On Saturday night, April 5, 2025, the Florida Gators punched their ticket to the national championship game with a thrilling 79-73 victory over the Auburn Tigers in the Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This win marks the Gators' first trip to the national title game since their back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
Walter Clayton Jr. was the star of the night, leading all scorers with an impressive 34 points, including a stellar 5-for-8 performance from three-point range. This was Clayton's second consecutive 30-point game in the NCAA Tournament and the third of his career. His clutch plays down the stretch, including a driving layup with 2:24 left in the game, helped seal the victory for Florida.
The Gators (35-4) faced a tough challenge, trailing 46-38 at halftime. However, they made a remarkable comeback, starting the second half with an 11-0 run that shifted the momentum in their favor. Alijah Martin contributed significantly with 17 points, while Thomas Haugh added 12 points and played a crucial role in the team's defense.
Auburn (32-6), the top overall seed in the tournament, was making its second Final Four appearance under head coach Bruce Pearl. Despite a strong first half where they shot 52% from the field, the Tigers struggled to maintain their lead in the second half. Florida outscored Auburn in second-chance points 9-8 and took advantage of their scoring opportunities when it mattered most.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Auburn started strong, with Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara making significant contributions. Broome, another All-America player, was dealing with an injured right elbow but still managed to make a strong impact on the game.
As the game neared its conclusion, tensions rose. A controversial call on a block by Haugh against Baker-Mazara left the Gators and their fans frustrated. Coach Todd Golden expressed his displeasure with the officiating, particularly regarding the late-game calls that seemed to favor Auburn. Yet, the Gators remained focused, with Clayton and Martin stepping up to keep Florida ahead.
With the victory, Florida now has an 11-game winning streak and will face either Duke or Houston in the national championship game on Monday night, April 7, 2025. This matchup provides an opportunity for the Gators to win the SEC's first title since Kentucky in 2012, a significant milestone for the conference after a record 14 teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament this year.
The Gators' journey through the tournament has been remarkable, with their latest win showcasing their resilience and determination. As they prepare for the championship game, Florida fans are filled with hope and excitement, recalling the glory days of the mid-2000s. The Alamodome was alive with celebration as players like Isaiah Brown and Denzel Aberdeen joined in the festivities after the win, reflecting the team's unity and spirit.
Florida's performance against Auburn not only highlights their talent but also sets the stage for a thrilling championship game. The Gators have proven they can compete at the highest level, and with players like Clayton leading the charge, they are ready to take on whatever challenge comes their way.
As the countdown to the national championship game begins, Florida's fans are eager to see if their team can reclaim the title and add another chapter to their storied history in college basketball.
