FLORIDA AVENGES OVERTIME LOSS, DESTROYING ALABAMA 105-87 AT HOME

The Florida Gators get revenge on their home court destroying the 16th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, 105-87.

“Disappointing loss; the first time we’ve had back-to-back conference losses in a few years,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said.

Alabama’s Latrell Wrightsell returned to action after missing four games due to a head injury, but only played eight minutes scoring two points. Although he only scored two points, Crimson Tide fans were certainly happy to see him back on the court.

Both teams struggled to score early but for different reasons. Alabama turned the ball over to Florida four times in the first five minutes of play. The Crimson Tide also fouled the Gators three times leading to five made free-throws.

Florida led Alabama 7-6 in the first five minutes of play. Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr scored four of his team’s first seven, all from the stripe.

Both teams continued to battle on both ends of the floor scoring on three possessions in the paint due to the immense pressure applied to the three-point line on defense. That pressure forced the Crimson Tide into the paint because of their inability to shoot the three. Alabama started 0-7 from three through 12 and a half minutes of play.

“They (Florida) did a good job running us off the line and being super physical,” Oats said. “They wouldn’t let us get open.”

The Gators took an eight-point lead after a four-minute 10-4 run and continued to hold Alabama scoreless from behind the three-point arc. The Gators also added two steals in that run leading to easy points at the rim. With four minutes left in the first half, Florida led Alabama 31-23.

In the next four minutes, Florida’s Will Richard and Clayton scored 11 of their teams 13 to close out the half.

Rylan Griffin ended Alabama’s 18-and-a-half minute three-less streak in the first half as Alabama shot only 1-10 (10%) from three. Before Tuesday's game, The Crimson Tide shot 37% from three the whole season.

At the half, Florida led Alabama 44-35. Clayton led the Gators with 13 points while Nelson led the Crimson Tide with eight.

Florida continued to increase their lead little by little out of the half starting the second half with a 13-9 run. Tyrese Samuel and Zyon Pullin took over scoring a combined 10 of the Gators 13 points. Through four minutes in the second half, Florida led Alabama, 57-44.

The Gators took off, scoring almost at will after the first second-half timeout. While getting to the free throw line and putting Alabama’s Nick Pringle and Grant Nelson in foul trouble, Florida went on another positive run. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, Florida lead Alabama 63-48.

The Gators received outstanding performances from their backcourt. Through 30 minutes of play, Pullin scored 13 points, Clayton had 18 points, and Richard scored 11 points. With 10 minutes remaining in the game, Florida was hammering Alabama, 74-54. Although there was 10 minutes left on the clock, the game was all but over.

Nelson fouled out for the Crimson Tide with six and a half minutes remaining in the game. In their first matchup this year, Nelson went off against Florida leading the Crimson Tide with 22 points. Tonight, Nelson scored 12 points and turned the ball over five times. Sam Walters joined Nelson fouling out while only scoring two points.

With 4:15 remaining in the game, Alabama’s Rylan Griffin collided with Clayton and Richard of Florida, falling to the ground in pain. Griffin held his foot above the floor adding no weight to it as he hobbled to the locker room. This could be a huge loss for the Crimson Tide especially this close to the NCAA Tournament.

“He’s got something with his calf and will get an MRI in the morning,” Oats said on Griffin’s injury.

After the injury to Griffin, Alabama showed some fight but to no avail as the Gators ran away with the game. Alabama’s defensive performance against Tennessee was better than some prior to that game but tonight, it seems they’ve regressed once again. Oats wants his players to keep their head high no matter what happened on the previous play; this way, they maintain their intensity and play more consistent defense.

“Our guys have to understand that there’s a defensive mindset you have to have on every play no matter what happens on offense or defense,” Oats said. “We looked tired tonight.”

Florida went to the free throw line 46 times converting on 40 trips. If the opposing team goes to the line that many times, the odds certainly aren’t in your favor.

“It’s not a recipe to win games when you’re letting them get to the free throw line like that,” Oats said.

Florida’s Richard led the Gators with 23 points, and five rebounds. Clayton was right behind him scoring 22 points while Pullin and Samuel both scored 19 each.

After the win, Florida improves to 21-9 overall and 11-6 in the SEC. The Gators will travel to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday at 3:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.

Despite the team’s poor performance, Sears led the Crimson Tide with an impressive 33 points.

With the loss, Alabama falls to 20-10 and 12-5 in conference play. The Crimson Tide will return home for their final regular season game of the season against Arkansas. Tip-off between the Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks is set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.