Watch: Florida star makes classy move after win over Houston

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) passes the ball against Houston Cougars guard Mylik Wilson (8) during the first half of the national championship game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Watch: Florida star makes classy move after stunning win over Houston

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 12:11 AM ET

Florida men’s basketball star Walter Clayton Jr. showed his class after his team’s comeback win over Houston during Monday’s NCAA championship game.

The Gators overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half to stun the Cougars in a 65-63 slugfest inside the Alamodome in San Antonio. Houston was burned in the final minute by back-to-back turnovers from guard Emanuel Sharp.

Sharp had the ball stripped off his knee with his Cougars trailing 64-63 in the final 30 seconds. Then on the game’s final possession, Sharp failed to even get a shot off as Florida escaped with the two-point victory.

"FLORIDA IS BACK ON TOP OF THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL WORLD!" pic.twitter.com/IeLecOAcSb
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 8, 2025

Sharp finished the contest with eight points on 3-of-11 shooting with three rebounds, one assist and two turnovers. Both of his turnovers were committed in the final 26 seconds.

The Houston junior was in tears as orange and blue confetti fell from the rafters. Clayton, the man who contested Sharp in the closing seconds, made sure to console his opponent before beginning to celebrate.

Emanuel Sharp consoled by Walter Clayton Jr. after the turnover. pic.twitter.com/Ats4V0TsBt
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 8, 2025

Clayton had arguably his worst offensive game in this year’s March Madness. He scored a tournament-low 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting during the title game.

But Clayton did dish out seven assists and made the key closeout in the end, which was enough to earn him the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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