Clayton Leads Florida to NCAA Title Game, Scoring 34 Points in 79–73 Victory Over SEC Rival Auburn

Clayton Leads Florida to NCAA Title Game, Scoring 34 Points in 79–73 Victory Over SEC Rival Auburn
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr., right, shoots as Auburn's Chaney Johnson (31) defends during the second half in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. Eric Gay/AP Photo
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SAN ANTONIO—Walter Clayton Jr. scored 34 points and Florida beat Southeastern Conference rival Auburn 79–73 in the Final Four on Saturday night, sending the Gators to the national championship game for the first time since their titles in 2006 and 2007.

The All-America guard for the Gators (35–4) had a driving layup with 2:24 left, on the possession right after Australian big man Alex Condon drew a charge against Johni Broome, the other All-America player in this national semifinal — and who was dealing with an injured right elbow.