NASHVILLE, Tenn. –

In a stunning display of basketball prowess, the Florida Gators steamrolled the Alabama Crimson Tide 104-82 in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals, solidifying their position as a formidable force in college basketball this season.

The night was particularly uplifting for junior center Micah Handlogten, who reflected on a dark moment from the previous year's tournament. After suffering a devastating compound fracture during last year’s championship game against Auburn, Handlogten's return to form has been a beacon of inspiration for the team. “I don't want to be known as the guy who broke his leg in the SEC championship game,” he remarked. “I want to be known as one of the guys who helped his team win an SEC championship.”

This win marked a triumphant opportunity for Handlogten and his teammates, as they aim for a title that has eluded them since 2014. Despite his limited play, contributing four points, ten rebounds, and a block in just 14 minutes, Handlogten was a key factor off the bench.

Walter Clayton Jr. led the charge for Florida with an impressive 22 points, nailing six 3-pointers and orchestrating the offense with six assists, all without a single turnover. Alijah Martin and Will Richard added 16 points each, while Rueben Chinyelu showcased his dominance in the paint with a double-double—10 points and 10 rebounds—in only 16 minutes of action. The Gators displayed a remarkable shooting performance, converting 52% of their shots and scoring an unprecedented number of points in an SEC Tournament game.

Florida's offensive depth wore down Alabama, a team well-known for its offensive strength, having been a Final Four contender last season. Coach Todd Golden praised his players’ relentless effort, stating, “I thought our guys did an incredible job just competing for 40 minutes.” With this victory, Florida has secured their place as a likely No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, raising the stakes for their final matchup against sixth-ranked Tennessee.

In the other semifinal, Tennessee overcame regular-season champions Auburn, setting up a fierce rematch for Florida. During the regular season, both teams took turns dominating the other on home turf, heightening interest in their championship clash.

Alabama's struggles were exacerbated by the absence of their second-leading scorer, Grant Nelson, who exited the game in the first half due to a knee injury. Florida’s defense, ranked second in the SEC, stifled Alabama’s prolific attack, limiting them to just 41.8% shooting and forcing them into low-percentage attempts. Mark Sears, Alabama's standout guard, faced significant challenges, finishing the game with only nine points on 3-of-10 shooting.

As the Gators prepare for their duel with Tennessee, excitement and determination fill the air. Handlogten summarized the teams' collective spirit, stating, “It’s the best feeling in the world, but it can get so much better. We want to keep playing, keep the wheels turning, and we have the team to do it.”

As fans eagerly await the tournament title game, one thing is clear: Florida is hungry for victory and ready to make history. Can they reclaim the SEC Tournament crown? Only time will tell, but this Gators team is certainly one to watch as the postseason unfolds.