SAN FRANCISCO, CA (WCJB)— The first team has officially punched its ticket to the 2025 Men’s Final Four. The Florida Gators are headed to San Antonio, Texas.
The No. 1 seed Gators pulled off a dramatic comeback, erasing a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat No. 3 seed Texas Tech 84-79. This marks Florida’s first Final Four appearance in 11 years.
With under four minutes remaining, Texas Tech held a 75-66 lead, putting Florida in a tough spot. However, after struggling from beyond the arc for most of the game, the Gators caught fire late, sinking four straight 3-pointers to shift the momentum. Florida closed the game on an 18-4 run in the final three minutes to seal the victory.
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida’s standout leader all season, delivered another stellar performance. He scored 30 points, including 22 in the second half, marking his second 30-point game of the year.
With 90 seconds left, Clayton tied the game at 75. Texas Tech’s Darrion Williams briefly put his team back in front with a layup, but Clayton responded with a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer with 59 seconds remaining. From there, Florida never relinquished the lead.
This win sends the Gators to their sixth Final Four and their first since 2014. Now, they are just two victories away from capturing their first national championship since winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
