Florida Stuns Houston to Capture Men's NCAA Tournament Championship (In Photos)

SI Staff | Apr 7, 2025

Florida's Alijah Martin (15) flies to the basket while Houston's Joseph Tugler tries to block. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

The Florida Gators rallied late to beat the Houston Cougars 65–63 in the battle of No. 1 seeds in the men's NCAA tournament championship game Monday night in San Antonio.

The Gators overcame a 12-point deficit to capture their first national title since 2007 and third in program history.

Sports Illustrated was on site in San Antonio to capture all of the action during the March Madness finale.

Houston's J'Wan Roberts (13) battles for the ball with Florida's Alex Condon. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Houston's L.J. Cryer (4) drives to the basket while under pressure from Florida's Alijah Martin. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Houston's Emmanuel Sharp tries to get a shot off. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

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Houston's L.J. Cryer splits Florida's defense, including Alijah Martin (15). / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Florida's Alijah Martin (15) flies to the basket while Houston's Joseph Tugler tries to block. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Houston's Emmanuel Sharp keeps his eyes on the ball while Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. approaches during Monday's NCAA title game in San Antionio. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Cougars forward J'Wan Roberts reacts during the first half. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Houston forward Ja'Vier Francis puts up a shot over Florida's Thomas Haugh. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Players from both teams grapple beneath the rim for a rebound. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Florida's Will Richard (5) celebrates during the second half. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. drives left against Houston defender Mylik Wilson (8). / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Florida's Alex Condon (21) dives on the ground for a loose ball to secure the win for the Gators. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Florida celebrates on stage after winning the 2025 men's college basketball national championship. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Walter Clayton Jr. cuts down one of the nets in the Alamodome after Florida wins the national championship. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Florida head coach Todd Golden exclaims after cutting down the net following Monday night's championship victory. / Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

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