Instant Analysis: Florida hits the century mark in win over No. 19 Alabama

Florida 102 - No. 19 Alabama 88

by Joseph Torviso
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Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators

For the first time in five years, Florida is in the SEC Tournament semifinals. After a rough start to the game, the Gators came together and absolutely dominated Alabama as the Orange and Blue blew past the Crimson Tide to the tune of 102-88.

Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.

IT WAS OVER WHEN: Florida closed out the first half with a 21-2 run against the Crimson Tide. Walter Clayton Jr. got things started with a three-pointer followed by a trip to the line. Alex Condon scored a layup, Zyon Pullin did his thing and Will Richard got some easy buckets. The Orange and Blue carried this momentum into the second half and didn’t look back.

THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Clayton Jr. and Pullin got things started for the Gators, but Tyrese Samuel put the game beyond doubt in the second half. The forward scored eight of the first 10 points for Florida after the break. He finished the night with 18 points, four rebounds and two blocks.

THESE STATS DON’T LIE: After shooting an abysmal 56.1% from the line on Thursday versus Georgia, the Gators improved drastically overnight shooting 86%. Florida scored 21-24 from the charity stripe in the second half which helped prevent the Crimson Tide from cutting into the lead.

THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: Florida’s guards ran the floor today.

Clayton Jr. and Zyon Pullin combined for 42 points, eight rebounds and seven rebounds. The duo had just one turnover each. Although Mark Sears had a solid night scoring 18 points, he had a slow start in the first half scoring just four.

WHAT A PLAY: Walter Clayton Jr. had the ball on the transition. Samuel set the guard a screen leading to both of Alabama’s players following Clayton Jr. He played it to the Canadian who walked the red carpet and slammed it home.

UP NEXT: After No.7 Texas A&M upset No. 2 Kentucky, the Gators will face the Aggies tomorrow at Bridgestone Arena. Florida lost to Texas A&M earlier this season away from home 67-66. The Gators finished the game with a 3:04-minute scoring drought.

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