Florida’s Final Four clash with Auburn was everything March Madness needed. The Gators found themselves trailing 46-38 at halftime, with Auburn’s Johni Broome powering the Tigers on both ends. But soon enough, Walter Clayton Jr. took over, and the Gators flipped the script.
Florida went on to win 79-73. With the victory, the Gators (35-4) head to the national championship game for the first time since their back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. They also carry the weight of SEC pride as the league’s only shot at a national title since 2012.
So, what changed in the second half?
Alex Condon Reveals the Halftime Shift That Sparked Florida’s Second-Half Surge
According to Australian big man Alex Condon, it wasn’t exactly a soft pep talk that sparked the turnaround.
As Alex Condon himself puts it in a post-game interview.
Alex Condon on what changed for @GatorsMBK in the second half:
“It was more cussing us out than a heart to heart…” pic.twitter.com/JneLBQXS56
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 6, 2025
“Yeah, I wouldn’t say it was a heart-to-heart,” Condon said. “It was more cussing me out and making sure that we do the right stuff in the second half.”
The “cussing out” came courtesy of associate head coach Carlin Hartman, who apparently doesn’t believe in sugar-coating. And clearly, it worked. The first half belonged to Auburn and Broome. The second half? All Florida.
“I think just the mentality of all the bigs [changed],” Condon said. “We let Jannai do too much in the first half and kind of take over the game. And once we took him out of it… it was a whole different game for us.”
Broome, Auburn’s All-American, found himself neutralized in the second half. The Gators picked up on the impact of the elbow injury he was battling—and exploited it. But the shift wasn’t just tactical.
Officiating had also become a talking point. By halftime, Florida fans were vocal online over a series of calls they felt favored Auburn. One out-of-bounds decision left head coach Todd Golden visibly stunned. The momentum needed a jolt—and Hartman’s blunt halftime message delivered it.
And then, there was Walter Clayton Jr. doing what he does best.
“Yeah, I just try and chuck him the ball and let him make his plays,” Condon said with a smile. “Try and rebound if he misses. But he barely misses.”
Clayton finished with 34 points and five clutch three-pointers. But he wasn’t alone. Will Richard made a statement, too.
“I think that was a momentum-changing play for sure,” Condon said of Richard’s and-one putback. “That’s leadership right there. I mean, he’s 6-foot-5, 6-foot-6, and he’s getting rebounds over seven-footers.”
Alijah Martin added 17 points and a pair of high-flying dunks to cap off Florida’s second-half dominance.
Now, the Gators ride an 11-game win streak into the title game against either Duke or Houston.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Condon said. “We’re just very appreciative of all the hard work that we’ve taken to get here. So yeah, it’s an unbelievable feeling. And I think we deserve it.”
As Condon put it, “One more, man.”
MORE: Walter Clayton Jr.’s Historic Night Propels Florida Into National Championship
One win away from history. And if things go south again at halftime? Safe to say Carlin Hartman’s got some choice words ready.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
