I would LOVE to make it to the Championship game and then beat DUKE.
Final Four 2025 picks, predictions against spread: Why Duke, Auburn are best bets to reach national title game
Story by Bill BenderNo. 1 Florida (-2.5) vs. No. 1 Auburn (Semifinal), 6:09 p.m. ET, CBS
Broome's injury scare ended when he returned in the second half against the Spartans. Will that linger into this week?He has been one of the most-dominant players in the tournament, and his ability to create second-chance opportunities and passing in the paint is a difference maker. He had double-doubles in the first half against No. 5 Michigan and Michigan State in the second weekend. Broome averages 17.3 points and 13.3 rebounds for the tournament.
Clayton was the spark for that regular-season victory against the Tigers. He had 19 points and nine assists, and the Gators were 13-of-33 from 3-point range. Clayton controlled the floor, and that will be the challenge for Auburn. Florida's back-court is dynamic around Clayton, Alijah Martin and Will Richard. The Auburn backcourt of Miles Kelly, Denver Jones and Chad Baker-Mazara was outscored 31-30 in the first meeting, and Martin missed that game because of a hip injury.
The emergence of Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford in the tournament also is a game-changer. He averages 17.3 points in those four games, and he could be a counter for Clayton in the back court. Pettiford has been an effective scorer off the dribble and is also 36.4% from 3-point range.
In the post, Broome has been dominant for the Tigers and has a nice connection with Dylan Cardwell in the high-low game. Florida's Alex Condon had 17 points and 10 rebounds in that regular-season meeting. Can he match Broome again? How will Thomas Haugh – who has also been a breakout star in the tournament – contribute against the Tigers' inside game? Haugh averages 13.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in the tournament, and he is comfortable shooting the 3-pointer from the perimeter.
Who controls the boards? Florida's post players struggled against Texas Tech in the paint. If Broome is dominant and the Tigers convert 3-point opportunities here, then the Gators are in trouble.
Speaking of 3-pointers, those will be a huge factor as usual. Florida is 37.8% from 3-point range in the tournament – but a barrage from Clayton and Haugh led the late rally in the 84-79 victory against No. 3 Texas Tech in the West Region final. Auburn is 34% from 3-point range for the tournament. They are streaky, but in the last two games they hit them at the right times. Broome can do that, too.
How will Golden respond to the first Final Four appearance? Pearl returns after leading Auburn to the Final Four in 2019. Both teams have weathered the SEC schedule. Auburn is 2-1 S/U and 2-1 ATS as an underdog this season. Florida is 5-0 S/U and 5-0 ATS when favored by five points or less. The Gators were an 11-point underdog in that first meeting. This easily could come down to the last possession. Assuming Broome is healthy, we will stick with the Tigers.
Final score: Auburn 84, Florida 81
