Florida basketball made a crucial defensive adjustment at halftime, helping the Gators come from behind to beat Auburn in the Final Four. The key to their success was shutting down Auburn star big man Johni Broome.
Broome dominated Florida in the first half with 12 points, but the team’s initial efforts to fix the problem only led to more confusion. Assistant coach Carlin Hartman “ripped” into the team at halftime, telling them to return to their game and focus on taking Broome out of his comfort zone.
Forward Alex Condon said making Broome use his right side was the solution, while center Rueben Chinyelu reminded the team that Broome is heavily reliant on his left side. The Gators’ strategy involved pushing him into help and forcing him to counter, which allowed their big men to get deflections and contest shots.
Florida’s depth and bench played a crucial role in wearing down Auburn in the second half. Coach Todd Golden credited the team’s ability to sub in and out its big men, including Condon and Chinyelu, for changing the defensive effort.
“We just have to take that side of the game out, so then let them go out with it,” Chinyelu said. The Gators’ big men, including Thomas Haugh, demonstrated their physicality and ability to impact the game on both offense and defense.
In the end, Florida’s victory was a testament to its depth and resilience. The team’s unity and camaraderie were key factors in their success, as they outmuscle Auburn’s star player and secure a spot in the Final Four.
Source: https://eu.gainesville.com/story/sports/college/sec/2025/04/06/florida-basketball-johni-broome-second-half-rueben-chinyelu-alex-condon-micah-handlogten-thomas-haug/82956738007