No. 4 Florida clinched the SEC Tournament title with an 86-77 win over No. 8 Tennessee, earning themselves a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The victory came a day after the Gators set a tournament scoring record with a 104-point performance against Alabama. Florida, led by head coach Todd Golden, now aims to replicate the success of past champions and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, with their eyes set on reaching the Final Four.
In the SEC title game, Florida showcased their defensive prowess against Tennessee, building a lead early in the game and holding off a late rally by the Vols. Guard Alijah Martin led the charge with a strong performance, while senior Walter Clayton Jr. earned MVP honors with 22 points. The Gators’ depth and teamwork were on full display as five players reached double figures in scoring.
Tennessee, led by senior Jordan Gainey, put up a fight but ultimately fell short in their comeback bid. The Vols were unable to overcome the Gators’ solid defense and balanced scoring attack. Despite splitting their regular-season matchups, Florida proved to be the better team when it mattered most, securing the SEC Tournament title and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, Florida remains focused on their goal of making a deep run in March Madness. Coach Golden praised his team’s growth and determination, highlighting their depth and resilience as key factors in their success. With a strong defensive mindset and a talented roster, the Gators are confident that they are just getting started as they gear up for the NCAA Tournament.
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