In a thrilling matchup in San Francisco, Walter Clayton Jr. proved to be the hero for the Florida Gators, propelling them into the Final Four with an impressive 84-79 victory over Texas Tech. Given the intense pressure of the game and comparisons to the Bay Area's beloved 3-point shooter, Clayton's ability to deliver in the clutch was no surprise. His timely shot-making was pivotal in securing Florida's spot in the national championship chase.
With just 1:47 remaining in the game, Clayton executed a critical step-back 3-pointer that tied the score at 75. This shot marked a turning point, especially following two consecutive missed one-and-one opportunities from Texas Tech. Just 48 seconds later, after Texas Tech regained the lead at 77-75, Clayton struck again with another 3-pointer, putting Florida ahead 78-77. The Gators then extended their lead with successful free throws, ultimately sealing the game after Clayton made two crucial free throws with 10.2 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the high stakes, Clayton appeared almost unfazed by the pressure. Post-game, he candidly admitted, “I kind of blacked out” during those critical moments. However, his performance was anything but forgettable. The senior guard finished the game with a remarkable 30 points, including eight crucial points in the final 107 seconds. He also showcased his prowess at the free-throw line, going 13-of-14 overall and 11-of-12 in the second half, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
Florida coach Todd Golden emphasized Clayton's unique ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations, stating, “There’s not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands in a big-time moment.” Golden praised Clayton's emotional control, which sets him apart from many players who struggle to maintain their composure in crunch time. Teammate Thomas Haugh, who contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds, also received recognition for his vital role, showcasing the depth of talent on the Florida roster.
Despite a strong performance for most of the game, Texas Tech faltered in the final minutes, particularly at the free-throw line, finishing just 7-of-13 (54 percent). Coach Grant McCasland acknowledged that keeping the ball out of Clayton's hands was a missed opportunity, crediting the Florida guard for his crafty play and change of pace. McCasland noted the importance of maintaining composure in high-stakes moments, a skill that ultimately made the difference in the game.
This victory marks Florida's first return to the Final Four since 2014, a remarkable achievement in what has been one of the most unpredictable NCAA Tournaments in recent history. The current tournament features a total seed count of just 13 among the eight teams reaching the Elite Eight, a tie for the record set in 2007, the year Florida won back-to-back national championships. As Clayton continues to shine, comparisons to legendary shooters like Steph Curry may become more common, especially if he can lead the Gators to national glory.
As Florida prepares for the next stage of the tournament, all eyes will be on Walter Clayton Jr. and his quest for a national championship—a goal that, while still elusive, remains within reach.
