Florida 63-61 Alabama (Mar 6, 2025) Final Score

On March 6, 2025, the Florida Gators women’s basketball team achieved a significant victory over the 19th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, edging them out 63-61 in the second round of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. This win not only marked Florida’s first triumph over a ranked opponent since 2022 but also propelled them into the quarterfinals to face the No. 3 seed LSU.

Game Overview

The matchup between the 11th-seeded Gators and the 6th-seeded Crimson Tide was a tightly contested affair, characterized by fluctuating leads and intense defensive plays. The Gators showcased resilience and determination, especially in the closing minutes, to secure their spot in the next round.

Key Performances

• Liv McGill (Florida): The freshman guard delivered a standout performance, recording a season-high 29 points. McGill’s offensive prowess was particularly evident in the fourth quarter, where she contributed 11 crucial points, including two free throws with 49 seconds remaining that extended Florida’s lead to 61-53.

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• Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama): The senior guard, honored as a first-team All-SEC selection for the second consecutive year, led the Crimson Tide with 24 points and eight rebounds. Barker’s efforts were instrumental in Alabama’s late-game surge, though they ultimately fell short.

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Game Progression

The game commenced with both teams exhibiting strong defensive strategies, leading to a low-scoring first quarter that concluded with Alabama holding a narrow 14-13 lead. In the second quarter, Florida outscored Alabama 17-12, entering halftime with a 30-26 advantage. The third quarter saw both teams adding 17 points each to their totals, maintaining Florida’s four-point lead heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Florida managed to build a significant lead, thanks in large part to McGill’s offensive contributions. However, Alabama mounted a late comeback, with Barker and Zaay Green each hitting three-pointers, and Barker adding a layup to bring the Crimson Tide within one point with 16 seconds remaining. Florida’s Laila Reynolds then made one of two free throws, and in the game’s final moments, she blocked Barker’s potential game-tying shot at the buzzer, sealing the victory for the Gators.

Team Statistics

• Florida Gators:

  • Field Goal Percentage: 37.5%
  • Three-Point Percentage: 25%
  • Free Throw Percentage: 70%
  • Total Rebounds: 38
  • Turnovers: 14

• Alabama Crimson Tide:

  • Field Goal Percentage: 35.7%
  • Three-Point Percentage: 30.4%
  • Free Throw Percentage: 66.7%
  • Total Rebounds: 40
  • Turnovers: 12

Implications and Next Steps

This victory elevated Florida’s season record to 16-16, reflecting a balanced outcome of wins and losses, and set the stage for a challenging quarterfinal matchup against LSU. For Alabama, the loss concluded their SEC Tournament run, bringing their season record to 23-8. Despite the setback, the Crimson Tide’s performance throughout the season positions them favorably for an at-large bid in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The Gators’ advancement underscores their potential to compete at a high level, particularly when key players like McGill perform exceptionally. Their resilience in close games could serve them well as they progress further in the tournament.

The March 6, 2025, SEC Tournament game between Florida and Alabama was a testament to the competitive spirit of college basketball, highlighting individual brilliance, strategic team play, and the unpredictable nature of the sport.