The No. 11 Florida Gators shocked the women’s basketball world Thursday night, upsetting the AP No. 19 and SEC No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the conference tournament, 63-61.
The win keeps the Gators’ Women’s NCAA Tournament hopes alive and propels them into their second straight SEC Tournament quarterfinal, where they will face AP No. 9 and SEC No. 3 LSU on March 7.
Florida Shocks Alabama To Reach SEC Quarterfinal
The Gators led by as much as 11 throughout the game and by eight with just 49 seconds to go, but a pair of Crimson Tide three-pointers — scored and assisted by senior guard Sarah Ashlee Barker — and a layup by Barker cut the lead down to one with 16 seconds remaining.
Gators fans held their breath after sophomore guard Laila Reynolds went 1-2 at the free throw line, giving the Tide two attempts at the basket. Reynolds got her redemption, blocking Barker’s jumper as time expired and clinching the victory.
The Gators entered the game 15-16 (5-11) heading into the night. They were anchored by star freshman guard Liv McGill, who scored a career-high 29 points, adding three rebounds and four assists.
Liv McGill tonight 🔥
• 29 points
• 4 assists
• 3 steals
• 3/4 3PM
• 10/17 FG— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) March 7, 2025
Senior center Ra Shaya Kyle put up 12 points, and Reynolds added 10 of her own.
Florida lost by 17 to LSU in January at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, in a game that saw Tigers’ sophomore guard Mikaylah Williams put up 22 points, senior guard Annesah Morrow put up 20 and junior guard Flau’jae Johnson put up 19. McGill and Reynolds led the Gators with 21 and 16 respectively.
Where Does Alabama Go From Here?
ESPN analyst Charlie Creme projects the Crimson Tide at the four line, where they would play host for the first weekend of games.
If Thursday’s loss drops the Tide to the five line or below, they would have to play on the road the first two rounds of the tournament.
KEEP READING: Who Will Win the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament? Full Preview & Analysis
Birmingham, only about a one-hour drive from Tuscaloosa, will play host to one half of the bracket’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games, should the Tide make it that far.
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