Walter Clayton Jr. Leads Florida into Final Four with 84-79 Win Over Texas Tech
Walter Clayton Jr. led a dramatic comeback to help Florida overcome a nine-point deficit and defeat Texas Tech 84-79, clinching their spot in the Final Four for the first time since 2014.
Published on March 30, 2025
Florida secured a thrilling 84-79 victory over Texas Tech in the West Region final on March 29, 2025, with Walter Clayton Jr. spearheading the comeback. Trailing by nine points with under three minutes remaining, the Gators rallied behind Clayton’s two clutch 3-pointers to overturn the deficit and clinch a Final Four berth for the first time since 2014. Coach Todd Golden guided the team through a tense finish, setting up a matchup against the South Region champion in San Antonio.
Clayton’s standout 30-point performance was complemented by Thomas Haugh’s 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Texas Tech’s Darrius Williams contributed 23 points in a hard-fought contest. Earlier in the season, Clayton also earned sweeping first-team All-America honors, further underlining his leadership and the Gators' resurgence this tournament season.