In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 5 Florida Gators defeated No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide 76-72 on Alabama’s Senior Night, dramatically impacting the NCAA tournament seeding race. This crucial victory puts Florida in a strong position for the final No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Ben Hightower led Florida with 28 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his elite skills on the court. The Gators executed a late-game surge, fueled by a critical three-pointer from Hightower in the final two minutes, sealing Alabama’s fate. Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, stated, “We’ve been in a bit of a slide lately, but I’m not panicked. We have time to regroup before the tournament.” The game was not just a test of skill but a demonstration of resilience as Florida overcame a 14-point deficit at one stage, echoing their determination for championship contention. This loss marks Alabama’s third straight defeat, raising concerns among fans and analysts about the team’s performance before the tournament.
No. 5 Florida Spoils No. 7 Alabama’s Senior Night, Gains Leg Up in Race for NCAA Tournament’s Final No. 1 Seed
