In an exhilarating matchup on Saturday night, the Florida Gators secured a 79-73 victory against the Auburn Tigers in the Final Four, edging one step closer to their ultimate goal of winning the national championship. This win marks the Gators' fifth consecutive victory in the NCAA Tournament, highlighting their determination and skill as they prepare for the championship game.
Facing a challenging 46-38 halftime deficit at the sold-out Alamodome in San Antonio, Florida showcased incredible resilience. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as the star of the night, scoring a game-high 34 points, shooting an impressive 11 of 18 from the field and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Clayton's performance was pivotal, as he netted 20 of his points in the second half, propelling the team forward.
Alongside Clayton, guard Alijah Martin contributed significantly with 17 points, while sophomore Thomas Haugh added 12 points and seven rebounds. The Gators demonstrated their tenacity by overcoming a 49-40 deficit early in the second half through an electrifying 11-0 run that shifted the momentum in their favor.
Despite the Gators' resurgence, the Tigers, led by SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome (15 points, seven rebounds) and guard Chad Baker-Mazara (18 points, 4 of 7 from three-point range), refused to back down. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads. However, a crucial moment came when Martin stole the ball and delivered a stunning dunk, electrifying the crowd and giving Florida a decisive lead.
As the game approached its final minutes, Florida managed to maintain their edge, with Auburn narrowing the gap but ultimately falling short. The victory allowed the Gators to advance to the national championship game under the leadership of head coach Todd Golden, marking a significant achievement in his third season.
This victory is particularly significant for Florida, as it marks their sixth appearance in the Final Four and their fourth trip to the national championship game. Historically, the Gators have a strong track record, with a 2-1 record in national title games, previously losing to Michigan State in 2000 and securing back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
Walter Clayton Jr.'s remarkable performance has placed him in elite company, drawing comparisons to basketball legends like Larry Bird. With his 34 points against Auburn and 30 points in the Elite Eight victory over Texas Tech, he became the first player since Bird in 1979 to score 30 or more points in both the Elite Eight and Final Four.
Clayton’s 34 points also set a new program record for the most points scored in a Final Four game, surpassing Udonis Haslem’s previous record of 27 points in the 2000 national championship. Additionally, Clayton has amassed 702 points this season, breaking Florida's 55-year-old single-season scoring record, previously held by Andy Owens.
Notably, he also set the school record for the most points in a single NCAA Tournament, reaching 123 points, eclipsing Joakim Noah's record of 97 points from the 2006 tournament.
With a season record of 35-4, the Florida Gators are now poised to face the winner of the Houston-Duke match on Monday night for the highly anticipated national championship title. As they prepare for this crucial game, the Gators aim to capitalize on their momentum and secure their third national championship in program history.
