Auburn Falls Short of Title Appearance in Heartbreaking Loss to Florida

April 7, 2025 Michael Brauner AU BASKETBALL, Auburn, Auburn, Featured News
KNOXVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 28: Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) controls the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Jonas Aidoo (0) and Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka (11) during the college basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Auburn Tigers on February 28, 2024, at Food City Center in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire)

The Auburn Tigers’ historic basketball season ended earlier than Auburn fans hoped with a heartbreaking 79-73 defeat in the Final Four against the Florida Gators, who now advance to tonight’s national title game against the Houston Cougars.

Auburn had control of the game after the first half, leading 46-38 in a dominant offensive effort, including 12 points by Johni Broome and eight points each from Miles Kelly and Chad Baker-Mazara.

Star Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. however had 14 in the first half, though as it turned out he had something much bigger in store for the second frame.

The Tiger lead did not last long in the second half with a 9-0 Florida run early pulling the game to even with just over 16 minutes left:

Auburn kept throwing punches, but ridiculous shot making from Clayton Jr. kept the Gators right there and made it a heavyweight battle until the end:

It was a Clayton Jr. And-1 with just under two minutes left which put the Gators up by six and ultimately had the game out of reach:

Clayton Jr. finished the game with 34 points while Alijah Martin added 17 of his own.

For the Tigers, a quiet second half from Broome led to him to finishing the game with just 15 while Baker-Mazara led  with 18 points.

Though it did not end with orange and navy confetti falling in San Antonio, Tigers fans should be proud of the historic and storybook season for the ages. It’s safe to say Auburn under Bruce Pearl is not going anywhere and it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone to see this team right back in the Final Four next season in Indianapolis.