GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WSVN) — For the third time in school history, the Florida Gators are national champions, squeaking by Houston in a 65-63 victory late Monday night in San Antonio.
The men’s basketball team was met with thousands of fans when they arrived back in Gainesville, Tuesday afternoon.
Students and fans cheered for Walter Clayton Jr. as he got on stage with his teammates.
“Man simply, just thank y’all,” he said as the fans chanted his name. “We wouldn’t have been able to do what we did without y’all. Thank you for all your support and all your love. Appreciate y’all.”
Fans waited for hours in the sun to welcome their team back home.
“I mean, I’m about to graduate in 25 days, so being able to take home the Natty, it’s amazing for me,” one fan said.
“It totally revitalizes our school spirit. I feel like, I think it’s something that we’ll remember forever,” another fan said.
“We’re seniors, so this is pretty crazy for us. Last three weeks before graduation that we get to experience something this awesome, never thought we’d get to see this, it’s amazing,” said student Lilly Katz.
Monday night, more than 11,000 students filled the arena, which at times seemed to shake as Gator Nation cheered their team to victory.
“This was at least better because it was just us, it was just the students, this was the energy that I needed tonight. I didn’t need to be at a bar. I wanted to be right here,” said a student.
But as fast as they packed the arena, they emptied it just as swiftly and headed for the streets of Gainesville, where the celebrations continued well into the morning hours.
The Gators beat the Houston Cougars in the final seconds of the game.
Florida was down by as much as 12 at one point, but the Gators were able to come back, stopping Houston from getting the potentially game-winning shot.
It was a come-from-behind win for the ages, and fans said they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“How about that game?!” said a fan.
“You were down 12,” said 7News reporter Brandon Beyer.
“We’ve been down all season. We’ve been down all season, but every game we’re down, we came back […] It’s a great win. Go Gators!” the fan replied.
This is the first championship victory for Florida since they won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
A record number of 11,355 students were in attendance at the watch party.
Gators star Clayton won the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
The Gators’ head coach praised his team for their hard work throughout the season and the well-earned championship celebration.
“Incredible, absolutely amazing,” Todd Golden said. “These guys deserved it, they were amazing all year. Thirty-six wins, one of the best teams of all time in college basketball standing behind me right here.”
The Gators have more events planned for the weekend to celebrate their third title.
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