The Florida Gators have reached the top of the college basketball world for the first time since 2007, defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63 in the national championship game.

 

Florida struggled with the Houston defense early, trailing at halftime and facing a 12-point deficit early in the second half. However, through quality defense and opportune scoring, the Gators rallied to take the lead, and hang on for the third national title in program history.

 

The Gators had not reached the championship summit since winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, led by former NBA star Joakim Noah. Houston is still searching for the first national championship in program history.

 

Florida head coach Todd Golden becomes one of the youngest head coaches to ever win a national championship, at just 39 years old.