TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Sophomore forward Alex Condon had a standout performance for the Florida Gators, scoring a personal-best 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in their victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Senior point guard Walter Clayton Jr. contributed significantly too, with 22 points and eight assists. This high-stakes SEC matchup took place at the packed Coleman Coliseum, with Florida ranked fifth and Alabama at seventh.
The Gators capitalized on their momentum, shooting 50% in the second half. They turned a narrow one-point halftime lead into a comfortable 14-point lead with just six minutes remaining. Although Alabama managed to narrow the gap to five points twice and four points once, Florida’s solid free-throw shooting in the final moments secured their win.
Condon was exceptional, especially after returning from an ankle injury. He made nine of 16 shots, including two three-pointers, and scored seven out of nine free throws. Clayton also had a great game, shooting eight for 20 while connecting on a couple of three-pointers and making crucial assists.
Off the bench, sophomore forward Thomas Haugh scored 12 points, all in the second half, while fifth-year player Alijah Martin added 10 points and five rebounds. Alabama’s point guard, Mark Sears, led his team with 30 points, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities.
The first half was a fast-paced affair, with both teams exchanging leads. Florida went into halftime with a slight edge at 41-40. In the second half, Alabama initially surged ahead, but Florida responded with a 13-3 run, marking a turning point in the game. Ultimately, Florida held on for the win despite late-game pressure from the Crimson Tide.
Throughout the game, Florida shot 48.6% overall but struggled from beyond the arc, making only eight of 27 three-point attempts. However, they dominated in rebounding, outpacing Alabama 50-35 and securing more second-chance points.
The win over Alabama is significant for Florida’s season. They now boast impressive away victories, having defeated the top-ranked Auburn earlier and now Alabama. This puts the Gators firmly back in the NCAA Tournament conversation. Their current record gives them the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
Looking ahead, Florida (26-4, 13-4) will host Ole Miss (20-9, 9-7) for their final regular-season game this Saturday, where they’ll honor some senior players. Alabama (23-7, 12-5) will end their regular season against rival Auburn.
