Tennessee and Florida Punch Their Ticket to the SEC Championship

Two games, two different battles, and one final matchup set. Tennessee fought their way past Auburn in a defensive war, while Florida overpowered Alabama with a second-half knockout. Now, the Volunteers and the Gators will decide the SEC title.

Tennessee Edges Out Auburn in a Gritty Semifinal

Auburn came into the game with hopes of defending its SEC Tournament title, but Tennessee had the answers when it mattered most. In a game that was physical from start to finish, the Volunteers held off a late charge from the Tigers to win 70-65 and move on to the championship game.

Toughness Defines the First Half

Both teams came out playing fast and aggressive. Tennessee leaned on its backcourt, with Zakai Zeigler and Jordan Gainey making plays early. The two combined for 35 points, keeping the Volunteers in control despite Auburn's defensive pressure.

Auburn had its own strong moments, forcing turnovers and getting to the free-throw line. However, foul trouble piled up quickly, and 21 team fouls hurt their ability to maintain rhythm. Denver Jones struggled, hitting just one shot, and Tahaad Pettiford went 0-for-8 from the field.

The Game Swings in the Final Minutes

With just under five minutes to play, Auburn made their move. Down 12, the Tigers went on a 10-0 run in 45 seconds, which cut Tennessee's lead to two. But then Zeigler took over, not just on the court, but in the huddle.

"We are good," Zeigler told his teammates, bringing calm to the moment.

After the timeout, Tennessee locked in. Felix Okpara pulled down a key rebound, and Cade Phillips added a crucial tip-in. Auburn had opportunities, but Tennessee's defense tightened, forcing tough shots in the closing minutes.

The Volunteers survived the late push and secured their spot in the SEC Championship. Auburn played with intensity, but Tennessee's ability to execute in crunch time made the difference.

Florida Runs Away from Alabama in the Second Half

For 20 minutes, Alabama and Florida were in a tight battle. Then, in the second half, the Gators flipped a switch and never looked back. Florida used a blistering 17-2 run to bury Alabama, turning a two-point halftime lead into a commanding 104-82 victory.

A Close First Half Ends with a Major Loss for Alabama

Alabama's Jarin Stevenson got off to a strong start, scoring nine points before the break. Grant Nelson provided a steady inside presence, and the Crimson Tide matched Florida shot for shot.

Walter Clayton Jr. paced the Gators, hitting four three-pointers and keeping Florida's offense rolling. At halftime, Florida led 47-45, setting the stage for what looked like a tight second half.

Then, Alabama's hopes took a major hit. Late in the first half, Nelson injured his left leg and didn't return. The impact was immediate.

Florida Pounces and Never Looks Back

With Nelson out, Alabama's offense fell apart. Florida capitalized, opening the second half with a 17-2 run. The Crimson Tide's guards, who had been reliable all season, disappeared.

Labaron Philon, who had scored 21 points against Kentucky in the previous game, didn't make his first field goal until five minutes remained. Mark Sears missed every shot he took in the second half, and Aden Holloway struggled to provide any spark.

Meanwhile, Florida kept applying pressure. Clayton Jr. continued to score, Will Richard controlled the boards, and Rueben Chinyelu owned the paint. Alabama had no answers.

By the time Alabama tried to respond, it was too late. Florida stretched the lead past 20 points and cruised to the win.

Alabama's Biggest Weakness Exposed Again

Rebounding had been a strength for Alabama most of the season, but Florida won the battle again, out-rebounding the Tide 43-38. Without Nelson, Alabama couldn't keep up inside, and the Gators took full advantage.

After the game, Alabama coach Nate Oats made his frustration clear.

"With the effort I saw in the second half tonight, it's not going to get us very far," he said.

Alabama will still be a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, but this loss raises serious questions about the team's ability to handle adversity.

Tennessee vs. Florida: A Heavyweight Title Fight Awaits

The SEC Championship game is set. Tennessee and Florida, two teams with very different styles, will battle for the conference crown.

Tennessee thrives on toughness, defensive discipline, and strong backcourt play. Florida plays fast, overwhelms teams with size, and punishes mistakes.

Tennessee had to grind its way past Auburn in a physical game. Florida blew Alabama off the floor with a second-half explosion.

Now, the stage is set. The SEC title is on the line, and both teams are ready for war.

Projection

Florida has been the most dominant team in the SEC Tournament, and their offensive explosion against Alabama proved just how lethal they can be. Walter Clayton Jr. has led a red-hot Gators backcourt, and their ability to score in transition and knock down threes makes them one of the toughest teams to slow down. Tennessee, with Zakai Zeigler at the helm, will rely on its defensive grit and physical play to keep this game within reach. However, the Vols have struggled against teams that push the tempo, and Florida’s relentless attack will test their endurance.

This matchup is likely to be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Tennessee will need to control the glass and get key stops late, but if Florida continues to shoot the ball at a high level and force turnovers, the Gators should be able to outpace the Vols. Expect big plays from both sides, but Florida’s offensive firepower gives them the edge in a shootout.

Prediction: Florida 96, Tennessee 87.