The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship came to a dramatic close on Monday night, with the Florida Gators edging out the Houston Cougars in a nail-biting 65-63 finish. The Gators completed a remarkable second-half comeback, erasing a 12-point deficit to secure their third NCAA title, and their first since 2007.
The final seconds were pure chaos as Houston’s Emanuel Sharp failed to get off a game-winning shot before the buzzer. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson called the ending “incomprehensible,” expressing frustration that his team couldn’t attempt a final shot in such a crucial moment.
Record-Breaking March Madness Viewership in 2025
Following a series of tightly contested Final Four games, the championship clash between Florida and Houston lived up to the hype. According to the NCAA, the title game attracted 18.1 million viewers on CBS, making it the most-watched Final Four weekend since 2017. The high-stakes showdown helped drive massive engagement throughout the 2025 March Madness tournament.
Florida Gators Secure Third NCAA Title
With the win, the Florida Gators men’s basketball team added a third national title to their resume, capping off a dominant tournament run. Their latest championship comes 18 years after their last in 2007 and solidifies the program’s legacy among the top in college basketball history.
On the other hand, the defeat marks a painful milestone for the Houston Cougars, who now hold the record for the most Final Four appearances without a championship — seven in total. The loss leaves Houston still searching for its first national title.
What’s Next for NCAA Basketball Fans?
As celebrations erupt in Gainesville, the Gators are already looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, where they’ll aim to defend their crown. Meanwhile, the Cougars will regroup and reload for another run at March Madness glory.
