TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – No. 7 Alabama lost its second straight game as the Crimson Tide fell in its final home game of the season to No. 5 Florida 99-94.

If there was ever a game that epitomized basketball being a game of runs, it waa this game. Alabama and Florida took turns trading punches throughout the first half and the early parts of the second half.

The Gators took control of the game with a 23-8 run in the middle stages of the second half and grabbed a 12-point lead and maintained the lead for the rest of the game. While the Crimson Tide kept fighting and got the deficit down to as low as five, it was not enough to spark a late comeback. 

The biggest difference in the game was the rebounding category. Florida ate up Alabama on the glass all night long, as they out rebounded Alabama 50-35. The Gators had seven players grab at least four or more rebounds in the game, including double-digit rebound totals for Florida forward Ruebe Chinyelu and center Alex Condon.

“We know they’re a tough rebounding team, but we’re usually better than that going into a game knowing we got to rebound,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said.

“It’s really about the small details, boxing out and being able to have pop and when the ball is off the rim, you go get it,” Alabama guard Labaron Philon said on how Alabama can improve in its rebounding effort..

Of Florida’s 50 rebounds, 16 of them were on the offensive end. The Gators seemed to take advantage of every loose ball as Florida finished with 19 second chance points compared to 10 from Alabama. 

Condon and Florida point guard Walter Clayton Jr. gave Alabama fits all game as the two finished with 27 and 22, respectively. Condon’s double-double was a season-high in points for him. 

It was not all bad though for Alabama. Alabama point guard Mark Sears scored 30 points in his final game at Coleman Coliseum. Sears shot 10-for-24 for the game and 2-for-10 from beyond the arc. Philon put up 19 points in the game as he shot 62% and converted on three of his four 3-pointers.

The Crimson Tide did a good job taking care of the ball. Alabama turned the ball over just six times in the game and led only to seven Florida points.

While Oats is not panicking after Alabama has now lost four of its last six games, he did express concern regarding the way the Crimson Tide has lost games, “It’s more concerning how we lost, getting out rebounded by 15 and not getting 50-50 balls,” Oats said.

Wednesday’s game also marks the final home game for seniors Mark Sears, Chris Youngblood, Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi and Max Scharnowski.

“This place is always going to be my home. It sucks the way it ended in Coleman, but this place will forever be my home,” Sears said.

With the loss, Alabama missed a chance to secure a double bye in the SEC Tournament as well as hurt its chances to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. To secure a top four seed in the conference, Alabama must either win its final regular season game against Auburn or hope for one Missouri loss against either Oklahoma or Kentucky.

Up next, the Crimson Tide will look to close out its regular season and try to get one last resume-building win before the SEC Tournament. Alabama travels to its arch rival No. 1 Auburn Saturday. With both teams coming off a loss heading into the game, it will be a momentum swinging game for both sides.

Alabama and Auburn tip off at 1:30 p.m. CT Saturday.