The four teams participating in the Final Four this weekend in San Antonio are a perfect microcosm of the new era in college basketball. While a team such as Duke has built its roster with former blue-chip recruits such as Cooper Flagg,

To beat Duke, you need to match fire with fire. Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. brings the heat, and veteran guards shine brightest in March Madness.

Why are the Gators favored in the Men's Final Four game against the Tigers?Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. College basketball writers explain in their picks that predict a Florida victory.

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden remains close friends with Auburn assistant coach Steven Pearl. The two will square off Saturday in the Final Four

Auburn will meet the No. 1 seed Florida Gators Saturday, with the winner advancing to the national championship game. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:09 p.m.

The Gators won the only regular-season matchup between the two SEC rivals in February when they came into Auburn and left with an impressive road victory. Florida also went on to win the SEC tournament, although both programs landed No. 1 seeds in the Big Dance.

Auburn men's basketball lost its first Final Four appearance as Kyle Guy propelled Virginia to the title game at the free-throw line. Now, the Tigers will play Florida in their second Final Four, looking to avenge 2019's heartbreaker.