The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four features a compelling rematch between the Auburn Tigers and the Florida Gators, two formidable SEC rivals. This semifinal clash is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, at 6:09 p.m. ET at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Season Overview and Previous Encounter
Both teams have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season. Auburn, holding a 32-5 record, secured the No. 1 seed in the South Region, while Florida, with a 34-4 record, topped the East Region. Their previous encounter on February 8 saw Florida triumph over Auburn with a 90-81 victory at Neville Arena, marking a significant win during the regular season.
Key Players and Injury Updates
Auburn’s standout forward, Johni Broome, who averages 18.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, sustained a right elbow injury during the Elite Eight victory over Michigan State. Despite this, Broome has confirmed his full availability for the Final Four, stating he feels 100% ready for the game.
On Florida’s side, guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been a pivotal player, leading the Gators’ offense with consistent high-level performances.
Coaching Connections and Strategies
The matchup carries additional intrigue due to the close relationship between the coaching staff. Florida’s head coach, Todd Golden, previously served under Auburn’s head coach, Bruce Pearl, and maintains a strong friendship with Pearl’s son, Steven Pearl, who is Auburn’s associate head coach. Golden expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete against his mentor, highlighting the personal significance of the game.
Auburn has maintained its structured preparation routine leading up to the semifinal, conducting practices at the Alamodome and the University of the Incarnate Word to fine-tune their strategies.
Predictions and Betting Odds
Analysts have offered varied predictions for the outcome. Some favor Florida, citing their previous win and strong tournament performance, while others lean towards Auburn, emphasizing their defensive improvements and
Betting odds reflect a closely contested matchup, with Florida being a slight favorite. The Gators are 2.5-point favorites, with moneyline odds at -150 for Florida and +125 for Auburn. The over/under for the game is set at