Florida secures spot in SEC title game, should be No. 1-seed come Sunday
By SAM LANCE
The last No. 1 seed for March Madness is likely set in stone after No. 4 Florida’s dominant 104-82 win over No. 5 Alabama to send the Gators into the SEC title game.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi had Florida as a No. 1 seed entering Saturday’s action, and with a win over a likely No. 2 seed in Alabama, the Gators have only solidified its spot. Lunardi said on his bracketology update the winner of Florida and Alabama would grab the last No. 1 spot.
Florida leaves no doubt as to the seed it deserves. Absolutely dominates Alabama, advancing to the SEC title game with a 104-82 win. Gators have looked unstoppable for a good six weeks now, outside of the Georgia game. Two wins away from home over the Tide in the last 10 days.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 15, 2025
After a back-and-forth first half, Florida pulled away from Alabama in the second half, outscoring the Tide 57-37 in the final frame. The Gator’s senior guards were tremendous in this game, but especially in the second half. Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard all had 10+ points in the final period and a combined for 54 in the game. As a team, Florida shot 51% from the field and 12-of-27 (44%) from deep.
“I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in America,” Florida coach Todd Golden said about Clayton Jr. “Playing like the best point guard in America right now.”
Florida is one of the deepest teams entering the NCAA Tournament. It played nine guys 12+ minutes on Saturday and all nine scored four points or more. Everyone contributed to the big win.
Alabama will likely be a No. 2 seed on Selection Sunday. A notable development for the Crimson Tide in this game is the health of senior big man Grant Nelson. He left the game just before halftime with a left leg injury and didn’t return. His status is unknown at the moment.
Golden’s bunch will face off against No. 8 Tennessee on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will air on ESPN. Regardless of the result, Florida should be on the 1-line. The Gators and Vols split the head-to-head regular season series, but Florida has two less losses and just one fewer Quad 1 win. Florida will likely join Auburn, Duke and Houston as No. 1 seeds.
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