SAN FRANCISCO — Coach Todd Golden triumphantly cut the final strand of the net, waved it to the crowd, and performed the famed Gator Chomp. This celebration, seemingly improbable just moments earlier, marked Florida’s return to the Final Four.
Immediate Impact: Florida Overcomes Late Deficit
Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as the hero for top-seeded Florida, sinking two crucial 3-pointers to rally the Gators from a nine-point deficit, ultimately defeating 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. “Many times we could have broken, started pointing fingers, blaming each other. But we stayed together and stayed the course. Thankfully, we got it done today.”
Key Details Emerge: Clayton’s Heroics
The Gators (34-4) were trailing 75-66 with under three minutes remaining before launching a furious comeback against the third-seeded Red Raiders (28-9). Clayton dribbled out of the paint and hit a fadeaway 3 with 59 seconds left, giving Florida a 78-77 lead.
Florida will 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,” Coach Golden stated.
By the Numbers: Florida’s Path to Victory
Final Score: Florida 84, Texas Tech 79
Clayton’s Points: 30
Haugh’s Contribution: 20 points, 11 rebounds
Florida’s Record: 34-4
Texas Tech’s Record: 28-9
Expert Analysis: A Calculated Decision
The comeback was a satisfying conclusion to Golden’s return to the Bay Area, where he previously played in college at Saint Mary’s and began his head coaching career at San Francisco.
As the final horn sounded, Golden turned to the Gators fans and pumped his fist as his players celebrated on the court. “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.
Background Context: Florida’s Tournament Journey
Clayton, who started his college career at Iona, led the Gators with 30 points. Thomas Haugh added 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, including the two 3-pointers that initiated the comeback.
After Darrius Williams scored down low for Texas Tech, Clayton’s final 3-pointer put Florida ahead to stay, with the Gators sealing the victory at the foul line.
Regional Implications: Texas Tech’s Near Miss
Texas Tech fell just short of its second Final Four appearance, succumbing to a late-game comeback. Williams, who scored 23 points, expressed his disappointment: “I wish I could change a few plays that happened, but I can’t go back and do that. I thought we could win until it hit zero.”
The Red Raiders had previously rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final five minutes to defeat the Razorbacks in the Sweet 16.
What Comes Next: Florida’s Final Four Challenge
The Final Four appearance will be Florida’s sixth. The Gators previously won back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Gators aim to continue their impressive tournament run.
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