No. 13 Alabama (19-7, 11-2 SEC) gained some separation in the tight six-team race for the SEC regular-season title on Wednesday night, staying perfect at home in thrilling fashion.

In front of a raucous Coleman Coliseum crowd that stood for the game’s final minutes, UA knocked off No. 24 Florida (18-8, 8-5), 96-93, in overtime.

The Crimson Tide shot its way out two-for-18 shooting slump and weathered multiple flurries from one of the nation’s best offenses for a comeback win. Playing without one of its best spacers, UA proved once again that not only should it be a favorite to repeat as dual-conference champions, but Nate Oats and co. will be a tough out in March.

Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. led all scorers with 27 points, while Grant Nelson led the Tide with 22 points and a season-high six blocks. Here are our takeaways:

Alabama holds off Florida in overtime

Mark Sears triggered a 10-0 Alabama run as minutes waned in regulation. His first 3-pointer of the game gave the Tide its first lead in nearly 20 in-game minutes (18-17). But each side continued to trade momentum. Nelson hit a corner 3-pointer with a hand in his face. A circus put-back from UF forward Tyrese Samuel flew over the rim and somehow dropped in the hoop. Eventually, Florida center Micah Handgloten’s third block of the game ended regulation.

Yet, in overtime, Estrada and Rylan Griffen combined for the first seven points scored. Florida, meanwhile, didn’t have the ball movement that gave it a near double-digit lead for a chunk of the contest.

A hustle play and tip-rebound from Sam Walters and a layup by Estrada sent some fans to the parking lot to beat the traffic while others cheered the victory.

Injury forces new Alabama lineup, but style of play stays consistent

Alabama transfer guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. missed Wednesday night’s game with a head injury. His absence took away one of the UA’s best shooters and led to Oats giving freshman forward Jarin Stevenson his first start.

Yet, despite Stevnson’s size, Alabama maintained its run-and-gun, 3-point-heavy attack. Stevenson, listed at 6-foot-11, spread the floor and at times even acted as a wing when UA had him, Nelson and Mo Dioubate on the floor at the same time. However, Stevenson’s ability from range (32.5), couldn’t rival Wrightsell’s 44.5% clip, second best on the team — Oats called Wrightsell one of the best shooters he’s ever coached following a 16-point second half against Texas A&M.

Stevenson finished with zero points and four rebounds in 16 minutes. The Tide managed 29 bench points as Sam Walters took advantage of the bump in playing time. The freshman swished a pair of 3-pointers midway through the second half to quash an 8-0 Florida run and bring the crowd to its feet. Walters checked in for Pringle after the forward fouled out in overtime.

A Gators fan growing up, Walters produced 14 points, three rebounds and two blocks.

Alabama takes Round 1 in battle of top-10 offenses

According to KenPom, two of the country’s most dynamic offenses squared off with UA’s top-ranking in adjusted-offensive efficiency found a worthy counterpart with the 10th-best Gators. Yet, each team didn’t play to its typical strengths.

Florida on average, rebounds more than 40% of its missed shots, hauled in 17 compared to Alabama’s 21. And the Tide, which has relied on 3-point shooting all year, went 8-for-32.

Both teams played with pace. Alabama combined for 39 shots and 38 points before the first media timeout more than nine minutes into regulation. And while Florida found enough consistency from range and mixed in a handful of pull-up jumpers, the Tide won its first overtime game of the year.

Alabama and Florida meet again on March 5.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].