The Florida Gators survived a scare from the Alabama Crimson Tide with tough defense down the stretch, coming away with a 64-52 win on their home court. After falling behind, the Gators held Alabama to just five points in the last 9:54 of the game.
No. 8 Florida vs. Alabama final score: Gators hold off Crimson Tide, 64-52
The Florida Gators got a scare from the Alabama Crimson Tide, but came away with a win, keeping their hopes of a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament alive.
USA TODAY Sports
More: Alligator Army Roll Bama Roll
Alabama scored 17 points in under four minutes during a second half run to take a 45-37 lead, but after after a Nick Jacobs jumper at the 9:54 mark put the Crimson Tide up 47-41, Alabama was held without a score until under three minutes remaining. In a game of runs, Patrick Young sparked the Gators final run with an alley-oop and strong defense that carried them to the victory.
The ultimate difference in the game came at the free throw line, with the Gators going 22-26 from the charity stripe while Alabama was just 4-10.
Florida improves to 23-5 and 13-3 in the SEC after losing at Tennessee on Tuesday, Feb. 26., one-and-a-half games ahead of Kentucky. The win over Alabama keeps their hope for a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament alive.
A win against Florida would have pushed Alabama to the right side of the bubble, but now they will likely need a run in the SEC Tournament to make the field of 68.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
