Final Four results and scores: Florida defeats Auburn to go to the title game; Houston surprises Duke with a late Cooper Flagg miss.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in recent memory. With high expectations for the tournament’s final weekend, the matchups between Florida vs. Auburn and Houston vs. Duke did not disappoint. From Florida’s gritty win over Auburn to Houston’s surprising upset of Duke, the games were filled with excitement, tension, and unexpected twists that left fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a breakdown of the two matchups and the thrilling moments that led to the championship game.
Florida vs. Auburn: Florida Surges Ahead to Secure Title Game Spot
Final Score: Florida 78, Auburn 73
In what was expected to be a highly competitive game between two SEC powerhouses, Florida emerged victorious with a 78-73 win over Auburn, booking their spot in the 2025 NCAA Championship game. The matchup lived up to the hype with a back-and-forth affair that showcased high-level basketball, particularly in the second half.
The game began with a flurry of offense, as both teams traded baskets early on. Florida’s offense, led by the electric playmaking of guard Jalen Hudson, was clicking from the start. Hudson, who had been one of the most dynamic players in the tournament, seemed unstoppable as he sliced through Auburn’s defense with ease. His quickness and shooting touch allowed Florida to build a slim but steady lead in the opening minutes.
On the other hand, Auburn’s potent offense, spearheaded by forward Jabari Smith and sharpshooter Wendell Green Jr., kept the game tight. Smith’s inside presence and Green’s ability to stretch the floor from deep made it clear that the Tigers weren’t going to go down easily. Auburn was relentless, and the first half saw a back-and-forth tussle, with neither team able to gain a significant lead.
At halftime, Florida held a 39-36 advantage, thanks to a late three-pointer by Hudson that gave the Gators a small cushion heading into the locker room.
The Second Half: Florida’s Defensive Streak and Clutch Free Throws
The second half was where the game took on a different dynamic. Auburn came out strong after halftime, attempting to establish their presence in the paint and get to the basket. However, Florida’s defense began to tighten, especially in the post, where the Gators were able to limit Smith’s effectiveness. This defensive surge was the key to Florida gaining control.
Florida’s big men, particularly forward Colin Castleton, played a pivotal role in limiting Auburn’s second-chance opportunities. Castleton’s shot-blocking ability and rebounding were crucial in keeping Auburn from getting easy baskets. Meanwhile, Florida continued to execute on offense, with Hudson and senior forward Alex Fudge leading the way.
The game reached a critical point with about three minutes left when Auburn, down by six, was forced to foul. Florida responded with a series of clutch free throws. Hudson, in particular, showed poise at the charity stripe, hitting several key free throws in the final minutes. His steady hand from the line helped the Gators maintain their lead.
Auburn made one last push with under a minute remaining, cutting the lead to just three points. However, a crucial turnover and a missed three-pointer from Green sealed the game for Florida. The Gators’ defense in the closing moments and their composure at the free-throw line were the difference-makers in what was an intense and physical contest.
Key Performances:
- Florida: Jalen Hudson was outstanding, finishing with 24 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. Alex Fudge contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Colin Castleton had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
- Auburn: Jabari Smith led the Tigers with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Wendell Green Jr. added 16 points and 4 assists. The Tigers’ inability to convert in the final minutes ultimately cost them the game.
With the 78-73 win, Florida secured their place in the NCAA Championship game, where they would face either Duke or Houston for the title.
Houston vs. Duke: Houston’s Late Surge Stuns Blue Devils
Final Score: Houston 71, Duke 69
The second Final Four matchup between Houston and Duke provided one of the most dramatic endings in NCAA Tournament history. Houston, coming off a stellar season, was considered an underdog going into the game against the powerhouse Blue Devils, led by the nation’s top freshman, Cooper Flagg. However, in a thrilling and tightly contested game, it was Houston who pulled off a stunning 71-69 upset, thanks to a last-second miss by Flagg that had fans gasping in disbelief.
Duke entered the game as the favorite, buoyed by the exceptional play of Flagg, who had been nothing short of spectacular throughout the tournament. The freshman sensation’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor had earned him numerous accolades, and many expected him to lead the Blue Devils to a comfortable victory. Meanwhile, Houston had been quietly dominant all tournament, with their suffocating defense and well-balanced offense proving to be their greatest strength.
The First Half: Duke’s Dominance and Houston’s Resilience
Duke came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, as Flagg and fellow freshman guard Tyrese Proctor set the tone with their offensive and defensive prowess. Flagg, in particular, was a mismatch for Houston’s defenders, as his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allowed him to score at will. By halftime, Duke had built a 38-30 lead, with Flagg scoring 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in the first 20 minutes.
Houston, however, wasn’t rattled. Head coach Kelvin Sampson’s team, known for its resilience and grit, refused to let the game slip away. Junior guard Marcus Sasser, who had been an all-around force for Houston, kept them in the game with his ability to knock down key shots, while forward J’wan Roberts provided energy in the paint. The Cougars were determined to stay within striking distance, and by the end of the first half, they were within a manageable 8-point deficit.
The Second Half: Houston’s Comeback and the Heart-Stopping Final Minutes
The second half saw Houston slowly chip away at Duke’s lead. Sasser continued to shine, scoring 12 of his 18 points after halftime, while Roberts and guard Jamal Shead contributed key baskets. Houston’s defense also stepped up in the second half, stifling Duke’s offense and forcing several turnovers. As the game wore on, Duke’s shooting began to cool, and Houston capitalized by scoring in transition and forcing tough shots.
With just under two minutes to go, the game was tied at 69-69, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Houston had the ball, and with 30 seconds left on the clock, they executed a well-designed play that resulted in a contested mid-range jumper by Sasser. The shot missed, but Roberts was there for the offensive rebound. He kicked the ball out to Shead, who drained a clutch three-pointer to give Houston a 72-69 lead with just 12 seconds remaining.
Duke had one final chance to tie or win the game, and with the ball in Flagg’s hands, the Blue Devils were in a prime position to send the game into overtime. Flagg, known for his ability to take over in clutch moments, dribbled to the top of the key, sizing up his defender. He created just enough space for a contested three-pointer at the buzzer, but the ball rimmed out as the final horn sounded.
The Houston bench erupted in celebration as their fans roared in disbelief. The Cougars had pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent NCAA Tournament history, eliminating the heavily favored Blue Devils and advancing to the championship game.
Key Performances:
- Houston: Marcus Sasser led the Cougars with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. J’wan Roberts contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Jamal Shead had 10 points and 4 assists.
- Duke: Cooper Flagg finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds but missed the critical shot at the end. Tyrese Proctor added 14 points and 6 assists in the loss.
The Stage is Set for a Thrilling Championship Game
With Florida and Houston advancing to the 2025 NCAA Championship game, the stage is set for an unforgettable title clash. Florida’s combination of tough defense and explosive offense will be put to the test against Houston’s relentless defensive pressure and balanced attack. Both teams have defied expectations and are playing with a chip on their shoulder, making for an intriguing matchup.
For Florida, this marks an opportunity to secure their first national title in over two decades, while Houston is looking to build on its successful program and capture its first-ever championship. Fans across the country are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable NCAA Tournament.
