A general look inside the Alamodome in San Antonio during the game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Stanford Cardinal in the national championship game of the women's Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. [Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports]

Three Things To Watch At Final Four

Dalton Sallengs April 3, 2025 Basketball, College Basketball, Feature Sports News, Gators Men's Basketball, NCAA, NCAA Tournament 226 Views

After 60 games of NCAA Tournament play, the Final Four is finally here. For the first time since 2008, the Final Four will consist of only number one seeds.

While some may complain about a “chalky” tournament, these last three games will truly pit the best against the best. Who comes out on top will come down to coaching adjustments, 3-point shooting and the stars shining bright.

Rematch of Florida vs. Auburn in the Final Four

When the Florida Gators (34-4) took on the Auburn Tigers (31-5) in the regular season, it was pure domination in the second half by the Gators. They took the lead with 4:24 to play in the first half and did not look back. There were multiple factors at play, including 3-point shooting and each teams performance from the free-throw line.

Can Auburn win at the 3-point line?

On paper, Auburn has one of the best 3-point shooting defenses in the country. It limit opponents to just 29.6% shooting from 3, which ranks 11th in the country. However, when the Gators marched into “The Jungle”, they hit 13 3s at a 39.4% clip. Walter Clayton Jr. made four, while Will Richard and Denzel Aberdeen each added a pair. On the flip side, the Tigers were held to just seven made 3s, with three of them from Miles Kelly. It will be up to Auburn coach Bruce Pearl to draw up plays to get his best shooters open looks. Including Kelly, Auburn has four players shooting at least 37.2% from 3. Getting these players looks from deep could flip the script on 3-point shooting in the rematch.

Who will win the free-throw line?

In the first matchup between these teams, the Gators made one more free throw than the Tigers, despite getting to the line five less times. Foul trouble was still a problem for the Tigers despite less fouls, as starting center Dylan Cardwell picked up four fouls. Limiting foul trouble for the big men on both teams will be key. Alex Condon has proven a key player for the Gators, and they did not look the same when he went out with an injury against Maryland in the Sweet 16. The same can be said for Johni Broome of Auburn, as it allowed Michigan State to come back while Broome was out with an injury in the Elite Eight. Keeping these big men on the floor and out of foul trouble will be key for whichever team comes out on top.

Health will be a factor

Alijah Martin and Micah Handlogten were both inactive in the Gators regular-season win against the Tigers. Having both players healthy and playing well can be a boost even after winning the first matchup. Martin will provide even more perimeter shooting, as well as another body defensively to throw at the Tigers shooters. Handlogten will be a big help on the glass. In the first matchup the two teams were tied with 40 rebounds each, but the Gators had to lean on the guards helping out on the glass. Clayton Jr. and Richard combined for 11 rebounds, while reserve forward Sam Alexis did not have any. Handlogten has grabbed 17 rebounds in the Gators tournament games and is another big body inside.

Both team experienced injury scares this past weekend. For the Gators, it was the re-injuring of Condon’s ankle, while for the Tigers it was Broome’s elbow. Chad Baker-Mazara has also been struggling with injuries in the tournament and did not look 100% in the Tigers’ Sweet 16 and Elite Eight victories. He was held to just six points in each game and shot 21% from the floor. If these two Tigers are not near 100%, it will be an uphill battle to take down the Gators, while Condon being hindered will limit the Gators’ ability to play Auburn’s big men one-on-one. The health of these three players for the Final Four will be something to monitor all week long.

Game Time

Saturday at 6:09 p.m., CBS, San Antonio’s Alamodome. Radio on ESPN Gainesville 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF and 103.7-FM.

Elite Offense vs. Elite Defense: Duke vs. Houston

The Duke Blue Devils have steamrolled opponents in the tournament with an electric offense. They have scored at least 85 points in each game. The Houston Cougars have stifled opposing offenses in their tournament games. They have held all opponents at 76 points in below, and kept three at 60 or less. An unstoppable force meets an immovable object, and there should be fire works with the contrasting styles of these teams.

Keys to Dukes Offensive Success

While there has been plenty of talk about Cooper Flagg, and deservedly so, it is not a one-man show for the Blue Devils. Tyrese Proctor has been a driving force for this Duke team. He is averaging 17 points and three assists in the tournament games. He has made 16 3-pointers and his ability to space the floor makes it difficult for teams to help on Flagg in the post. Speaking of floor spacing, freshman Kon Knueppel has shot 53% from 3 in the tournament. This perimeter duo has elevated the Duke offense to another level. Duke has leaned on its staring lineup, but has proven performers off its bench. Mason Gillis has big-game experience, as he made the national championship last year with Purdue. Caleb Foster also provides shooting off the bench, hitting more than 40% of his 3s this season.

Keys to Houston’s Defensive Success

Houston has shown that when it shuts down the other teams’ best player, the Cougars will win the game. In its first-round win against SIU Edwardsville, it held Ray’Sean Taylor to 10 points. In the Sweet 16 it held All-American Braden Smith to seven points. And in the Elite Eight it held All-American Zakai Zeigler to five points. The one game it allowed a player to get going was its second-round bout with Gonzaga, when Graham Ike was able to score 27 points. This is noteworthy as it shows the Cougars exactly what they need to change to defend Duke in the Final Four. Their perimeter defense is unmatched, but if they allow Flagg to get to his spots inside, this contest will not be close.

Game Time

Saturday at 8:49 p.m., CBS

Will the Stars Shine on the Biggest Stage of the Final Four?

Each team has at least one player who has led them in the tournament to the Final Four. The question becomes whether each of these players can continue their dominance with the lights at their brightest.

Walter Clayton Jr. and Thomas Haugh

There is an argument to be made that Clayton Jr. has been the best player in the tournament. He is averaging 22.25 points and has been the go-to guy every time the Gators have needed a bucket. He hit two big 3s down the stretch in the wins against UConn and Texas Tech and has risen to the occasion every time he has been called upon. In the tournament you need a guy you can turn to in the big moments and Clayton Jr. is that for the Gators. Off the bench, Thomas Haugh has been phenomenal. He is averaging 13.25 points and 7.5 rebounds in the tournament. His constant effort and hustle has flipped momentum in the Gators’ favor in their close games and he stepped up big with a pair of 3s of his own to come back against Texas Tech.

Johni Broome and Tahaad Pettiford

Broome was one of two unanimous Associated Press first-team All-Americans and his play has continued to rise as the tournament goes on. He averaged 23.5 in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, while also adding 15 rebounds. He posted a double-double in both outings and was the clear best player on the floor in both games. His running mate has been freshman Tahaad Pettiford off the bench. Pettiford has averaged over 17 points and hit two 3s in each game Auburn has played. His ability to create his own shot takes some of the pressure off of Broome’s shoulders and could play a big role in the Final Four.

Milos Uzan and L.J. Cryer

Milos Uzan and L.J. Cryer are combining to average 30 points a game in the tournament and their one-two punch leads Houston on the offensive side of the ball. Their playmaking is also a key for this Cougar team. They average just under 10 assists and their ability to create for themselves and other give Houston just enough scoring punch. While the Cougars are known for their defense, the offensive ability of Uzan and Cryer will have to be on display if they want to take down Duke.

Cooper Flagg

I said last week that while Flagg has been good in the tournament, he still had something to prove. He proved everything and more in Duke’s Sweet 16 win against Arizona, going for 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three blocks. While Duke does have depth, it will go as far as Flagg takes it. The best player in college basketball and likely first overall NBA draft pick will get at least one more chance to showcase his talent, on the biggest stage in the Final Four. Flagg has been accused of not being able to be the go-to guy in the clutch, highlighted by costly turnovers in early season loses to Kentucky and Kansas. This is his chance to prove those doubters wrong and lead his team to a national championship.

 

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