The Florida Gators men’s basketball team captured the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament championship with a thrilling 86-77 victory over sixth-ranked Tennessee on Sunday at Bridgestone Arena. The win marked Florida’s fifth SEC Tournament title and their first since 2014, solidifying their status as one of the premier programs in college basketball this season.
Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., named SEC Tournament MVP, led the charge with 22 points, including four clutch three-pointers, two of which came during critical moments in the second half. Clayton’s fiery leadership and ice-cold shooting anchored a Gators team that displayed grit, heart, and a deep roster of contributors.
“Just incredibly proud of our program,” said head coach Todd Golden, who became only the second coach in Florida history to win an SEC Tournament title, joining Hall-of-Famer Billy Donovan. “Our unselfishness and willingness to prioritize the greater good of the team have been our hallmarks all season.”
The Gators out-rebounded Tennessee 39-25, with sophomore forward Alex Condon pulling down nine boards to complement his 13 points. Sophomore Thomas Haugh came off the bench to add 11 points and six rebounds, including five on the offensive end. Will Richard and Alijah Martin added 17 and 10 points, respectively, showcasing the team’s balanced attack.
Florida’s defense held strong against Tennessee’s high-powered offense, forcing nine turnovers and holding the Volunteers to 44.9% shooting from the field. The Gators capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting 25 of 28 attempts at an impressive 89.3%.
This win also served as the tiebreaker between the two teams, who split their regular-season matchups. The Gators, now riding a six-game win streak, have elevated themselves as a legitimate national contender heading into the NCAA Tournament.
With the victory, Florida secured a No. 1 seed in the West Region and will face Norfolk State in the first round on Friday in Raleigh, N.C. As Clayton succinctly put it during the post-game celebration: “Six more to go.”
The Gators’ path to glory continues, but for now, they can savor this historic victory. “Cutting down the nets is a great feeling,” Richard said, “but we want to do it again in the NCAA Tournament.”
The Gators are hungry, determined, and primed for a deep March run.
