But Florida would not be denied. The Gators looked cooked when Houston opened up a 42-30 second-half lead. But Florida persevered and rallied for a 65-63 win to secure the program's third national championship. The victory denied Houston and head coach Kelvin Sampson each their first.

Madness tournament came to an end Monday night as the Florida Gators took home the NCAA men's basketball championship.

The national championship game that will draw the curtain on the 2025 NCAA Tournament has been finalized after No. 1 seed Florida knocked off No. 1 overall seed Auburn and No. 1 seed Houston rallied to stun No.