GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Aaliyah Nye delivered an outstanding performance, draining a career-high nine 3-pointers and finishing the game with 27 points, leading No. 23 Alabama to a decisive 84-66 victory over Florida on Thursday night. Alongside her, Sarah Ashlee Barker made a notable contribution with 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, as the Crimson Tide pulled away in the final quarter.

This victory marks Alabama’s first win in Gainesville since the 2020-21 season. The team has now secured three consecutive wins against Florida, a feat not accomplished since the 1986-88 seasons.

At the outset of the fourth quarter, Alabama saw their lead narrow to just 58-55. However, they quickly regained control by making nine consecutive shots, which allowed them to establish a comfortable lead. Nye’s eighth 3-pointer, setting her new career best, came with 3:25 remaining, pushing Alabama ahead 77-61. She capped her scoring with a ninth 3-pointer just 13.2 seconds before the final buzzer, on only her 12th shot attempt from beyond the arc.

Essence Cody contributed significantly with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Zaay Green added 15 points for Alabama. On the other side, Liv McGill led the way for Florida with 22 points, marking her 10th game surpassing the 20-point mark in her career. Ra Shaya Kyle and Laila Reynolds chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Gators.

Cody was instrumental in the first quarter, scoring 10 of Alabama’s 17 points and hitting all four of her shot attempts. However, she struggled in the second quarter, missing all three of her shots and finishing the first half with 11 points, while helping Alabama maintain a 32-27 advantage.

Nye began the third quarter with a bang, hitting three straight 3-pointers to lift the Crimson Tide to a narrow 41-38 lead.

Looking ahead, Alabama will continue its road trip with a matchup against Mississippi State on Sunday. Meanwhile, Florida has a week to regroup before facing the formidable No. 2 South Carolina on February 13.