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The Florida Gators men’s basketball team came out on top in the highly anticipated SEC rematch against the No. 16 Alabama Crimson Tide on Tuesday.
After falling at Alabama earlier this season in overtime, a sold-out O’Dome ensured for an electric atmosphere for the Gators (21-9, 11-6 SEC) and they used their home-court advantage to secure a 105-87 win. The Gators close out their final home game at 14-1.
home atmosphere. pic.twitter.com/152T2H2pHt
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 6, 2024
Will Richard led Florida with 23 points, and four other Gators were in the double digits for scoring as well.
Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel also celebrated their Senior Nights, putting up 19 points each. Pullin also had zero turnovers, and Samuel went 9-of-9 at the free-throw line, where the Gators were 40-of-46.
SENIOR NIGHT SLAM! #GoGators | 📺ESPN pic.twitter.com/NtFfKJHZAq
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 6, 2024
How it Happened
The Gators led for the majority of the matchup, aside from the first moments of play where Alabama (20-10, 12-5) held a three-point lead, their largest of the night.
Both Florida and Alabama offenses were hesitant at the jump.
At the break, Florida had a nine-point lead, 44-35. Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators in scoring with 13 points in the first half and Richard had nine. Clayton Jr. ended the game with 22 points and Alex Condon had 10.
At the half 🐊 pic.twitter.com/bkfgqpuxAM
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 6, 2024
The Gators continued to grow the lead in the second half and took their largest lead to 23 points (81-58) with 7:19 remaining.
Alabama encountered some game-altering foul trouble in the second half, when two of its players, Sam Walters and Nelson Grant, fouled out. Alabama’s Mark Sears carried the Crimson Tide, putting up 33 points.
Florida’s strong offensive and defensive efforts allowed it to keep the big lead to complete the Gators’ 10th win in the last 13 games.
The Florida Gators (21-9) defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide (20-10) in the season re-match.
The Gators secured the win in their final home game of the season. 💥@willrxch put up a team high of 23 points, and @w1clayton was close behind with 22.
FINAL SCORE 105-87#GoGators pic.twitter.com/cphw3cSneC
— ESPN 98.1 / 850 WRUF (@ESPNGainesville) March 6, 2024
Up Next
This victory secures another Quadrant 1 win under Florida’s belt going into the NCAA tournament, adding a boost to the team’s postseason resume.
The Gators complete their regular season with a chance to improve their SEC tournament seeding when they play Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (SEC Network, ESPN 98.1-FM/AM-850 WRUF). The Gators defeated the Commodores 77-64 on Feb. 24 in the O’Connell Center.
