After an impressive victory Friday night over the Kentucky Wildcats, the Alabama Crimson Tide were back in action Saturday afternoon at the SEC Tournament, facing off against the Florida Gators in the semifinals.
An opponent that Alabama has already once before this season, the Crimson Tide and Gators previously met back on March 5 in Tuscaloosa, a game in which Florida came away victorious by a final score of 99-94.
As for Saturday’s SEC Tournament semifinal however, this edition of Alabama vs. Florida originally began as a back-and-forth contest during the first half, with the Gators eventually carrying a slim, 47-45 lead into halftime. However, the second half was a different story, with Florida owning a 57-37 advantage in the game’s final 20 minutes on their way to a 104-82 victory to advance to Sunday’s SEC Tournament championship game.
Let’s take a look at some instant reactions to Alabama’s loss against Florida in the SEC Tournament semifinals.
Alabama struggles in second half
A big reason behind Alabama’s loss was their struggles in the second half in which Florida outscored the Crimson Tide a combined 57-37. Alabama defensively also saw some struggles in the second half, and were shorthanded at times also due to foul trouble and injuries.
Mouhamed Dioubate impactful off Alabama bench yet again
After a big game Friday night against Kentucky, Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate was impactful off the Alabama bench once again Saturday, accounting for a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Dioubate also finished with two steals on 5-of-5 shooting.
Alabama guards struggle offensively
Alabama starting guards Mark Sears and Labaron Philon struggled offensively against Florida, combining for only 12 points. Sears and Philon also shot a combined 4-of-19 from the field, as well as 1-of-9 from three.
Alabama forward Grant Nelson exits due to injury
Alabama forward Grant Nelson exited Saturday’s game late in the first half due to an injury, and would not return to the game. Nelson finished with nine points and three rebounds, and was certainly missed on both ends of the floor during the second half.
Alabama now awaits NCAA Tournament opponent
Following the loss Saturday afternoon, Alabama’s next game will come in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, which is set to begin later this week. The Crimson Tide, now sitting at 25-8 overall, will learn their Round of 64 opponent this Sunday night when the bracket is revealed, and are likely locked in as a two-seed.
