LJ Cryer and Emanuel Sharp turnovers spelled doom for Cougars' title hopes

The Florida Gators defied the odds after trailing throughout almost the entire stretch of regulation in the National Championship game. However, it wasn't beautiful offense that earned the Gators their third-ever title, it was intense defense and two devastating turnovers by stars on the Houston Cougars' roster.

L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp were critical pieces of Houston's success this season but when it mattered most, the two guards couldn't keep the heads screwed on quite right.

With just 52 seconds remaining, Cryer turned the ball over when the Cougars led by one point, leading to a foul by Joseph Tugler and two made free throws by Florida's Alijah Martin.

26 seconds later, Sharp committed an even more costly turnover as time rapidly dwindled off the clock. While it didn't directly lead to any made free throws, it led to chaos on the court for the Cougars, and eventually, Cryer committed his third foul, which led to a made free throw by Denzel Aberdeen.

Just like that, Houston's once 12-point lead had been erased and turned into a three-point lead for the Gators. That lead never changed. As time expired, yet another turnover by Sharp virtually handed Florida its first National Championship win since 2007 and sent the Cougars packing.

Sharp and Cryer weren't the only ones to commit costly turnovers throughout the vital game. In fact, Houston committed an abysmal nine turnovers throughout the game and committed 19 fouls, sending Florida to the line for 21 free throws, of which they made 17.

Also read: Gainesville PD takes a page from Philly's playbook before Gators' championship game

At the end of regulation, the Florida Gators were the newest National Champions after securing the 65-63 win over the Cougars, adding their third national title to their trophy case. Florida finished the season with a 36-4 overall record. Houston went home with a 35-5 record and a runner-up finish in the National Championship game.