Florida Gators Gear Up for Final Four Clash with Auburn

SAN ANTONIO — The Florida Gators are set to clash with the Auburn Tigers in the NCAA Final Four on April 5, 2025, in their quest for a national championship. Florida, led by standout guard Walter Clayton Jr., hopes to build on their late-game heroics from the Elite Eight.

In their last matchup against Texas Tech, the Gators were trailing by nine points with just under three minutes left but executed a stunning 18-4 run, culminating in a hard-fought 82-77 victory. “Great teams are as good as their players lead them,” said head coach Todd Golden. “Walter has done a great job all year, and I’m really proud of these guys for stepping up in big moments.”

Clayton Jr. shone in the final minutes of the game, scoring key three-pointers that tied and then gave Florida the lead. His performance solidified his status as one of the tournament’s premier players.

Thomas Haugh, another pivotal player for Florida, also made an impact with timely shooting during the critical stretch. He expressed gratitude for his teammate, stating, “Tommy comes in every day, puts his head down, and works… I love him and let’s get two more, my boy.”

Florida enters the Final Four as one of the top teams in efficiency metrics, particularly excelling in offensive rebounding, where they rank at the top among the remaining teams. Though their turnover rate ranks fourth, Golden emphasizes the importance of ball control to maximize scoring opportunities. “If Florida takes care of the ball and gets a shot down every time, our efficiency shoots way up,” said Golden.

The Gators’ matchup against Auburn is particularly significant for Golden, who has a deep connection to the Tigers’ head coach Bruce Pearl. Golden played under Pearl at Auburn before taking the reins in Florida. “It’s a little surreal to play against one of your biggest mentors,” Golden noted. “I know he’s incredibly proud of me.”

Auburn, led by All-American Johni Broome, poses a formidable challenge. The Tigers have boasted strong performances throughout the season and the tournament, capitalizing on their depth and defensive prowess. Florida will need to address Auburn’s scoring guards while maintaining their own offensive rhythm.

This rematch promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to advance to the national title game. The excitement builds as tip-off approaches for what is sure to be an unforgettable showdown at 6:09 p.m. ET, televised on CBS.