Corrections: A previous version of this story misspelled the name of Walter Clayton. It also incorrectly referred to the lead Texas Tech had with three minutes left. Texas Tech led by nine.
The 84-79 victory didn’t come easily for the Gators, who needed to rally late to defeat Texas Tech.
Walter Clayton Jr. finished with 30 points for the Gators after shooting 7 of 14 from the field and making 13 of 14 free throw attempts. Thomas Haugh was particularly clutch, going 4-of-6 from behind the arc and delivering 20 points to the cause.
Florida will play the winner of Auburn vs. Michigan in the South Region final.
Texas Tech collapse as Florida caps off epic comeback
The Red Raiders collapsed down the stretch after leading by nine points with three minutes left in the game. A combination of the Gators’ success from long range and a pair of missed free-throw attempts by Texas Tech benefited Florida.
Texas Tech foul: Late mistake crucial in defeat
The final seconds featured questionable decision-making in the minds of some as Texas Tech fouled a Florida player just before a 10-second violation may have been called on the Gators.
Florida Gators caught from long range
Florida managed to find success down the stretch from the three-point line, leaving the Red Raiders without an answer as the game slipped away from them.
Clayton Jr. played a key role in the Gators’ long-range attack during the final three minutes of the game.
He provided a pair of assists on two of Haugh’s final three-pointers during the period before Clayton scored a pair of three-pointers on his own.
The second of the two shots pushed Florida back in front 78-77 for a lead the team wouldn’t relinquish.