GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE, 3/6/2024: The Florida Gators crushed the Alabama Crimson Tide Tuesday night in Gainesville in front of a sellout crowd in Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center for senior night.

Five Florida players scored in double figures. Junior guard Will Richard nailed a team-high 23 points. The Gators made 40 of 46 free-throw attempts to blow out 16th-ranked Alabama 105-87.

Next Up: Florida finishes the regular season Saturday on the road at Vanderbilt. The Gators beat the Commodores 77-64 last month in Gainesville.

ORIGINAL, 3/5/2024: The Gators are hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide for their last home game of the season Tuesday night.

It’s a matchup you do not want to miss. The last time the two faced off, Florida lost by just a few points in an overtime thriller.

Most recently, the University of Florida (UF) men’s basketball team faced the 18th ranked South Carolina in Columbia Saturday. They fell short by just six points losing to the Gamecocks 76-82.

The Associated Press (AP) released its Top 25 ranking on Monday and the Gators did make the cut after their loss in the Palmetto State.

Although it’s the first time in three weeks the Gators are out of the AP poll, they’ve managed to clinch a spot in the USA Today Coaches poll coming in at No.25, right behind South Florida at No.24.

They’ll be fueled by their frustration Tuesday night as they battle it out with Alabama which is ranked No. 16 in this week’s AP poll after a tough loss at home against Tennesse.

UF’s loss dropped them to 6th place in SEC standings coming in behind Kentucky (No.4) and Auburn (No.5) who they were originally tied with for the 4th spot. Alabama and Tennessee were ultimately battling for the number one spot in the league, but the Crimson Tide’s loss dropped them to second, and they now tie with the Gamecocks.

In order for Alabama to still have a chance at winning the conference, they have to secure a win over Florida.

Overall, the Gators are 20-9 and 10-6 in SEC play. Alabama is also 20-9 and 12-4 in the SEC.

The Crimson Tide leads the all-time series between the two 79-70 and have won the last four matchups.

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Most recently, during their game just a couple of weeks ago, UF was in the lead for majority of the game. However, Bama was able to come back hitting five 3-pointers over the last 11 minutes of the game, forcing them into overtime (OT). In OT, the Crimson Tide was able to keep their momentum and hold off Florida, ultimately leading them to a 98-93 victory.

Despite the Gators losses recently, head coach Todd Golden acknowledged his team’s progress and the fact that most of those losses were close ones.

“We’re striving to be the best team we can possibly be. We’ve obviously made big strides over the last couple of months,” said Golden in a news conference on Monday. “We went from a team where people didn’t know what we could be and now we’re safely in the tournament play for seeding and it’s like we’ve won nine out of our last 12.”

Golden added that he is really pleased with what the team has done and says the biggest thing is for his guys to close out on those nail-biter games.

“Big picture wise I think we’re in a really great spot and have a chance to finish out this week really, really strong and then go to Nashville on a neutral court,” added Golden.

There is no doubt that the Gators and the Tide’s matchup Tuesday night will be an interesting one. Florida’s program says the game is sold-out for senior night. They say the sellout marks the program’s sixth this season and is the most since 2017-2018.

Fifth-year seniors Tyrese Samuel, Zyon Pullin, and Julian Rishwain along with walk-ons Alex Klatsky and Jack May will be acknowledged for senior night.

Pullin reflected with the media on his time here in Gainesville, what it’s been like to be a part of Florida basketball and the role Gator nation has played.

“Florida’s opened me up with open arms and I definitely embraced it,” said Pullin. “It’s been great, I think it continues to rise especially seeing all of the sold-out games and stuff like that. You know being a part of that culture and fans who are rooting for Florida is definitely not something I’ve experienced so I mean it’s really embracing that culture that Florida has to offer.”

Pullin has been extremely consistent this season averaging 15.4 points per game (PPG), 3.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. He’s shooting 43.4% from the floor and 43.5% beyond the arc.

It’s the same thing for Samuel who is averaging 13.5 points PPG, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He’s shooting 57.0% from the field and 17.4% from downtown.

You can tune into the game on ESPN. Game starts at 7 p.m.