Florida ends UConn's reign over men's college basketball with close March Madness win

this Florida crocodile The clutch was late in the second round of men’s basketball, which helped to defeat two-time defending champion UConn Huskies on Sunday 77-75.

First Florida will not lead until 2:44 left in the game. Defender Walter Clayton Jr. Eskimo turnover Causing Will Richard’s dunk. This is part of the 6-0 run, and the crocodile never looks back.

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Florida guard Alijah Martin celebrates after a goal against UConn on Sunday, March 23, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Alijah Martin then dunked the offensive rebound, bringing the dramatic victory to amaze people.

The game tied for 31 at halftime after UConn’s Hassan Diarra nailed the 3-pointer. It seems that the Huskimos are about to build momentum to beat one of the best teams in the country. But Florida keeps close. The Huskimo never scored more than six points in the lead.

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Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley reacted after a three-point shot from Florida at Raleigh on Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Clayton scored 23 points. He only made 6 points from 14 of the field and shot 8 from three-pointers. Martin added 18 points and Richard scored 15 points.

Liam McNeely hit the buzzer before the game ended, leading the Huskies with 22 points.

The Gators will return to the sweet 16 for the first time since 2017, led by Michael White. The team lost in the first round of last season and had withdrawn from the second round three rounds before that.

Florida wins SEC title this season Western Region. The team will play the winners of Colorado No. 12 and Maryland No. 4.