GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida ran out of gas and answers against No. 15 Alabama, dropping their SEC opener 83-70 Wednesday night after a two-week layoff and a COVID-19 outbreak.
The Gators (9-4, 0-1 SEC) initially looked no worse for the wear while displaying the energy and grit that elevated them into the Top 25 in November. But a 39-36 halftime lead quickly evaporated as the Crimson Tide’s pushed the tempo and clamped down on defense to pull away.
Alabama (11-3, 2-0 SEC) outscored the Gators 22-4 out of the break, including a 17-1 run featuring five Florida turnovers — three by center Colin Castleton. Florida missed its first nine shots after intermission until a 3-pointer by Myreon Jones.
