Florida Stuns Texas Tech with Fourth Quarter Comeback in Elite Eight

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Walter Clayton Jr. rescued top-seeded Florida with two late 3-pointers, and the Gators rallied from a nine-point deficit late in the game to defeat Texas Tech 84-79 in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final on Saturday.

Trailing 75-66 with under three minutes remaining, Florida (34-4) executed a furious comeback against the third-seeded Red Raiders (28-9). Clayton dribbled out of the paint and hit a critical fadeaway 3-pointer with 59 seconds left, giving the Gators a 78-77 lead, a score they maintained until the final buzzer.

The victory not only secured Florida’s first trip to the Final Four since 2014, but also capped coach Todd Golden‘s return to the Bay Area, where he played at Saint Mary’s and began his coaching career at San Francisco.

“It goes to show how together we all are,” Clayton said postgame. “Many times we could easily just break and start pointing fingers. But we stayed together through the end and stayed the course.”

Clayton scored a game-high 30 points, leading the Gators in this crucial matchup. Thomas Haugh contributed significantly, adding 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Haugh’s two early 3-pointers in the second half were pivotal in starting the comeback.

Despite Florida’s late push, Texas Tech had moments of control throughout the game. The Red Raiders led for most of the first half and extended their advantage through a 12-2 scoring run, reaching a 10-point lead at one point. However, they struggled in closing the game.

Coach Golden praised Clayton’s performance, stating, “There’s not another player in America you would rather have than Walter Clayton with the ball in hand in a big-time moment.”

As the final horn signaled victory, Gold turned to the ecstatic Gators fans and pumped his fist in celebration. “It’s crazy,” Haugh remarked. “I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Clayton’s late-game heroics finalized Florida’s triumph despite Texas Tech’s efforts. Red Raiders guard Darrion Williams scored 23 points but missed critical free throws in the closing moments, ultimately falling short. Teammate JT Toppin added 20 points in a strong effort.

With the win, Florida will advance to face the winner between Auburn and Michigan State in the upcoming Final Four match scheduled for next Saturday in San Antonio. Golden noted the significance of the win not only for the present season but for the legacy of Florida basketball, which previously claimed national championships in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan.