half, the Gators were down by 12, and the dream of a national title was fading.
But while Houston may have put Florida in the casket, they didn't close the lid, and they made the fatal mistake that UConn, Texas Tech, and Auburn made:
They forgot that the Gators Boys stay hot.
Clayton started getting to the rim, and Houston wasn't able to penetrate Florida's defense down the stretch.
At 14:07 left in the game, Houston had 45 points. They scored just 18 points the rest of the way.
In a tournament where Florida had comeback after comeback, it only seemed appropriate that Florida pulled off the third-largest comeback in championship game history.
And now Florida has their third one shining moment because the Gators are better than you, and you know it.