Tide Sputters as Alabama Goes One and Done in Nashville

Rylan Griffen returned to the lineup, albeit from the bench, in Alabama's matchup against the Florida Gators on Friday night. The Crimson Tide got an extra day of rest, earning the double bye as the three seed.

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Alabama started the game strong with an 8-0 run, forcing Florida to take a timeout less than two minutes into the game. Florida gathered themselves though, and kept chipping away at Alabama's lead until they exploded to a 21-2 run over the final 5:24 of the first half. Alabama finished the first half just 1-for-10 from the field, and an uncharacteristic 0-4 from the free throw line.

The second half was more of the same. The Crimson Tide struggled from three-point range, while the basket seemed to have a lid on it for Alabama. In the game as a whole, Alabama shot 46.5% from the field, 24% from three, and 69.6% from the free throw line.

Alabama looked lifeless and as if they were just going through the motions for much of the second half. A 7-0 run by Alabama was quelled by a questionable call on Grant Nelson.

Alabama goes one-and-done in the SEC Tournament with a 102-88 loss to the Gators.

Stat leaders for Alabama

Points: Sears - 22
Assists: Estrada - 6
Rebounds: Pringle - 10

The Crimson Tide talked about a 'get back tour' during the week, and instead suffered the same result as they did in Gainesville against the Gators, ending their SEC Tournament run. Alabama's next game will come in the NCAA Tournament, likely as a four-seed.

Latrell Wrightsell Jr. limped off the court and returned to Alabama's bench with an ice pack on his right leg.

One bright spot, Mark Sears found his footing in the second half after a struggling four-point first half. Sears ended the game with 22 points. This was Sears' 22nd game scoring 20 points or more.

Here's what the SEC Men's Basketball tournament bracket looks like, courtesy of the SEC.

Tide 100.9 is in Nashville for coverage of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Coverage is sponsored by the Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, they offer traditional sports betting in which guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.