Gators’ Star Walter Clayton Jr. Shines Bright in NCAA Tournament
SAN ANTONIO — Walter Clayton Jr. has been nothing short of spectacular during this NCAA Tournament, and now the Florida Gators are counting on him for one last standout performance. The Gators are set to face off against Houston in the championship game on Monday night at the Alamodome, aiming for their first national title since 2007.
In a thrilling Final Four matchup, Clayton lit up the scoreboard with 34 points and hit five 3-pointers, leading Florida to a hard-fought 79-73 victory over their SEC rival, Auburn. This marks the Gators’ return to the national championship game for the first time in 16 years.
“Auburn couldn’t stop him. Clayton was the big difference in the game,” noted Auburn coach Bruce Pearl. "He was unstoppable."
Showing remarkable skill and composure, Clayton is the first player since the legendary Larry Bird to score 30 points in consecutive games at this stage of the tournament, cementing his place in history.
“He’s really confident and calm. We trust him fully,” said Gators guard Will Richard. “We see how hard he works, and it’s great that everyone gets to see what he can do on the court.”
The Gators, boasting a record of 35-4, owe much of their success to Clayton’s late-game heroics throughout the tournament. In earlier rounds, he was pivotal in securing victories against tough opponents, including a key performance against UConn that ended their title hopes.
“He’s shown up for us time and again this season,” said Gators coach Todd Golden. “He knows how to make the big plays when we need them most.”
In the semifinal, Clayton’s agile layup in the closing stages helped Florida secure their spot in the final game. His all-around play not only includes scoring but also rallying his teammates, showcased when he kept the momentum alive towards the end of the match.
With the NCAA Tournament showcasing a record number of SEC teams this year, Florida has a chance to earn the conference’s first title since Kentucky in 2012. The Gators will enter Monday’s game against Houston riding an impressive 11-game winning streak.
The Final Four saw many exciting moments, with Martin contributing 17 points and Haugh adding 12 for the Gators. On the opposing side, Auburn had an early lead, but Florida quickly turned the tide in the second half, leading to a dramatic and competitive game filled with lead changes.
As excitement builds for the national championship, the Gators are ready to make history once again with the hope that Clayton can deliver yet another memorable performance.
