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Florida Wins 2025 NCAA National Championship in Dramatic Fashion
The National Championship 2025 basketball game delivered an instant classic, with the Florida Gators rallying to defeat the Houston Cougars 65-63 in a heart-stopping finish. The victory gave Florida its first NCAA title since 2007 and cemented its place in March Madness 2025 history.
Houston, led by veteran coach Kelvin Sampson, appeared in control for most of the game, holding a 12-point second-half lead. But Florida’s relentless defense and clutch plays down the stretch secured the comeback win, leaving the Cougars heartbroken.
How Florida Won the National Championship 2025
The final minute of the National Championship 2025 basketball game was pure chaos. After Houston’s miraculous semifinal comeback against Duke, the Cougars found themselves on the wrong side of late-game execution this time.
With under a minute left, Florida took its first lead since early in the game. Houston’s star guard Emanuel Sharp, who had been brilliant all tournament, committed two crucial turnovers in the final 26 seconds—one stripped by Will Richard and another blocked by Walter Clayton Jr.
Alex Condon’s game-sealing steal with seconds left sparked a wild Florida celebration, while Sharp collapsed in despair on the court.
Houston’s Devastation: “We Were Built for This”
For Houston, the loss was crushing. Coach Kelvin Sampson, fighting back emotions, said:
“This team was built to win this tournament. We had the toughness, the leadership—everything you need. That’s why this hurts so much.”
The Cougars’ locker room was filled with silence and tears. Sharp, draped in a towel, was inconsolable, repeatedly taking responsibility for the loss. His teammates and coaches consoled him, but the pain of falling just short in the National Championship 2025 basketball finale lingered.
Florida’s Historic Comeback
Florida’s victory marked the third-largest comeback in NCAA title game history. Key moments included:
- Walter Clayton Jr.’s game-saving block on Sharp’s potential game-tying three.
- Denzel Aberdeen’s clutch free throws under pressure.
- Alex Condon’s relentless hustle, including the game-sealing steal.
Head coach Todd Golden, in just his third season, now joins an elite group of championship-winning coaches. His team’s poise in high-pressure moments defined their March Madness 2025 run.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Florida Gators
- With a young core, they’ll be early favorites for 2026.
- Can they become the first back-to-back champions since 2007?
Houston Cougars
- Expect a motivated return, using this loss as fuel.
- Will Kelvin Sampson finally capture his elusive first title?
Final Thoughts: A March Madness Classic
The National Championship 2025 basketball game had everything—drama, heartbreak, and an unforgettable underdog story. Florida’s triumph will be remembered as one of the grittiest in tournament history, while Houston’s near-miss adds another heartbreaking chapter to their quest for a title.
So, who won March Madness 2025? The Florida Gators—in one of the most thrilling finals ever.