Alabama Basketball’s Tough Loss to Florida: Three Things to Remember
The Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a bitter defeat at the hands of the Florida Gators on March 6, 2025, in a game that had major implications for both teams. While Alabama entered the contest with hopes of further solidifying their place as a top contender in the SEC, Florida was fighting to improve their positioning in the conference standings and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Despite a valiant effort, Alabama couldn’t overcome Florida’s strong second-half performance, ultimately falling 78-71. As the dust settles from this difficult loss, here are three things that Alabama fans should remember about the game and how it could impact their season moving forward.
1. Inconsistent Offense Plagues Alabama
One of the most glaring issues in Alabama’s loss to Florida was the team’s inconsistency on offense. While the Crimson Tide has been known for their potent offensive attack throughout the season, especially with their ability to space the floor and shoot from beyond the arc, this game was a stark contrast. Alabama struggled to find any rhythm offensively, particularly in the second half, when their once-strong lead began to slip away.
A big part of the problem was the lack of ball movement. Alabama’s offense appeared stagnant at times, with players relying too much on individual plays rather than creating open shots through team-oriented basketball. This led to contested shots, poor shot selection, and several missed opportunities.
The Crimson Tide’s offense also struggled to capitalize on Florida’s defensive lapses. Florida’s defense wasn’t impenetrable, but Alabama failed to exploit mismatches, especially in the post where they have a size advantage. Instead of attacking the rim and making the most of their physical advantages, Alabama settled for jump shots that simply weren’t falling.
Moreover, Alabama was outperformed by Florida in terms of efficiency. Florida shot 50% from the field, while Alabama only managed 43%. This discrepancy in shooting percentage is indicative of the team’s struggles to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. It wasn’t just the shooting that was problematic, but also the lack of offensive rebounds. Florida was dominant on the boards, securing 38 rebounds compared to Alabama’s 29, including 13 offensive rebounds.
While it’s not entirely unusual for teams to have off nights shooting, the real issue for Alabama was the failure to adjust their offensive game plan as the game progressed. The lack of adjustments to Florida’s defensive schemes ultimately doomed Alabama, as they couldn’t maintain their offensive flow when it mattered most.
2. Defensive Breakdown in the Second Half
Another critical aspect of Alabama’s loss was their defensive struggles, particularly in the second half when the Gators made a decisive run. Alabama’s defense, which had been one of the team’s strengths throughout the season, faltered down the stretch, allowing Florida to seize momentum and take control of the game.
Florida opened the second half with a 10-0 run, which immediately put Alabama on the back foot. While Alabama’s offense stagnated, Florida capitalized by exploiting mismatches on the perimeter and in the paint. The Gators’ key players, including sophomore guard Riley Allen and senior forward James Lawrence, had their way with Alabama’s defenders. Allen especially took over in the second half, scoring 15 of his 22 points after halftime, with several crucial three-pointers that gave Florida the lead for good.
One of the major defensive breakdowns for Alabama came in transition defense. Florida was able to score easy points off fast breaks, taking advantage of Alabama’s poor shot selection and turnovers. The Crimson Tide allowed 14 fast-break points in total, a stat that could have been much lower if they had been more disciplined in retreating back on defense after missed shots.
Additionally, Alabama struggled to contain Florida’s pick-and-roll game. The Gators effectively used ball screens to create open looks, and Alabama’s defensive rotations were slow and inefficient. At times, Alabama’s big men were caught out of position, leaving shooters wide open on the perimeter, and allowing Florida to take and make timely three-pointers.
While Alabama had moments of solid defense, such as in the first half when they limited Florida to just 31 points, their inability to lock down the Gators in the second half ultimately led to their undoing. In the final 10 minutes of the game, Alabama allowed Florida to score 27 points, a number that is far too high for a team with championship aspirations. The inability to tighten up defensively in crunch time is a major area of concern as the Crimson Tide move forward.
3. Mental Toughness and Leadership Issues
One of the more intangible but critical aspects of Alabama’s loss was the lack of mental toughness and leadership on the floor. In a game that saw multiple momentum swings, Alabama seemed unable to regain control when things began to slip away. As Florida mounted their second-half comeback, Alabama’s players looked rattled and struggled to keep their composure.
The team’s leadership was particularly evident in the absence of senior guard Jordan Thompson, who had been a steady presence for the Tide all season. Thompson, who had been dealing with an ankle injury leading up to the game, was limited in his minutes and wasn’t able to contribute at the level he usually does. His absence was felt on both ends of the floor, as he is typically a vocal leader, a playmaker, and a lockdown defender for the team.
Without Thompson’s calming influence, Alabama’s younger players seemed to lack the poise necessary to close out a tightly contested game. Freshman guard Elijah Brooks, who had been a breakout star earlier in the season, had an uncharacteristically rough game, missing key free throws and failing to make an impact when the team needed him most. Fellow freshman Bryce Walker also struggled, finishing with only five points on 2-of-7 shooting. Both players were noticeably absent during key stretches when Alabama needed a spark.
Head coach Nate Oats also couldn’t seem to find the right adjustments to stem the tide of Florida’s comeback. While Oats is known for his quick-thinking and aggressive coaching style, in this game, his tactics seemed to fall flat. Alabama lacked the necessary adjustments on both ends of the floor, and the team’s inability to dig deep in a tough environment raises questions about their mental fortitude.
The loss to Florida is a reminder of the importance of having experienced leadership in close games, especially during the high-pressure moments of conference play. Alabama will need their veterans, including Thompson and other upperclassmen, to step up in future games, particularly as the postseason approaches. With the team’s title aspirations still intact, Alabama must find ways to bounce back from this defeat and prove they have the mental toughness necessary to make a deep run in March.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alabama?
While the loss to Florida was disappointing, it is not the end of the road for Alabama’s NCAA Tournament aspirations. The Crimson Tide still have an impressive record and a solid place in the SEC standings, and their chances of making the tournament remain high. However, they need to address several key issues, especially the consistency of their offense and defense, as well as their mental toughness, if they want to compete for a national title.
Alabama’s next few games are crucial for their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. They will need to regroup quickly, put this loss behind them, and refocus on their next opponent. If the Crimson Tide can return to playing their brand of basketball, characterized by fast-paced offense and stifling defense, they will be a tough out for any team in March.
The team also needs to continue developing their young players, such as Brooks and Walker, to ensure they are prepared for the intense atmosphere of the NCAA Tournament. However, it is clear that Alabama’s success will depend heavily on the leadership of their upperclassmen and the ability to execute in high-pressure moments.
In the end, the loss to Florida was a tough pill to swallow, but it serves as a valuable learning experience for Alabama. The Crimson Tide must now regroup, learn from their mistakes, and use this setback as motivation to improve as they head into the most important part of the season. With the right adjustments, they are still a team that can go deep in the tournament, but it will take mental toughness, offensive consistency, and strong leadership to get them there.