Gators Survive SEC Final Four Clash and Head Back To The National Championship Game For First Time Since 2007

SAN ANTONIO – In a high-stakes SEC battle on the biggest stage, Florida punched its ticket to the national championship game with a gritty 79–73 win over Auburn in the Final Four.

This one had everything—big names, big moments, and two No. 1 seeds going at it in front of a packed house in the Alamodome. It was the kind of game that felt more like a backyard brawl between neighbors than a neutral-site matchup. And in the end, Florida just made a few more plays when it mattered.

Auburn came out swinging, trying to establish themselves early in the paint with Johni Broome leading the way. The big man was a problem all night, finishing with 15 points and 7 rebounds and doing everything he could to keep the Tigers within striking distance. Auburn’s defense was aggressive early, closing off driving lanes and getting hands in passing lanes, but Florida hung in there, stayed composed, and never let the game get away from them. And more importantly, they played at their pace.

It didn’t last long enough though because Walter Clayton Jr. once again stepped up when his team needed him most. The veteran guard led the Gators with 34 points, calmly knocking down tough shots and making smart decisions down the stretch. Anytime Auburn looked like they were about to go on a run, Clayton answered—whether it was a tough finish at the rim or a clutch three to stop the bleeding. He’s been their heartbeat all tournament, and he showed up big again on the biggest stage.

The second half was where Florida really found their rhythm. Coming out of the break, they tightened up defensively with their physicality and improved point of attack and also started dictating the pace. They made it harder for Auburn to get anything easy in transition, closed out on shooters, and forced them into some tough shots all second half. On the offensive side, they didn’t rush—just smart, patient basketball. They worked for good looks, spaced the floor, and took advantage of matchups.

Alijah Martin was a solid calming force also for the Gators controlling the tempo and keeping things under control when the pressure ramped up on his way to 17 points. He didn’t hit a shot, but  Tyrese Alex Condon brought the toughness inside, fighting for boards and just being a force on both ends of the floor.

Auburn didn’t go down easy though. They made a late push and even took a brief lead with just under five minutes to go, but Florida responded like a team that’s been there before. Clayton hit a tough 3, Martin got out in transition, and just like that, the momentum flipped back to the Gators and that was enough to put just a little distance between them and Houston to punch their ticket in the championship game.

What’s been impressive about Florida during this run is how they’ve stayed true to their identity. They play fast but never look out of control. They pressure you defensively, force turnovers, and turn them into buckets on the other end. And when the game slows down, they’ve got guys who can go get a shot or make the right read. It’s been a winning formula all season, and it’s carried them all the way to the title game.

For Todd Golden, this is a huge moment. Just a couple years into his run at Florida, he’s got the Gators back on the biggest stage for the first time since their 2007 title run. He’s done it with a mix of transfers, experienced guys, and gritty defenders who aren’t afraid of the moment.

Now, Florida waits to see who they’ll face on Monday night—Duke or Houston. No matter the matchup, they’ll be ready. This team believes in itself, plays for each other, and has the kind of confidence that makes them dangerous. One more win, and they’ll be cutting down the nets.

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