The Florida Gators are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2014, and they'll face a familiar foe on Saturday: the Auburn Tigers.
Florida took down Auburn earlier this season, snapping the Tigers' 14-game win streak in a 90-81 road statement win. But this isn't February anymore–and Auburn just knocked off the Michigan State Spartans to punch its own ticket to San Antonio.
This is a whole different game. It's the Final Four. The lights are brighter, the stakes are higher and only one will move on to Monday night's national championship game.
Here's what the Gators have to do in order to win this Final Four matchup in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Walter Clayton Jr. has to keep being 'that guy'
Walter Clayton Jr. dropped 30 points and drilled two clutch 3-pointers late to carry Florida past Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. The Gators were down 75-66 with under three minutes left and Clayton flipped the game on its head with a pair of fearless shots that iced the Red Raiders.
WALTER CLAYTON JR IS NOT HUMAN pic.twitter.com/0y3QLxaTGL
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 30, 2025
The moment doesn't seem too big for him. And against Auburn back in February, he poured in 19 points and helped lead an offense that knocked down 13 3-pointers. Michigan State got plenty of clean looks in the midrange and beyond the arc–that bodes well for Clayton, who thrives in those exact areas.
But it's not just scoring. Clayton has to be the emotional leader again. When the Gators needed someone to step up in crunch time against Texas Tech. he didn't blink. That kind of presence, especially in a game that could come down to one possession, can't be overstated.
Expect the Tigers to throw everything at Clayton. If he gets loose again, Florida's in business.
Gators have to own the perimeter again
When Florida upset then-No. 1 Auburn earlier this season, the Gators hit 13 3-pointers and held the Tigers to just 32% from deep. That kind of shooting disparity is a difference-maker.
In their win over Texas Tech, Florida earned a living at the foul line. They'll need to have that same aggressive mindset for this game because if you can get players in foul trouble on Auburn's side, it'll make things that much easier in terms of looking for lanes to score the basketball.
And don't overlook the importance of transition 3-pointers. When the Gators are running, trailing shooters like Thomas Haugh or Will Richard become dangerous. Florida doesn't need to shoot 40% from deep–but they do need to keep the Tigers honest, punish sagging defenders and avoid extended cold spells.
If Florida wins the 3-point battle, it puts them one big step closer to the title game.
Make life miserable for Johni Broome
Johni Broome had a monster game in the Elite Eight against Michigan State, putting up 25 points and 14 rebounds. He did injure his shooting arm earlier in the game, but even at less than 100%, he's still one of the most dangerous bigs in the country.
When Florida beat Auburn ...
