Florida Gators Win Third NCAA Championship, Defeat Houston 65-63

The Florida Gators clinched their third NCAA Men's Basketball national championship with a narrow 65-63 win over the Houston Cougars, showcasing resilience by overcoming a 12-point deficit in the second half. Led by standout performances from Will Richard, Alex Condon, and Walter Clayton Jr., Florida’s victory was marked by opportunistic play and key defensive stops in the final minutes. Despite Houston's strong defense and a late-game lead, Florida's determination prevailed, denying Houston its first national title. The win adds to Florida's legacy, joining their previous championships in 2006 and 2007. The victory was celebrated on social media, though some fans criticized the refereeing. Coach Todd Golden became the youngest head coach to win a national championship since 1983, while former Florida coach Urban Meyer expressed his congratulations and pride in his former team.