In a significant shakeup for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament seeding, the No. 5 Florida Gators triumphed over No. 7 Alabama with a score of 85-77 on March 5, 2025. This victory not only marked Florida’s second win against a top-10 team within the same season but also solidified their standing as contenders for the No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament. Coach Todd Golden praised his team’s performance, stating, ‘We executed our game plan effectively and showed resilience throughout the match.’
Meanwhile, No. 4 Tennessee experienced a shocking defeat against unranked Ole Miss, falling 72-70 in a closely contested game, shaking the confidence of their playoff ambitions. Florida’s standout performances included a combined scoring effort from star players, which made a decisive impact on the game against Alabama. The Gators’ victory provides them with momentum heading into the final stretch of the season, as they continue their chase for a coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Golden elaborated on the strategies that led to their successful outing against Alabama and Auburn during the same season. ‘Winning on the road in such a competitive environment showcases our team’s strength and determination,’ he stated. With the tournament fast approaching, the Gators will aim to maintain their current form and leverage their recent successes as they head towards the postseason.
