As Auburn basketball heads into the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Tigers’ historic run are palpable. After a rollercoaster season that saw ups and downs, including the return of standout forward Johni Broome from injury, Auburn now finds themselves on the biggest stage in college basketball. Their impressive journey to the Final Four has included big wins, moments of adversity, and a relentless focus on their ultimate goal: a national championship.
However, the Tigers’ path to glory is far from guaranteed. While Auburn has made an indelible mark on the tournament, their next opponent in the Final Four is one of the hottest teams in college basketball—the Florida Gators. The Gators have stormed through the tournament with a combination of fierce defense, explosive offense, and clutch performances. With Florida on the horizon, Auburn has plenty to worry about as they look to secure a spot in the national championship game.
In this article, we will break down the strengths of Florida’s red-hot team, analyze the matchups that will play a crucial role in the Final Four, and highlight the areas where Auburn must focus if they are to overcome this formidable foe. The Tigers may have their own roster full of talent, but facing a Florida team with momentum, confidence, and a strong defensive identity presents significant challenges.
Florida’s Road to the Final Four: A Dominant Run
Before we dive into the specific matchups between Auburn and Florida, it’s important to understand just how dominant Florida has been throughout the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Gators have entered the Final Four on an absolute tear, knocking off some of the nation’s best teams along the way. They’ve proven that they are more than capable of handling the pressure and delivering in high-stakes games.
Florida’s run to the Final Four has been highlighted by their ability to shut down opposing offenses with suffocating defense. The Gators have consistently forced turnovers, disrupted offensive flow, and kept opposing teams from finding any rhythm on the offensive end. Whether it’s their ability to press full-court, their switch-heavy defense in the half-court, or their ability to contest shots at the rim, Florida has become a nightmare for anyone trying to score on them.
On the offensive side, Florida is equally dangerous. The Gators boast several players capable of taking over games with their scoring ability. Riley Thomas, a dynamic guard, has been the team’s leader, consistently putting up points in clutch moments. Meanwhile, Zachary Williams, a versatile forward, has become a matchup nightmare with his ability to stretch the floor and hit shots from deep while also being a constant threat inside. Florida’s ability to space the floor and move the ball with precision has created offensive opportunities for their players, making them difficult to stop in transition and in half-court sets.
Florida’s combination of elite defense and explosive offense gives them the complete package to challenge Auburn’s Final Four aspirations. While the Tigers will undoubtedly come prepared, they will need to be at their best to take down the Gators and keep their championship hopes alive.
The Key Matchups: Auburn vs. Florida
When looking at the matchups between Auburn and Florida, there are several areas where the Tigers will need to be particularly concerned. These matchups will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated Final Four clash.
1. Florida’s Defense vs. Auburn’s Offense
One of Auburn’s greatest strengths throughout the season has been its high-powered offense, led by a dynamic trio of players: Johni Broome, Allen Flanigan, and Chris Moore. Broome, in particular, has been a force in the post, contributing both offensively and defensively. His return to full health after injury has provided a huge boost to the Tigers’ chances of success. However, Florida’s defense is a whole different animal.
Florida’s defense is one of the best in the country, and the Gators have the ability to lock down almost any opponent. Their aggressive man-to-man defense can suffocate ball handlers, and their ability to switch seamlessly on screens makes it difficult for offenses to find open shots. Riley Thomas and Elijah Johnson, two of Florida’s best defenders, will likely be tasked with guarding Auburn’s perimeter players. They’ve been effective at contesting shots and forcing turnovers, and the Gators’ swarming defense could present a challenge for Auburn’s high-scoring offense.
Auburn will need to rely on its versatility and ball movement to break down Florida’s defense. Broome’s ability to operate in the post, combined with the Tigers’ outside shooting, will be crucial in keeping Florida’s defense honest. The Tigers will need to push the pace, find easy transition baskets, and avoid stagnation in their half-court sets. If Auburn can consistently break down Florida’s defense and hit open shots, it could give them an edge.
2. Florida’s Offensive Rebounding vs. Auburn’s Defense
Another area where Auburn will face a tough challenge is on the glass. Florida has been exceptional on the offensive boards throughout the tournament, and their ability to secure second-chance opportunities has played a major role in their success. Zachary Williams and Jordan Gray are both active on the glass, and their presence has allowed the Gators to create additional scoring opportunities even when their initial shot attempt misses.
Auburn’s defense has been solid throughout the season, but they will need to focus on limiting Florida’s second-chance points. The Tigers will need to ensure that they box out consistently and keep Florida from dominating the paint. Broome’s size and ability to contest shots will be critical in this matchup, as he must do his part to secure rebounds and limit Florida’s ability to get extra possessions.
While Auburn has a solid rebounding presence with players like Jaylin Williams and Dylan Cardwell, they cannot afford to let Florida dominate the boards, especially in a high-pressure game like this. If the Gators are able to control the glass and limit Auburn’s opportunities to run in transition, it will be a significant advantage for Florida.
3. Florida’s Floor Spacing vs. Auburn’s Interior Defense
Florida’s ability to stretch the floor will be another key concern for Auburn. The Gators have several players who can shoot the three-ball, and their spacing on offense makes it difficult to clog the paint. With Williams and Charlie Freeman both capable of hitting shots from the perimeter, Florida forces defenses to pick their poison—either they defend the three-point line or they allow space for attacking the rim.
Auburn’s interior defense will need to be at its best to counteract Florida’s floor spacing. Broome, Flanigan, and Walker Kessler, who has been a standout shot-blocker for the Tigers, will need to contest shots in the paint and prevent easy driving lanes for Florida’s perimeter players. The Tigers will need to balance their attention between defending the three-point line and protecting the rim, a task that will require constant communication and discipline.
If Auburn allows Florida to hit open three-pointers or attack the rim with ease, it could open up the floor for the Gators and make it difficult for the Tigers to mount a defensive stand. Auburn will need to be aware of Florida’s shooters at all times, keeping their rotations crisp and limiting uncontested looks from beyond the arc.
4. Auburn’s Star Power vs. Florida’s Depth
One of the strengths of Auburn’s team this season has been the presence of their star players, particularly Johni Broome, who has been a dominant force in both the scoring and rebounding departments. However, Florida has proven that they are not a one-man show. The Gators’ balanced attack, with key contributors like Riley Thomas, Zachary Williams, and Jordan Gray, means that Auburn cannot afford to focus all of their defensive energy on one player.
For Auburn to succeed, they will need to get contributions from all of their key players. Flanigan and Moore, both of whom have been instrumental in Auburn’s success throughout the season, will need to step up in a big way. The Tigers cannot rely solely on Broome’s scoring to carry them through; they will need other players to hit key shots and contribute in critical moments. If Auburn is able to utilize their depth and get a well-rounded performance, they will be in a better position to match Florida’s versatility.
Keys to Auburn’s Victory
To have a chance against Florida in the Final Four, Auburn will need to:
- Break Florida’s Defense: Auburn must stay patient, work the ball around the court, and make Florida’s defense move. Utilizing Broome’s post presence and the shooting ability of players like Flanigan and Moore will be key to opening up Florida’s defense.
- Limit Offensive Rebounds: Boxing out and securing defensive rebounds will be essential for Auburn to avoid giving Florida second-chance opportunities. Broome and Kessler will need to be physical inside, while the perimeter players must crash the boards.
- Defend the Three-Point Line: Florida’s perimeter shooting can be lethal. Auburn will need to contest every shot and close out on shooters without overcommitting to the paint.
- Use Their Star Power Effectively: Johni Broome, Allen Flanigan, and Chris Moore will need to step up and take charge. These players have the ability to take over games, and they will need to be at their best to lead Auburn to victory.