In the SEC Tournament Final, the #8/6 Vols lose 86-77 to #4 Florida.

The 2025 SEC Tournament final witnessed a thrilling and competitive matchup between two of the top teams in college basketball: the #8/6 Tennessee Volunteers and the #4 Florida Gators. While both teams entered the game with impressive regular seasons and high hopes for securing a coveted tournament title, it was the Gators who emerged victorious, defeating the Volunteers 86-77 to claim the championship. Despite a valiant effort from Tennessee, Florida’s dynamic offense and relentless defense proved to be the difference on this electrifying night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The Road to the Final: A Battle of Titans

Both teams had navigated challenging paths to reach the SEC Tournament final. Tennessee, ranked #8 in the AP Poll and #6 in the Coaches Poll, had demonstrated remarkable resilience and depth throughout the season. The Volunteers had consistently ranked among the top teams in the country, and their blend of tenacious defense, fast-paced offense, and leadership from senior players made them a formidable force. Coach Rick Barnes had transformed this Tennessee squad into a national title contender, and they were eager to add another piece of hardware to their collection.

On the other hand, the Florida Gators, ranked #4 in the AP Poll, had put together an impressive campaign under coach Todd Golden. Florida boasted a potent offense, led by All-American guard Trey Alexander, whose scoring prowess had carried the Gators through the season. They had also been solid on the defensive end, with their ability to lock down opponents and force turnovers making them a difficult team to beat. Florida’s victory in the SEC Tournament final would be a testament to their all-around excellence and their readiness to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

First Half: A High-Octane Battle

The first half of the SEC Tournament final was nothing short of thrilling, as both teams showcased their talent and depth on the court. Tennessee came out of the gates strong, setting the tone with aggressive defense and a balanced offensive attack. Point guard Zakai Zeigler, who had been one of the team’s most consistent performers all season, was instrumental in getting his teammates involved and distributing the ball efficiently. He pushed the tempo early, creating easy transition opportunities for the Volunteers.

Florida, however, was equally determined and showed why they were one of the most feared teams in the country. Trey Alexander, the Gators’ star player, wasted no time asserting himself, scoring with ease and creating mismatches for the Volunteers’ defense. His ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with the scoring ability of his teammates, made Florida’s offense difficult to defend. The Gators’ size and athleticism also gave them an edge in the rebounding battle, allowing them to extend possessions and put pressure on Tennessee.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing up-tempo basketball. Tennessee’s defense was tested early and often, as Florida’s high-scoring offense kept them on their heels. However, the Volunteers found ways to score, with senior forward Olivier Nkamhoua hitting key shots and freshman guard BJ Edwards contributing with some timely three-pointers. Despite a few defensive lapses, Tennessee was able to stay within striking distance.

Florida’s depth, though, began to shine as the half progressed. Alongside Alexander, the Gators received significant contributions from several players, including forward Colin Castleton, who was a dominant presence in the paint. Castleton’s size and skill around the basket made it difficult for Tennessee to contain him, as he scored efficiently and grabbed crucial rebounds. Florida also showcased their ball movement, which kept Tennessee’s defense on the move and created open shots for their perimeter players.

As the first half came to a close, Florida held a slim 43-39 lead, and both teams were poised for a dramatic second half. The intensity of the game was palpable, and it was clear that this would be a tightly contested matchup between two of the SEC’s elite teams.

Second Half: Florida Pulls Away

The second half of the game began with both teams looking to assert their dominance, but it was Florida who made the first significant move. A couple of quick turnovers by Tennessee allowed the Gators to capitalize, extending their lead to 10 points early in the half. Trey Alexander continued to play at an elite level, knocking down difficult shots and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. His ability to score in a variety of ways was a key factor in Florida’s surge.

Tennessee, however, refused to back down. The Volunteers, known for their gritty style of play, responded with a run of their own. Zeigler’s leadership and ability to create offense for others kept Tennessee within striking distance. The Vols were able to claw back to within five points midway through the second half, and it appeared as if they might mount a comeback.

Yet, Florida’s defense became a major factor as the game wore on. The Gators’ ability to disrupt Tennessee’s offensive flow, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, allowed them to maintain their lead. Florida’s defensive pressure, combined with their efficient offense, began to wear down the Volunteers. At times, it seemed as though Tennessee couldn’t get a clean look at the basket, as Florida’s defensive rotations and closeouts were superb.

As the game entered its final minutes, Tennessee found themselves facing a double-digit deficit. Despite a valiant effort to fight back, including a couple of late three-pointers from Edwards and Nkamhoua, the Vols simply ran out of time. Florida’s free-throw shooting in the final moments sealed the victory, as the Gators held on for an 86-77 win to capture the SEC Tournament title.

Key Players: Trey Alexander and Colin Castleton Lead the Way for Florida

Trey Alexander was undoubtedly the star of the game for Florida. The junior guard finished with 28 points, five assists, and four rebounds, showcasing his ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it was knocking down three-pointers, driving to the basket, or hitting clutch mid-range shots, Alexander was a constant offensive threat for the Gators. His leadership and poise on the court were critical in Florida’s ability to close out the game.

Colin Castleton also played a crucial role, contributing 18 points and 11 rebounds. His presence in the paint was a constant headache for Tennessee, as he dominated the boards and scored efficiently inside. Castleton’s defense was also critical, as he altered several shots and helped Florida maintain their defensive integrity throughout the game.

For Tennessee, Zakai Zeigler played admirably, finishing with 20 points and seven assists. His ability to orchestrate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates was evident throughout the game. Olivier Nkamhoua also had a strong performance, contributing 16 points and eight rebounds. However, despite their best efforts, Tennessee struggled to find consistency on offense, and Florida’s defense was simply too much to overcome.

The Impact of the Loss

While the loss was disappointing for Tennessee, the Vols’ run to the SEC Tournament final was still an impressive achievement. The team had shown great resilience throughout the tournament, and their strong regular season had them poised for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Although they were unable to secure the SEC Tournament championship, Tennessee remained a serious contender for the national title.

For Florida, the victory in the SEC Tournament was a significant statement to the rest of the college basketball world. The Gators had proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the nation, and their combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess made them a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Todd Golden and his players celebrated their well-earned victory, but they knew that the road to a national championship would not be easy.

Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Implications

For both teams, the SEC Tournament final was a crucial stepping stone toward their ultimate goal: a national championship. While Florida celebrated their triumph, Tennessee knew they had work to do to ensure their place among the nation’s elite teams. With both teams likely to be high seeds in the NCAA Tournament, the stakes were even higher. Florida’s win, however, gave them momentum heading into the tournament, while Tennessee would need to regroup and refocus.

The 2025 SEC Tournament final between Tennessee and Florida was a showcase of elite college basketball, filled with high-level play, intense competition, and standout performances. Ultimately, it was Florida who came out on top, securing their place as one of the premier teams in the country. For Tennessee, the loss was a setback, but their talent and determination meant that they would remain a force to be reckoned with as the NCAA Tournament approached.

As the teams headed into March Madness, one thing was clear: both Tennessee and Florida had proven they were capable of achieving greatness. The SEC Tournament final had set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable postseason, where the nation’s best teams would vie for the ultimate prize.