Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. Leads Gators to NCAA Championship Game Against Houston

Walter Clayton Jr. led the Florida Gators to a 79-73 victory over Auburn in the Final Four, scoring a career-high 34 points, marking his second consecutive 30-point game in the NCAA Tournament. This performance not only propelled Florida into the national championship game for the first time since 2007 but also highlighted Clayton's crucial role in the Gators' playoff run, as he has been the team's leading scorer in four out of five tournament games. Florida, now on an 11-game winning streak, will face Houston in the championship match. Clayton's ability to perform under pressure has drawn comparisons to basketball legends, as he became the first player since Larry Bird to score 30 or more points in both the Elite Eight and Final Four. Coach Todd Golden praised Clayton for his composure and impactful play, which has been instrumental in the team's success. With the Gators boasting a 35-4 record, fans are hopeful for a championship title, last held by Florida in 2007.