SAN FRANCISCO – Coach Todd Golden cut the final strand of the net, waved it to the crowd, and performed the famed Gator Chomp. A celebration that seemed improbable minutes earlier was in full swing as Florida advanced to the Final Four.
Breaking: Florida’s Dramatic Victory
Walter Clayton Jr. led top-seeded Florida with two late 3-pointers, rallying the Gators from 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 said. “Many times could easily just break, start pointing the finger, blaming each other for this and that. But we just stayed together through the end and stayed the course. And thankfully we got it done today.”
Immediate Impact
The Gators, with a record of 34-4, trailed 75-66 with less than three minutes remaining before a furious comeback against the third-seeded Red Raiders, who had previously staged a similar rally in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas.
Key Details Emerge
Clayton’s fadeaway 3-pointer with 59 seconds left granted Florida a 78-77 lead, propelling them to their first Final Four since 2014 in Golden’s third season. The Gators will face 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 said. “The biggest thing in those moments is you need to have somebody that wants to take those shots.”
By the Numbers
- Florida Gators: 34-4 record
- Texas Tech Red Raiders: 28-9 record
- Walter Clayton Jr.: 30 points
- Thomas Haugh: 20 points, 11 rebounds
Background Context
The victory was particularly sweet for Coach Golden, marking a successful return to the Bay Area where he began his coaching career. As the final horn sounded, Golden celebrated with the fans, a testament to the team’s resolve and unity.
Forward Thomas Haugh reflected on the achievement, saying, “I feel like I’m dreaming. I was watching the round of 64 in the eighth grade sneaking my phone into science class watching it. Now to say I’m playing in the Final Four is wild. It’s wild.”
Expert Analysis
“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 regarding the strategic fouling to extend the game.
Texas Tech, despite a strong performance, fell short of their second Final Four appearance. The Red Raiders had previously demonstrated their resilience with a comeback victory over Arkansas in the Sweet 16.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, Florida aims to secure their third national title, having previously won back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan. The upcoming match in San Antonio will be a critical test of their championship mettle.
Texas Tech, while disappointed, showcased their tenacity and potential for future tournaments. The experience gained from this deep run will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for their continued success.
For more updates and detailed coverage, visit the AP March Madness bracket and March Madness coverage.
