Alabama could really use a win right now to help the tournament resume. Will Collin Sexton lead them to a win over Florida?
TV schedule: Saturday, February 3, 4:00 p.m. ET. ESPN
Arena: Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Florida
The Crimson Tide got arguably the biggest win from the Big 12/SEC Challenge last weekend, beating a top-10 ranked Oklahoma team. That allowed them to slide into the newest Busting Bracket’s Bracketology field, getting a No. 10 seed.
That could very well be in danger for Alabama after losing earlier this week to Missouri, a fellow SEC bubble team, at home. Collin Sexton had 23 of the team’s 60 total points in the loss but the team shot just 35% from the field and only has six total assists in the game. This is more of an isolation-based team, so if individuals don’t win their one-on-one matchup, their chances at winning decreases.
But Alabama gets another chance for a big win, this time at Florida. The Gators were given a No. 5 seed in the latest tournament projects, but are likely to slide after losing to Georgia, 72-60. Chris Chiozza led the way with 15 points and six assists, but the next three best scorers (Egor Koulechov, KeVaughn Allen and Jalen Hudson) combined to shoot 11-for-35 from the field.
Florida is in the midst of the easiest part of their conference schedule. This is a good chance for this Gators team to rack up some more wins and position themselves for not only the conference tournament but in getting a good seed in the Big Dance as well.
Next: SEC Mid-season recap and awards
The premium battle to watch is at the point guard position between Chiozza and Sexton. Both are the engines for their respective offenses and if either has an off game in this one, the other team will have a clear advantage.
Prediction: Florida 75 – Alabama 67