SAN ANTONIO — Auburn basketball's dream of a national championship came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as they fell to the Florida Gators 79-73 in the Final Four. The Tigers, who held an eight-point lead at halftime, were unable to maintain their momentum in the second half, succumbing to a relentless Florida team that capitalized on their mistakes.
Chad Baker-Mazara, the emotional leader of the Tigers, led Auburn with a team-high 18 points. Despite his efforts, the Gators proved too much, especially with Walter Clayton Jr. lighting up the scoreboard for Florida, finishing the game with an impressive 34 points, including 20 in the second half.
"We had a good first half, but we just couldn't execute in the second half like we needed to," Baker-Mazara said post-game. "Florida came out strong, and we couldn't respond. It hurts to lose like this, especially after the season we've had. We fought hard, but it wasn't enough."
Florida’s comeback began with a 9-0 run to start the second half, quickly erasing Auburn's lead. The Gators' relentless pressure and improved rebounding allowed them to gain control and eventually take the lead, which they would not relinquish.
Johni Broome, a key player for Auburn and a Wooden Award runner-up, struggled with injuries throughout the game. He managed to score 15 points but was held to just three in the second half, a stark contrast to his performance in the first half when he scored 12 points.
"I tried to give it my all, but I wasn't at 100% tonight," Broome admitted. "It’s frustrating to end our season like this, especially after all the hard work we put in. We had high hopes, but Florida played better when it mattered most."
Denver Jones contributed 12 points for Auburn, but the team’s overall performance dipped in the second half. Florida out-rebounded Auburn 13-6 in that final period, a critical statistic that highlighted the Tigers' struggles. Auburn had previously dominated the boards in the first half, but their inability to maintain that edge proved costly.
Auburn’s head coach Bruce Pearl, who led the Tigers to their second Final Four appearance in school history, expressed pride in his team’s journey this season, which included an SEC regular season championship. "This team showed incredible heart and resilience all year long. We believed we could win, and we did so many things right to get here," Pearl said.
Reflecting on the season, Baker-Mazara recalled the pivotal moments that shaped their success. "We won the Maui Invitational, and beating Houston was a highlight, but my favorite moment was having my dad living with me this year. That support meant everything to me," he said, speaking of his father, Derrek Baker, who is the Head Defensive Basketball Coach for the Dominican Republic Men’s National Basketball Team.
Derrek Baker moved in with his son in Auburn, allowing them to strengthen their relationship and provide emotional support throughout the season. "Having him there gave me confidence and helped me learn how to handle my emotions better," Baker-Mazara added. "It’s a bond I’ll always cherish, especially during this journey. I wanted to make him proud tonight, and I hope I did that in some way."
As Auburn prepared for this crucial game, Pearl emphasized the importance of trust and teamwork. "If you earn the trust of these younger players, they will run through a wall for you," he said. This trust was evident throughout the season, where players like Baker-Mazara, Broome, and Jones stepped up when needed.
Despite the loss, the Tigers' season was filled with memorable moments, including Baker-Mazara being named a finalist for the Julius Irving small forward of the year award. His contributions extended beyond the court, as he served as an emotional catalyst for the team.
"We had a great run, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together," Baker-Mazara said. "We showed we could compete with the best. I just wish we could have taken it one step further."
Florida will advance to the national championship game, seeking its third title after winning in 2006 and 2007. They will face the winner of the Duke vs. Houston game, which promises to be another thrilling matchup.
As the final buzzer sounded, Auburn's players embraced each other, reflecting on a season that exceeded expectations and brought them closer together. The future remains bright for the Tigers, with a solid core of players and the leadership of Coach Pearl, who has reinvigorated the program since taking over in 2014.
In the end, while the loss stings, the memories and experiences gained throughout this journey will forever be cherished by the Auburn family. The Tigers will regroup and look ahead to next season, ready to build on the foundation laid this year.
