13 July, 2025
florida-secures-final-four-spot-with-thrilling-comeback-win

SAN FRANCISCO – In a spectacular turn of events, the Florida Gators stormed back to secure a spot in the Final Four, defeating Texas Tech 84-79 in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final on Saturday. Coach Todd Golden, in a moment of triumph, cut the final strand of the net and celebrated with the iconic Gator Chomp.

Immediate Impact

Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as the hero for top-seeded Florida, sinking two crucial 3-pointers in the final moments. The Gators, who were trailing by nine points late in the game, rallied to overcome the third-seeded Red Raiders.

“It goes to show how together we all are,” Clayton said. “Many times could easily just break, start pointing the finger, blaming each other for this and that. But we just stayed together through the end and stayed the course. And thankfully we got it done today.”

Key Details Emerge

The Gators (34-4) found themselves down 75-66 with less than three minutes remaining. Clayton’s fadeaway 3-pointer with 59 seconds left gave Florida a 78-77 lead, propelling them to their first Final Four since 2014 in Golden’s third season.

“There’s not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment,” Golden said.

The victory marked a personal triumph for Coach Golden, who returned to the Bay Area where his coaching journey began. As the final horn sounded, Golden celebrated with fans, while players rushed the court in jubilation.

By the Numbers

  • Walter Clayton Jr. scored 30 points to lead Florida.
  • Thomas Haugh contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds.
  • Texas Tech’s Darrius Williams scored 23 points.

Background Context

Florida’s path to the Final Four has been marked by resilience. The Gators, who last reached this stage in 2014, have a storied history with back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan.

Texas Tech, meanwhile, fell just short of its second Final Four trip, despite a valiant effort reminiscent of their Sweet 16 comeback against Arkansas.

What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Florida will face the South Region champion, either Auburn or Michigan State, next Saturday in San Antonio. The Gators aim to continue their winning streak and capture another national title.

“It was a calculated decision we had to make at that point where we needed to get more possessions in the game and it worked out well for us,” Golden explained regarding their late-game strategy.

The excitement surrounding Florida’s comeback win sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying Final Four showdown, as the Gators aim to add another chapter to their illustrious basketball history.