The highly anticipated clash between the top-seeded SEC teams is set as the Florida Gators take on the Auburn Tigers in the 2025 Final Four. This thrilling matchup will take place on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, with tipoff scheduled for 6:09 p.m. ET, broadcast live on CBS. Both teams are coming off impressive victories that propelled them into this prestigious tournament stage.
The Gators advanced to the Final Four by defeating Texas Tech 84-79 in a nail-biting Elite Eight showdown. With a record of 34-4, Florida is making its sixth Final Four appearance and its first since 2014. They are eager to claim their third national championship title, aiming for their first since 2007. On the other hand, the Auburn Tigers, boasting a record of 32-5, secured their spot by overcoming Michigan State with a score of 70-64. This marks their second Final Four appearance and their first since 2019, with the team still in search of its first national title.
Auburn's star player, Johni Broome, who is recovering from an arm injury, practiced on Thursday and is confident about being fully fit for the game. His presence will be crucial for Auburn as they look to disrupt Florida's game plan. In their last encounter, Florida emerged victorious over Auburn, winning 90-81 during SEC play on February 8, adding to the intrigue of this upcoming matchup.
According to the latest odds from SportsLine, Florida is a 2.5-point favorite in the Florida vs. Auburn betting lines, with the over/under set at 159.5 points. Before placing any bets, it’s advisable to check out the college basketball predictions provided by the SportsLine Projection Model. This advanced model simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times, entering this matchup on a notable 229-169 record (+1805) on top-rated college basketball picks since 2023. The model has accurately predicted every team in the Elite Eight and Final Four this year, making it a reliable resource for fans and bettors alike.
The Gators are led by Walter Clayton Jr., who delivered a remarkable performance against Texas Tech, scoring 30 points along with four assists, two rebounds, and two blocks. He has been on fire lately, scoring 20 or more points in five of his last six games. Notably, he achieved a season-high of 33 points in a close loss to Kentucky earlier this year. Currently, he averages 18.1 points, 4.2 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 37 games.
Another key player for Florida is senior guard Alijah Martin, a vital component of their offensive scheme. Martin has consistently scored in double digits for the past ten games, including a solid 10-point performance with seven rebounds against Texas Tech. Throughout the season, he has averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 36 games, demonstrating his significance in the Gators' pursuit of victory.
On the Auburn side, Johni Broome has been a standout player, having scored 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in their Elite Eight victory against Michigan State. This performance marked his 20th double-double of the season and his 80th collegiate double-double overall. Broome’s consistent scoring ability and rebounding prowess will be essential as Auburn aims to overcome Florida.
Freshman sensation Tahaad Pettiford has also made significant contributions, reaching double-digit points in all four NCAA Tournament games. In a strong showing against Creighton, he scored 23 points while contributing six rebounds and three assists. His ability to perform under pressure will be vital for Auburn’s hopes in this matchup, as he averages 11.7 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in approximately 23 minutes of play.
The SportsLine model currently leans towards the Under for the total points, projecting 156 combined points for the game. Additionally, it indicates that one side of the spread has a success rate of over 50%. For those interested in making informed bets, this model’s insights can be invaluable. For the latest updates and picks, fans can visit SportsLine to stay ahead of the game.
As the Florida Gators face off against the Auburn Tigers, excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. This Final Four matchup not only showcases the talent of both teams but also promises to deliver an unforgettable game for college basketball fans everywhere.
