Florida Wins National Championship, Walter Clayton Jr. Named Most Outstanding Player

In a thrilling national championship game, the Florida Gators edged out the Houston Cougars 65-63, with a decisive defensive play by Walter Clayton Jr. against Houston's Emanuel Sharp in the final seconds. Clayton, who has been a standout this season and is projected to be a top NBA draft pick, effectively shut down Sharp's potential game-winning three-pointer, sealing the victory for Florida. Houston's head coach, Kelvin Sampson, praised Clayton, comparing him to top prospects and emphasizing his contributions to the team's success throughout the season. The game showcased Houston's strong physical defense and depth, as they sought their first national championship. The Cougars had momentum at various points, highlighted by a significant dunk from Ja’Vier Francis, but ultimately fell short against the Gators' resilience. This victory marks an unexpected yet significant achievement for Florida in what became a dramatic finish to the season.