The Florida Gators are rolling. Winners of six of their last seven, they’ve found a rhythm that’s hard to ignore-and even harder to stop. This Sunday, they’ll look to keep that momentum going against an Alabama squad dealing with some key injury concerns, most notably the uncertain status of freshman standout Amari Allen.
Allen, a 6-foot-8 forward, has been a major contributor for the Crimson Tide this season. He’s averaging 11.7 points per game and leads the team with 7.8 rebounds-a crucial presence on the glass for a team that will be facing one of the most dominant rebounding units in the country.
But Allen hasn’t played in Alabama’s last two games, and head coach Nate Oats confirmed this week that the freshman hasn’t practiced, though he’s participated in some individual basketball workouts. His status for Sunday remains a game-time decision.
That’s a tough spot for Alabama. Going up against Florida without your top rebounder is a tall order.
The Gators don’t just rebound well-they rebound with purpose. They’re near the top of the national rankings in both offensive and defensive rebounding, and they’ve made second-chance points a cornerstone of their recent success.
If Allen can’t go, Alabama will need to find a way to patch together a frontcourt that can at least hold its own on the boards.
Oats knows it. And he’s already talking about it.
“They're the best rebounding team in the country,” Oats said this week. “When you go to KenPom, they’re second in offensive rebounds, second in defensive rebounding. Nobody else is that high on both sides of the ball.”
He’s not wrong. The Gators have been relentless on the glass, and their ability to control the paint has been a game-changer. But Oats also raised eyebrows with comments that hinted at some frustration-or maybe a bit of gamesmanship.
“I love when they go get a bunch of offensive rebounds,” he said, “and when you can sit in the lane for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 seconds at a time, it helps your offensive rebounding quite a bit.”
That’s a coach who understands the challenge ahead. Whether it was a subtle jab at officiating or just a nod to how tough Florida is to deal with inside, it’s clear Oats is trying to prepare his team-and maybe plant a few seeds ahead of tip-off.
For Florida, this is another chance to prove their physicality travels. They’ve been punishing teams on the boards, and if Allen isn’t available, they’ll have a clear advantage in the paint. But even if he plays, the Gators have shown they can outwork and outmuscle just about anyone when it comes to rebounding.
This matchup has all the ingredients for a physical, high-stakes SEC showdown. Alabama’s perimeter scoring and pace will test Florida’s defense, but the battle on the boards could end up deciding this one. Keep an eye on that paint-it’s going to be crowded, contested, and potentially decisive.