SAN ANTONIO — Draped all through the Alamodome is the phrase that has become synonymous with the Final Four: the road ends here. For the top-seeded Tigers, their historic season did just that on Saturday night against Florida.
The road ending in San Antonio is a juxtaposition of emotions for the Tigers. On one hand, it was a championship season for Auburn. The Tigers captured a historic Maui Invitational title across the country in latte November. Bruce Pearl’s squad was then ranked No. 1 for a program record eight weeks. Auburn then captured a regular season conference title in a historic SEC.
Pearl and the Tigers ultimately got to cement their historic run with a berth into the Final Four for just the second time in program history.
"I'm really proud of my team, how these guys made history, the best basketball team in the history of Auburn basketball," Pearl said. "They gave us a ride that won't ever be forgotten. They did so many great things both on and off the court that I'm extremely proud of."
No. 44 Dylan Cardwell makes a dunk against the Florida Gators inside of the Alamodome at the Final Four on April 5, 2025.
In another respect, despite being arguably one of the best teams in the sport all season, Auburn will not have a chance to play for the sport's biggest crown.
Falling to the Gators for the second time this season 79-73, Walter Clayton Jr. led the way with 34 points, shooting 5-for-8 from deep. Florida’s point guard combined for 53 points, shooting 9-of-16 from deep, in his two appearances against the Tigers.
It’s the end of the road for potentially eight of the Tigers’ regular rotation guys, a few await court rulings on NCAA eligibility rules. The biggest loss for Auburn will be national player of the year candidate Johni Broome.
Broome totaled a Final Four appearance, two SEC Championships, 80 wins, SEC player of the year honors and countless other records in his three seasons with Auburn.
"He just thanked me for what I've done for Auburn," Broome said of his postgame embrace with Charles Barkley. "Told me to keep my head high. Coming from a guy who cemented himself in Auburn history means a lot."
The 6-foot-10 center/forward’s partner Dylan Cardwell has also played his last contest for the Tigers after five seasons with Pearl and the program. Earlier this season Cardwell became the winningest player in the school’s history.
No. 13 Miles Kelly makes a 3-pointer against the Florida Gators inside of the Alamodome at the Final Four on April 5, 2025.
"It's bittersweet to end it this way knowing we left the national championship on the table," Cardwell said. "But being at Auburn has been the best five years of my life. I couldn't have chosen a greater university to have loved me back, just watch me grow from 18 to 23. I am the man I am because God let me come to Auburn."
Joining the two big men are fifth year seniors Miles Kelly, Denver Jones and Chirs Moore. Chad Baker-Mazara has the option to return due to the JUCO ruling earlier this year and Chaney Johnson awaits the D-II ruling.
Pearl and his squad will look to reload for next season via the transfer portal and high school ranks, but for now the core of Auburn’s 2024-25 season road ends in the Final Four – a historic feat nonetheless.
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Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2022.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @patrickabingham
