NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The fourth-ranked Florida Gators delivered a stunning performance against the fifth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, securing a 104-82 victory in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Leading the charge was senior point guard Walter Clayton Jr., who scored 22 points, hitting six 3-pointers and handing out six assists without a single turnover.
Florida’s strong showing didn’t end there. Senior Alijah Martin and Will Richard each contributed 16 points, while sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes. The Gators’ victory puts them into the SEC championship game and marks their fifth consecutive win, keeping them in great form as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
The Gators shot 51% overall and were on fire from beyond the arc, making 12 of 27 attempts (44.4%). Meanwhile, Florida’s defense stifled Alabama’s high-scoring offense, holding them to just 42% shooting for the entire game. Notably, first-team All-SEC point guard Mark Sears was limited to only nine points, failing to hit a single 3-pointer.
The game had a fast-paced start, with both teams displaying similar shooting statistics in the first half. Florida went into halftime with a slim lead of 47-45, but quickly took control in the second half. After Alabama initially led, Florida’s Martin hit a 3-pointer that sparked an 11-point run, marking the first significant lead of the game. From then on, Florida maintained dominance, limiting Alabama to just 19% shooting in the early minutes of the second half.
### What This Victory Means
This win puts Florida in a prime position to secure a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. After defeating Alabama, a team that reached the Final Four last year, the Gators’ success against them is particularly noteworthy; they have now won four out of their last five matchups against Alabama. This victory has elevated Florida to No. 2 in the KenPom.com rankings, showcasing their growth throughout the season.
### Highlighting Unsung Heroes
Not just the starters, but every player in Florida’s rotation made a mark on the scoreboard. Rueben Chinyelu had an impressive outing, shooting 5-of-7 from the field, and Micah Handlogten added valuable contributions with 10 rebounds in just 14 minutes of play. Their efforts reflect the depth of the Gators’ lineup, a crucial factor in their recent success.
### Historical Context
This kind of offensive performance is not new for the Gators. Over their last four games against Alabama, they’ve averaged an impressive 102.5 points. Comparatively, the Gators’ offensive consistency also echoes the team’s peak years, particularly from 2005 to 2014, when they frequently dominated in the SEC.
### Looking Ahead
The Gators (29-4) are set to clash with sixth-ranked Tennessee (27-9) for the SEC Tournament championship. Florida has historically performed well in this tournament, having won it four times before, with their latest victory dating back to 2014. This championship chase could further solidify their status heading into the NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
In conclusion, Florida’s recent success highlights their evolution into a formidable contender, marked by collective teamwork and strategic defense. As they gear up for the championship and beyond, all eyes will be on whether they can carry this momentum into the NCAA Tournament.
For further details, check the latest stats and rankings at ESPN.
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