Shaquille O’Neal, Udonis Haslem, and More Erupt as Florida Topples Houston in Final Seconds

So here we are—history written in bold ink, and the Florida Gators are the ones holding the pen. After years of being counted out, they just silenced every doubter in San Antonio. Head coach Todd Golden, who’s been saying, “This team is special,” finally saw those words come alive as the final buzzer rang. The Gators are national champs, and it wasn’t just a win—it was a gritty, gutsy statement that’ll echo for years.

Naturally, what makes this win even more unbelievable is the man steering the ship. At only 39, Todd Golden became the youngest head coach to win it all since Jim Valvano in ’83. And let’s not forget that this guy took over just three seasons ago. In that short span, he’s built a powerhouse that not only won a program-record 36 games but also clinched its first SEC Tournament title in over a decade. Even crazier? They fought back from four double-digit deficits during the tourney. Monday night’s 65-63 comeback over Houston? Just the cherry on top.

Right after the final horn, the NBA world blew up. Shaquille O’Neal was quick to share the news on his Instagram Story, while 2× NBA champ Isiah Thomas threw it back to his college days with a photo in his Indiana jersey, writing, “What a feeling @ncaa congratulations @gatorsbb.”

Meanwhile, just like Shaquille O’Neal, former Gator and Miami Heat legend, Udonis Haslem proudly posted, “🐊🏆‼.” Even Jordan Brand, a sponsor of the Gators, joined the celebration with an epic post: “18 YEARS LATER. BACK ON TOP.”

And let’s not forget the clutch hero—Walter Clayton Jr. Despite a quiet first half, he dropped 11 points (all in the second), 7 assists, and 5 boards. That crucial three to tie it at 60? It’s ice cold. Matt Barnes knew it, too. “Congrats bro,” he posted. In the end, it’s glory to the Gators.

Gators win 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in final seconds

So just when it looked like Houston had the trophy within reach, the Florida Gators flipped the script in the wildest way possible. Down by 12 in the second half, they clawed their way back. With 46 seconds left, Alijah Martin calmly knocked down two clutch free throws to give Florida the lead. Then came Denzel Aberdeen, who added another to make it 65-63. And just like that, with 19 seconds left, the Gators set the final score.

Senior Will Richard led the way with 18 points, and Aussie forward Alex Condon was the hero in the chaos, diving for the game-sealing loose ball. Houston had been bossing the game with their aggressive defense, shutting down Florida’s go-to guy, Walter Clayton Jr. for most of the first half. But when the Gators caught fire, there was no turning back.

Meanwhile, head coach Todd Golden was the calm in the storm. “We did what we did all year — we stayed the course,” he said post-game.

The Gators were sloppy early with multiple turnovers, and Houston’s LJ Cryer took full advantage, drilling a three to spark an 8-0 run just before halftime. Still, momentum shifted fast.

Houston hit more three-pointers early in the second half, extending their lead, but Florida kept fighting. They tied it up with under eight minutes to go, and with Martin’s late free throws and Houston’s last-second turnover, the Gators completed one of the most clutch comebacks in NCAA final’s history.