The University of Florida defeated Auburn University 79-73 to advance to the National Championship Saturday at the Alamodome.
Despite trading baskets for most of the game, Florida (35-4, 14-4 SEC) pulled away late thanks to key scores from their top playmakers. Superstar guard Walter Clayton Jr. paved the way for the Gator victory, scoring 34 points and five three-pointers. The Tigers (32-5, 15-3 SEC) were unable to keep up down the stretch as they continued to make crucial mistakes.
“The heart and toughness these guys showed today was incredible,” coach Todd Golden said. “I’m incredibly proud, now we’re playing for a national championship.”
After an intense scoring battle, the Gators found themselves up by three with two minutes left in regulation. Bringing the ball up the court, Clayton Jr. looked fearless as he dissected the Tigers’ defense. The guard drove to the paint with ease and left just enough english on the ball to score the basket and get fouled. The Gators possessed a 6-point advantage after Clayton Jr. sank the and-one from the charity strip.
“I just let the game come to me,” Clayton Jr. said after the game. “They were showing hard all night and I was just able to get the shot up.”
Auburn raced down the court with under a minute left and found Tiger guard Chad Baker-Mazara on the wing for the three. Despite having the shot, the guard traveled and gave Florida possession with 40 seconds left. Driving to the paint was Gator forward Thomas Haugh, who broke through two defenders to get the and-one bucket. After Haugh missed the free throw, Baker-Mazara snagged the rebound and made a heavily contested three to cut the Tiger deficit to five.
Auburn had no choice but to foul and send Florida to the line. Though the Gators missed multiple free throws, they managed to secure offensive rebounds and kept Auburn from coming within striking distance.
“This is a great accomplishment for our program,” Golden said. “I’m so proud of my team, my players, everyone.”
Alongside Clayton Jr.’s 34 points were 17 points from guard Alijah Martin and 12 from Haugh. The guard’s performance marked the first time a player scored 30 in the Elite Eight and Final Four since Larry Bird in 1979.
“I’m just focused on winning, winning with our guys,” Clayton Jr. stated.
As a team, the Gators shot 47% from the floor and 38% from beyond the arc. They totaled 39 rebounds and seven assists while committing 16 turnovers on the night.
Florida will take on the University of Houston at 7:50 p.m. Monday at the Alamodome.
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