UConn the reigning champions looked poised to continue their historic run. Led by Dan Hurley, showcased the grit and toughness that carried them to back-to-back national titles, outplaying top-seeded Florida for most of their NCAA Tournament second-round matchup. But in the final eight minutes, Walter Clayton Jr. took over.
The Gators’ first-team All-America guard delivered a masterful closing performance, scoring 13 of his 23 points down the stretch—including two clutch three-pointers—to power Florida to a thrilling 77-75 comeback victory on Sunday. The win ended UConn’s pursuit of a third consecutive championship and secured Florida’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017.
Despite entering the game as 9.5-point favorites, the Gators (32-4) found themselves trailing for much of the second half. UConn’s defense stifled Florida early, limiting them to just 35% shooting through the first 30 minutes while building a 52-46 lead. But as the Huskies (24-11) struggled to close out the game, Clayton seized control.
His first momentum-shifting three-pointer came with 2:54 left, putting Florida ahead 62-61. Moments later, teammate Will Richard capitalized on a steal, racing downcourt for a dunk that extended the lead. Clayton drilled another deep shot from the right wing with 1:06 remaining, stretching Florida’s advantage to 70-64—capping off a decisive 14-3 run that gave the Gators an eight-point cushion with 40 seconds to play.
Even with the game slipping away, the Huskies fought until the final horn. Thomas Haugh’s free throws with 5.9 seconds left sealed Florida’s victory, but UConn made one last push. Liam McNeeley’s three-pointer at the buzzer cut the final deficit to two, though it was too little, too late.
A visibly emotional Hurley struggled to hold back tears in his postgame press conference. His team was attempting to become the first program since UCLA’s dynasty (1967-73) to win three straight national championships. The Huskies had already etched their names into history by winning in 2023 and 2024, joining Duke (1991-92) and Florida (2006-07) as the only teams to repeat since John Wooden’s legendary Bruins.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. (23 points), Alijah Martin (18 points), Will Richard (15 points). UConn ‘s Liam McNeeley (22 points), Alex Karaban (14 points)
The Gators validated their top-seed status, proving their championship aspirations are legitimate. In just three years, head coach Todd Golden has revitalized the program, securing his first NCAA Tournament wins and positioning Florida for a deep run.
The Huskies now face a major offseason rebuild after losing four starters to the NBA last year. Though they exceeded expectations as a No. 8 seed, their quest for history ultimately fell short.
With their championship hopes still alive, Florida now advances to the Sweet 16 in San Francisco, where they’ll face either Colorado State or Maryland. If Clayton continues his late-game heroics, the Gators could be primed for another deep March run.
