What Happened
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. poured in 22 points, leading six Florida players in double figures. The fourth-ranked Gators clamped down defensively in the second half, shutting down Alabama’s explosive offense en route to a commanding 104-82 victory over the fifth-ranked Crimson Tide in Saturday’s SEC Tournament semifinal at Bridgestone Arena.
Clayton connected on six shots from beyond the arc and handed out six assists without a turnover. Fellow seniors Alijah Martin and Will Richard each added 16 points. Sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu notched his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes, while forward Thomas Haugh chipped in 11 off the bench. The win secured Florida’s spot in the 2025 SEC championship game.
The Gators, winners of five straight and 11 of their last 12, shot 51% overall and hit 12 of 27 from deep (44.4%). On defense, they locked down Alabama’s top-rated offense, holding the Tide to 42% shooting for the game and just 34% in the second half. First-team All-SEC guard Mark Sears was limited to nine points and went without a 3-pointer.
From the opening tip, both teams pushed the pace and traded baskets, producing nearly identical first-half numbers. Florida shot 47% with six triples, while Alabama hit 49% with five. Each side made five free throws, and the Gators carried a slim 47-45 lead into halftime.
Alabama lost key contributor
Grant Nelson to a knee injury in the first half. Early in the second period, the Tide briefly went ahead 48-47, but a Martin 3-pointer sparked an 11-0 Florida run that created the game’s first double-digit margin.
Chris Youngblood answered with a 3 to halt the surge, but the Gators quickly responded with another 10-3 spurt to extend the lead to 15. The Tide never got closer than 14 points, as Florida held them to just 19% shooting over the first 10 minutes of the second half and built a 21-point cushion with nine minutes remaining.
UF sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu (9) with a first-half lay-in Saturday.
Every player in Florida’s nine-man rotation contributed at least four points, but special recognition goes to Rueben Chinyelu, who shot 5-for-7 from the field and secured a double-double in just 16 minutes. Backup center Micah Handlogten, standing 7-foot-1, added four points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and recorded a block in 14 minutes off the bench.
Florida has averaged 102.5 points across its last four victories over Alabama.
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