After Florida Wins National Championship, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp ‘Distraught’ Over Epic Shot Not Taken

During the tournament, Florida had built up a reputation as comeback kids. Deficits of eight against UConn, ten against Texas Tech and nine against Auburn weren’t enough to stop the Gators from keeping their season alive.

Florida somehow did it again.

The Gators trailed 42-30 at the 16:42 mark of the second half. From there, they turned it into high gear. Florida outscored Houston 35-21 from that point to secure Florida’s third national championship and their first since going back-to-back in ’06-’07.

With 19 seconds left and the ball down 65-63, Houston had one last possession to tie or take the lead. Kelvin Sampson drew up a play for Emanuel Sharp at the top of the key, only for him to jump mid-air without shooting and drop the ball.

Alex Condon grabbed the loose ball and a new national champion was crowned.

Sharp was reportedly “distraught” at the mistake and did not attend the post-game press conference.

Despite the comeback, this win didn’t come in typical Florida style. Walter Clayton Jr., who’s made a name for himself by performing in big spots, ended the first half with zero points. It was only his second time this season doing so. Clayton finished the game with 11 points on 3-10 shooting.

Instead, Will Richard kept the Gators afloat with four 3-pointers in the first half. From there, Clayton was able to pick up some steam.

For Houston, it’s hard to imagine a more painful way to lose the National Championship.

Coming off a historic comeback of their own against Duke in the Final Four, surrendering one of your own is a tough pill to swallow.

Sharp, who is typically one of the most accurate shooters in the country, finished the game going 1-7 from three. Houston star L.J. Cryer finished shooting 6-18.

As a team, Houston ended the game, shooting 34.8% from the field.

For Houston, they are projected to have one of the top rosters in college basketball next season. According to ESPN BET, Houston has the second-best odds to win the National Championship in 2026, just behind Duke.

Florida will lose arguably its three best players, Clayton, Alijah Martin and Richard. It’s unlikely they will maintain this season’s success.

If you’re a Florida fan, however, does it even matter?