Florida has secured its third-ever national championship in thrilling fashion after a first-round loss in last year’s NCAA Tournament. The Gators defeated the Houston Cougars Monday night in dramatic fashion, but their run to the title is might be even more remarkable.
Let’s take a look at Florida’s results last year and how they turned that into a championship tale for the ages.
Florida’s Road From Despair to Glory
Last season, Florida posted a 24-12 record, including a run to the championship game of the SEC Tournament.
They entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 7 seed but lost to Colorado in the first round, giving up 102 points. However, Florida’s defense got them over the line this year.
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The Gators have a formidable offense, so head coach Todd Golden set out to improve the defense while maintaining the blistering pace of scoring. Florida finished with the second-ranked offense and the sixth-ranked defense, per KenPom. They matched a program record for wins in a single season with 36.
Florida’s tournament run this year hasn’t been exactly smooth sailing. They’ve had to come from behind to win games multiple times. They trailed Texas Tech by 10 points with 5:30 to play in the Elite Eight and still won the game. They also trailed Auburn by nine early in the second half of the Final Four.
Florida trailed Houston by 12 in the second half of Monday night’s championship game and came back to win. Florida’s combo guard Walter Clayton Jr., who had dropped back-to-back 30 points against Texas Tech and Auburn, was held scoreless in the first half.
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Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh combined for 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Florida mounted a second-half resurgence. Florida won four games in which it trailed by at least five points on its way to cutting down the net. The Gators became the 10th different school to win at least three national titles.
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