JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gator fans across the country are celebrating now that their squad is headed to the National Championship Game for the first time in nearly two decades.
RELATED: Clayton scores 34 points to help Florida beat Auburn 79-73 in Final Four to reach title game
Florida defeated the Auburn Tigers 79-73 on Saturday night in a Final Four clash that saw a myriad of lead changes, giving fans a rollercoaster experience that ultimately ended in the Gators’ favor.
At Island Wing Company on Southside Boulevard, fans gathered to watch the game and appeared to go through the five stages of grief as their team battled through an eight-point halftime deficit to beat one of the best teams in all of college basketball.
“Quite a battle,” said Gator fan Jim Palladio. “Auburn’s tough, but I know my Gators could pull it out. They got the heart. They got the heart.”
University of Florida alumni group filled the restaurant with orange and blue, and visceral reactions could be heard whenever either team made a shot.
Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. came up big for his team, scoring a game-high 34 points, and one fan had a message for the All-American.
“Good job, way to push yourself,” said Gator fan Colton Jansen. “I’m glad that you got it to this level, so just keep pushing yourself to the best level.”
Florida will play the winner of the Houston and Duke matchup in the National Championship Game, which is slated to tip-off just before 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday.
