It was a historic night in Tuscaloosa for more than one reason.
Across the street from the room, DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy, the Alabama basketball team did something quite rare.
The 86-71 victory over Florida not only gave Tide a streak of four consecutive wins, but also ended a streak of futility at home against the Gators that dated nearly 15 years ago. The Coleman Coliseum’s last victory over Florida came in February 2006, before losing eight straight on that floor.
It was a good response after defeating Tennessee’s top 10 on Saturday.
Alabama (8-3, 3-0 SEC) hasn’t lost since a December 19 visit to Western Kentucky and they lost on Tuesday without one of the stars of the race.
Guard Jahvon Quinerly came out with what coach Nate Oats called a “medical condition”. The second year had come out of a fall early in the season and scored 16.6 points in a three-game winning streak, including a season 24 record against Ole Miss.
“It’s definitely not an injury at the end of the season or anything,” said Oats, noting that he couldn’t say more due to privacy laws.
Without him, Tide scored for the committee, going 26 minutes before Jaden Shackelford became the team’s first double-digit scorer. He was one of five to finish there with 16 points, with Herbert Jones and Keon Ellis equaling his total.
“Our confidence is high,” said Ellis, “but we never get the big head because, day after day, anyone can beat you.”
Florida (5-2, 2-1) scored the first five points of the game and exchanged punches with Alabama in the first half, before the hosts opened the game after the break.
A 16-2 streak marked by Petty’s with 3 points put Tide on 16 points with just over 12 minutes to play. Alabama’s advantage increased to 21 in the second half.
Ellis, a transfer from JUCO, was a spark in the first half that hit his first three shots from 3 points and ended with his best 16 of the season.
“He grew up an hour and a half from the Florida campus, so I thought it was great for him,” said Oats. “He came ready to play tonight. I thought of his effort and energy … he was over 30 when he was in the game. That’s the biggest minus I’ve seen in a 15-point game. “
Florida reached just 40% and failed to match Maré in the painted area. A 46-28 scoring advantage close to the cleared edge for Tide not to reach three digits of double digits is the first time in four games. Alabama was 8 to 20 in the perimeter.
James ‘Rojas’ season record 15 was set largely in painting.
“Our level of trust, we know it’s just us and we have to trust each other every day,” said Rojas. “I think our confidence just makes us better as a team.”
That 73-71 loss to the WKU on December 19 was something of a turning point for the Alabama team.
“Taking the loss to them,” said Ellis, “I think we were the favorites, it kind of woke us up. You just have to bring it in every night. “
Then Alabama travels to Auburn for a game at 11 am at Auburn Arena.
Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or in Facebook.