A detailed recap of Florida's thrilling 79-73 victory against Auburn in the Final Four.

What Happened

SAN ANTONIO — The Florida Gators are one step closer to immortality.

On Saturday night, the Gators overcame the Auburn Tigers in a fierce battle, securing a 79-73 win in the Final Four, marking their fifth consecutive victory in the NCAA Tournament. With only one game left to clinch the national championship, the Gators are on the brink of history.

Trailing 46-38 at halftime in front of a roaring sold-out crowd at the Alamodome, Florida's senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. led the comeback with an astonishing game-high 34 points, shooting 11 of 18 from the field and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Clayton displayed his prowess in the second half, pouring in 20 points to propel his team forward when it mattered most.

Support came from guard Alijah Martin, who contributed 17 points, while sophomore Thomas Haugh played a crucial role with 12 points and seven rebounds. The Gators showcased remarkable resilience, erasing an early second-half deficit of 49-40 with an electrifying 11-0 run that turned the tide.

Auburn's star, SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome, put up 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while guard Chad Baker-Mazara added 18 points, hitting 4 of 7 from three-point range, as the Tigers fought valiantly to stay in contention.

The game reached a fever pitch with the score tied at 57 midway through the second half. In a moment that electrified the arena, Martin snatched a critical steal and executed a dazzling go-ahead dunk. After Auburn briefly regained the lead, Martin struck again, performing an incredible dunk over two defenders that put Florida ahead 66-63 with just over five minutes remaining. Despite Auburn closing the gap late in the game, Florida successfully held on for the victory, propelling the Gators into the national championship under the guidance of head coach Todd Golden in his third season.

What it Means

This victory sends the Gators to the national championship game for the fourth time in the program's illustrious history. With two national titles already under their belt in 2006 and 2007, Florida seeks to add another trophy to their collection, solidifying their status among college basketball's elite.

In the Spotlight

Walter Clayton Jr.'s performance has drawn comparisons to basketball legends, as he cemented his name in NCAA Tournament history. His remarkable 34 points against Auburn, following his 30-point showing against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight, makes him the first player since the great Larry Bird in 1979 to score 30 or more in both those crucial tournament rounds.

Staggering Statistic

With 34 points, Clayton has set a new record for the most points scored by a Gator in a Final Four game, surpassing Udonis Haslem's previous record of 27 points from the 2000 national championship clash against Michigan State. Clayton's season total now stands at 702 points, breaking a 55-year-old record held by Andy Owens. He also set a new milestone for points scored in a single NCAA Tournament for Florida, reaching 123 — dethroning Joakim Noah's tally of 97 from 2006.

Up Next

As Florida (35-4) prepares for the climactic national championship game, they will face the winner of the Houston-Duke matchup. Will the Gators rise to the occasion and claim their third national title? Buckle up for an unforgettable championship showdown!