Examining Florida basketball’s thrilling victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide on the road on Wednesday

In a high-stakes Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown on March 5, 2025, the No. 5 Florida Gators secured a thrilling 99-94 road victory over the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. This win not only bolstered Florida’s NCAA Tournament resume but also solidified their position as the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SEC tournament.

Key Performances

Florida’s victory was spearheaded by sophomore forward Alex Condon, who delivered a career-high 27 points and 10 rebounds. Condon showcased his offensive versatility, shooting 9-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-9 from the free-throw line. His performance was complemented by junior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who contributed 22 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Clayton Jr.’s playmaking ability was evident as he orchestrated the Gators’ offense, connecting effectively with teammates and maintaining pressure on Alabama’s defense.

On the Alabama side, senior guard Mark Sears delivered an impressive 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists in his final home game. Despite Sears’ standout performance, the Crimson Tide struggled to maintain momentum, marking their fourth loss in the past six games. Freshman guard Labaron Philon also made significant contributions with 19 points, showcasing his potential as a rising star.

Game Dynamics

The first half was a closely contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Florida managed to edge a 41-40 lead at halftime, setting the stage for a competitive second half. Alabama started strong after the break, building a 52-47 lead by shooting 5-of-7 from the field. However, Florida responded with a decisive 28-11 run over an eight-minute span, establishing a 12-point advantage with just under eight minutes remaining.

A pivotal moment occurred when Clayton Jr. connected with Condon for two emphatic dunks within a minute, extending the Gators’ lead to 12 points. This sequence energized Florida and posed a challenge for Alabama to overcome the deficit. The Crimson Tide attempted a late-game surge, narrowing the gap to five points in the final 90 seconds, but Florida’s composure at the free-throw line and strategic ball control ensured their victory.

Statistical Highlights

• Rebounding Dominance: Florida outrebounded Alabama 50-35, including a 16-10 advantage on the offensive boards. This dominance translated into a 19-10 edge in second-chance points, underscoring the Gators’ physicality and determination in the paint.

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• Shooting Efficiency: The Gators shot 49% from the field (35-of-72) and 72.4% from the free-throw line (21-of-29), while the Crimson Tide shot 47.2% (34-of-72) and 68% (17-of-25) from the line. Florida’s ability to convert free throws, especially in clutch moments, played a crucial role in maintaining their lead.

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• Bench Contributions: Florida’s bench provided valuable support, with Thomas Haugh adding 12 points and Micah Handlogten contributing four rebounds. These contributions offered the starters necessary rest and sustained the team’s intensity throughout the game.

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Implications and Looking Ahead

This victory marked Florida’s second road win over a top-10 team this season, having previously defeated No. 1 Auburn. Such performances enhance the Gators’ positioning for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Nate Oats of Alabama acknowledged the challenges posed by Florida, emphasizing the need for his team to improve rebounding and transition defense as they prepare for their final regular-season game against Auburn.

Florida will conclude its regular season by hosting Ole Miss on Saturday, aiming to maintain their momentum heading into the SEC tournament. The Gators’ recent performances have solidified their status as a formidable contender in both the conference and national landscapes.