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Florida takes down Auburn in Final Four, advances to national championship game

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•04/05/25•

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Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden talks with Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl before their game at Neville Arena. (John Reed-Imagn Images)

Game No. 1 from San Antonio was a clash of SEC giants this season. Auburn and Florida have been two of the best teams in college basketball this season. Meeting in the Final Four was almost fitting, deciding who would get a spot in the national championship game on Monday night.

The game more than delivered, with all 40 minutes providing entertainment. Ultimately, Florida found themselves as winners when the final buzzer sounded. A great accomplishment for head coach Todd Golden, now being one win away from cutting down the nets in his second season in charge.

Usually, the Final Four calls for stars to step up on the biggest stage. Florida counted on Walter Clayton for a lot and he delivered in a massive way. He finished with 34 points with an incredible 11-18 night from the field.

Golden usually relies on him to create a little for his teammates when running the offense as well. But Auburn held him in check in that regard. Just one assist on the stat sheet for Clayton — a trade-off Florida will take every day of the week for the scoring.

“Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Walter Clayton Jr. is the first player with back-to-back 30-point games in the Elite Eight and national semifinals since Larry Bird in 1979,” ESPN’s Jeff Borzello said via X.

On the flip side, Johni Broome was not his normal self for Auburn. His health was a massive storyline heading into the game after he injured his right shoulder during the Elite Eight game against Michigan State. Appearing to play through a lot of pain, Broome was held to just 15 points on a poor shooting night.

Chad Baker-Mazara was the offensive sparkplug for Auburn, especially early. His 18 points brought a lot of energy for Bruce Pearl, making four of seven three-point attempts.

Moving back to Florida, they are hoping to win another national championship to add to this program’s historic collection. Golden would join Billy Donovan as the only Gators head coaches to deliver one after going back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. Title No. 3 would be a special one.

As for who they are playing, the second game is set to tip off soon. Duke or Houston will be fighting to join Florida in the national championship game. Florida will be celebrating their win before getting right back to business, turning attention to whoever winds up on top to close the night.