The top-seeded Florida Gators pulled off a thrilling comeback on Sunday to escape an upset against the defending champion No. 8 seed Connecticut Huskies, securing a 77-75 victory. The Gators trailed for most of the second half but managed to storm back with a late 19-14 run to clinch the win.
Florida’s late-game heroics were led by senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who scored 15 of his 23 points in the final 20 minutes. Clayton hit a crucial 3-pointer to give Florida its first lead of the second half with just under three minutes remaining. He then added five more points in the closing minutes to seal the victory and keep Florida’s championship hopes alive.
The Gators struggled offensively throughout much of the game, facing a tenacious Connecticut defense that forced 12 turnovers. Despite their relentless pressure, the Huskies couldn’t capitalize consistently on the offensive end. Shooting just 37.5% from the field and connecting on only 8 of 29 attempts from beyond the arc, UConn’s scoring woes ultimately cost them the game.
One critical stretch saw the Huskies go over five minutes without making a field goal, allowing Florida to close the gap and eventually take control. Connecticut’s freshman forward Liam McNeely was a standout performer, leading his team with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Gators’ comeback.
For Florida, this marks their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017 and the deepest tournament run under head coach Todd Golden. The Gators will now prepare to face the winner of the matchup between Colorado State and Maryland.
UConn’s defeat ends their bid for a third consecutive national title and marks the first time since 2022 that the Huskies have failed to reach the Elite Eight. Meanwhile, Florida’s victory solidifies their status as a formidable contender in the tournament, driven by Clayton’s clutch performance and the team’s resilience under pressure.
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