For twenty minutes, hope was fading for Florida Basketball fans. The Gators weren't making any obvious mistakes like they are prone to, but they were getting whittled away by Auburn, and things didn't look great going into halftime.
We'll find out in time what Todd Golden's halftime speech was, but whatever it was, it worked, and one of the key moments of the game resembled a scene out of a movie that also has a famous halftime speech.
Florida Basketball: I Believe I Can Fly
The Gators came out of halftime swinging and, in a flash, wiped away the halftime deficit that they went into the locker room with. Once that deficit was closed, Florida and Auburn engaged in a tussle, and it felt like both teams were waiting for a spark to lead them into the finishing act.
Enter Alijah Martin, who has felt like the glue that has kept Florida together behind the scenes all season long.
Martin came up with a steal, went full court, and took off from just inside the free-throw line to slam it home and give Florida the lead.
ALIJAH MARTIN SOARS FOR THE JAM! 🔨
— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) April 5, 2025
(via @MarchMadnessMBB)pic.twitter.com/4cZzZZnZ3Y
As some noted, Martin looked a bit like Jordan in Space Jam on the play.
Alijah Martin started that dunk from outer space. pic.twitter.com/1bBs2MZvtf
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) April 5, 2025
Whether Golden gave Florida Secret Stuff or whether it was just water, Martin was inspired as later on, he had another dunk that will be on a poster by the time this weekend ends.
ALIJAH MARTIN WITH THE MONSTER JAM TO END ALL MONSTER JAMS!!!!! #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/NUFqjPAeJA
— TDT Media (@ThirdDownThurs) April 6, 2025
Florida went on to win the game 79-73. Martin Finished with 17 points, the second most among the Gators behind the 34-point effort from Walter Clayton Jr.
It's April, and Florida is still dancing. The Gators will now await the winner of Duke vs Houston in the nightcap. The NCAA Tournament finals will be played on Monday at 8:50 PM in San Antonio in the Alamodome.