In the Coleman season finale, No. 5 Florida dominates the glass and defeats No. 7 Alabama.

The final game of the regular season in Coleman Coliseum proved to be a sobering one for the No. 7-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, as they were thoroughly outplayed by the No. 5 Florida Gators in a 76-58 loss. The game had all the elements of high drama and stakes, with both teams battling for positioning in the SEC standings. However, the outcome was a testament to the Gators’ dominance in areas that Alabama typically prides itself on, most notably rebounding.

Florida’s overwhelming advantage on the glass was the deciding factor in this contest. The Gators, led by a combination of physicality and tactical execution, completely controlled the boards, finishing the game with a staggering 45 rebounds compared to Alabama’s 29. Florida’s rebounding performance not only stifled Alabama’s offensive efforts but also created numerous second-chance opportunities that helped them build a commanding lead. For Alabama, this defeat marked a crucial wake-up call heading into the SEC Tournament, as the team’s weaknesses were laid bare, and their preparation for the postseason was brought into question.

As the game unfolded, it became clear that Alabama’s lack of physicality and inability to box out Florida’s big men and wings were key factors in their undoing. The loss was a disappointing end to what had been an up-and-down regular season for the Tide, but it also provided valuable lessons that would need to be addressed before they enter tournament play.

Florida’s Rebounding Domination: The Key to Victory

Rebounding has always been one of the most important aspects of basketball, and for Florida, it was the ultimate weapon in securing a commanding victory in Tuscaloosa. The Gators’ ability to consistently secure both offensive and defensive rebounds not only stymied Alabama’s offensive sets but also kept the Tide from finding any rhythm throughout the game.

Offensive Rebounds: A Never-Ending Cycle

One of the most telling statistics from the game was Florida’s offensive rebound total. The Gators finished with 16 offensive rebounds, many of which came on missed shots by their key players, allowing them to get multiple cracks at scoring. Alabama’s inability to box out and secure the defensive boards was particularly frustrating for head coach Nate Oats, who has made it a hallmark of his teams to dominate the glass.

Florida’s forwards, including the standout performance by Colin Castleton, were relentless on the boards, and they exploited every opportunity to extend possessions. Whether it was getting an offensive rebound off a missed 3-pointer or cleaning up a contested shot in the paint, Florida’s physicality allowed them to win the battle inside and take control of the game’s tempo.

As Alabama’s defense collapsed after giving up one offensive rebound after another, the Gators were able to dictate the pace of the game. They scored 15 second-chance points, many of which came in critical moments, allowing them to extend their lead and put the game out of reach for the Tide.

Defensive Rebounding: Limiting Alabama’s Opportunities

Equally as important as their offensive rebounding was Florida’s ability to shut down Alabama’s second-chance opportunities. The Tide, a team that thrives on fast breaks and second-chance points, found themselves unable to get those opportunities against the Gators. Florida’s forwards and centers were disciplined in their positioning, boxing out Alabama’s athletic big men like Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney, who were held to minimal contributions on the boards.

Alabama’s shooters, such as Brandon Miller and Mark Sears, struggled with their shot selection and missed several attempts throughout the game, but they were rarely able to clean up their own misses. When Alabama did miss, Florida was quick to secure the rebound and push the ball upcourt, limiting the Tide’s ability to get into any semblance of a transition game. With Florida controlling the boards, Alabama’s fast-paced style was effectively neutralized, and the team was forced to play at a slower, more deliberate pace that played into Florida’s hands.

Castleton and Florida’s Physical Play

While rebounding was the key to Florida’s success, the play of Colin Castleton in the paint was pivotal in establishing dominance on both ends of the floor. The senior center from Florida has been one of the most consistent performers in the SEC, and on this night, he was an absolute force.

Scoring and Efficiency

Castleton led the Gators in scoring, finishing with 21 points, but it was his presence around the basket that made him so dangerous. He was a consistent threat in the post, finishing with ease around Alabama’s defenders. His 10-for-14 shooting performance was a testament to his ability to create and finish in the paint, and his physicality wore down Alabama’s defense. Alabama had no answer for Castleton’s combination of size, strength, and skill in the low post, and his dominance in the paint allowed Florida to establish an inside-out game that kept the Tide on their heels.

Defensive Presence

On the defensive end, Castleton was equally impressive. He was a constant shot-blocking presence in the paint, swatting away two of Alabama’s attempts and altering several more. His ability to alter shots without fouling allowed Florida to stay aggressive defensively while also preventing Alabama from scoring inside. Alabama’s reliance on perimeter shooting meant that the Tide could not attack the basket as often, and the Gators’ defensive interior presence was a key reason for this.

Castleton’s all-around performance, coupled with the collective rebounding effort from his teammates, was the primary catalyst for Florida’s victory. The Gators didn’t just out-rebound Alabama — they overwhelmed them physically, setting the tone from the first tip to the final whistle.

Alabama’s Struggles: Lack of Focus and Discipline

For Alabama, the defeat to Florida was as much about their own mistakes as it was about Florida’s execution. The Tide, typically known for their quick offensive sets and suffocating defense, looked off-balance throughout the game. While they did have moments of brilliance, such as some solid individual performances from Brandon Miller and Mark Sears, they were consistently outworked in the fundamentals of the game.

Turnovers and Offensive Inconsistencies

Alabama’s offense was stagnant, particularly in the second half, when they could not seem to get into an offensive flow. Florida’s defense was not exceptional by any means, but it was good enough to make Alabama uncomfortable. The Tide committed 13 turnovers, many of which were unforced. Those turnovers gave Florida extra possessions and forced Alabama to play catch-up for much of the game.

While Brandon Miller finished as the game’s leading scorer for Alabama with 18 points, he was inefficient, shooting just 6-for-18 from the field. His struggles in this game mirrored Alabama’s overall offensive woes, where they shot only 39% from the field and a paltry 26% from 3-point range. It’s difficult for any team to win when they can’t get consistent shots to fall, and Alabama’s inability to finish plays was evident throughout the night.

Defensive Breakdown: Glaring Weaknesses

Alabama’s defensive breakdowns, particularly in terms of rebounding and positioning, were the most glaring issues in this loss. Despite having one of the best defensive units in the SEC, the Tide were simply outmuscled by Florida’s more physical players. Alabama’s failure to secure key defensive rebounds and stop Florida’s penetration into the paint was a sign that they were not mentally or physically prepared to compete at the level required to win such an important game.

This lack of discipline on defense carried over into their transition game. Florida’s defense did a good job of getting back on defense and limiting Alabama’s fast-break opportunities, which are typically one of the team’s biggest strengths. This resulted in Alabama being forced into more half-court sets, which played into Florida’s hands, allowing them to focus on rebounding and preventing easy baskets.

What’s Next for Alabama?

With the loss to Florida, Alabama now enters the postseason with several questions to answer. Head coach Nate Oats will need to address the team’s struggles in rebounding, as it was clear that they were physically overmatched by Florida. The Tide must also find a way to become more consistent offensively, particularly from beyond the arc.

While it’s easy to get discouraged by a loss like this, there are still opportunities for redemption. Alabama has the talent to compete at the highest level, and the lessons learned from this defeat will be critical as they turn their focus toward the SEC Tournament and beyond. The Crimson Tide are capable of bouncing back from this setback, but they will need to correct their mental lapses and improve their discipline if they hope to achieve their goals.

The season finale was a humbling reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in college basketball, but it also provided a necessary wake-up call. Alabama has one last chance to make a statement as they enter tournament play, and they must use this defeat as fuel to refocus, regroup, and refine their approach heading into the next phase of the season.