One of Alabama basketball’s major issues came to a head the first time it played Florida. The Gators outrebounded the Crimson Tide 50-35 in the March 5 matchup at Coleman Coliseum.

Making matters worse, UA gave up 16 offensive rebounds to Florida. UF won the game 99-94.

“It seemed like they beat us to about every 50-50 ball,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said after the loss. “They obviously destroyed us on the glass.”

The rebounding problem led to other issues. Florida scored 19 second-chance points, and 26 on fast breaks.

Now, Alabama has to play the Gators again, in the SEC Tournament semifinals, following Friday’s win over Kentucky. If the Crimson Tide is going to earn a spot in the championship game, it will need to fix some things.

“Last time we played them, I think they just killed us on the boards,” Alabama forward Grant Nelson said in the UA locker room Friday. “I feel like we came out flat. We didn’t play to our best potential.”

His coach agreed.

“I mean, we’re going to need Cliff (Omoruyi), Grant, (Mo) Dioubate, Jarin Stevenson,” Oats said Friday. “Our front court has to be a lot better than they were last game. Also our back court, to be honest with you. We just weren’t very good.”

Nelson offered a few suggestions as to how the rebounding can improve.

“I think it just starts with hitting them early,” Nelson said. “And then I think if we just crash harder. Because last time I feel like we weren’t crashing (to) our full potential, it kind of looked like we were a little slow out there the whole night, so I think just being active on the boards will help a lot, and then hitting their bigs early, crash pretty hard.”

Alabama likely locked up a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament with Friday’s win. However, if it can beat the Gators Saturday, there’s a chance it could do even better, though a No. 1 seed might take a win over either Tennessee or Auburn in the championship game.

Nelson was asked whether he felt the semifinal matchup was for a No. 1 spot.

“For sure,” he said. “I think this shows a lot. It’s been us and Florida, neck-and-neck. Because it’s what? They’re four and we’re five in the AP (poll)? So this game is huge and I think it’s going to be big for all our guys, especially since we lost to them earlier in the season, so I think we all got something to prove.”

Crimson Tide point guard Mark Sears said the loss earlier this month would be extra motivation for Saturday’s game.

“Anytime as a competitor you lose, you want to see that team again,” Sears said. “And we’re thankful that we get to see that team again.”

Alabama and Florida are scheduled to tip off around 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday, after the conclusion of Auburn and Tennessee’s matchup. The game will be aired on ESPN.