Nashville, TN — Just like last season Alabama entered the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament with a first round bye, and once again, like last season, the Crimson Tide will go one-and-done. After jumping out to an early 23-15 lead, thanks in part to an 11-2 run, Alabama was then outscored by Florida 18-6 to close out the 1st half, leading 33-29. Florida continued their success in the 2nd half outscoring Alabama 36-32, en route to a 69-61 victory.

The Gators’ Dorian Finney-Smith was the runaway player of the game, scoring a game-high 23 points (including four 3-pointers) and he also had 11 rebounds. It was Finney-Smith’s 4th 2o point game of the season, and his 3rd double-double of the year. Alabama Head Coach Anthony Grant spoke of the troubles the Crimson Tide had guarding him, “He’s a tough cover. 6’8″, the way Florida plays with him as a pick-and-pop guy, with the way he can shoot the ball, and stretch the defense.” The Gators had two other players finish in double figures with Eli Carter finishing with 11 points, and Devin Robinson finishing with 10 points.

For Alabama, Jimmie Taylor turned in an outstanding performance, matching a career high with 15 points. It was Taylor’s 3rd consecutive game in double figures. “Jimmy Taylor continues to show that he’s going to be a force in this league for years to come,” said Grant of Taylor’s effort this afternoon. Three other Crimson Tide players finished in double figures. Levi Randolph and Rodney Cooper, both seniors, finished with 13 points a piece, and Retin Obasohan with 10 points. Cooper, who had 11 points at halftime, found himself in foul trouble early in the 2nd half when he committed his 4th foul near the 16 minute mark. He was forced to sit the majority of the half, having not re-entered the game until there was 7:39 remaining. Cooper, as well as Obasohan, would both eventually foul out.

Cooper’s 5th and final foul was the source of some controversy. With under 4 minutes left in the game Cooper drove the lane, and was called for an offensive charging foul on a bang-bang play. Had the call gone the other way, Cooper would have had a chance at a 3-point play, which could have cut the lead to 60-56. When asked about the call Coach Grant had this to say “At the time I didn’t agree with it. I’ll have to look at it and see if my feelings are different once I see the play from a different angle, but I felt like it was a good basket from my view.” That play was perhaps the defining play in the game, as Florida would maintain a 7 point lead, and were able to run the clock down and ice the game with free throws.

For Florida, they get back to .500 improving to 16-16, and will move on to play the #1 seed, 31-0 SEC regular season champion Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals. That game will tip at 12:00pm CT tomorrow.

As for the Crimson Tide, they will leave the SEC Tournament empty handed once more, as they are now 4-6 under Coach Anthony Grant in the SEC Tournament. The NIT is not out of the question, as some recent projections have Alabama listed as a potential 3 seed. Grant was upbeat about the Tide’s hopes to get invited to the NIT, “We feel like with the wins that we have, and with the RPI that we have, that we’re deserving of an opportunity of continuing our season in the NIT.” The Tide will find out their fortunes Sunday night following the selections made for the NCAA Tournament.

Continue to follow WVUA-FM’s coverage of Alabama Basketball on Twitter @Capstone_Sports.

Brooks Carter is the Sports Director for WVUA-FM, and a Senior at The University of Alabama. Follow him on Twitter @bacarter49.