Florida Edges Houston To Win Their Third Crown, Denying Houston Their First

Florida University copped their third national basketball title and first since winning consecutive ones in ’06 and ’07, edging Houston (now sans the prize in all 7 national semis “apps”) (65-63) in the title game.

Florida held that (65-63) when Houston got the ball with :19 left but el Cougars (Houston) failed to get a shot attempt and that along with turnovers “vs” left them out, as was the case, with Duke, after Houston’s victory/Duke loss, in the national semi.

Walter Clayton Jr. was named the tournament’s most outstanding player, though he had only 11 points in the title game. He had made the big plays for Florida throughout the event, including such vs Connecticut and Auburn (a 3 point play up 3), the latter in the semi-final game, that I actually saw.

I did see Florida’s Aberdeen only split the pair and then the season’s final possession. That is thanks to a bus driver who exhibited kindness and opened the door for my entry late last night, though the vehicle was just past the stop at a light.

My effort yes, (one must try) is commended, however, mostly I praise his kindness and that is my indelible memory attached to the tournament.

Oh do we need kindness now and I thank him for it.

Above, the great Jackie Gleason, is pictured, as the fictional but most famous bus driver, “Ralph Kramden,” from the seminal “Honeymooners” television show.