Collin Sexton scored 17 points, Donta Hall notched his fourth double-double of the season, and Alabama rallied from a 10-point deficit to beat No. 23 Florida 68-50 Saturday.
Sexton added eight rebounds and six assists for the Tide (15-8, 6-4 Southeastern Conference), which improved to 2-4 on the road.
The Gators (15-8, 6-4) lost their third consecutive SEC game, the first time that's happened since the end of coach Mike White's first season in 2016.
Alabama dominated Florida in the paint, on the glass and up and down the floor. Sexton took over in the second half, dribbling through the defense and creating open layups and dunks.
Hall was one of the beneficiaries. He made all seven shots and finished with 14 points and 11 boards.
Braxton Key chipped in 13 points.
KeVaughn Allen led the Gators with 16 points. Keith Stone had 12, and Egor Koulechov added 11.
Alabama took over after halftime and outscored Florida 41-17 in the final 20 minutes. The Tide finished with a 43-25 rebounding advantage, outscored the Gators 46-26 in the paint and 29-1 off the bench.
Florida had no answer for Alabama's speed and athleticism at every position.
BIG PICTURE
Alabama: The Tide gained some much-needed confidence on the road. Alabama had lost three of four away from home in league play, and since coach Avery Johnson's team plays three of its next four on the road — tough games at Mississippi State, Kentucky and Auburn — winning at Florida could prove to be a turning point for a late-season surge.
Florida: The Gators have little, if any, inside presence and might not have any this season. Injured center John Egbunu had a setback while recovering from knee surgery, and there's no timetable for his return.
WARM RECEPTION
Florida recognized longtime Billy Donovan assistant John Pelphrey during an early timeout. Fans gave the former Florida assistant a warm reception. Pelphrey spent a decade at Florida, working under Donovan for two stints (1996-2002, 2011-15). Pelphrey was making his first trip to Gainesville since joining coach Avery Johnson's staff at Alabama in 2016.
UP NEXT
Alabama: Plays at Mississippi State on Tuesday.
Florida: Hosts LSU on Wednesday.
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