It’s an all-SEC battle in the Final Four, and it comes with high stakes, deep history, and massive implications for program history. The Florida Gators and Auburn Tigers are set to square off in San Antonio, with a trip to the national championship game on the line.
These teams met once during the college basketball regular season, with the Gators stunning the Tigers 90-81 on the road. Now, they’ll clash under brighter lights — with Walter Clayton Jr. and Johni Broome leading their respective squads in one of the most anticipated NCAA Tournament games of the year.
Let’s dive into this extended preview for Florida vs Auburn, breaking down the latest odds, matchups, key players, and betting predictions. You can check here how to bet on March Madness if you are confused.
🏀 Florida vs Auburn Odds, Line & Total
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Florida Gators opened as 2.5-point favorites over the Auburn Tigers. The total is set at 161.5 points, and the moneyline prices are Florida -142 and Auburn +120.
The Gators’ win over Auburn earlier this season and their ability to go on game-altering runs likely influenced this line. That, plus Broome’s injury scare against Michigan State, has tilted early betting action toward Florida.
You can find a more complete Final Four preview for both games, including parlays and betting picks here.
🔙 Regular Season Recap: Florida Beat Auburn on the Road
When these teams met at Neville Arena in February, Florida vs Auburn didn’t disappoint. Florida led by as many as 21 points and ultimately pulled off a 90-81 upset. The key difference? Perimeter shooting and Walter Clayton Jr.‘s control of the tempo.
The Gators hit 13 three-pointers against what was the SEC’s top-ranked 3-point defense, while Auburn struggled to contain Florida’s pace and ball movement in the first half. Broome had a solid showing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, but Auburn’s comeback efforts fell short.
🐊 Florida Gators: Stars, Shooting, and Swagger
Record: 34-4
Notable Wins: Auburn, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Maryland
NCAA Tournament Path: Norfolk State → Maryland → Texas Tech → Auburn
The Gators have played with fire in the NCAA Tournament, escaping Texas Tech in the Elite Eight after going down by nine points with under four minutes remaining. But this is where Florida thrives — big moments, high pressure, and Walter Clayton Jr. with the ball in his hands.
⭐ Key Player: Walter Clayton Jr.
You can’t talk about Florida vs Auburn without highlighting Walter Clayton Jr.. He’s averaged over 20 PPG in March Madness and continues to deliver clutch shots — including back-to-back daggers to close out Texas Tech. Against Auburn in the regular season, he notched 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists with four made threes.
Clayton Jr. may not have the flashiest highlight reel, but he owns the moment when it matters. If the Gators are to reach their first national championship game since 2014, he’ll be the reason why.
🐯 Auburn Tigers: Defense, Depth & Broome’s Brilliance
Record: 32-5
Notable Wins: Houston, Michigan State, Creighton
NCAA Tournament Path: Alabama State → Creighton → Michigan → Michigan State
For Bruce Pearl’s team, this run has been about resilience and elite defense. The Auburn Tigers are making just their second Final Four appearance in program history, with their last coming in 2019.
Auburn’s calling card has been defensive versatility, blocking shots, and paint control. Their victory over Michigan State showcased their physicality and poise. And despite Johni Broome going down briefly with an elbow injury, the Tigers held strong.
⭐ Key Player: Johni Broome
Broome is the heart and soul of this Auburn squad. After a terrifying fall in the second half of the Elite Eight win over Michigan State, he returned just five minutes later and drilled a three-pointer. He finished with 25 points and 14 boards, showcasing why he’s among the best big men in the country.
In the previous meeting vs Florida, Broome posted 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists — but struggled with foul trouble and couldn’t close late. If Auburn is going to win, Broome needs to stay on the floor and dominate inside.
📊 Florida vs Auburn Matchup Breakdown
| Stat | Florida | Auburn |
| Points Per Game | 78.9 (17th) | 77.5 (22nd) |
| Points Allowed | 55.9 (18th) | 57.6 (35th) |
| FG % | 48.7% | 47.9% |
| 3PT % | 38.1% (Top 10) | 33.8% |
| Rebounds | +7.2 margin | +6.4 margin |
| Star Power | Clayton Jr. | Broome |
Both teams are elite on both ends, but the Gators have the edge from long range and in closing tight games. Auburn must limit Florida’s perimeter shooting and stay out of foul trouble to stay within striking distance.
🔎 Betting Trends
- Florida is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Auburn is 6-0 SU in postseason play
- The Over has hit in 4 of Florida’s last 5 games
- Florida is 1-0 SU vs Auburn this season
- Auburn is 0-1 ATS as an underdog
Florida has proven time and again that they can explode for second-half runs, while Auburn tends to control the pace and limit chaos. The Over 161.5 may come down to whether Broome is 100% and whether Florida keeps draining threes.
Click here to find the special DraftKings betting promo for March Madness Final Four.
🔮 Florida vs Auburn Prediction
This is the Final Four, and both teams have the talent, depth, and toughness to win it all. But Florida vs Auburn might come down to who gets hot at the right time — and Florida has made a habit of doing just that.
Walter Clayton Jr. is on a historic tear, making big shot after big shot. He’s joined by a guard trio that can match anyone in the country. Meanwhile, Auburn’s frontcourt is excellent — but if Johni Broome is limited in any way, that could tip the balance.
✅ Prediction: Florida 83, Auburn 78
Best Bet: Florida -2.5
Secondary Lean: Over 161.5
📅 What’s Next: National Championship Awaits
The winner of Florida vs Auburn will advance to the national semifinals and face either Duke or Houston for the national title on Monday, April 7.
Auburn is chasing its first national championship in program history, while Florida hopes to return to the mountaintop after a 17-year drought.
