The UConn Huskies’ pursuit of a third consecutive NCAA men’s basketball championship ended today with a 77-75 loss to the Florida Gators in the second round of the tournament at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
UConn led for much of the second half, but Florida closed the game with an 8-0 run, shifting the momentum in their favor. Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. was pivotal, scoring 13 of his 23 points in the final eight minutes, including two crucial three-pointers.
At halftime, the teams were tied at 31-31. UConn’s Liam McNeeley led the team with nine points in the first half, while Florida’s Alijah Martin was the game’s top scorer at that point with 14 points.
This victory propels Florida to the Sweet 16, marking their first appearance in that round since 2017.