At least one SEC team is going to the 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament national championship, but the question is whether it will be Florida or Auburn.
The Gators are coming off a come-from-behind 84-79 victory over Texas Tech in the Elite Eight last Saturday, while the Tigers defeated Michigan State 70-64 on Sunday. Florida earned a 90-81 win over Auburn on the road during the regular season on Feb. 8. The Gators built up a 21-point lead in the win.
Florida enters on a 10-game winning streak, including winning the SEC tournament championship, while the Tigers have won four in a row after ending the regular season with three losses in four games.
Here’s how experts see the Final Four battle between Florida and Auburn playing out, along with odds and how to watch:
Florida vs Auburn picks and predictions
USA TODAY picks
Jordan Mendoza: Did Auburn learn from the first meeting? Both teams have been vulnerable during the tournament, and Johni Broom’s health looms large. The Tigers lead at halftime, but another clutch performance by Walter Clayton Jr. gets Florida in the title game. Florida 85, Auburn 80.
Paul Myerberg: Auburn’s experience and maturity has been a huge advantage in this tournament. A veteran lineup has helped the Tigers survive stiff tests from Creighton, Michigan and Michigan State. Florida is a different animal than what Auburn has faced so far. The Gators’ depth and 3-point shooting are two huge assets as Auburn looks to bully Florida closer to the basket. This one is more likely to be a shootout, based on the Gators’ 90-81 win during the regular season. Florida 88, Auburn 84.
Erick Smith: This sets up as a big vs. little matchup with Auburn relying on Johni Broome on the inside and Florida looking to Walter Clayton Jr. on the perimeter. Yes, the Gators won the regular-season meeting, but this game is a completely different circumstance. Which team can handle the pressure of the big moment? The Tigers might have the edge in maturity. Auburn 73, Florida 70.
Eddie Timanus: The Gators were my pick to win the whole thing at the start of the tournament, so I’m not going to go back on that now even though they’ve been pushed to the brink a couple of times. It might be cliché to say a team peaked too soon, but Auburn might have done just that. Florida 78, Auburn 72.
Blake Toppmeyer: Walter Clayton Jr. is becoming the story of this tournament. He’s clutch, and the Gators are without weakness. Guards win in March Madness. Auburn’s guards are good. Florida’s are better. Florida 82, Auburn 70.
Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun: Florida 88, Auburn 83
‘It’s hard to beat a high-caliber program twice, but Florida will find a way. Clayton will make more big shots and UF’s four-player post rotation will play physical enough inside to neutralize Broome. Florida will advance to the national title game for the first time since 2007.’
Adam Cole, Montgomery Advertisor: Florida 92, Auburn 88 (OT)
‘It’s hard to beat any good team twice. That certainly goes in Auburn’s favor, and its ability to do a week-long scout on the Gators holds the same sentiment. But Florida has looked unstoppable since it beat Auburn, and while the Tigers could certainly have it figured out, the edge, however slight, goes to the Gators.’
Florida vs Auburn date, start time, where to watch
Game Day: Saturday, April 5
Game Time: 6:09 p.m. ET
Location: Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas)
TV Channel: CBS
Live Stream: Fubo (free trial)
Watch Florida vs Auburn on Fubo (free trial)
Florida vs Auburn odds
Odds as of Saturday, April 5 via BetMGM.
Spread: Florida (-2.5)
Over/under: 159.5
Moneyline: Florida (-150) | Auburn (+125)
