ATLANTA -- Mykal Riley's 3-point barrage ended Florida's three-year run as SEC tournament champions, leaving the Gators' NCAA tournament hopes in doubt.
The Crimson Tide (17-15) was dominant in the first half but had a 28-point lead shrink to 6 before recovering to beat Florida 80-69 Thursday night in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament.
Alabama ended Florida's streak of 18 consecutive postseason victories over two years while giving the Gators (21-11) their first SEC tournament loss since the 2004 championship game. Florida is in danger of missing the NCAA tournament after winning two straight national titles.