Florida Defeats Tennessee to Earn Its Fifth SEC Tournament Championship
In a thrilling and intense matchup in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament Final, the Florida Gators emerged victorious, defeating the Tennessee Lady Vols to claim their fifth SEC Tournament Championship. The Gators, led by head coach Kelly Rae Finley, put together a strong team effort, executing their game plan flawlessly, and overcoming a tough Tennessee squad that had been dominant throughout the season. The win not only secured Florida’s fifth SEC title but also solidified their place as one of the top teams in the country heading into the NCAA Tournament.
A High Stakes Final
The 2025 SEC Tournament Final between Florida and Tennessee was not just another game. It was a high-stakes, emotionally charged contest between two of the most storied programs in college basketball. Both teams had fought their way through the tournament bracket with impressive performances, and this championship game was expected to be nothing short of spectacular.
Tennessee, the No. 2 seed in the tournament, entered the final with a clear advantage in terms of experience and star power. The Lady Vols boasted a roster full of talent, including Jordan Horston, Tamari Key, and Rickea Jackson, all of whom had been key players throughout the regular season and the tournament. Their defense was suffocating, their offense potent, and they had been on a mission to capture their first SEC Tournament title since 2016. Head coach Kellie Harper, who had helped lead the program back to prominence, was eager to see her team complete their run with a championship.
Florida, on the other hand, came into the final with an underdog mentality, despite their own strong season. The Gators had a balanced team with solid depth, and they had built their success on a strong defensive foundation and a versatile offense. Florida’s Kiara Smith, Leilani Correa, and Jordan Merritt had been playing exceptional basketball throughout the tournament, and their coach, Kelly Rae Finley, had managed to instill a sense of confidence in her team, making them a formidable opponent for the Lady Vols.
The game took place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, with fans of both teams packing the stands, creating an electric atmosphere. Both teams were eager to take home the coveted SEC Tournament trophy and to make a statement heading into the NCAA Tournament. In the end, Florida’s resilience and excellent execution in crucial moments were too much for Tennessee, and the Gators captured the victory, 76-70.
First Half: Florida’s Early Surge
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Florida was ready for the challenge. The Gators came out with intensity on both ends of the floor, focusing on aggressive defense and fast-paced offense. The team quickly established their rhythm, relying on the scoring ability of Kiara Smith and the playmaking of Leilani Correa.
Florida’s defense in the first half was key to their success. They disrupted Tennessee’s offensive flow early on, forcing turnovers and limiting the Lady Vols’ ability to get easy shots off. With Tennessee’s star guard Jordan Horston facing constant pressure from the Gators’ defense, she struggled to find her rhythm, which allowed Florida to build an early lead.
As the first half progressed, Florida’s offense continued to shine. Kiara Smith, who had been one of the standout players for Florida all season, orchestrated the offense with poise and vision, creating opportunities for her teammates while also scoring herself. Smith’s ability to drive to the basket and finish with contact kept the defense on its heels, as she finished the half with 12 points and 4 assists.
Florida also benefitted from a well-rounded scoring attack, with Leilani Correa hitting key jumpers and Jordan Merritt contributing inside. Correa, who had been a spark plug throughout the tournament, showed off her three-point shooting range, making crucial shots to extend Florida’s lead. By halftime, the Gators had built a 42-34 lead, putting Tennessee on the back foot.
Despite a few moments of brilliance from Tennessee—such as strong rebounding from Tamari Key and some timely scoring from Rickea Jackson—Florida’s ability to execute in transition and keep Tennessee from getting easy looks had been the difference in the first 20 minutes.
Second Half: Tennessee’s Response
As expected, Tennessee came out with renewed focus in the second half. The Lady Vols had been down by as many as 12 points, but they were determined to fight their way back into the game. Kellie Harper’s coaching adjustments were evident, as the Lady Vols switched to a more aggressive defensive strategy, pressing Florida full court and forcing turnovers. The change in tempo caused the Gators to struggle with ball control at times, allowing Tennessee to trim the deficit.
Tennessee’s star guard Jordan Horston began to find her rhythm in the second half. After a quiet first half, Horston came out aggressive, attacking the basket and hitting mid-range jumpers. Her ability to score in multiple ways kept the Lady Vols within striking distance, and her leadership on both ends of the floor became increasingly important as Tennessee pushed to erase Florida’s lead.
Rickea Jackson, another key player for Tennessee, started to assert herself in the second half. Her ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact helped cut the lead to single digits, and her defense on the other end provided Tennessee with much-needed stops. The Lady Vols also benefited from the inside presence of Tamari Key, who was able to block shots and grab rebounds in the paint, giving her team a chance to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Tennessee’s surge brought the game to a boiling point with just under five minutes left in the game. The Lady Vols were within three points of Florida, and the arena was buzzing with excitement. However, Florida refused to back down. The Gators continued to execute their offense with precision, and their defense was resilient, despite Tennessee’s late push.
The Final Moments: Florida’s Poise Under Pressure
With the game on the line, Florida’s experience and composure shone through in the final minutes. The Gators, led by Kiara Smith, displayed incredible poise in executing their offense down the stretch. Smith hit key free throws and made several clutch plays, ensuring Florida kept their lead despite Tennessee’s best efforts to come back.
Leilani Correa, who had been quiet at times during the game, stepped up when it mattered most, draining a critical three-pointer with just under two minutes left to give Florida a six-point lead. This shot proved to be the dagger, as Tennessee was unable to respond with enough offensive firepower to complete their comeback.
As the clock ticked down, Tennessee had no choice but to foul, sending Florida to the free-throw line. The Gators made their free throws with efficiency, and they sealed the victory, 76-70, with a well-executed final possession. The celebration erupted on the Florida sideline as the players and coaching staff embraced their victory, knowing that this championship was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation.
Florida’s Championship Effort
Florida’s victory in the 2025 SEC Tournament Final was a team effort that showcased the Gators’ strength on both ends of the floor. The team’s defense, led by Kiara Smith, was crucial in containing Tennessee’s high-powered offense. Offensively, Florida executed with precision, and their ability to share the ball and find open shooters was key to their success.
Kiara Smith’s Performance
Kiara Smith was undoubtedly the MVP of the game. The senior guard was spectacular throughout the contest, finishing with 20 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her leadership on the floor was invaluable, and she played a huge role in controlling the tempo of the game. Smith’s ability to drive to the basket, create for her teammates, and hit clutch free throws in the final minutes exemplified her composure under pressure.
Leilani Correa’s Big Shot
Leilani Correa had a huge impact in the final moments of the game. Her three-pointer late in the second half gave Florida the breathing room they needed to hold off Tennessee’s comeback attempt. Correa finished the game with 16 points and was a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Tennessee’s Grit and Determination
Despite the loss, Tennessee can hold its head high after a hard-fought battle. Jordan Horston, Rickea Jackson, and Tamari Key all played well, but Florida’s defense and timely scoring in the final moments proved to be too much. Tennessee will now look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, where they will enter as a top contender. However, the Lady Vols’ inability to execute in crucial moments against Florida will likely be a point of focus in their preparations for the next phase of the season.
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