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THE FLORIDA GATORS
All season long, Florida hummed up and down the court, a high-octane offense nearly unstoppable in transition and ferocious on the offensive glass.
But when they needed it most, the Gators got it done with defensive tenacity, tremendous effort and just enough offense to rally past Houston, 65-63, stunningly outlasting and out-toughing a program that prides itself on stamina and toughness.
Florida trailed by 12 with under 16 minutes left but slowly chipped away and took a 64-63 lead with 46 seconds left on a pair of Alijah Martin free throws, its first lead since the opening minutes.Once again, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. was terrific when it mattered most, scoring nine points in the final eight minutes. He had just two points prior to that.Clayton also had an excellent closeout on Emanuel Sharp, who was unable to get a shot off moments before time expired.Florida overcame deficits of at least nine points in the Elite Eight, Final Four and national championship, the only team to do that in at least the last 20 years.
Clayton’s March Madness run is an all-timer, and he overcame a tough shooting night with the closeout of closeouts on Sharp’s would-be shot attempt that was never even attempted, David Cobb writes.
Cobb:“Clayton read the play just quickly enough, racing toward Sharp before a second screener could get there to impede Clayton’s frantic close-out.
As Sharp began his jump, Clayton jumped with him, leaving him with no choice but to abandon the shot attempt in…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/floridas-rally-shocks-houston-in-national-championship-2025-masters-rooting-guide-ucl-preview/
Author : Zachary Pereles
Publish date : 2025-04-08 12:53:00
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