In a back-and-forth, heavyweight bout between two No. 1 seeds, the Florida Gators outlasted the Houston Cougars to capture their first NCAA title since 2007. Florida overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half against Houston's stout defense for a 65–63 win in an instant classic championship game.
After Denzel Aberdeen made one free throw to put Florida up by two points with 19 seconds left, Houston had a final opportunity to take the lead or tie the game. The Cougars went for the win, but Emanuel Sharp went up for a three-pointer and wasn't able to get off a shot, leaving a loose ball on the floor which Florida recovered as time expired.
