Walter Clayton Jr., Alex Condon fuel No. 6 Florida basketball to historic upset at No. 1 Auburn

In a stunning display of resilience and skill, the No. 6 Florida Gators pulled off one of the most significant upsets of the 2025 college basketball season, taking down the previously undefeated and No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers on their home court. With a mix of outstanding individual performances, gritty defense, and clutch shot-making, Florida, led by Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon, made history by defeating Auburn in a game that will be remembered as a defining moment for the Gators and an unexpected twist in the battle for supremacy in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Auburn, which had been dominating the college basketball landscape all season, entered the game with a 22-0 record and the confidence of a team that had proven nearly unbeatable. The Tigers, with their electrifying style of play, were the team to beat, and their impressive win streak only added to the pressure surrounding their quest for perfection. Florida, on the other hand, came into this game ranked No. 6, boasting a strong season thus far but not quite matching the Tigers’ hype. Nevertheless, Florida’s well-coached squad, fueled by the brilliant performances of Clayton and Condon, executed a near-perfect game plan, silencing the raucous Auburn crowd and handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key moments of this historic upset, examining how Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon rose to the occasion, the strategies that led to Florida’s victory, and the implications of this game for both teams as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.

The Stage: A Clash of SEC Titans

The matchup between Auburn and Florida was highly anticipated, and for good reason. As the top two teams in the SEC, both programs were not only vying for supremacy in their conference but also for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Tigers, with a balanced and explosive roster, had been the gold standard in college basketball throughout the season, and many expected them to continue their dominance on their home court. Florida, however, had the talent and hunger to spring an upset, and that’s exactly what they did.

Auburn, led by their head coach, Bruce Pearl, was undefeated in conference play and had shown an incredible mix of offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Players like Evan Pierce and Johni Broome had established themselves as some of the top performers in the nation, and the Tigers’ fast-paced offense had been nearly impossible for most teams to contain.

Florida, under head coach Todd Golden, entered the game as a formidable opponent, with a solid mix of experienced upperclassmen and dynamic younger players. Despite being ranked lower than Auburn, the Gators had put together an impressive run and had proven that they were capable of taking down top-tier competition. This game was their chance to prove that they could compete with the very best, and thanks to two standout performances from Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon, they did just that.

Walter Clayton Jr.: The Catalyst for Florida’s Historic Victory

When the game tipped off, it didn’t take long for it to become clear that Walter Clayton Jr. would be the X-factor for Florida. The senior guard from Florida had been playing outstanding basketball all season, and on this night, he took his game to another level. Clayton’s combination of scoring, leadership, and playmaking was on full display, and it was his performance that kept Florida in the game and, ultimately, propelled them to victory.

Clayton was the engine that drove Florida’s offense from start to finish. He opened the game with a series of clutch shots, including a deep three-pointer that seemed to energize the Gators and silence the Auburn crowd. His ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for his teammates was crucial, and he did so with a level of poise and confidence that belied the high-stakes nature of the game.

Throughout the first half, Clayton’s offensive versatility shone through. He scored in a variety of ways—knocking down jump shots, driving to the basket with aggression, and finding open teammates with pinpoint passes. His presence on the court was palpable, as Auburn’s defense struggled to contain him. Despite the Tigers’ best efforts to lock him down, Clayton repeatedly found ways to score and set up his teammates, finishing the first half with 18 points and 4 assists.

What truly stood out about Clayton’s performance was his ability to deliver in clutch moments. With Auburn mounting a strong run to close the first half, Clayton hit a pair of critical three-pointers to keep Florida in control, allowing them to take a slim lead into the break. As the game progressed into the second half, Clayton continued to be a force, scoring both in transition and in half-court sets. With the game hanging in the balance, he hit a crucial step-back three-pointer with just over two minutes left, effectively sealing the game for Florida and giving them a 76-72 lead that Auburn could not overcome.

Clayton finished the game with 28 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds—an all-around performance that will go down as one of the defining moments of his career. His leadership on the court was unmatched, and he was the catalyst that fueled Florida’s historic upset.

Alex Condon: The Defensive Stalwart and Supporting Star

While Walter Clayton Jr. garnered much of the attention for his offensive brilliance, it was Alex Condon’s all-around contribution that played a pivotal role in Florida’s victory. Condon, a 6’8” forward, is known for his gritty defense and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, and against Auburn, he was exceptional on both ends of the floor.

From the start of the game, Condon was tasked with guarding some of Auburn’s top offensive players, including Evan Pierce and Johni Broome. The physicality and intensity of his defense were evident, as he made life difficult for Auburn’s star players. Condon’s ability to stay in front of his man, contest shots, and disrupt passing lanes was a key factor in limiting Auburn’s offensive flow. While Pierce and Broome are both dynamic players, Condon’s defense helped to stifle their effectiveness, especially in the second half when the game was on the line.

Condon’s impact wasn’t limited to defense, however. On offense, he played a key role in Florida’s ball movement and spacing. His ability to step out and knock down mid-range jump shots helped keep Auburn’s defense honest and allowed Clayton and others to operate with more space. Additionally, Condon grabbed several key rebounds, contributing to Florida’s ability to secure extra possessions and limit Auburn’s opportunities. He finished the game with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks—an invaluable performance that complemented Clayton’s scoring output.

Condon’s presence on both ends of the floor made him an unsung hero in this historic upset. While Clayton was the primary scorer, Condon’s defense and versatility allowed Florida to weather the storm against a powerful Auburn team and ultimately emerge victorious.

The Key Moments: Florida’s Execution Under Pressure

As the game progressed, it became clear that Florida was executing their game plan to perfection. The Gators were disciplined in their defense, limiting Auburn’s fast break opportunities and forcing the Tigers to work for every basket. Florida’s ability to maintain control and not get rattled by Auburn’s runs was impressive, especially in a hostile environment.

In the second half, Auburn attempted to claw their way back into the game after Florida had built a solid lead. However, the Gators responded with poise and precision. Every time Auburn made a push, Florida answered with a key shot or defensive stop. In the final minutes, when Auburn’s pressure defense ramped up, it was Clayton who delivered the decisive blow with his clutch three-pointer. Condon, meanwhile, grabbed crucial rebounds and provided solid defensive stops to ensure that Auburn had no easy chances in the game’s closing moments.

One of the most telling moments of the game came with just under a minute left, when Auburn’s Johni Broome had a chance to cut Florida’s lead to one possession. Broome drove to the basket but was met by a wall of Florida defenders, with Condon providing the crucial help defense that forced a missed shot. On the ensuing possession, Florida milked the clock and Clayton calmly knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the victory.

Implications for Florida and Auburn Going Forward

For Florida, this win represents a significant milestone in their season and further solidifies their status as one of the top teams in the nation. The Gators showed they can compete with the best, and this victory should provide a massive confidence boost as they look to navigate the remainder of the SEC season and beyond. With Clayton and Condon leading the way, Florida is primed for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

For Auburn, this loss is a setback, but not the end of their season. The Tigers will have to regroup and learn from this defeat, particularly in terms of their execution in high-pressure situations. While this loss will certainly sting, Auburn has the talent and coaching to bounce back and remain a strong contender for the SEC title and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.