Florida Gators Defeat Alabama, Advance to SEC Championship

The Florida Gators secured a dominant 104-82 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Tournament semifinals, showcasing an explosive second half where they scored 57 points. Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators with 22 points, while teammates Alijah Martin and Will Richard added 16 points each, contributing to a total of six players in double figures. Florida's defense played a crucial role, forcing Alabama into 10 turnovers and capitalizing on their rebounding advantage with 43 total boards. Alabama struggled after losing key player Grant Nelson to injury, disrupting their momentum in the second half. This win propels Florida into the SEC championship game against Tennessee, setting the stage for a decisive matchup after splitting their regular-season series. The Gators are gaining momentum as a potential Final Four contender, now boasting the second-best odds in the nation to reach the semifinals.