For the first time since 2008, all four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four, setting up an exciting semifinal showdown between the Florida Gators and the Auburn Tigers. The two SEC powerhouses will tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, followed by Houston vs. Duke at 8:49 p.m. ET (both games airing on CBS). Here’s what to expect in this high-stakes battle for a national championship berth.
No team in college basketball has been able to turn games in their favor with overwhelming scoring bursts like Florida. The Gators have repeatedly delivered knockout punches to opponents throughout the season and tournament. Most notably, they erased a nine-point deficit in the final 3:14 against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight, closing with an 18-4 run. Their ability to flip games quickly has been their most dangerous weapon.
Their explosive second halves have also been on full display throughout the tournament. They outscored Maryland 47-33 in the Sweet 16 and scored an astonishing 53 points in less than 17 minutes against Norfolk State in the opening round. Even in the SEC Tournament Championship, Florida turned a 16-16 tie with Tennessee into a 12-point lead within an eight-minute stretch.
Florida is the equivalent of a home-run hitter in the bottom of the ninth—no game is out of reach as long as they are on the floor.
The Final Four is where stars shine brightest, and Florida has one of the tournament’s biggest in Walter Clayton Jr. If history is any indication, teams that have superstars step up in March tend to go all the way—just ask Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, or Kemba Walker. Next to Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Clayton Jr. might be the most impactful player left in the tournament. His ability to take over games will be crucial if the Gators are to advance to the national championship.
Auburn’s late-season slump, in which they lost three of four games, was largely due to defensive struggles. They allowed at least 1.13 points per possession in each of those losses, struggled to protect the rim, and committed too many fouls. However, since the NCAA Tournament began, they have re-established themselves as an elite defensive team.
Bruce Pearl’s squad has locked in defensively, holding all but one opponent (Creighton) below one point per possession. Denver Jones is one of the nation’s best perimeter defenders, the Tigers defend the three-point line exceptionally well, and Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell serve as strong rim protectors. Limiting fouls will be key against Florida’s aggressive attack.
Broome suffered an injury scare in the Elite Eight win over Michigan State but returned after only five minutes and immediately buried a crucial three-pointer. His presence in the paint will be vital against Florida’s deep frontcourt. If Broome is at full strength, he could be the X-factor Auburn needs to secure a spot in the national title game.
This matchup will be a fascinating contrast of styles: Florida’s explosive scoring runs versus Auburn’s defensive grit. If Walter Clayton Jr. takes over, the Gators could ride their momentum into the championship. However, if Auburn’s defense holds firm and Broome dominates inside, the Tigers could grind out a win. Expect a battle between two of the SEC’s best, with a national title game appearance on the line.
