The quest for a historic three-peat has come to an end for Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies. In a thrilling second-round showdown of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, No. 1 Florida edged out No. 8 UConn, 77-75, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The loss snapped UConn’s 13-game March Madness winning streak, which spanned back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. The Huskies were hoping to become the first team to win three straight NCAA titles since John Wooden’s legendary UCLA teams of the 1970s, but Florida had other plans.

With the win, Florida advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017, where they will face either No. 12 Colorado State or No. 4 Maryland in San Francisco.

Game Overview: Florida Survives UConn’s Challenge

Florida entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win it all, alongside Duke and Auburn. The Gators dominated the SEC Tournament, scoring 285 combined points in victories over Missouri, Auburn, and Tennessee. However, UConn, a battle-tested program with championship DNA, gave them all they could handle.

The first half was a defensive battle, ending in a 31-31 tie, but the game picked up intensity in the second half as UConn dictated the tempo. With just under six minutes remaining, the Huskies led 61-58 and looked poised to pull off the upset.

However, Florida responded with a clutch run down the stretch, showcasing elite shot-making and composure to seal the win.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

🔹 Walter Clayton Jr. Delivers in Crunch Time

With 1:03 remaining, Iona transfer Walter Clayton Jr. buried a massive three-pointer to put Florida ahead 70-64. That momentum-shifting shot fueled Florida’s final push.

🔹 UConn Fights to the Final Buzzer

Despite trailing late, UConn refused to back down. Liam McNeeley sank two crucial free throws to cut Florida’s lead to 75-72 with 6.6 seconds left. However, Thomas Haugh calmly drained two free throws to extend Florida’s lead before McNeeley hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, making the final score 77-75.

🔹 Solo Ball’s Clutch 3-Pointer

UConn’s Solo Ball hit a game-tying three-pointer to even the score at 64 with about two minutes remaining. But Florida’s composure under pressure ultimately proved to be the difference.

Player Performances: Who Stood Out?

After the game, Clayton expressed his excitement:
“It feels great, man. We know Gator basketball has a great history, and we’re trying to bring it back. We’re happy to be moving on.”

Florida head coach Todd Golden praised his team’s resilience:
“We just stayed the course. It didn’t go our way for a large portion of the game after a good start, but our team is tough. We have great senior leadership, and we made key plays down the stretch.”

What’s Next for Florida?

With the win, Florida improves to 32-4 and advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face either No. 12 Colorado State or No. 4 Maryland. The Gators have won 14 of their last 15 games, making them one of the hottest teams in the country.

If they continue their strong defensive play and clutch shot-making, they have a legitimate chance to win their first national championship since 2007.

End of an Era for UConn?

For UConn, the loss marks the end of an incredible run. The Huskies have been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball over the past three seasons, winning back-to-back national titles and re-establishing themselves as a powerhouse.

However, UConn’s roster is set to undergo major changes, with multiple players expected to leave for the NBA Draft, transfer portal, or graduation.

One of the biggest departures will likely be Liam McNeeley, the Big East Freshman of the Year and a projected NBA lottery pick. UConn will need to reload in the offseason if they hope to continue their success in the years to come.

Final Thoughts: Florida’s Championship Hopes Stay Alive

This second-round showdown between Florida and UConn delivered everything fans could have hoped for—drama, elite-level basketball, and a nail-biting finish.

For Florida, this gritty win proves they have the talent, depth, and toughness to make a deep tournament run. Can they go all the way? Their next test awaits in San Francisco, where a win would move them one step closer to cutting down the nets in San Antonio.

As for UConn, their championship reign has ended, but their legacy remains intact. The Huskies have set the standard for excellence in college basketball, and while this loss stings, they will undoubtedly be back in the spotlight soon.

Florida moves on, while UConn’s bid for history falls short. That’s what makes March Madness so special.

(QAS)

Q1: Why did UConn lose to Florida in the second round?

UConn fell short in the final moments despite leading for much of the second half. Florida executed well under pressure, with Walter Clayton Jr. making a crucial three-pointer with just over a minute left. The Gators’ strong defense and ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities ultimately secured their 77-75 victory.

Q2: When was the last time Florida reached the Sweet 16?

Florida last advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2017, where they continued their run to the Elite Eight before being eliminated. This marks their return to the tournament’s second weekend after an eight-year absence.

Q3: What was the biggest turning point in the game?

The defining moment came when Walter Clayton Jr. hit a three-pointer with 1:03 remaining, giving Florida a 70-64 lead. This shot shifted momentum entirely in the Gators’ favor, allowing them to control the game’s final minutes and secure the win.

Q4: Who were the standout players in the game?

Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. led all scorers with 23 points, playing a crucial role in the team’s late-game surge. UConn’s Liam McNeeley also had a strong performance, scoring 15 points, including key free throws and a last-second three-pointer.

Q5: What does this loss mean for UConn?

This defeat ends UConn’s bid for a historic three-peat, a feat not achieved since UCLA’s dominant run in the 1970s. The Huskies will likely see significant roster changes, as key players, including Liam McNeeley, are expected to leave for the NBA Draft, transfer portal, or graduation.

Q6: Who will Florida play next?

Florida will move on to face either No. 12 Colorado State or No. 4 Maryland in the Sweet 16, with the matchup set to take place in San Francisco.

Q7: Can Florida win the 2025 NCAA Championship?

Florida is a strong title contender, having won 14 of their last 15 games and dominating the SEC Tournament. If they maintain their current form, they have a legitimate chance to win their first national championship since 2007.