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With just 2:59 remaining in the game and Florida trailing 75-66, sophomore forward Thomas Haugh collected a massive offensive rebound off Walter Clayton’s missed three pointer. Haugh then moved beyond the arc and was gifted an open look, which he knocked down to cut the deficit to six. On each of their next three possessions, the Gators made threes (one more by Haugh and two by Clayton) that put Florida ahead 78-77 with less than a minute left in regulation.

The Gators utilized an 18-4 run over the final 2:50 to clinch a berth into the national semifinals, or Final Four.

The Red Raiders came out hot from the start knocking down their first three attempts from three-point land and claiming an early 9-3 advantage. While Florida did eventually take the lead, Texas Tech led for much of the first half and by as many as six points. The Gators, however, finished the first half strong and entered halftime with a 40-37 lead.

Florida opened the second half shooting extremely cold, going nearly five minutes without a field goal. In that timeframe, the Red Raiders took advantage and maintained a 48-44 lead before a Micah Handlogten dunk. After being tied at 55, TTU went on a 12-2 run that extended the lead to 67-57 with 7:48 to play. The Gators continued to cut into the lead, but could never mount a run of more than a couple of points until the final three minutes of play.

The Gators were led by Clayton, who finished with 30 points and four assists, and Hough, who added 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Guard Alijah Martin was the only other double-digit scorer for Florida, with ten points and seven rebounds.

For Florida head coach Todd Golden, the last two games have been somewhat a homecoming. Golden got his first head coaching job with San Francisco University and played at fellow bay area school, St. Mary’s.

The Gators advanced to the Final Four with the 84-79 win. Florida will take on the winner of Sunday’s Auburn – Michigan State game from San Antonio next Saturday.