For the first time since Duke won back-to-back titles in 1992, the NCAA had the national champions successfully defend their title.

The Florida Gators beat the Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 84-75, though the Gators were in control for most of the game. The Gators used incredible three-point shooting (10-18, 55%) to overcome foul trouble plaguing Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Chris Richard.

Head coach Billy Donovan used an unexpected strategy to overcome Greg Oden. After playing limited minutes so far this NCAA due to foul trouble, the Gators allowed Oden to stay on the floor. Oden played 38 minutes, far more than his season average, and the Buckeyes had little gas left in the tank at the end of the game.

Greg Oden scored 25 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

Florida returned all five of its starters from last year’s championship team, thanks to the team’s several NBA prospects returning for another year and fifth-year senior Lee Humphrey staying with the team.

Florida swept its two championship games with Ohio State this year, making them the only team in college sports history to win championships in men’s basketball and football during the same season.

Expect Daily Basketball updates to resume, following both NCAA basketball and the NCAA.