In a thrilling NCAA Tournament Final Four matchup, the Auburn Tigers fell just short of making history, losing to the Florida Gators 79-73 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 5, 2025. This defeat denied Auburn the chance to reach the championship game for the first time ever, a bitter pill to swallow for the No. 1 overall seed.
The game was a rollercoaster ride, with Auburn holding a nine-point lead at one point. However, Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. put on a spectacular performance, scoring 34 points on 11 of 18 shooting, leading the Gators to victory and securing their first trip to the national championship game since 2007.
Despite the loss, Auburn's senior Chad Baker-Mazara left the court with his head held high, emotionally dedicating his efforts to his homeland, the Dominican Republic. "That was for my island, man," he said, visibly upset as he exited the arena. Baker-Mazara led the Tigers with 18 points, shooting an impressive 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. His teammates, however, struggled from deep, combining for just 3-of-18.
Florida's comeback was fueled by their resilient play in the second half. After trailing at halftime, the Gators quickly tied the game and pulled ahead, showcasing their depth and talent. Johni Broome, Auburn's standout forward and Wooden Award runner-up, contributed 15 points but was limited to just three in the second half due to injuries he sustained in the previous round against Michigan State.
Broome's injury had been a concern leading up to the game, as he underwent extensive treatment for elbow and ankle issues. Despite these setbacks, he fought through the pain, demonstrating the heart and determination that has defined Auburn's season.
The matchup was particularly significant for both teams, representing a clash of SEC titans. Auburn had previously defeated Florida in a regular-season game on February 8, 2025, but the stakes were much higher this time around. The Gators, who had been on a roll through the tournament, were determined to make their mark and capitalize on their opportunity.
As the game unfolded, it became evident that both teams were evenly matched, with the SEC sending a record 14 teams to the NCAA Tournament this year. Auburn, having won the SEC regular-season championship, entered the game with a 28-5 overall record, while Florida finished second in the conference and was riding a wave of momentum.
Coach Bruce Pearl of Auburn, who has done an incredible job with the program since taking over in 2014, expressed pride in his team's accomplishments despite the heartbreaking loss. Pearl, who shared the AP Coach of the Year award with St. John’s Rick Pitino, has transformed Auburn into a national contender.
Looking ahead, the future remains uncertain for Baker-Mazara. While this loss could mark the end of his college career, there is a possibility he may return for another season. Pearl hinted at this potential return, saying, "Chad could potentially come back for another year." This leaves fans wondering if they will see more of the talented senior in an Auburn uniform.
As the game concluded, the atmosphere in the Alamodome was electric, with Florida fans celebrating their team's advancement to the championship game. The Gators will now face the winner of the Duke vs. Houston matchup, looking to capture their third national title after winning back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
For Auburn, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they faced throughout the season, including injuries and tough competition. Yet, the Tigers have proven their resilience and determination, making a significant impact in this year's tournament.
As the dust settles on this thrilling Final Four showdown, Auburn's players and fans will reflect on a season filled with promise and heart. While the outcome was not what they hoped for, the Tigers have established themselves as a formidable force in college basketball, and the future looks bright under Coach Pearl's leadership.
In the end, the game was not just about the score; it was about the journey, the passion, and the dedication of the players who gave it their all on the court. Auburn's historic run may have come to an end, but the memories and experiences gained will resonate for years to come.
