Walter Clayton Jr. Leads Florida to National Championship Game with Win Over Auburn in Final Four

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – April 6, 2025 – Walter Clayton Jr. delivered a sensational performance, scoring 34 points to power No. 1 seed Florida to a 79-73 victory over top-seeded Auburn in the Final Four, securing the Gators a spot in the NCAA National Championship Game.

Clayton, who has been on a tear throughout March Madness, went 11-of-18 from the field, knocked down five 3-pointers, and hit all seven free throws. With this standout performance, Clayton became the first player since Larry Bird in 1979 to notch 30+ points in both the Elite Eight and Final Four.

"I’ve got a bunch of guys around me that trust me," Clayton said postgame. "They believe in me to take those shots. Some nights they fall, and tonight was one of them."

Supporting Cast Steps Up

Florida also saw strong contributions from Alijah Martin, who added 17 points, and Thomas Haugh, who chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. The Gators shot 47% from the field and drained 8 of 21 from beyond the arc.

Despite a solid first half, Auburn couldn’t overcome Florida’s perimeter shooting and defensive adjustments. The Tigers were led by Chad Baker-Mazara’s 18 points. All-American forward Johni Broome scored 15 but was held to just three points in the second half.

Gators Head Back to the Title Game

The win marks Florida’s fourth appearance in the NCAA Championship Game and their first since 2007, when they won back-to-back national titles. With a 35-5 record, this year’s team ties the 2007 squad for the second-most wins in program history.

Under head coach Todd Golden, in just his third season, the Gators have transformed into a national powerhouse. Golden, previously at San Francisco, has guided Florida to a dominant postseason run, including a win over Auburn earlier in the season.

All-SEC Showdown Highlights Contrasting Styles

Saturday’s semifinal featured a contrast in play styles, with Auburn dominating the paint early and Florida responding with sharp perimeter shooting. The teams, both from the SEC, showcased high-level basketball in what was the 10th all-conference matchup in Final Four history.

Florida now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between No. 1 Duke and No. 1 Houston to determine their opponent in Monday night’s national title game.

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