Dick Vitale was able to return to broadcasting this season after a long battle with cancer. While he isn’t on the broadcast for the NCAA Tournament, he is still heavily invested and watching every game.
Florida is one of the favorites to win the title, but the Gators found themselves in a tougher-than expected-battle against the 2-time defending national champion UConn Huskies. In the end, point guard Walter Clayton Jr. hit monster shots down the stretch, finishing with 23 points helping the Gators escape with 77-75 victory.
After the game, Vitale took to social media to give his reaction to the incredible game.
He gave praise to Clayton for his performance, and mentioned that he was recruited by Iona when Rick Pitino was there.
The Gators were down for much of the game until the heroics of Clayton helped them advance to the Sweet 16. The win over the Huskies ended 13 consecutive wins for UConn in the NCAA Tournament.
Florida will be in action next week in San Francisco for the Sweet 16. It will be a homecoming of sorts for coach Todd Golden, who was the head coach at San Francisco before he came to Florida. The Gators will take on either Maryland or Colorado State, who tipoff on Sunday evening.