Florida knocks Alabama out of SEC tournament 69-61

Author: Associated Press
Published:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Dorian Finney-Smith scored 23 points and Florida overcame a slow start to make nine 3-pointers and beat Alabama 69-61 on Thursday in the Southeastern Conference tournament.

The Gators earned a Friday quarterfinal matchup against top-ranked and unbeaten Kentucky thanks to Finney-Smith, who made 4 of 9 from long range to help them shake off an eight-point first half deficit and eventually build a double-digit lead in the second half.

No. 8 seed Florida (16-16) went on to complete a season sweep of the Crimson Tide and win its third game in the past four. Eli Carter added 11 points and Devin Robinson 10 for the Gators, who shot 43 percent and were 9 of 29 from 3-point range.

Jimmie Taylor and Levi Randolph each scored 15 points for No. 9 seed Alabama (18-14), which was close early in the second half but couldn’t stop Florida’s perimeter shooting.

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