On April 7, 2025, the Alamodome in San Antonio hosted the NCAA men’s basketball final, featuring top-seeded Florida and Houston. The Gators rallied from a 14-point hole to edge the Cougars 65–63, earning their first national title since 2007 and third in school history. Despite Houston’s stifling defense that disrupted Florida’s rhythm, the Cougars couldn’t capitalize late.
Turnovers and fouls—crucial down the stretch—ultimately hindered Houston’s push for its first national crown. This marked Houston’s first appearance in the title game since 1984, but Florida’s late surge sealed the win in a nail-biting championship finish.
Breaking Down Houston’s Fouls in the NCAA Championship Loss to Florida
In the 2025 NCAA title game, Houston committed 19 personal fouls, compared to Florida’s 9—a gap that significantly impacted the contest’s rhythm and outcome. Florida capitalized at the line, converting 17 of 21 free throws (81.0%), while Houston managed just 9 of 14 (64.3%).
Defensively, Houston stayed aggressive, racking up six blocks and five steals and limiting Florida to 24 of 69 shooting (34.8%) and 6-of-25 from beyond the arc (24.0%). But their physical defense came at a cost.
Florida pulled down 44 total rebounds—32 on the defensive end—and tallied 14 assists, creating an efficient offensive flow. Houston, meanwhile, totaled 42 boards (18 offensive) and only five assists.
Foul trouble plagued Houston in key stretches. Forward JoJo Tugler picked up two first-half fouls and was benched for the final 10:18 before halftime. He returned only to draw his fourth with 9:07 left in the second half—a clear over-the-back foul on Denzel Aberdeen. Fellow big man Ja’Vier Francis also reached four fouls.
Tugler fouled out late, sending Alijah Martin to the stripe with Florida down 63–62. Martin sank both shots, giving Florida a 64–63 edge. Houston regained possession with 46.5 seconds remaining but couldn’t retake the lead.
How Florida Survived Houston’s Defense To Clinch the 2025 NCAA Title
Heading into the championship, the spotlight was firmly on Walter Clayton Jr., who had poured in 64 points across his previous two outings.
However, Houston’s top-ranked defense smothered the All-American early. Clayton failed to register a single point until the 14:57 mark of the second half and didn’t hit a field goal until 7:54 remained. It looked like a formula for a Houston win.
Still, Florida’s supporting cast delivered. Will Richard kept the Gators within reach, scoring 14 first-half points—crucial, as Clayton endured just his third scoreless half of the season. Though Richard cooled after halftime, his early output prevented Houston from pulling away.
KEEP READING: Florida Gators NCAA Men’s Basketball Title History
The game turned on several key stretches, but none more defining than Clayton’s clutch three-pointer with 3:14 left, tying the score at 60. That shot reignited the Gators, who erased a 12-point second-half deficit and locked in defensively to close out a 65–63 victory.
The win marked Florida’s third national title since 2006 and made Todd Golden, at 39, the youngest coach to win a championship since Jim Valvano in 1983. Houston never regained a double-digit lead after their early second-half surge, and Clayton’s late-game surge proved decisive.
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