All year, Florida … and especially, Walter… has been lauded for offensive firepower. But on the title-winning play… it was Florida’s defense, and that of an oft-maligned defensive player…. that sealed the deal. And, perfectly… it was Condon on the floor, in a rugby scrum, to secure the ball and the win. It won’t be the headline, but Florida’s defense was often the storyline this season. That’s remarkable, considering last season’s struggles.
My son and I were talking right after the game ended - this game ended almost exactly like the 2014 SECCG in Atlanta vs. UK (which we both attended back then). Up by only 2 with the clock running down, loose ball, and Scotty Wilbekin covering the ball as time expired. Crazy how last night's ending was so similar
we contested the 3pt the last few minutes about as well as is humanly possible...fitting that our defense would be that good against the #1 defensive team in the country. completely shut them down
Well said. Everyone was understandably focused on the Gator offense vs the Coogs defense, but the reciprocal matchup was just as important. And the Gators boys won that one when it mattered.
Off topic Rade but, UF, in 6 FF appearances is 7 -3 with three Nattys! Pretty impressive for a football school! So impressive it puts UF in very elite company!
And, if I may toot my own horn on this thread, not once during the season did I gnash my teeth because my "representatives" did not represent the way I wanted them to. It is called college basketball and we live vicariously through a bunch of mistake-prone youngsters. I want to root for players and even coaches who embrace UF and the UF basketball (and football) experience. And when they do and they fall short of my "expectations" then it is disappointing but nothing to burn the sofa over. You live and learn. Methinks Duke didn't learn enough throughout the season. Tough crap. Simply, probably because of my more "experienced" mindset over the earlier NC teams, I had a DAMN BLAST witnessing this team all season without any of the usual vitriol. It does help to stay away from the actual gametime threads...and stock a LOT of alcohol. Especially the alcohol. But maybe that is just me...
What a stat, head. You know, Florida’s most common outcomes seem to be missing the tourney or getting bounced in the first weekend, but if they get past that, Florida has been oddly good. We have that sweet 16 winning streak, I bet we’re better than 0.500 in the elite 8, we’re 4-2 in national semifinals, and we’re 3-1 in the finals. It doesn’t make a ton of sense, but we’ve definitely made the most of our opportunities.
Toot! TOOT! I have tried to remind others here that our players shortcomings are so often made up by their peers...and that is the way a team functions when properly led and motivated. It is rare, and a thing of beauty to behold.
Obviously much of that was the 04’s, but it feels like a quantum leap to the program to get the job done under a whole new coach. I remember thinking that when Donovan came back from his Orlando Magic adventure, he built it back with 4 straight elite 8’s and a final 4. It really cemented his legacy even though it was denied that 3rd title, the way he built it back was special. It’s another level for the program to do it without their legendary coach. So glad they cashed this one in to get the 3rd title. Houston has been to 1 more final 4 than UF. 7 vs 6. But they have 0 titles vs. 3. They are the Buffalo Bills of CBB so you do have to feel for their fans somewhat.
SOOOOO many bizarre story line to this one: 1) The unsung hero's were really Richard and Condo, both had been rather quiet in the FF. 2) This game was played EXACTLY according to Houston's game-plan and UF STILL BEAT THEM! 3) UF had a great turnout but, like the SEC tourney, UF beat a great team in what was essentially a home game for Houston. 4) As poorly as the Gators played, you look up and the score was 28-31 at half. Richard kept us alive! 5) Is that what is called a "Rock Fight"? lol 6) Two Technical's, 4 Free Throws and two possessions for Houston. Just one UF technical all season before then. CRAZY. 7) Thrilled Elijah made the two throws to give UF the lead! 8) UF trailed almost 39 minutes of a 40 minute game. Not good for UF cardiac patients! 9) Walter........proud he didn't "pout", got 11 the second half, had what....7 assists? and played some great defense, in fact the WINNING defensive play there to cause the Houston kid to not get that shot off and essentially turn it over. 10) That ending was bizarre. I loved it! 11) It wasn't pretty, it was not per the Gator typical offensive script but - THEY GOT ER DONE 12) Tip of the hat to coach Sampson and Houston, magnanimous in defeat, complimented UF. 13) Is Houston cursed by the BBall Gods? 14) Them Gator Boyz is HOT! 15) National Champs Baby!!! Woo Hooo
OK tea, love ya man, but word is you got a pile of smashed 60" to 84" TV's piled up in ur backyard.................lol
Oh yeah one last aberration - Houston had few turnovers, until the last 90 seconds - That Houston kid, whom is very good, turned it over 4 straight times! Of course having Richard and Clayton (know the flavor of his chewing gum...ahem) helped!
