GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — Jessica Timmons erupted for a season-high 34 points, including a decisive late surge, to lead Alabama to a 76-71 victory over Florida in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game Sunday at a subdued O’Connell Center.

The Crimson Tide (21-7, 8-6 SEC) withstood a massive third-quarter rally by the Gators (16-13, 6-8) and a significant rebounding disadvantage to escape with a crucial road win, snapping a two-game skid. Timmons, a 5-foot-8 guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, was the catalyst throughout, shooting 12 of 23 from the field and 6 of 11 from three-point range while adding five rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final two minutes with Alabama clinging to a 68-66 lead. After a Florida turnover, Timmons drove for a layup and drew a foul, converting the free throw to complete a three-point play and push the lead to five with 1:24 remaining. Following a missed Florida three-pointer, Timmons was fouled again and sank two free throws with 23 seconds left to extend the advantage to 73-66, effectively sealing the outcome.

Florida, which had stormed back from a 12-point halftime deficit, could not find an answer in the closing moments. A three-pointer by Alexia Dizeko cut the lead to 73-71 with 16 seconds left, but Timmons was immediately fouled and made one of two free throws. After a Florida timeout, Liv McGill’s potential game-tying three-point attempt missed, and Timmons secured the defensive rebound before hitting two final free throws for the final margin.

Alabama built its early lead with efficient offense, leading 38-32 at halftime behind 17 points from Timmons. The Tide shot a blistering 54.2% from the field in the first half, including 7 of 13 from beyond the arc. The third quarter, however, belonged to Florida. The Gators exploded for 26 points, their highest-scoring period of the game, powered by Jade Weathersby and Nyadieng Yiech. A 13-2 run erased Alabama’s lead and gave Florida a brief 50-48 advantage. The Gators took a 58-54 lead into the fourth quarter, having outscored Alabama 26-16 in the frame.

The Tide responded by locking down defensively in the final period, holding Florida to just 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting. Alabama also found its offensive rhythm again, scoring 22 points with Timmons contributing 11 in the quarter.

Beyond Timmons, Ta’Mia Scott provided vital support for Alabama with 21 points, including four three-pointers. Karly Weathers orchestrated the offense with nine assists. For Florida, Liv McGill led the way with 19 points and eight assists, while Jade Weathersby posted a double-double with 13 points and eight rebounds. Nyadieng Yiech added 10 points off the bench.

Despite the loss, Florida dominated the glass, outrebounding Alabama 44-28 and grabbing 12 offensive rebounds to Alabama’s four. The Gators also scored more points in the paint, 28-26, and committed one fewer turnover. However, Alabama’s superior shooting proved decisive. The Tide finished 26 of 48 (54.2%) from the field and 12 of 23 (52.2%) from three-point range. Florida shot 24 of 56 (42.9%) overall and 8 of 21 (38.1%) from deep. Both teams struggled at the free-throw line, with Alabama making 12 of 22 and Florida 15 of 25.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 2,351, was a tightly contested affair featuring 10 lead changes and six ties. Alabama improved its offensive rating to 109.4 points per 100 possessions, while Florida finished at 101.6. The total score of 147 points surpassed the pregame over/under line of 134.5. Alabama entered the game as a 4.5-point favorite, covering the spread with the five-point victory.

The win keeps Alabama in the upper tier of the SEC standings as the regular season winds down. The Tide will travel to face Vanderbilt on Thursday before hosting Texas next Sunday. Florida, seeking to bolster its postseason resume, will host Mississippi on Thursday before visiting Georgia next Sunday.