Ready to hit: No. 5 Florida vs. No. 7 Alabama Above
In a thrilling Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup on March 5, 2025, the No. 5 Florida Gators edged out the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide with a final score of 99-94 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Game Highlights
Florida’s sophomore forward Alex Condon delivered a standout performance, recording a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. also made significant contributions, adding 22 points and dishing out eight assists. This victory marked Florida’s second road win over a top-10 team this season, having previously defeated No. 1 Auburn. Notably, it’s the first time in program history that the Gators have secured two such victories in a single season.
On the Alabama side, guard Mark Sears led all scorers with 30 points, complemented by six rebounds and five assists. Freshman Labaron Philon contributed 19 points, while Clifford Omoruyi, Grant Nelson, and Aiden Sherrell each added double-digit points.
Key Moments
A pivotal stretch occurred in the second half when Clayton Jr. assisted Condon on two consecutive dunks within a minute, extending Florida’s lead to 12 points with under eight minutes remaining. Alabama struggled to narrow the gap, only reducing the deficit to five points in the final 90 seconds but never closing it entirely.
Statistical Insights
Rebounding proved to be a decisive factor, with Florida outrebounding Alabama 50-35, including a 16-10 advantage on the offensive glass. This dominance translated into a 19-10 edge in second-chance points for the Gators.
Both teams showcased offensive prowess, with Alabama shooting 47% from the field and Florida slightly better at 49%. However, Florida’s ability to capitalize on offensive rebounds and fast-break opportunities, outscoring Alabama 26-10 in transition, underscored their athleticism and strategic execution.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, acknowledged Florida’s energy and effort, particularly highlighting the Gators’ dominance in rebounding and 50-50 balls. He emphasized the need for his team to improve in these areas, especially with upcoming challenging games.
Implications and Upcoming Games
This victory positions Florida favorably in the race for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, potentially surpassing Tennessee in the rankings. The Gators now hold sole possession of second place in the SEC standings. Looking ahead, Florida will host Ole Miss on Saturday, aiming to maintain their momentum. Conversely, Alabama faces a formidable challenge, concluding their regular season on the road against No. 1 Auburn, a matchup that will test their resilience and adaptability.
This game not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the intensity of SEC basketball as the season approaches its climax.
