The Florida Gators are your 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions, following a thrilling 65–63 victory over the Houston Cougars in a game that will be remembered as one of the closest March Madness finals in recent memory. With a packed stadium, millions watching live, and two powerhouse teams battling for glory, the national championship basketball game lived up to the hype.
🏀 A National Championship Showdown: Florida vs. Houston
The Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars matchup was one of the most anticipated games of the March Madness 2025 tournament. Both teams entered the championship game with stellar records and tournament momentum.
Under head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team relied heavily on their fast-paced offense and defensive discipline. Meanwhile, Florida Gators basketball, led by standout guard Walter Clayton Jr., showcased balanced scoring and lockdown defense.
🔥 Game Highlights: Who Shined on the Big Stage?
- Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida with 18 points and a critical late-game steal.
- Alex Condon controlled the boards, finishing with 10 rebounds.
- LJ Cryer of Houston basketball poured in 19 points and nearly led a comeback.
- Emanuel Sharp added 14 for Houston, including key threes to keep the game close.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with Florida taking a slim lead into the break. The second half saw Houston rally behind its star backcourt, but the Gators’ composure under pressure sealed the win.
📺 Where to Watch & Game Details
- What channel is the NCAA Championship game on? ESPN and CBS carried the game live.
- Where to watch the Florida vs. Houston game: Streamed live on NCAA March Madness Live, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
- Tipoff Time: 9:20 PM EST.
- Location: Final held at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.
📊 Final Score and Stats
- Final Score: Florida 65 – Houston 63
- Florida Gators score leaders: Clayton Jr. (18), Richard (15), Condon (10 rebounds)
- Houston Cougars score leaders: Cryer (19), Sharp (14), Shead (6 assists)
🏆 Florida Gators Capture Their Third NCAA Title
This marks Florida’s third NCAA basketball championship, their first since 2007. The University of Florida basketball program has now cemented its place among college basketball powerhouses.
Fans in Gainesville, FL erupted in celebration as the final buzzer sounded. The Gators basketball team celebrated mid-court, with confetti falling and Walter Clayton Jr. being named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
❓ Did Houston Win a National Championship?
Despite a strong performance, the Houston Cougars fell just short. The University of Houston basketball program continues its search for a first national title, with its last finals appearance coming in the 1980s.
📅 March Madness 2025 Recap
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament featured upsets, buzzer-beaters, and standout performances. UF basketball and UH basketball emerged as the most complete teams in the bracket, culminating in the epic Houston Florida game.
Key players like Walter Clayton Jr., LJ Cryer, and Alex Condon became national names, and both Florida Gators men’s basketball and Houston Cougars men’s basketball captured the hearts of fans across the country.
🗓️ What’s Next?
As fans ask, “Who won March Madness 2025?” — the answer is clear: the Florida Gators. With much of their roster returning, including stars like Clayton Jr. and Condon, the Gators are early favorites to return to the March Madness finals next year.
Houston, while disappointed, walks away with national respect and a bright future under Coach Kelvin Sampson.
✅ Final Takeaways:
- National Champions: Florida Gators
- Runner-Up: Houston Cougars
- Most Outstanding Player: Walter Clayton Jr.
- Final Score: Florida 65, Houston 63
- Tournament: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship 2025
- Where Played: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
- What Time Was Tip-Off? 9:20 PM EST
- How to Watch Replays: NCAA March Madness Live, CBS Sports, ESPN+
For more March Madness recaps, college basketball stats, and championship game breakdowns, stay tuned to official NCAA coverage and sports networks like CBS, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports.