SAN ANTONIO — Coming into Saturday’s Final Four tilt, Auburn and their ten seniors knew that a few mistakes would end their collegiate careers.
The Tigers played a very clean first half only committing two turnovers, however the second half was a different story. Auburn’s 12 second-half turnovers were too much to overcome, thus falling to the Gators 79-73, in a heartbreaker.
“I'm really proud of my team, how these guys made history, the best basketball team in the history of Auburn basketball. 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,” said Head Coach Bruce Pearl.
Auburn and Florida were neck-and-neck for the majority of the first half until a Miles Kelly three-pointer helped spark the Tigers to a 20-13 run, giving them a 46-38 advantage at the break. Johni Broome led the way in the first half with 12 points.
No. 13 Miles Kelly makes a 3-pointer against the Florida Gators inside of the Alamodome at the Final Four on April 5, 2025.
The tide began to shift in the second half when Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators to an 11-0 run, their 36th 10-0 run of the season, and just the ninth that the Tigers have given up all year. Clayton Jr. had the game of his life recording 34 points while shooting 61% from the field and 62% from behind the arc. Combine that with their 12 second-half miscues and the hill was too tall to climb for Auburn.
“Clayton was the difference. He was just flat out the difference. We couldn't contain him down that end. Again, I take responsibility for 12 turnovers in the second half. It's just impossible to either explain or to think that you can win by turning the ball over a little bit,” Pearl said.
Much like the rest of the Tigers, Broome went quiet in the second half only posting three points. The Auburn superstar did not record a bucket after the 15:12 mark. Despite this, Broome will go down as one of the greatest players in program history.
“He just thanked me for what I've done for Auburn. Told me to keep my head high. Coming from a guy who cemented himself in Auburn history means a lot,” Broome said on his moment with Charles Barkley postgame.
No. 44 Dylan Cardwell makes a dunk against the Florida Gators inside of the Alamodome at the Final Four on April 5, 2025.
In the transfer portal era of college basketball, it is rare for someone to stick around through adversity. However, that is exactly what Dylan Cardwell did. He patiently waited four years for his turn to start, and will go down as the exemplary Auburn man.
“It's bittersweet to end it this way knowing we left the national championship on the table. 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,” Cardwell said.
Auburn’s historic run has ended in the Final Four, but this group will still be forever etched in history on the Plains. The attention now shifts to the transfer portal where they will look to reload for next season.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Rory is a freshman majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
