Last Saturday's ending against Tennessee was one of the most frustrating, disappointing endings I've seen in a while for a Nate Oats team, but this Alabama team must respond with a strong ending. Yes, maybe a number one seed in the NCAA tournament is off the table for now, but a double bye in the SEC tournament is still a reality and worst-case scenario this team is sitting atop the number 2 line once the tournament field is announced in a couple of weeks. A win over Florida would do a lot for this team's resume and if they can go into Lee County and split the season series, maybe a one-seed is still in play for this team.
As solid as this team has been for most of the season and responded well to losses it is huge for a good response, especially at home against the Gators. You would hope if anything a lot of lessons were learned in the closing minutes of the Tennessee game as it felt like a tournament game and there is a good chance we will see similar situations sooner than later in the SEC tournament next week and the first weekend of the NCAA tournament.
Mark Sears has found his mojo over the last couple of weeks, and Bama fans are hoping Grant Nelson finds his offensive confidence again as he is a crucial piece to a successful run in March. Despite the three-point shot being important to the offensive success of this team, continuing to cut down on dumb turnovers and finding sustained success at the free throw line is more important. The abysmal performance at the free throw line can't rear its ugly head again this season.
This is a team built for March, as the tough out of conference schedule and the tough SEC gauntlet should have them prepared for March Madness. This Crimson Tide team could easily win both regular season games to close the season and win the SEC tournament next week. Though that might not be a reality it is important that we at least split the Florida/Auburn games and at a minimum see the the Saturday semifinals in Nashville next week. Remember this team is still in a much better spot than we were going into the end of last season and March should be a lot of fun if everything falls into place.