The Florida Gators' clutch shooting helped knock off two-time defending champion Uconn Huskies on Sunday, 77-75, in their second men's basketball tournament match.
No. 1 Florida didn't lead at all in the game until 2:44 left. Guard Walter Clayton Jr. nailed the three-pointer, and then Husky sales led to a breakaway dunk from Will Richard. It was part of a 6-0 run and the Gators never looked back.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Florida Guard Arijamatin celebrates after facing UConn on Sunday, March 23, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Aliya Martin later threw a dunk off an offensive rebound, putting an exclamation point in her dramatic victory.
The game was tied to 31 at halftime after Uconn's Hassan Diarra nailed the 3-pointer. The Husky appears to be trying to build momentum to stun one of the best teams in the country. But Florida brought it closer. The Husky didn't have a lead of more than six points.
2025 Men's March Madness Odds: Title Chances for the remaining 24 teams
Connecticut forward Liam McNeely responds after making a three-point shot against Florida in Raleigh on Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP photo/Stefannie Carblow)
Clayton finished with 23 points. He was 5-8 from 6/14 from the field and 3-point range. Martin added 18 points and Richard had 15 points.
Liam McNeely, who hit a buzzer beater before the end of the game, led the Husky with 22 points.
The Gators will return to Sweet 16 for the first time under Michael White since 2017. The team lost in the first round last season, finishing their second round three times before that.
Florida has won the SEC Championship this season to earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Region. The team will be the winners of Colorado State 12 and Maryland.
Florida head coach Todd Golden will respond on Sunday, March 23, 2025 during a Connecticut game in Raleigh. (AP photo/Stefannie Carblow)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The Husky's loss ended the program's shots with three consecutive college basketball titles. UConn beat San Diego State in 2023 and past Purdue last year.
Follow Fox News Digital's x Sports Coverage And subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
