Social Media Erupts After Gators Take Down Auburn

The Florida Gators defeated Auburn, 79-73, in the Final Four.

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) and center Micah Handlogten (3) react with the crowd after defeating the Auburn Tigers in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

SAN ANTONIO-- For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Florida Gators men's basketball team is back in the NCAA Championship Game. 

The No. 1 Gators knocked down fellow one-seed Auburn Tigers, 79-73, sparked by a 11-0 run early second half.

As usual, First Team All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. led the way for Florida, scoring 34 points (61.11% FG) while knocking down five 3-pointers.

Transfer guard Alijah Martin also rose to the occasion, putting his extensive post-season pedigree to the test while scoring 17 points and performing well on the defensive end.

Next, the Gators will take on the winner of Saturday's Final Four matchup between Duke and Houston. The National Championship game will take place on Monday, April 7th at 8:50 p.m, broadcast live on CBS.

Former Gators and college basketball fans flooded social media with their praise and excitement for Florida. 

Former Heisman Winner/UF National Champion Danny Wuerffel

Gator boys stay hot!! Go Gators!! 🐊🔥 https://t.co/UPvehgtjHV

— Danny Wuerffel (@DannyWuerffel) April 6, 2025

NFL Hall of Famer/UF Alum Emmitt Smith

🌾🐊🌾 https://t.co/uPwYQUGKdO

— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) April 6, 2025

Broadcasting Legend Dick Vitale 

Wow Walter Clayton Jr @gatorhoops joins elite company as the last time a player scored 30 or more both in the elite 8 and the final four was a guy named LARRY BIRD!

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 6, 2025

Fox College Basketball Reporter John Fanta

From Fox Sports Research: Walter Clayton is the first player in the NCAA Tournament to go for back-to-back 30-point performances in the Elite Eight or later since...

Larry. Freaking. Bird.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 6, 2025

NBA Veteran/UF National Champion Al Horford

One more! 🐊🐊🐊

— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) April 6, 2025

Former UF Point Guard Tre Mann

bring it to the crib 🐊🐊🐊🐊

— Tre Mann (@tre2mann3) April 6, 2025

ESPN Reporter and UF Alum Laura Rutledge

I mean I am so stressed but WHAT A WIN @GatorsMBK! We’re going to the championship!! Golly Walter Clayton Jr is so clutch 🔥🔥🔥

— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) April 6, 2025

CBS Sports College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein

Walter Clayton Jr.’s 34-point performance marks the most points scored by a player in a national semifinal since Danny Ferry scored 34 for Duke against Seton Hall in 1989.

Florida over Auburn for the second time this season.

The Gators will play for a national title on Monday.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 6, 2025

Former Gator/NBA Veteran Chandler Parsons

8 on 5 and we still got it done!!! LFG 🐊🐊
GO GATORS

— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) April 6, 2025

ESPN Anchor Scott Van Pelt

When I look back on my life and reflect on the day I lost them to mom’s side forever….I will undoubtedly say this one right here. pic.twitter.com/OEm1bsUYH3

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) April 6, 2025