Florida Women’s Basketball Stuns No. 20 Alabama In SEC Tournament Thriller

The Florida women’s basketball team upset No. 6 seed Alabama with a thrilling 63-61 victory in the second round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greeville, S.C.

It’s No. 11 seed Florida’s first victory against a ranked team in the SEC Tournament since defeating No. 13 Auburn on March 3, 2021 and puts it in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.

Season Of Grit

The Gators (16-16) and Crimson Tide (23-8), ranked No. 20 in the nation, faced off for the third time this season, with Alabama winning both previous matchups by double digits. However, Florida stepped up when it mattered most by delivering a determined performance in a must-win scenario by leading wire-to-wire.

Florida played with relentless energy for a full 40 minutes to make it difficult for Alabama to keep pace. All-Freshman Team selection Liv McGill led the way for the Gators with a career-high 29 points, proving why she is one of the most promising young guards in the NCAA. Despite sustaining an ankle injury in the first round against Auburn, McGill showed no signs of discomfort in attacking the basket with confidence.

Ra Shaya Kyle, celebrating her 23rd birthday, contributed 12 points and six rebounds, while Laila Reynolds added 10 points. Freshman Me’Arah O’Neal played a crucial role on the boards, leading the team with nine rebounds that helped Florida capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Stepping Up

Alabama, which entered the matchup ranked second in the nation in 3-point percentage, was held to just 8-of-28 shooting from beyond the arc. Florida’s defensive pressure disrupted the Crimson Tide’s rhythm, particularly in the second quarter when Alabama endured multiple scoring droughts.

Turnovers were a key factor, with Alabama losing the battle in that category. Florida capitalized on the Crimson Tide’s mistakes, scoring 14 points off turnovers. The Gators also dominated in the paint by tallying 36 points down low.

Florida had been knocking on the door for a signature victory in recent weeks and the resilience shown in previous ranked losses proved to be a stepping stone. When the moment arrived, the Gators rose to the occasion and secured a statement win.

survive and advance. 😤@GatorsWBK x #SECTourney pic.twitter.com/GWxDeRIm6j

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) March 7, 2025

Up Next

Florida faces No. 9 LSU, the No. 3 seed in the tourney, on Friday night. The Tigers will be without standout guard Flau’Jae Johnson. Catch the Gators in action Friday at 8:30 p.m. on the SEC Network. The Tigers, who received a double-bye in the SEC Tournament for the fourth year in a row, defeated Florida in Gainesville earlier this season, 80-63. LSU outscored Florida, 35-9, in points off turnovers.