Florida Gators Make Epic Comeback to Secure Final Four Spot with 84-79 Win Over Texas Tech
In a moment that felt almost surreal just moments before, Coach Todd Golden celebrated by cutting down the final strand of the net, waving it to the ecstatic crowd while performing the iconic Gator Chomp. The atmosphere was electric as Florida secured their spot in the Final Four.
Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as the hero for the top-seeded Gators, sinking two crucial 3-pointers late in the game. Florida staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a nine-point deficit to defeat Texas Tech 84-79 in the NCAA Tournament's West Region final on Saturday.
"It goes to show how together we all are," Clayton remarked after the game. "There were plenty of moments when we could have easily broken apart, pointing fingers and blaming each other. But we stayed united and focused until the end, and thankfully, we got it done today."
With less than three minutes left on the clock, the Gators (34-4) found themselves trailing 75-66. However, they rallied against the third-seeded Red Raiders (28-9), who had previously pulled off a similar comeback in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas.
Clayton's fadeaway 3-pointer with just 59 seconds remaining gave Florida a 78-77 lead, and they held on to secure their first Final Four appearance since 2014, marking a significant achievement in Golden's third season as head coach. The Gators are set to face the South Region champion, either Auburn or Michigan State, next Saturday in San Antonio.
"There's not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment," Golden praised. "In those crucial moments, you need someone who wants to take those shots. They are tough plays, but Walter has the confidence to step up and make incredible individual plays. He did that for us tonight."
This thrilling comeback also marked a triumphant return for Golden to the Bay Area, where he played college basketball at Saint Mary's and began his coaching career at San Francisco. As the final buzzer sounded, Golden turned to the Gators fans, pumping his fist in celebration as his players rushed the court to join in the jubilation.
"It's crazy," forward Thomas Haugh expressed, reflecting on the moment. "I feel like I'm dreaming. I was watching the round of 64 in eighth grade, sneaking my phone into science class to catch the games. Now, to say I'm playing in the Final Four is wild. It's just wild."
Clayton, who began his college journey at Iona, led the Gators with an impressive 30 points. Haugh contributed significantly as well, adding 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, including two pivotal 3-pointers that ignited the comeback.
Clayton's clutch shot tied the game after Texas Tech missed a crucial front end of a one-and-one, a strategic decision made by Golden to extend the game and create more opportunities for his team.
"It was a calculated decision we had to make at that point where we needed to get more possessions in the game, and it worked out well for us," Golden explained.
After Darrius Williams scored for Texas Tech, Clayton's final 3-pointer put Florida ahead for good, and they sealed the victory at the foul line.
Williams, who had been instrumental in Texas Tech's previous games, missed two late 3-point attempts. He had previously tied the game late in regulation and scored the game-winner in overtime against Arkansas just days earlier.
"I wish I could change a few plays that happened," Williams lamented. "But I can't go back and do that. I thought we could win until the clock hit zero."
Texas Tech fell just short of their second Final Four appearance, having previously made a remarkable comeback from 13 points down in the final five minutes to defeat Arkansas in the Sweet 16.
Williams led the Red Raiders with 23 points, while JT Toppin added 20. The game was tightly contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a lead larger than six points for the first 30 minutes. Texas Tech capitalized on turnovers and second-chance points, while Florida consistently found opportunities at the foul line. Clayton was fouled twice on 3-pointers early in the second half, resulting in five points from six free throws.
Despite a 12-2 run that allowed the Red Raiders to take a 10-point lead, they were unable to maintain their advantage in the closing moments of the game.
This Final Four appearance marks the sixth for Florida, who previously celebrated back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007 under the legendary coach Billy Donovan.
