No. 1 seeds Auburn and Florida are set to clash in the Final Four in San Antonio for a spot in the National Championship game. Here's what some of our sports staff has to say about the clash between the Tigers and Gators, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 80-79
"Almost any result wouldn't surprise me in this one. Both of these teams know each other so well and are worthy of playing for a national championship on Monday. I don't think it's a great matchup for Auburn but if Denver Jones can limit Walter Clayton Jr.'s production I like the Tigers' chances."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 82-79
"I'm rolling with Auburn — call it a vibes pick. This one’s personal for the Tigers, and they’ll be looking for revenge. Florida, though, is playing some of its best basketball of the season. For Auburn to pull it off, it will need to contain Walter Clayton Jr. on offense, force turnovers like they’ve been doing and have a strong night shooting the ball. It won't be easy."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 84-81
"Auburn is seeking revenge after a regular season loss to Florida, which ended a 12-game home winning streak for the Tigers. Auburn must keep Walker Clayton Jr. in check and limit the Gators' bench production. Pair that with another prolific performance from Johni Broome and Tahaad Pettiford, and the Tigers will be well on their way to punching their ticket to the National Title game."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: Auburn 67-65
"The team that plays the best defense will win this game, and the Tigers have been flexing their muscles there all season long. There is confidence that they will learn from their mistakes against the Gators in the regular season and find a way to win this one to advance to the National Championship game on Monday. They just have to simply limit the 3-point attack and make big shots in order to do so."
Tyler Cox, Sports Writer: Auburn 76-70
"Auburn gets its revenge on Florida as the Tigers shutdown Walter Clayton in the second half. The Tigers have played great defense all tournament, and this game will be no different against one of the best offenses in the nation. The game will be close until the very end like all the last three games Auburn has played, but great guard play from Tahaad Pettiford and Denver Jones in the final stretch will lead Auburn to its first ever National Championship appearance."
William Halliday, Sports Writer: Florida 83-78
"Auburn has been battle tested all season. From non-conference play to the gauntlet that was claimed by many to be the best conference from bottom to top in a season.
Auburn and Florida finished in the SEC standings at one and two, with Tigers winning regular season championship and Florida winning tournament championship. Florida has been the better team since the two teams played each other in January and the Gators won on Auburn's home floor.
I've got the Gators winning as they are top 10 in both offensive and defensive metrics and have a clutch players in Walter Clayton Jr knocking down threes. I think he'll be the reason the Gators send the Tigers home packing."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: Auburn 77-72
"Auburn dropped their last game against Florida nearly two months ago but I think this game will be different. The Gators out shot Auburn both from field goal and three point range while putting up a total of 33 shots from three. The Tigers will not allow this to happen again as they will put Denver Jones on star point guard Walter Clayton Jr and look to minimize Florida's offensive rebounds down low with some of their new found physicality they have displayed lately. Auburn will take advantage of the rematch with Miles Kelly or Chad Baker-Mazara likely stepping up and playing part in advancing them to their first National Title."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: Auburn 76-73
"Auburn will be looking for revenge in this one after Florida came into Neville Arena and upset the No. 1 Tigers 90-81 in February. Both sides are familiar with one another as Florida Head Coach Todd Golden was a part of Auburn’s coaching staff from 2014-2016.
"This is a tough game to pick as I believe if these two teams played a seven-game series it would go the distance. However, I’m going to take Bruce Pearl’s squad to continue their historic run behind the freshman Tahaad Pettiford, who will be the difference."
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