Auburn falls to Florida in the Final Four

Aprill 5, 2025 – San Antonio, Texas - The 2024/2025 Auburn men's basketball team made it to the school's second Final Fours; but on Saturday, Auburn lost to the Florida Gators 73 to 79 in the semifinal game of the NCAA tournament.

Auburn dominated the first half 46 to 38. Auburn was thoroughly dominated in the second half 27 to 41.

Bruce Peal is the winningest coach in Auburn basketball history; but he had no answers for what Florida was able to do defensively in the second half that so stymied the Tigers.

"They played beautiful basketball in the first half," said Pearl of his squad.

Pearl blamed depth and fatigue for the second half collapse.

"We aren't as deep as we normally are," said Pearl. Fatigue was a factor and weren't able to maintain control of the game." "We got down to seven guys and that is not enough."

Senior Guard Chad Baker-Mazara had 18 points, two assists, and four steals to lead the Tigers.

Auburn Senior Forward/Center Johnni Broome has arguably been the best player in college basketball this year. Broome scored 15 points and had seven rebounds. He also had three steals, two assists and two blocks. He was much less effective in the second half.

"I think we got the looks we wanted to get, I just wasn't able to capitalize and finish them," Broome said.

Senior Point Guard Denver Jones had ten points and two rebounds; but was unable to contain Floria star point guard Walter Clayton Jr. who had 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists for Florida.

"Clayton was the difference – he was flat out the difference," Pearl said.

Auburn played an extremely sloppy second half.

"Twelve turnovers in the second half is just impossible to explain," Pearl said afterwards. "We got a little out of sorts offensively and guys just did not execute in the second half like they did in the first half."

Pearl congratulated Florida on the win.

"We wish them luck in the championship game," Peal said.

Auburn will have to rebuild. In addition to Broome, Center Dylan Cardwell, Guard Miles Kelly, Point Guard Denver Jones, and Forward Chris Moore are all graduating. Baker-Mazara and Freshman Tahaad Pettiford could potentially return or they could try the NBA draft.

Auburn finished the season with a 32 and 6 record. This set a new school record for wins.

This Auburn squad also set a new school record of 1,116 field goals in a season.

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Florida will play Houston on Monday night for the national championship.