College Basketball

The University of Florida men's basketball team were revered in another national championship celebration Saturday, this one in front of nearly 60,000 fans during halftime of the annual football spring game.

UF somehow overcame Houston’s lockdown defense in the second half. The Gators led a total of 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of a thriller that was in limbo until a final shot that never came.

Azzi Fudd was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player and Paige Bueckers capped her stellar career with the Huskies’ first championship since 2016 at Tampa's Amalie Arena.

Guard Alijah Martin transferred to Florida after four years at Florida Atlantic, where he was part of the 2023 team's unlikely run to the Final Four in 2023. His play helped lead the Gators into the championship game against Houston.

The Florida Gators have spoiled Auburn's shot at revenge and punched their ticket to Monday's national championship with their second win over the No. 1 Tigers this season.

On "Florida Matters," we speak to area officials about luring happenings like the NCAA Women's Final Four and Firestore Grand Prix of St. Pete to Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The Huskies and Longhorns won their regional finals to earn trips to Amalie Arena. The national semifinals are slated for Friday, with the national championship game on Sunday.

The basketball will be championship caliber, of course, but don't forget the week's fan festival, concert in the park, pregame parties, and speakers brought in to help empower and equip women in sports and business.

The national semifinals are scheduled for 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday at Amalie Arena, with the national championship at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Walter Clayton Jr. rescued Florida with two late 3-pointers, and Florida rallied from nine points down late to win the West Region final. UF advances to play Auburn on Saturday.

Bryan Hodgson was an assistant coach for multiple programs, including Buffalo and Alabama, before his first head coaching gig at Arkansas State.

Top-seeded Florida played a steady second half to beat No. 4 seed Maryland, 87-71, in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. The Gators next meet No. 3 seed Texas Tech for a spot in the Final Four.