Florida Bat Houston to win the male basketball title of the NCAA: NPR

San Antonio – The Gators of the University of Florida are back at the top of the world of university basketball.

In front of a crowd of capacities of 66,602 at Alamodome on Monday evening, the Gators succeeded in another dramatic return – this time against the University of Houston by a thin margin like a razor: 65-63.

The cougars have dominated the Gators at the start, leading to the first half the lowest of a national men’s match since 2011.

It was the match plan for Houston and Cougars coach, Kelvin Sampson, who is known for defending the mouth and their “junkyard” play style.

The Gators, who dragged up to 12 years old, showed their attack at Haut-Octana with seven minutes to play and took place at the head of the cougar.

Walter Clayton Jr., a goalless detainee at halftime, came to life with a trip to the edge in front of the defense of Houston. His first basket in the match came with eight minutes to do in the second half.

The Gators set up their return, taking the lead with 46 seconds to play. It was the first time they have been ahead since 8-6 at the start of the match. Their disjointed defense forced a turnover on the following game, followed by a franc of clutch, a last defensive stand and a turnover from Houston to guarantee breathtaking victory. Florida only held the head of the championship match for just over a minute.

Will Richard had 18 points. Alex Condon added 12 points. This gave a boost to the team that was based strongly on Clayton for most of the tournament. Clayton finished with 11 (he had 30 points in the Elite 8 against Texas Tech and 34 against Auburn in the Final Four) and was named the Most remarkable player.

“We said all year round, our motto is:” We can all go! “We have a team full of guys who can go.” We have several guys who can get a bucket and do anything. My team helped me maintain it until I can get a bucket. “

This is the third male basketball championship of the Gators NCAA. They previously won consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007.

Their coach at the time, Billy Donavan, was present on Monday evening when he was honored to have been exploited for the price of the renowned temple of Naismith 2025.

Gators coach Todd Golden, 39, has become the youngest basketball coach to win an NCAA title from Jim Valvano from North Carolina State in 1983.

“We have the best rear area in America. The best front field in America,” said Golden after the match. “We all love each other. We play all each other.”

Florida, a seeded, was one of the 14 record teams of the Southeast Conference to make the male tournament.

Russell Lewis of NPR contributed to reports.