No. 19 Alabama started Friday's game looking like they had recovered from their late-season slump, but it didn’t last long as the No. 3 seed Alabama Crimson Tide lost 102-88 to the No. 6 seed Florida Gators.
After ending the first half on a 21-2 run, Florida was able to cruise to victory as the Crimson Tide seemed to just coast through the final 20 minutes of the game.
Alabama's loss has them limping into the NCAA Tournament, dropping four of their final five games.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Florida Closes Half On Huge Run
Alabama was able to jump out to an early 8-0 lead to start the game, but Florida was able to finish the first half on a much greater run that the Crimson Tide were unable to recover from. Florida fought back from the early deficit to put the game within striking distance before ending the last 5:52 of the first half on a 21-2 run.
Slow Start for Sears
Alabama’s leading scorer was unable to put his foot on the gas to help hold off the massive run by the Gators in the first half. Mark Sears was limited to just four points in the first half. He was able to finish right around his season average, scoring 22 points on the night but it was too little too late.
Three-point Struggles
For the final stretch of the season, Alabama has struggled with what Alabama does best. Live by the three and die by the three is a real thing with this Crimson Tide team this season. Once again, Alabama struggled from behind the arc, and it resulted in another loss. Alabama was held under their average hitting just six three-pointers on 25 attempts.
Defense is a Major Problem
Anytime your offense puts up 88 points, you would expect to get a win in college basketball. This is just simply not the case for Alabama. While this team has achieved accolades from the number of times they have eclipsed the century mark on offense, they have also allowed their fair share of opponents to eclipse the century mark as well. Friday night, Florida was able to drive to the bucket with ease and left open on the three-point line all night long. The Gators ended Alabama’s SEC tournament dropping 102 on the Crimson Tide defense.
Alabama will find out on Sunday their opponent and when they will play their opening game in the NCAA Tournament.
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