Alabama head coach Nate Oats’ biggest concerns after the loss to Florida seemed to have more to do with intangibles than anything on the box score. That’s notable for a guy who’s big into analytics.

When he’s choosing to list qualities that are lacking and not stats, that means trouble for Alabama men’s basketball.

“Our players are going to have to really determine how bad they want to make a run ‘cause it’s truly player-led more than anything,” Oats said. “With the effort and the toughness I saw the second half tonight, that’s not going to get us very far. May not get us out of the first round to be honest with you.”

Oats spoke those words minutes after No. 3 seed Alabama lost to No. 2 seed Florida 104-82 in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament on Saturday at Bridgestone Arena.

The Crimson Tide remained firmly in the game in the first half. Alabama only trailed 47-45 at halftime.

Then the Gators broke the game open. Florida outscored the Crimson Tide 57-37 in the second half.

In the second half, the Gators outrebounded Alabama 21-18. They also blocked four shots to the Crimson Tide’s two. Florida tallied four steals to Alabama’s one. The Gators also logged 13 fast-break points to the Crimson Tide’s two.

“I mean, the effort I saw in the second half wasn’t what I would have liked to see going into the NCAA tournament,” Oats said. “We’re going to get back there, watch the selection show, figure out who the first opponent is, figure out who the next two possible ones after that is, get to work as a staff on a scouting report.”

The March Madness bracket will be revealed Sunday at 5 p.m. CT on CBS. Alabama is expected to be a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.