Florida pulled off an incredible Elite Eight comeback against Texas Tech at San Francisco’s Chase Center. The Gators erased a nine-point deficit in the final 3:14 to win 84-79. Walter Clayton Jr. put on a show with 30 points and nailed a clutch fadeaway three-pointer with 59 seconds left that pushed the Gators ahead 78-77.
Thomas Haugh added a lot to the victory with his double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. The Gators dominated the final four minutes with an explosive 20-6 run that sealed their first Final Four spot since 2014. Their perfect March record now stands at 10-0 after completing one of the most thrilling comebacks in Elite Eight history.
Walter Clayton Jr. Sinks Clutch Threes to Spark Florida Chase
Walter Clayton Jr. showed his true colors in a pressure-packed situation as Florida’s tournament hopes depended on him. The senior guard scored 13 of his game-high 30 points during the final 5:24. His performance ignited an incredible rally against Texas Tech.
Florida faced a 10-point deficit that seemed insurmountable. Thomas Haugh changed the momentum by hitting back-to-back three-pointers. This cut the deficit to 75-72 with 2:27 left. Clayton stepped up and took control. He had struggled from beyond the arc earlier, making just 1 of 6 three-point attempts. Yet he found his rhythm just as the team needed it most.
The game shifted dramatically with 1:47 remaining. Clayton sank a deep three-pointer that tied the score at 75-75. Texas Tech briefly reclaimed a 77-75 lead. Clayton responded 48 seconds later with a decisive shot. He dribbled out of the paint and launched a fadeaway three-pointer. The shot found its mark with 59 seconds left, putting Florida ahead 78-77. The Gators held onto their lead until the final buzzer.
“There’s not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment,” Florida’s coach Todd Golden said after the game.
Clayton’s excellence from the free-throw line proved crucial. He converted 13 of 14 attempts and made 11 of 12 in the second half. His composure showed as he sank two free throws in the closing moments that sealed the victory.
Clayton’s journey from Iona to Florida culminated in him being named the West Regional’s most outstanding player. His mental toughness shone through as he overcame early shooting struggles. This resilience powered Florida’s remarkable Elite Eight comeback.
Thomas Haugh Delivers Career Performance Off the Bench
Thomas Haugh, a sophomore forward, became Florida’s unexpected hero with a career-defining performance at a crucial moment. He delivered an impressive 20 points and 11 rebounds from the bench, recording his fourth double-double this season.
Haugh’s consistent production kept the Gators competitive. His 12 first-half points led the team while Clayton found his rhythm. The forward showed exceptional shooting skills by making 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc.
The stats tell an impressive story – Haugh stood out as the only player from both teams to achieve a positive double-digit plus-minus. His defensive work against Texas Tech star Darrion Williams proved even more valuable than his scoring. The 6-foot-6 sophomore’s defense made him one of the few players who could contain Williams in the paint.
“This team is special, super special and I am honored to be a part of it,” Haugh told CBS sideline reporter Lauren Shehadi after the game. His humility shone through as he shifted attention to his teammate, pointing to Clayton and adding, “And this is a cold man right here”.
Haugh’s contribution proved decisive. He partnered with Clayton to score Florida’s final 17 points, erasing the 10-point deficit. His display of hustle and determination will likely rank among the program’s most memorable individual performances.
“It’s crazy,” Haugh said afterward. “I feel like I’m dreaming. I was watching the round of 64 in the eighth grade sneaking my phone into science class watching it. Now to say I’m playing in the Final Four is wild. It’s wild”. His breakthrough performance, combined with Clayton’s heroics, launched Florida into college basketball’s biggest stage.
Florida Erases Nine-Point Deficit in Final Three Minutes
The Gators’ tournament hopes looked dim with just 3:14 left on the clock. Texas Tech had built what seemed like an unbeatable 75-66 advantage. Nobody could have predicted one of the most remarkable comebacks in Elite Eight history was about to unfold.
Florida showed incredible composure during the final minutes of this West Region final. The team chased down Texas Tech with an explosive 18-4 run to end the game. This dramatic turnaround started right after the Red Raiders had completed their own 12-2 surge to build their biggest lead.
Texas Tech’s mistakes at the free throw line became their downfall. The Red Raiders missed back-to-back front-ends of one-and-one chances in the final 2:45. Darrion Williams missed with 2:43 left, and Pop Isaacs couldn’t convert with 2:08 remaining. These misses shattered Texas Tech’s Final Four dreams.
The Gators showed perfect form at the free throw line when it mattered most. They sank an impressive 25 of 27 attempts from the charity stripe (92.6%). Texas Tech struggled badly, making just 7 of 13 (53.8%). This difference at the line ended up deciding the game.
Florida grabbed the lead when Clayton drained a three-pointer with 59 seconds left, putting the Gators ahead 78-77. Texas Tech’s offense fell apart after that. Williams, who had led their Sweet 16 comeback against Arkansas, couldn’t connect on two crucial three-point attempts in the final minute.
History is Made
The Gators secured their win at the free throw line. This amazing comeback earned them their first Final Four appearance since 2014 and the sixth in their program’s history. The loss hit the Red Raiders hard, especially after they had arranged their own incredible comeback against Arkansas days earlier, rallying from 16 points down.
“There’s not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment,” Florida coach Todd Golden said afterward, celebrating his team’s success in just his third season at the helm.
Florida showed exceptional resilience and championship mentality in their remarkable Elite Eight victory. Walter Clayton Jr. dominated with 30 points, and his clutch three-pointers in the final minutes without doubt carved his name into tournament history. The Gators’ depth shined through Thomas Haugh’s breakthrough performance off the bench, where he posted 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Free-throw shooting made the difference in the game’s outcome. Florida shot an impressive 92.6% from the charity stripe while Texas Tech struggled at 53.8%. Clayton’s heroics in the closing minutes helped turn what looked like a sure defeat into one of the Elite Eight’s most unforgettable comebacks.
The Gators maintained their perfect March record and secured their sixth Final Four appearance, their first since 2014. Their steadfast dedication and clutch performances throughout the game proved they’re ready to compete at college basketball’s highest level. Bigger challenges lie ahead as they continue their pursuit of championship glory.
