The end of national championship game was gritty and ugly, just the way Houston usually likes it. Except this time Florida was forcing bad shots and turnovers against Houston when it counted.

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.