Florida Gators Battle Past Auburn to Reach National Championship

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – April 5, 2025 – The Florida Gators secured a place in the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship with a thrilling 79-73 victory over the Auburn Tigers in the Final Four on Saturday night at the Alamodome.

Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as the standout player, scoring 34 points, to propel Florida (35-4) past their Southeastern Conference rival. The victory marked the Gators’ first trip to the championship game since winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.

Clayton’s decisive layup with just 2:24 remaining came after a charge drawn by teammate Alex Condon against Auburn’s Johni Broome, who has been battling an injured right elbow. Despite their All-America guard’s struggles, Broome contributed 15 points, but the Tigers (32-6) ultimately fell short.

<p“In the first half, Auburn had us on our heels, but we focused on a strong start in the second half and built from there,” Gators coach Todd Golden said following the game. Golden, who previously served as an assistant at Auburn, emphasized the team’s unity, stating, “We’re just all together, on the court and off the court.”

Following a record-setting NCAA Tournament featuring 14 SEC teams, Florida emerged as a dominant force, boasting an 11-game winning streak headed into Monday night’s championship against either Duke or Houston.

The Gators significantly turned the game around after halftime with a 13-3 run, allowing them to take a lead. Alijah Martin added 17 points and Thomas Haugh chipped in 12 as Florida’s depth contributed to their successful campaign.

Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara led his team with 18 points, including four three-pointers, but the Tigers lost momentum in the second half. Broome’s injury, sustained during the previous game against Michigan State, heavily impacted his performance.

Despite the loss, Broome’s emotional reaction reflected the high stakes of the match. After the final whistle, he was visibly upset, supported by teammates as he exited the court.

The Alamodome was filled with 68,252 fans, indicating a strong resurgence in attendance and interest in college basketball, despite mixed reactions regarding game excitement. “That is a lot of people!!” one enthusiastic fan expressed on social media, while others criticized the seating arrangements.

The anticipation for Monday’s championship is palpable as Florida seeks to reclaim their former glory, competing against a tough opponent who will be equally motivated to seize their first title.