Florida dominates Alabama basketball for the second straight defeat: Score, highlights

In a high-stakes Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup on March 5, 2025, the No. 5 Florida Gators secured a 99-94 victory over the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This win not only marked Florida’s dominance over Alabama for the second consecutive time but also solidified their position as the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SEC tournament.

Key Performances

• Florida Gators:

  • Alex Condon: The sophomore forward delivered a stellar performance, achieving a career-high 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. His presence in the paint was pivotal for the Gators.
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  • Walter Clayton Jr.: The junior guard showcased his versatility with 22 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, orchestrating the offense effectively.
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  • Thomas Haugh and Alijah Martin: Both contributed significantly, with Haugh adding 12 points and Martin 10 points to the Gators’ tally.
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• Alabama Crimson Tide:

  • Mark Sears: In his final home game, the senior guard put up an impressive 30 points, along with six rebounds and five assists, demonstrating leadership on the court.
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  • Labaron Philon: The freshman guard added 19 points, showcasing his potential and scoring ability.
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  • Clifford Omoruyi, Grant Nelson, and Aiden Sherrell: Each contributed double-digit points, with Omoruyi scoring 11 and both Nelson and Sherrell adding 10 points apiece.
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Game Highlights

The game commenced with both teams exchanging leads, reflecting the intensity expected from top-10 programs. Florida managed to secure a narrow 41-40 lead at halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

In the second half, Alabama initially surged ahead to a 52-47 advantage. However, Florida responded with a decisive 28-11 run over an eight-minute span, establishing a 12-point lead with 7:41 remaining. This stretch was highlighted by two emphatic dunks from Condon, both assisted by Clayton Jr., which energized the Gators and silenced the home crowd.

Despite Alabama’s efforts to close the gap, including a late 6-0 run that brought them within five points, Florida’s consistent free-throw shooting in the final minutes ensured their lead remained intact. The Gators’ composure under pressure was evident as they converted crucial free throws to maintain their advantage.

Statistical Overview

• Shooting Efficiency:

  • Florida: The Gators shot 48.6% from the field, including 8-of-27 (29.6%) from three-point range.
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  • Alabama: The Crimson Tide recorded a 47.2% field goal percentage, with a 36% success rate (9-of-25) from beyond the arc.
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• Rebounding Battle:

  • Florida dominated the boards, outrebounding Alabama 50-35, including a 16-10 edge on the offensive glass. This dominance translated to a 19-10 advantage in second-chance points, underscoring the Gators’ physicality and determination.
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• Free Throw Disparity:

  • The Gators capitalized on their trips to the charity stripe, converting 21-of-29 attempts (72.4%), while Alabama managed 17-of-25 (68%). Florida’s ability to draw fouls and convert free throws was a crucial factor in maintaining their lead during pivotal moments.
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Coaches’ Insights

• Nate Oats (Alabama Head Coach): Coach Oats acknowledged Florida’s tenacity and expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, particularly in rebounding and 50-50 plays. He emphasized the need for improvement ahead of their next matchup against Auburn.
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Historical Context

This victory marked Florida’s second consecutive win over Alabama, following a dominant 105-87 triumph on March 5, 2024. In that game, the Gators showcased their offensive prowess, with junior guard Will Richard leading the charge with 23 points. The win was pivotal in solidifying Florida’s NCAA Tournament aspirations that season.

Implications for SEC Tournament

With this win, Florida clinched the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SEC tournament, positioning themselves favorably for a deep run. Their recent performances against top-tier teams have bolstered their NCAA Tournament resume, making them a formidable contender.

Conversely, Alabama’s recent struggles, having lost four of their past six games, raise concerns as they approach postseason play. Their inability to secure rebounds and defend against high-scoring offenses could be detrimental in the tournament setting.

Looking Ahead

• Florida Gators: The Gators will conclude their regular season by hosting Ole Miss on Saturday. A win would further cement their status as one of the premier teams in the SEC and enhance their seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

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• Alabama Crimson Tide: The Crimson Tide face a challenging finale, traveling