SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Two All-Americans, one chance to give their team a shot at a national championship.
Florida’s NCAA Tournament continues thanks to more magic from guard Walter Clayton Jr. in the Gators’ 79-73 victory Saturday night at the Final Four. For Auburn and forward Johni Broome, the season ended in tears and frustration—missed shots, missed dunks, and a sleeve covering a sore right elbow.
As he left the court, Broome heard quiet words from Auburn legend Charles Barkley.
“He thanked me for what I’ve done for Auburn. He told me to keep my head high,” Broome said. “Coming from a guy like him … means a lot.”
Florida (35-4) advanced to Monday night’s title game against Houston (35-4), which beat Duke 70-67 in the other semifinal.
Clayton scored 34 points, weaving through defenders for layups and draining 3-pointers. Broome started strong but faded.
Still wearing a sleeve after an elbow injury in the South Region final, Broome often looked uncomfortable. He occasionally clutched his elbow or kept it at his side, though he did use both hands to rebound and even hit a tough right-handed layup.
“Here and there it was bothering me,” he said. “But nothing I couldn’t deal with.”
Broome scored 12 in the first half but managed just three more on four shots after halftime. He finished with seven rebounds and was visibly frustrated late, committing a foul and missing two free throws with 2:02 left.
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When it ended, Broome bent over in tears, then walked off with red eyes. Barkley offered a final boost.
Florida coach Todd Golden said Auburn was more physical early, but Florida adjusted.
“We controlled the second half,” Golden said.
Clayton was unstoppable again, hitting 11 of 18 shots, including 5 of 8 from deep, and all seven free throws.
Houston beat Duke to advance, and the Cougars have opened as a 1-point favorite against the Gators in Monday night’s championship game, set for 9:20 p.m. on CBS.
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