Florida Routs Alabama to Advance to SEC Championship

Nashville, Tenn. - The Crimson Tide completed its first three-straight victories over the Kentucky Wildcats on Friday. On Saturday, in the semifinals of the SEC tournament, Alabama had the chance to get its revenge against the Florida Gators from a disappointing loss in Coleman Coliseum 11 days prior.

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The Crimson Tide and the Gators opened the game with heat, scoring back and forth from the typical candidates for Alabama - Clifford Omoruyi free throws, Grant Nelson dunks, and a three-pointer from Chris Youngblood. Alabama was faced with an incredibly tough task against the Gators - competing with the size and physicality that players such as Alex Condon provide for Florida.

Alabama needed to outrebound Florida and collect opportunities for second-chance points, as Florida is a team that does an excellent job shooting underneath the basket while also shooting a high percentage from three.

In the first half, Alabama failed the challenge, being out-rebounded by the Gators 22-20. Despite the rebounding difference, Alabama had Florida within two points in the first half. An injury to Grant Nelson de-railed any hopes Alabama had of victory, however.

Nelson had two big dunks early in the contest and was playing smart basketball, scoring nine points in the first half to lead the Crimson Tide in scoring. Nelson was also rebounding well, with three rebounds in the first half of the game. However, Nelson fell awkwardly just before halftime and did not re-enter the contest. Florida dominated Alabama once Nelson left the game.

In the second half, Florida poured on the scoring, with three Gators scoring double figures in the second half, including Walter Clayton Jr. making it rain from three-point range.

Alabama center Clifford Omoruyi also was dealing with foul trouble, resulting in Alabama having to play small ball in the midst of two 6-foot-10 or taller defenders for Florida. It was not due to a lack of effort for the Crimson Tide, with Alabama continuing to play tough, hard-nosed basketball. Ultimately, however, Alabama just did not have the size to match with a Florida frontcourt that commanded respect under the basket.

Alabama falls to Florida 104-82, eliminating Alabama from the SEC tournament. Alabama's next game will come in the NCAA tournament, likely as a two-seed in Lexington, Kentucky.

Alabama Stat Leaders

Points: Chris Youngblood - 14 points
Rebounds: Mouhamed Dioubate - 12 rebounds
Assists: Labaron Philon - 5 assists

Alabama Players in Double Figures

Chris Youngblood - 14 points
Clifford Omoruyi - 12 points
Jarin Stevenson - 10 points
Mouhamed Dioubate - 10 points

The Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort sponsors coverage of the SEC Tournament. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, it offers traditional sports betting, where guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.