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

Season Finale Recap: No. 5 Florida Dominates the Glass and Defeats No. 7 Alabama

The final game of the season did not disappoint, as No. 5 Florida and No. 7 Alabama squared off in an intense showdown that would determine not only the outcome of the regular season but also the momentum both teams would carry into the postseason. In front of a raucous crowd, the Florida Gators exhibited their trademark physicality and prowess on the boards, overwhelming the Alabama Crimson Tide to clinch a dominant victory.

While the victory itself was impressive, it was Florida’s ability to dominate the glass that was the defining factor in this match. Throughout the game, the Gators established a commanding presence in the paint, out-rebounding Alabama by a wide margin and limiting the Tide’s second-chance opportunities. The result was a hard-fought 75-61 victory for Florida, who proved they are ready to make a deep run in the postseason.

This win for Florida capped an impressive season and served as a statement to the college basketball world that the Gators were more than just a threat—they were a force to be reckoned with, especially when they dominated the fundamentals of the game. With the season finale in the books, let’s break down the key factors that led to Florida’s resounding victory over Alabama, and why dominating the glass proved to be the difference-maker.

First Half: Florida Sets the Tone Early

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Florida had come prepared to execute their game plan with precision. They established their dominance on the boards early, grabbing offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities, and using their physicality to impose their will on the Alabama defense.

The first few minutes of the game were tightly contested as both teams traded baskets. Alabama’s offense was firing on all cylinders, and players like Jahvon Quinerly and Brandon Miller were instrumental in keeping the Crimson Tide in the game. However, Florida’s defensive intensity and ability to control the glass allowed them to slowly build a lead.

Florida’s frontcourt trio of Colin Castleton, Jason Jitoboh, and Kowacie Reeves was particularly impressive in the opening half. Castleton, who had been a standout throughout the season, dominated the paint, securing multiple rebounds and providing a scoring presence down low. He finished the first half with 10 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his well-rounded game and why he is regarded as one of the best big men in the country.

While Alabama was able to keep the game close with timely shooting and solid perimeter play, it was evident that their smaller lineup struggled to match up with Florida’s size and physicality. Florida’s big men consistently controlled the boards, limiting Alabama’s opportunities to secure crucial offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

By the time the first half ended, Florida had built a 38-30 lead, thanks to their dominance in the paint and on the glass. The Gators had grabbed 9 offensive rebounds in the first 20 minutes, compared to just 3 for Alabama. That difference in rebounding would prove to be a precursor for what was to come in the second half.

Second Half: Florida Pulls Away

Coming out of the halftime break, Alabama knew they had to make adjustments to stay competitive in the game. They had been able to stay within striking distance in the first half, but their inability to win the rebounding battle was a clear weakness that needed to be addressed. Alabama head coach Nate Oats knew his team would need to get back to basics, focusing on crashing the boards and limiting Florida’s second-chance opportunities.

Unfortunately for Alabama, the second half was more of the same. Florida continued to dominate the glass, collecting rebounds with ease and turning them into fast-break opportunities. Castleton, Jitoboh, and Reeves continued to assert their presence on both ends of the floor, with the trio combining for 25 rebounds on the night. Their relentless pursuit of the basketball stifled Alabama’s offense and kept the Tide from gaining any real momentum.

What made Florida’s performance so impressive was their ability to dictate the tempo of the game. By controlling the rebounding battle, Florida was able to control the pace, slowing down Alabama’s transition game and forcing the Crimson Tide to play in a half-court set. This played directly into the hands of Florida’s defense, as they were able to lock down on Alabama’s shooters and contest every shot.

Florida’s offense also clicked in the second half, with players like Kowacie Reeves and Tyree Appleby stepping up to provide much-needed scoring support. Reeves, known for his ability to knock down perimeter shots, hit a pair of crucial three-pointers that extended Florida’s lead to double digits midway through the second half. Appleby, who had been somewhat quiet in the first half, took over the game in the second half with his driving ability and knack for getting to the free-throw line.

One of the standout moments of the game came with just under 8 minutes remaining when Florida forward Jason Jitoboh grabbed an offensive rebound and kicked it out to Appleby for a wide-open three. The shot swished through the net, pushing Florida’s lead to 16 points and essentially sealing the game. Alabama, who had struggled to generate offense all game, had no answer for Florida’s relentless rebounding and physicality, and the Crimson Tide’s hopes of making a comeback began to dwindle.

Florida’s defense in the second half was suffocating, and their ability to win every 50-50 ball allowed them to maintain control of the game. Alabama, for all their talent, simply could not match up with the size and strength of the Gators, and the Tide’s hopes of securing a top spot in the postseason rankings evaporated as the game wore on.

The Rebounding Battle: Key to the Victory

Florida’s ability to dominate the glass was undoubtedly the key to their victory. In total, the Gators grabbed 47 rebounds compared to Alabama’s 28. This massive discrepancy in rebounding was crucial in preventing Alabama from gaining any sustained offensive rhythm. Florida’s dominance on the glass limited Alabama to just 6 offensive rebounds, and many of those came in the early minutes of the game, before the Gators really settled into their rhythm.

Colin Castleton, who finished the game with 16 points and 14 rebounds, was a force in the paint. His presence as a shot-blocker and rebounder allowed Florida to limit Alabama’s post plays and get out on the fast break. Jason Jitoboh, who had been somewhat of a role player for much of the season, emerged as a key contributor in this game, finishing with 8 points and 10 rebounds. His size and length were disruptive for Alabama throughout the night.

The Gators’ success on the glass can also be attributed to their relentless effort and physicality. Florida players crashed the boards with intensity, securing rebounds even when Alabama had a slight positional advantage. This effort was a testament to Florida’s mindset and the coaching staff’s emphasis on winning the fundamentals. Rebounding, after all, is not just about size; it’s about desire and effort, and Florida displayed both in abundance.

On the other hand, Alabama’s lack of effort on the boards was evident. Despite having talented players like Brandon Miller and Charles Bediako, the Tide simply could not match Florida’s tenacity on the glass. Alabama was frequently outmuscled and often found themselves out of position when it came time to secure a rebound. The Tide’s struggles in this area allowed Florida to control the game and dictate the tempo.

Florida’s Balanced Attack

While Florida’s rebounding performance was the highlight of the game, the Gators also demonstrated a well-rounded offensive attack. In addition to Castleton’s double-double performance, Kowacie Reeves and Tyree Appleby provided critical scoring support.

Reeves, who had been an inconsistent scorer throughout the season, found his rhythm in this game, finishing with 15 points and 6 rebounds. His three-point shooting proved to be a key weapon for the Gators, as he hit timely shots that kept Alabama at arm’s length. Appleby, the team’s veteran point guard, controlled the tempo of the game and finished with 13 points and 5 assists. His leadership was evident in the second half when he took over the game and kept the offense flowing.

The Gators’ offensive balance made them difficult to defend, as Alabama could not key in on one player. With players like Castleton dominating in the paint, Reeves knocking down shots from the perimeter, and Appleby orchestrating the offense, Florida had too many weapons for Alabama to handle.

Alabama’s Struggles

On the flip side, Alabama’s offense struggled mightily throughout the game. Despite the efforts of star players like Brandon Miller and Jahvon Quinerly, the Crimson Tide could not overcome their issues on the glass and in transition.

Miller, who had been a standout player all season, had a quiet night by his standards, finishing with 14 points but shooting just 5-15 from the field. Quinerly, Alabama’s floor general, had difficulty navigating Florida’s defensive pressure and finished with only 8 points and 4 assists. While Alabama had their moments of success, particularly with perimeter shooting, their inability to control the boards and generate second-chance points was a fatal flaw in this game.

The Tide’s defense also struggled to contain Florida’s offensive balance. While they had some success in limiting Florida’s shooting from the outside, the Gators’ dominance in the paint left Alabama scrambling. Alabama’s lack of rebounding depth left them vulnerable to Florida’s second-chance opportunities, and the Tide was simply outmuscled by a team that was stronger, more physical, and more determined.

Florida’s Statement Win

In the end, Florida’s 75-61 victory over Alabama was a statement win—a resounding reminder that the Gators are a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. Their dominance on the glass, coupled with a balanced offensive attack, allowed them to control the game from start to finish. Florida’s physicality and effort in every phase of the game were simply too much for Alabama to overcome.

As the regular season concludes, Florida has positioned itself as a top contender heading into March Madness. With players like Colin Castleton, Kowacie Reeves, and Tyree Appleby leading the charge, the Gators have all the ingredients needed to make a deep tournament run. If they can continue to dominate the glass and play with the same intensity that they showed in this game, Florida could be one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.

For Alabama, this loss serves as a reminder of the importance of rebounding and physicality in college basketball. While they have the talent to compete at the highest level, their inability to match Florida’s intensity on the glass was their undoing. Head coach Nate Oats will need to make adjustments before the postseason if the Crimson Tide are to have any hope of making a deep run in March.

In the end, Florida’s victory was a culmination of everything that made them a top team throughout the season: toughness, rebounding, and an all-around team effort. As the postseason beckons, the Gators have put the rest of the college basketball world on notice.