Alabama (25-7) vs Florida (28-4)
- When: Mar 15 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: espn
Florida vs. Alabama: SEC Tournament Semifinal Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Florida -4.0 | Total: 174.0
The SEC Tournament semifinals feature a high-powered showdown between No. 4 Florida and No. 5 Alabama, two of the most explosive offensive teams in the nation. Both squads dominated their quarterfinal matchups, but now the stakes are even higher as a spot in the SEC Championship game is on the line.
Florida: Can the Gators Keep Their Hot Shooting Going?
The Gators (28-4) didn’t show any rust in their first tournament game, rolling past Missouri 95-81 while shooting an impressive 61.8% from the field.
Alijah Martin (17 points, 7-of-9 shooting) and Walter Clayton Jr. (18 points, 6-of-8 shooting) were locked in offensively, but sloppy ball-handling remains a concern. Florida committed 16 turnovers, which could be a problem against an Alabama team that forced 20 turnovers and outscored Kentucky 29-6 in points off giveaways.
Coach Todd Golden is aiming for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and sweeping Alabama would go a long way toward that goal.
“We’re going to have to really lock in,” Golden said. “We need to take care of the basketball and not give Alabama extra opportunities.”
Florida already took down Alabama once this season, winning 99-94 on the road on March 5, led by Alex Condon’s 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Key Factor: If Florida can control possession and limit turnovers, their elite offense will give them the edge.
Alabama: Can the Crimson Tide Keep Up the Pace?
Alabama (25-7) put on an offensive clinic in their quarterfinal win over Kentucky, crushing the Wildcats 99-70.
Labaron Philon (21 points) and Jarin Stevenson (16 points off the bench) provided much-needed scoring depth, something Alabama has been searching for behind Mark Sears (30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists in the last meeting vs. Florida).
Stevenson’s strong shooting night (6-of-8 from the field, 3-of-5 from three) could be a turning point for a Tide team looking to continue their offensive surge.
Coach Nate Oats knows this game is about more than just advancing in the SEC Tournament.
“This is a huge game for both the SEC title and NCAA seeding,” Oats said. “Both teams are fighting for a No. 1 seed, and this is our chance to prove we belong.”
In their last meeting, Alabama couldn’t slow down Florida’s interior attack, allowing Condon and Clayton to dominate inside. If the Crimson Tide wants to even the season series, they’ll need to improve their defensive presence in the paint.
Key Factor: Alabama’s ability to force turnovers and create transition offense will be crucial in keeping this game close.
Betting Prediction: Florida Covers & the Over Hits
This game features two elite offenses that love to push the tempo, so expect plenty of fast-paced scoring.
Florida has the more balanced attack, while Alabama relies more on individual shot-making
Turnovers could decide the game, but Florida’s inside scoring should give them an edge
The previous meeting hit 193 total points, so another high-scoring battle is likely
Final call: Florida -4.0 & Over 174.0.
Expect a high-paced shootout, but Florida’s efficiency and depth should help them pull away late.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
