The Florida Gators won the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in dramatic fashion, erasing a 12-point deficit to fellow #1 seeded Houston. Despite a strong defensive performance, the Cougars were unable to hold onto their lead, falling by just a pair of points. They were unable to get a shot off on their final possession.
Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. was held scoreless in the first half, but hit shots when it mattered as he finished with 11 points and 7 assists. Will Richard led Florida with 18 points.
L.J. Cryer led all scorers with 19 in the Cougarsí loss. He was the only Houston player to score in double figures.
Despite a sizable 2nd half lead the Cougars werenít able to fend off Florida. In a reversal of their Final Four win over Duke the lead evaporated late, as Florida went ahead for the first time since leading 8-6 early in the game.
In the women’s tournament it was the #2 UConn Huskies who won their first national title since Breanna Stewart led them to four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016. In her final year of college ball, Paige Bueckers was finally able to lift her national title, tearfully embracing head coach Geno Auriemma.
Bueckers had a tough shooting night, going 5/14 and scoring 7 of her 17 at the free throw line. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong each scored 24, and Strongís 15 rebounds were instrumental in the 82-59 win over top seeded South Carolina.
Bueckers is the consensus 1st overall pick in the WNBA Draft, likely selected by the Dallas Wings on Monday, April 14th.
The reigning champion NY Liberty do not hold a draft pick after trading for Natasha Cloud. They will look to defend their title without the addition of new blood.
Similarly the NY Knicks will go without a 1st round selection after their trade for Brooklynís Mikal Bridges. With the NBA season winding down Brooklyn is locked into the 4th best odds for the 1st overall pick. They will have a few additional picks in the first round, with immense talent across the college landscape.
