Making a wingman hire for Kalen DeBoer Ryan Grubb will follow Nick Saban’s lead in reviving Alabama football.
Florida Dominates the Glass and Secures Victory Over Alabama in Coleman Season Finale
In a highly anticipated showdown between two top-10 teams, the No. 5 Florida Gators imposed their will on the boards, securing a decisive victory over the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide in the season finale at Coleman Coliseum. With both teams looking to make a statement heading into the postseason, Florida’s sheer dominance in rebounding and second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference, sealing an emphatic win and sending a strong message to the rest of the country.
A Battle for Supremacy
From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams were hungry for a victory that would boost their NCAA tournament seeding. Alabama, known for its high-powered offense and three-point shooting, aimed to dictate the tempo, while Florida focused on controlling the paint and limiting second-chance points for the Crimson Tide.
Despite Alabama’s aggressive start, Florida quickly established itself as the more physical team. The Gators consistently outworked Alabama on the glass, securing crucial offensive rebounds and capitalizing on extra possessions. By halftime, Florida had already amassed a significant rebounding edge, leading 42-33 at the break.
Dominance on the Boards
The Gators’ rebounding performance was nothing short of spectacular. Led by their frontcourt duo of Malik Washington and Jordan Carter, Florida outrebounded Alabama by an astounding margin of 48-29. Washington, a dominant force in the paint, finished the game with 18 rebounds—nine of which came on the offensive end. Carter, playing with unrelenting energy, contributed 14 boards and provided crucial second-chance opportunities that deflated Alabama’s defensive efforts.
Head coach Mike White emphasized rebounding as the key to the game, and his players executed the plan flawlessly. “We knew Alabama was going to come out firing from deep, so our priority was to control the boards and limit their second chances,” White said. “Our guys did an outstanding job of boxing out and being aggressive in the paint.”
Alabama’s Struggles and Shooting Woes
While Florida thrived on the glass, Alabama struggled to find its rhythm from beyond the arc. The Crimson Tide, typically one of the most dangerous three-point shooting teams in the nation, shot an uncharacteristic 28% (7-for-25) from long range. Florida’s suffocating perimeter defense forced Alabama into contested shots and rushed attempts, making it difficult for the Tide to establish any offensive momentum.
Star guard Jaden Bradley, who had been averaging 18 points per game, was held to just 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Florida’s defensive pressure, spearheaded by senior guard Caleb Johnson, disrupted Alabama’s ball movement and prevented them from finding open looks.
Gators’ Offensive Efficiency
Florida not only dominated the boards but also executed efficiently on offense. The Gators shot 48% from the field and capitalized on their size advantage, scoring 44 points in the paint. Forward Zachary Thompson led all scorers with 22 points, showcasing a versatile scoring ability with strong finishes at the rim and mid-range jumpers.
The Gators’ ball movement was another key factor in their success. Point guard Xavier Lewis orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out nine assists while keeping Florida’s attack balanced. His ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for his teammates kept Alabama on its heels throughout the contest.
Second-Half Surge and Statement Win
Alabama attempted a late rally in the second half, cutting Florida’s lead to single digits with just under 10 minutes remaining. However, Florida responded with a dominant 12-2 run, fueled by back-to-back putback dunks from Washington and a clutch three-pointer from Lewis. The surge effectively sealed the game, as Alabama struggled to close the gap.
The final buzzer sounded with Florida securing a commanding 78-61 victory, punctuated by their overwhelming rebounding margin and defensive tenacity. The win not only bolstered Florida’s resume but also raised questions about Alabama’s ability to handle physical teams in the postseason.
Looking Ahead to March Madness
With the regular season now complete, both teams turn their focus to the conference tournament and NCAA Tournament. Florida’s dominant performance solidifies its standing as a legitimate contender, while Alabama must regroup and address its rebounding issues before the stakes get even higher.
Coach White expressed confidence in his team’s ability to carry this momentum forward. “This was a huge win for us, and it shows what we’re capable of when we play to our strengths. We’re excited for what’s ahead and ready for the challenges that come next.”
As March Madness looms, Florida’s victory over Alabama serves as a statement to the rest of the country: The Gators are built for the big stage, and their dominance on the glass could be the key to a deep postseason run.
