(Reuters) – Florida overcame a 12-point second-half deficit to beat Houston 65-63 in a nail-biting thriller, claiming their third national championship in NCAA men’s basketball on Monday.
Senior Will Richard led the scoring for the Gators with 18 points in Florida’s first trip to the title game since they last won in 2007.
Houston appeared well on their way to their first-ever title as they held Florida sharpshooter Walter Clayton Jr. scoreless through the first half in a stunning defensive performance but could not hang on against an energized Gators offense.
With the win, 39-year-old Florida head coach Todd Golden became the youngest to win the NCAA title since 1983.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Jamie Freed and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Comments