Former U.S. President Barack Obama was among the first to congratulate the Florida Gators after the team overturned a 12-point second-half deficit to win the NCAA Championship on Monday night.
Houston was well on course to win their first-ever NCAA title in a nail-biting thriller as their formidable defense dealt impressively with the threat of Florida’s star, Walter Clayton Jr., in the first half. However, they came up short in the second half as the Gators’ reenergized offense ran riot.
Former US Pres. Obama Congratulates Gators
Former U.S. President and “Hooper-in-Chief” Barack Obama congratulated Walter Clayton Jr. and the Florida Gators moments after the game’s end. Other celebrities and NBA stars joined him in congratulating the Gators.
What a comeback! Congrats to Walter Clayton, Jr. and the Florida Gators on their third national title. This was a fun team to watch. https://t.co/PB0dT309tc
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 8, 2025
“What a comeback! Congrats to Walter Clayton, Jr. and the Florida Gators on their third national title. This was a fun team to watch,” the former president said in an X post.
Florida’s incredible victory marked their third NCAA national title, and they did it in astonishing fashion after recovering from a double-digit deficit.
The Gators deservedly won after putting in an impressive second-half display to rescue the game from the verge of defeat. Senior Will Richard was at the heart of the victory after scoring 18 points for the Gators. Australian forward Alex Condon was the game-winner after he came up with the game-clinching loose ball.
This was Florida’s first appearance in the title game since the last time they won the tournament in 2007. 39-year-old Todd Golden became the youngest head coach to win the NCAA title since 1983.
“We did what we did all year—we stayed the course,” Todd Golden said. “Like we did all year, we made plays when we needed it the most.”
Houston guard L.J. Cryer hit a three from deep to start an 8-0 run for Houston in the last six minutes of the first half, and they went into the locker room with a three-point lead.
RELATED: Florida Ends SEC Title Drought With First National Championship Since 2007
Houston raced into a 12-point head start within the first five minutes of the second half, but Florida responded quickly to level the score with less than eight minutes left on the clock.
Florida guard Alijah Martin gave the Gators the lead with a pair of free throws with 46 seconds left before Houston turned the ball over in a dramatic fashion just before the end of the game.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
