Auburn Tigers' Historic 2024–2025 Season: A Journey to the Final Four

Auburn Men's Basketball Season Recap--An Auburn final four

The 2024–2025 season was a testament to the Auburn Tigers' grit, determination, and unwavering spirit. Under the seasoned leadership of Head Coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers not only dominated the Southeastern Conference (SEC) but also made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, culminating in a Final Four appearance. Let's relive the moments that made this season unforgettable.

Regular Season Triumphs

The Tigers kicked off the season with high expectations, and they did not disappoint. Finishing with an impressive 32–6 overall record and a 15–3 mark in SEC play, Auburn clinched the SEC regular-season championship. This achievement was a reflection of the team's consistent performance and ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents.

One of the standout moments came on February 15, 2025, when Auburn faced in-state rival Alabama. In a high-octane game, the Tigers emerged victorious with a 94–85 win, solidifying their dominance in the conference.

SEC Tournament Journey

Entering the SEC Tournament as the top seed, Auburn had its sights set on adding another title to their resume. The Tigers showcased their resilience in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 62–57 victory over Ole Miss. However, their journey in the tournament concluded in the semifinals with a 70–65 loss to Tennessee. Despite the setback, the Tigers' performance throughout the season ensured them a prominent spot in the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Tournament Run

Auburn entered the NCAA Tournament with determination and focus. Their path to the Final Four was marked by notable victories:

• First Round: Defeated Alabama State 83–63.

• Second Round: Overcame Creighton with an 82–70 win.

• Sweet 16: Triumphed over Michigan, securing a 78–65 victory.

• Elite Eight: Battled past Michigan State with a 70–64 win, earning their spot in the Final Four.

Final Four Showdown

In the national semifinals, Auburn faced SEC rival Florida. The Tigers started strong, leading by eight points at halftime. However, Florida mounted a comeback in the second half, propelled by Walter Clayton Jr.'s exceptional 34-point performance. Despite valiant efforts from Auburn's Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara, the Tigers fell short with a 79–73 loss, concluding their remarkable season.

Player Highlights

• Johni Broome (Forward): Averaged 18.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, anchoring the team's offense and defense.

• Chad Baker-Mazara (Guard): Contributed significantly with his versatility and scoring ability, playing a pivotal role in crucial games.

• Tahaad Pettiford (Guard): As a freshman, displayed maturity beyond his years, leading the team with 3.0 assists per game.

  
  

Looking Ahead

While the season didn't end with a championship, the Auburn Tigers demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. The experience gained, especially by the younger players, sets a strong foundation for future success. The Auburn family has every reason to be proud and optimistic about what's to come.

Join the Auburn Family at Halftime Sports Bar

As we celebrate this historic season and look forward to the future, there's no better place for Auburn fans to gather than Halftime Sports Bar. Whether it's reliving the thrilling moments of this past season or gearing up for the next, Halftime offers the perfect atmosphere to connect with fellow fans.

Why Halftime?

• Game Day Specials: Enjoy unbeatable deals on food and drinks during all Auburn games.

• Wall-to-Wall Screens: Never miss a play with our state-of-the-art viewing setup.

• Auburn Spirit: Immerse yourself in an environment that bleeds orange and blue.

Upcoming Events:

• Check the specials board here on the website for all the great events like country line dancing!

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media and visit our website for updates on events, specials, and all things Auburn. Let's continue to build the Auburn community right here at Halftime Sports Bar.

War Eagle! We can't wait to see you at Halftime, where every game is a home game.

Sources

Auburn Tigers Official Athletics Website. (2025). Historic Auburn season ends, Tigers fall to Florida in Final Four. Retrieved from https://auburntigers.com/news/2025/04/6/historic-auburn-season-ends-tigers-fall-to-florida-in-final-four

Sports Reference. (2025). 2024–25 Auburn Tigers Men's Roster and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/auburn/men/2025.html

ESPN. (2025). Auburn Tigers 2024-25 Men's College Basketball Stats. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/2/auburn-tigers

NCAA. (2025). 2025 SEC tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball. Retrieved from https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-15/2025-sec-tournament-bracket-schedule-scores-mens-basketball

Auburn Tigers Official Athletics Website. (2025). FINAL FOUR BOUND! No. 1 Auburn beats Michigan State, wins South Region. Retrieved from https://auburntigers.com/news/2025/03/30/final-four-bound-no-1-auburn-beats-michigan-state-wins-south-region