Score prediction for Alabama basketball vs Florida in SEC Tournament: Picks, scouting report
Emilee Smarr
- The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team will face the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament semifinals.
- Alabama is looking to snap a three-game losing streak against Florida.
- The game will tip off at approximately 2:30 p.m. CT at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Missouri might have been a more well-received opponent for Alabama basketball than the one the Crimson Tide has coming up in SEC Tournament semifinal.
Granted, Alabama (25-7) allowed a season-high 111 points to the Tigers, but it was the 99-94 home loss to Florida, who UA meets on Saturday, that seemed to have broken the Crimson Tide's spirit. Since an overtime buzzer-beater win in the regular-season finale that toppled Auburn from No. 1 in the nation, it looks like Alabama's got its groove back.
The only problem is that on Saturday, only one team can keep dancing. Here's the rundown on what to know as Alabama looks to snap a three-game losing streak in the series against Florida (28-4).
Picks, predictions for Alabama basketball vs Florida in SEC Tournament
Alabama 95, Florida 93: Bottom line, the Gators have defense, and while Alabama's has improved significantly over the last few weeks, Florida's frontcourt is dang-near unbeatable.
At Alabama last month and against Mizzou in quarterfinals, 6-foot-10 Alex Condon and 6-11 Rueben Chinyelu along with Thomas Haugh have dominated, and all are averaging more than six boards per game.
How much forward Derrion Reid is available − and how much rust he knocked off in his return against Kentucky − could be make-or-break for Alabama. Especially if Grant Nelson has a quiet night like he did against the 'Cats with seven points, five rebounds and four personal fouls, or Mo Dioubate feels the effects of his Ramadan fast after giving his all for 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks on Friday.
The X-factor for Alabama is Aiden Sherrell. The 7-foot freshman is showing up at the right time, upping the intensity around the rim, and while they've been few and far between, he can hit a clutch three.
Injury updates for Alabama basketball vs Florida in SEC Tournament
For the first time since Auburn on Feb. 15, Alabama freshman Reid returned for nine minutes of action against Kentucky in which he contributed two rebounds and an assist. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Achilles tendon) and Houston Mallette (knees) remain on the bench.
Florida's Sam Alexis, a frontcourt transfer from the Chattanooga Mocs, hasn't played since Feb. 11 against Mississippi State due to an ankle injury that will keep him on the injury report for Friday against the Crimson Tide.
How to watch Alabama basketball vs Florida in SEC Tournament
- TV channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo
- Start time: 2:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
At approximately 2:30 p.m. CT, Alabama basketball and Florida tip off on ESPN, which can be streamed via ESPN+ or Fubo.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.